TurboVS
Cherry XTRFY MX8.3 specifications and in-depth review

Cherry XTRFY MX8.3

Manufacturer: Cherry

The Cherry XTRFY MX8.3 is a tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard designed for high-performance gaming. It features Cherry MX2A Red switches and offers both wired and wireless connectivity options, making it versatile for various setups.

This keyboard boasts a fast 8000 Hz polling rate for enhanced responsiveness and includes a detachable cable for easy setup. Its design incorporates RGB lighting, and it supports a range of key features such as NKRO and a rotary dial, while its robust plastic case comes in black or white.

Pros
  • The keyboard features RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard, enhancing the visual experience during use.
  • Its hotswappable switches offer customization options for users looking to swap out switches without soldering.
  • The keyboard includes a rotary dial, providing convenient control for various functions.
  • With NKRO support, users can press multiple keys simultaneously without conflict, ensuring reliability for complex commands.
  • The design includes adjustable feet, allowing users to customize the keyboard's angle for improved ergonomics.
Cons
  • It lacks dedicated media keys, requiring users to access media controls via the Fn key instead.
  • The keyboard does not include a wrist rest, which may reduce comfort for users who prefer extra support during long sessions.
  • It does not support USB passthrough, limiting its ability to connect additional peripherals directly to the keyboard.
Who is this for?

The Cherry XTRFY MX8.3 is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a compact, tenkeyless design without sacrificing performance. Its hotswappable switches and RGB lighting make it a great choice for users who value customization and aesthetics. The NKRO feature ensures that multiple key presses are registered accurately, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming or intensive typing tasks. The inclusion of a rotary dial further enhances its versatility for those who prefer quick adjustments without disrupting their workflow.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard may not be ideal for users who prioritize ergonomics or comfort during long typing or gaming sessions, as it lacks a wrist rest and does not support USB passthrough, which limits peripheral connectivity. Additionally, its reliance on the Fn key for media controls instead of dedicated media keys might be inconvenient for users who frequently use such functions. It may also not be suitable for Mac users, as it is not designed with Mac-specific keys.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Tenkeyless (80%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wireless & wired
connection type Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB
polling rate 8000 Hz
Mount type Gasket mount
Battery life 55 hours
designed for Mac ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
height 156 mm
width 365 mm
thickness 44 mm
weight 1250 g
Bluetooth version 5.2
release date July 2025
warranty period 2 years

The Cherry XTRFY MX8.3 offers versatile connectivity options with support for both wired and wireless connections, including Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB. It features a polling rate of 8000 Hz for ultra-responsive performance, while its detachable cable ensures easy storage and setup. The keyboard is designed with a tenkeyless layout, making it compact and ideal for users seeking a smaller footprint, and its battery can last up to 55 hours on a single charge. Other notable features include a gasket mount and a two-year warranty.

Design:

has RGB lighting ✓
Has a backlit keyboard ✓
Case material Plastic
Case colors Black, White
has adjustable feet ✓
includes a wrist rest ✕

The design of the Cherry XTRFY MX8.3 combines functionality with aesthetics, featuring RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard for an immersive experience. The keyboard's plastic case is available in two color options: black and white, offering a sleek, modern look. It also includes adjustable feet for customized ergonomics, though it does not come with a wrist rest for additional support.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches ✓
Switch name Cherry MX2A Red
Actuation distance (min) 2 mm
Actuation distance (max) 2 mm
Actuation force 45 g
Total travel distance 4 mm

The Cherry XTRFY MX8.3 features Cherry MX2A Red mechanical switches, known for their linear feel and smooth keystrokes. These switches offer an actuation distance of just 2 mm with a force of 45 g, making them responsive and easy to press. Additionally, the keyboard supports hotswappable switches, allowing users to easily customize their key switches without soldering, providing flexibility for future upgrades or modifications.

Features:

has analog input ✕
has rapid trigger ✕
has dual actuation ✕
has adjustable actuation ✕
has NKRO ✓
has USB passthrough ✕
Has a display ✓
has QMK support ✕
has ZMK support ✕
has VIA support ✕

The Cherry XTRFY MX8.3 is equipped with several key features to enhance its performance and usability. It supports NKRO (N-Key Rollover), allowing users to press multiple keys simultaneously without conflicts. Additionally, the keyboard includes a display for visual feedback, though it does not offer features like analog input, rapid trigger, or adjustable actuation. It lacks USB passthrough and support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA, keeping the focus on its core functionality.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type PBT, Double-shot
Keycap profile Cherry
uses a standard key layout ✓
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial ✓

The Cherry XTRFY MX8.3 features a standard ANSI (United States) layout, ensuring compatibility with most users' preferences. Its PBT, Double-shot keycaps are durable and designed for long-lasting use, while the Cherry keycap profile provides a comfortable typing experience. For added convenience, it includes a rotary dial for easy adjustments, and media controls can be accessed via the Fn key, replacing dedicated media keys for a more streamlined design.

Final Verdict

The Cherry XTRFY MX8.3 is a versatile mechanical gaming keyboard that excels in customization and performance, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists alike. Its hotswappable switches and RGB lighting offer great flexibility, while the NKRO feature ensures reliable performance during fast-paced action. However, the lack of a wrist rest and reliance on the Fn key for media controls may not suit users seeking a more ergonomic or convenient setup. Overall, this keyboard is highly recommended for users who prioritize customization and high-performance features in a compact design.