Cherry KW 9200 Mini
A dinky portable keyboard that compares well with the Logitech MX Keys Mini for both feel and price
SCORE
PRICE £63 (£75 inc VAT) from cherry.co.uk (available late March)
While the KW 9100 Slim will never be the subject of yearnful second glances, there’s something cute about the KW 9200 Mini. Perhaps it’s the red detailing around the keys, perhaps the subtle way the Cherry logo sits atop the spacebar, but ultimately it boils down to size. You just want to pick it up and pop it in your bag, so it’s handy that it ships with a fabric carry case for protection during travels.
Not that you need have any worries it will fall apart, as Cherry’s robust build quality is once again evident. There’s a solid metal frame within and durable ABS plastic without, with a two-year warranty and the same claim of ten million activations for each key as the 9100 Slim.
Both boards use Cherry’s SX scissor keys, which are low profile but deliver a satisfying typing action. You can lift the rear with the retractable feet, and again these feel built to last. My biggest adjustment was getting used to the width of the keyboard, but that’s psychological – the active area is identical to a full-size keyboard. The only sacrifice is that the cursor keys eat into the main body, shortening the spacebar in the process.
You also lose out on dedicated shortcut buttons, so the FN key below Enter is pivotal to advanced operations. You’ll need to press this together with F1, F2 and F3 to choose between your three possible connections: 2.4GHz RF via the USB
receiver, which cleverly tucks into a slot at the rear of the keyboard, or two Bluetooth partners.
It charges via USB-C, with no backlight to drain the batteries, but that lack of illumination could be a problem when travelling. This is one of the advantages of the Logitech MX Keys Mini ( see issue 327, p52). At least there are LED indicators on the first four function keys (for example, to show which Bluetooth connection has become active) and a smart red LED when Caps lock is on. Unlike its rival it doesn’t support multiple OSes, only Windows.
The KW 9200 Mini isn’t cheap, but it’s cheaper, lighter and slimmer than the MX Keys Mini and – as with the KW 9100 Slim – feels like it should last for years. It would make an excellent companion for business trips. TIM DANTON
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth 5/RF wireless keyboard 10m range USB-C supports Windows 7 and above 296 x 13 x 129mm (WDH) 437g 2yr warranty