CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 PRO TMR Keyboard Review

The CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR might have the most complicated name I’ve ever seen for a keyboard, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that CHERRY, a company renowned for its mechanical switch heritage, has delivered an impressive bit of kit. Incorporating many modern must-haves, including magnetic switches, 8K wireless, and hybrid hot-swap support, this keyboard tries to do a hell of a lot right. But how does it fare in the real world? This is my CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR review.

Stacked with features

The big feature marketed by CHERRY is the TMR tech. “Tunnel Magneto Resistance” is touted as an enhanced version of the Hall effect. Rather than detecting voltage changes, TMR detects changes in magnetic resistance. What does this mean? Well, CHERRY says that TMR can sense changes down to 0.01mm, allowing users to customize per-key actuation to a frankly ridiculously specific degree.

TMR is a big feature for gamers and so is 8K wireless polling. While many other keyboards still demand a wired connection for 8K, CHERRY is offering it here wirelessly via 2.4 GHz. Of course, users can also still make use of a wired connection, and Bluetooth remains a handy wireless option when extremely low latency isn’t required. The 8,000 mAh battery helps keep the keyboard powered up for long gaming sessions even when pushing 8K polling.

Customizing these various features is all done through the MagCrate app. As expected, the app allows fine-tuning of the various actuation points. Dynamic Key Travel, where users can tune multiple actions to one key, works particularly well. I use it on WASD for turning a walk into a run, depending on how far down I press the key.

Another big highlight of the MX 8.2 Pro TMR is its support for both magnetic and mechanical switches. For me, this is huge, as so many other boards only offer one or the other.

Impressive initial impressions

My first impressions were super positive. Like anyone with a new keyboard, I started typing to get that initial feel. CHERRY’s MK Crystal magnetic switches feel nice and smooth, which isn’t a given when it comes to magnetic options out there. The multi-layered damping works well to keep the typing sound deep with no hollowness.

The typing experience is very satisfying for a magnetic switch, but if you eventually want to turn this gaming-focused keyboard into a purely-for-typing keyboard, then the support for traditional mechanical switches will come in clutch.

Typing is solid, but it’s the per-key actuation that truly impressed me. CHERRY’s implementation is excellent. And for those who want to go down to the very 0.01 mm increments, that’s possible thanks to TMR.

It’s a good-looking keyboard, too, and the tenkeyless form factor is the perfect blend of form and function, so I’m glad CHERRY opted for that route.

The downsides

When it comes to downsides, the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR has some pain points. First, the wireless connection uses a rather clunky and chunky receiver, rather than your typical slim USB dongle. Sure, it might enable impressive wireless 8K polling, but that receiver is still a surprising chonk.

Another downside to note is that while the majority of keys support both magnetic and mechanical switches, some do not. I think it’s important that potential buyers know this so that, when they come to swap out their switches, they understand that some keys like the arrow keys, won’t accept the mechanical variety.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by CHERRY.