Cherry MX-Board 3.0 Keyboard Review

1. Introduction2. Unboxing and First Look3. Testing4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

There is some very basic software that comes with the MX-Board 3.0, although Cherry does not highlight it very much – meaning it would be very easy to buy the MX-Board 3.0 without knowing there was any software at all.

Above you can see the only page of the so-called KeyMan software. As I said, it is very basic indeed, allowing just the mapping of some functions to the F keys at the top of the board. However, this functionality is better than not having it at all.

So, software aside, we will now move on to physically using the keyboard.

For starters, the MX-Board 3.0 uses low-profile keys which can make for a tricky typing experience. Perhaps calling it ‘tricky' is unfair, but it is certainly not hugely satisfying to type emails or documents using the low-profile caps. I would much rather have deeper keys with greater travel than these key caps.

While the shorter travel distance may result in faster reactions for gamers, I cannot imagine a gamer who would be satisfied using the MX-Board 3.0 as it is very much lacking any gaming-specific features. There is a Windows-lock function but that is it.

Furthermore, the MX-Board 3.0 is very compact which can make for a difficult transition period. I frequently found myself hitting two keys at the same when first using the board – but after a few days I did adjust to the key spacing. The small physical size of the board also means the enter button is half-height – meaning it occupies one line, not two. This may not be a problem for everyone but it certainly takes some getting used to.

Finally, it is worth mentioning you are probably better off getting the brown or blue-switch models of the MX-Board 3.0 if you are a typist. This is of course subjective, but I prefer tactile feedback when typing and the red switches cannot offer you that. Given that you are unlikely to be gaming with the MX-Board 3.0 – which is where the red switches excel – the browns or blues are probably a safer bet.

Become a Patron!