The Cherry G80-3494 MX Board Silent Mechanical Keyboard Review: Updating a PC Classic
by E. Fylladitakis on September 20, 2017 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Peripherals
- Keyboard
- Cherry MX
- Mechanical Keyboards
With years of successful products behind them, Cherry is undoubtedly the most reputable manufacturer of computer keyboard mechanical switches. The company practically invented the mechanical keyboard switch, with their first products – under patent protection at the time – leaving assembly lines over three decades ago. At the same time, Cherry doesn't just manufacture keyboard switches, but myriads of items, ranging from basic electronic parts to complete retail products. During the recent market boom of mechanical keyboards, Cherry also released several retail keyboards of their own, such as the MX Board 6.0 that we reviewed last year.
Today we're taking a look at the Cherry G80-3494 MX Board Silent mechanical keyboard. This keyboard is an especially interesting item to review because rather than being a wholly new design, it's a new iteration on a classic design, following in the footsteps of the original iconic Cherry G80-3000 series keyboards that have been in circulation for decades. Unlike most of the keyboards that we usually review, the Cherry G80-3494 MX Board Silent is not a keyboard directly marketed towards gamers or even consumers in general – rather it is a keyboard that has been designed for workspaces, with an emphasis on office workers, public computers (kiosks, schools, etc.), and for applications where reliability is of the utmost importance (medical equipment, control systems, etc.).
Cherry G80-3494 MX Board Silent Mechanical Keyboard - Key features and specifications
- Mechanical Black or Red stem MX Silent keyswitches are rated at 50 million actuations to withstand harsh environments and ensure long product lifetime
- Patented noise reduction using an integrated 2-component stem minimizes noise at top and bottom-out
- N-Key rollover: Simultaneous operations of up to 14 keys without any ghosting effects
- Self-cleaning contacts, dust and dirt resistant
- Full QWERTY key layout in full-size 18.5″ form factor
- USB 2.0 Interface or PS/2 with adapter
- 104 Keys
- PC & MAC compatible over USB
Packaging and Bundle
Cherry supplies the G80-3494 MX Board Silent in a simple, no-frills, black cardboard box. With the exception of the company’s logo, there is virtually no artwork on the box, not even marketing hype. The box seems to have been designed solely to provide the keyboard with shipping protection. Cherry does not bundle anything along with this keyboard, only the keyboard itself can be found inside the box.
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Ninhalem - Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - link
This keyboard is designed very similarly to my second generation DasKeyboard. In fact the internal shots are almost identical compared to the Das, even down to those stiff ribbon cables connecting the PCB switch board to the microchip board. One of the improvements they need to make is putting big strips of rubber on the bottom to prevent sliding on desks.Gothmoth - Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - link
"his keyboard is designed very similarly to my second generation DasKeyboard"more the other way around...
HStewart - Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - link
Probably so - since Cherry is one that make the keys - but this is first time I heard of them having actual keyboard.Keep in mind, one thing these keyboards are not just for desktops, I use a DasKeyboard on my Lenovo Y50 notebook and love it. Most of time it connected to keyboard and have it connected to Samsung 4K monitor - I do use it as laptop but for this laptop that is rare.
I wish I had more of these keyboards - they are perfect for me. There also portable enough if I need to travel with it. I guess that is why they are call some laptops, desktop replacements
Wolfpup - Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - link
Yeah, I use keyboards with Cherry MX Browns on my notebooks.MamiyaOtaru - Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - link
"but this is first time I heard of them having actual keyboard."come on man
"This keyboard is an especially interesting item to review because rather than being a wholly new design, it's a new iteration on a classic design, following in the footsteps of the original iconic Cherry G80-3000 series keyboards that have been in circulation for decades."
the one they mention has been around since 1988 - https://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_G80-3000
Ninhalem - Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - link
Err no. I bought this DasKeyboard in 2005. Certainly the switches are Cherry MX Blue's but the design of the keyboard setup itself, where the control board is placed, where the cord exits the casing, and how the control board and the switch PCB board are connected, those are all design decisions.MamiyaOtaru - Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - link
and the older Cherry board this is based on came out in 1988 so...Alexvrb - Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - link
LOL this reminds me a little of arguing with an Apple fan about a "new" feature.Flunk - Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - link
1988 came before 2005? You don't say.bigboxes - Thursday, September 21, 2017 - link
You may as well stop while your behind