Cherry Xtrfy K5V2 review

Cherry's switches are dependable, unwavering, and the standard by which many of us judge all other switches. So, what happens when Cherry changes them? You get the new MX2A Red switches inside the Cherry-made Xtrfy K5V2—a new and improved version of the Cherry MX Reds we've come to know well over the years.

The MX2A Reds are an improvement in a number of ways. First and foremost, they're factory lubed. If you're a regular reader of our keyboard coverage here at PC Gamer, you'll know that lube makes for smoother switches with a satisfying clack. That's certainly true of the MX2A Reds, too. Each key glides effortlessly with each strike from my fingers. 

The MX2A switches come with «pin point ring lubrication» applied to the new 'socket dome' in the bottom housing. If that sounds like jargon, it sorta is, but in effect means each switch leaves the factory floor with a big dollop of grease in it, and which should stick around for the lifetime of the switch. For comparison to some original MX Reds, I've grabbed my Corsair K65 off the shelf. The MX2A switches in the Xtrfy lack the scratchiness and rattle that's noticeable on the admittedly ageing Corsair.

Other upgrades with the MX2A switches factor into the more consistent key press, including: a new barrel spring, housing socket dome, guidance ribs, and stem geometry. That last one is important, as the MX2A are significantly less wobbly than older MX Reds.

Size: 65%
Connectivity: USB Type-C to Type-A
Keycaps: ABS
Switches: Cherry MX2A Red
Hot-swappable: Yes
Media controls: Shortcuts via Function key
Lighting: RGB lighting modes + onboard control
Software: None
Price: $140/£139/€139

All of those changes make for a much smoother key press than with previous Cherry MX Red switches. I'd also say they're generally less clangey, though it's hard to put a value to how much of that is the new switch itself or the keycaps and stabilisers used on this exact Xtrfy model. Overall it's a much better switch than the original MX Reds. That's