The Cherry MX Board 6.0 Mechanical Keyboard Review
by E. Fylladitakis on January 27, 2016 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Keyboard
- Cherry MX
- Mechanical Keyboards
We frequently review mechanical keyboards here in AnandTech. Over half of them come with mechanical switches from Cherry, and for good reason. If you are keeping track of our recent reviews, you should have noticed that Cherry's switches generally are more consistent than any other type we have tested to this date. Cherry is virtually the inventor of the modern mechanical keyboard switch (not to be confused with the classic buckling spring), manufacturing and marketing them since nearly three decades ago. It is only because their patent expired that other manufacturers were able to copy their switch designs.
With all of that said, Cherry is not only supplying their switches to other keyboard manufacturers. As a matter of fact, the company has a significant line-up of their own keyboard and mouse products. On the other hand, Cherry's products are almost exclusively aimed towards professionals and for specific applications, such as keyboards with biometric or magnetic card readers for security. Considering the target market of their products, naturally their keyboards were using just plastic black or beige parts and never looked like anything special. However, Cherry is taking a huge leap of faith and releasing a new keyboard, the MX Board 6.0, which a mere glance upon it is enough to reveal that it is nothing like their previous products.
Cherry MX Board 6.0 Keyboard - Key Features and Specifications
- The world's fastest keyboard – with Cherry MX and Cherry RK
- CHERRY MX RED – Gold Crosspoint precision keyswitch for all keys »Made in Germany«
- Aluminium housing with sanded finish and grease resistant coating
- CHERRY RealKey technology – fully analog signal processing
- All keyswitches are read simultaneously
- 100% anti-ghosting - No inputting errors
Packaging & Bundle
The packaging of the MX Board 6.0 is the perfect example of the company's market philosophy; very sturdy, completely plain and painfully serious. It could be run over by a car and there would not be any damage to the keyboard or the rest of the contents, but there is almost nothing eye-catching about it. As a matter of fact, those who do not know of Cherry might not even realize that there is a keyboard inside the box without closely inspecting it.
Inside the box, we found the keyboard inside a very nice and soft pouch-cover, a large wrist rest and a basic manual. The manual is small and simple, but it is clearly written and more than enough for the few extra functions of the MX Board 6.0.
Finally, retail prices for the MX Board 6.0 are hovering around $200, with a price of $198 at the time this article was written.
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baobrain - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Wow, $200 for that keyboard.I'll probably get one when I have the money.... Aka I'll never get one
Kyle Andrew Photography - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
It does seem like a lot eh? I really would make the switch to a mechanical keyboard, except for two reasons. 1. Almost all of my typing is done on my laptop because my cats are too annoying to work at home around and 2. I really really love the split keyboard layout of my MS Natural Keyboard. Still, I yearn for that mechanical feel that I had back in high school when I was learning how to type. Man, I wish I could just fine one of THOSE units and then reinforce my desk to support it!hansmuff - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Unicomp makes buckling spring keyboards, which may be what you're referring to. Very loud but a joy to type on, and not all that expensive. http://www.pckeyboard.com/LoneWolf15 - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Also note that Monoprice makes a mechanical board with Cherry MX blues or reds for the low, low price of $49.99. As you go up, they add backlights or multicolor, and they top out at $69.99.I still love Unicomp, and my IBM model Ms. Thouhg I got one of the Monoprice ones for my SO.
Guspaz - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
Not all that expensive? Their shipping prices are insane, almost as much as the keyboard itself. As a result, the cost to buy an Ultra Classic from them is $237 CAD shipped/delivered. My current keyboard cost $15 CAD.evilspoons - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
Monoprice stuff gets expensive when shipping to us poor Canadians if it's anything larger than a few cables. You have to ship via USPS->Canada Post or the price gets away from you.As for buying $15 keyboards, I think I went through about six of them in the time my $100 (at the time) Das Keyboard has lasted. I later bought a $60 mechanical keyboard (Corsair Quickfire Rapid) and I have no reason to believe it won't outlast a $15 keyboard by five or ten times, so they're actually cheaper in the long run. Plus then you're not typing on crummy rubber dome switches.
Refuge - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
Had my first Das Keyboard for YEARS finally killed it with a shot or two of whiskey... I was heartbroken to go back to Membrane.Then I found a Refub Das Keyboard for $45 online special about a year ago! Its perfect! :D
althaz - Sunday, January 31, 2016 - link
My Das Keyboard (Pro S "Silent") is about four years old and is still as good as new - except for the RHS row of my numpad which is a bit sticky since I spilled some bourbon and coke on it (that was about four years ago :().erple2 - Sunday, January 31, 2016 - link
Meh. I spilled a mint julep on my unicomp during a heated discussion during the Derby. I just unplugged it, and ran it under the sink in warm water for a few minutes, and let it dry out completely before plugging it in. That was 4 years ago. No sticking. That's the beauty of this multiple pound metal beast. It could probably survive a trip through the dishwasher, too.Mangemongen - Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - link
I wish they sold 60% keyboards, or at least tenkeyless. Are there buckling spring keyboards of smaller size?