Cherry's new compact keyboard follows the tradition of the G80, a mechanical keyboard that has been produced essentially unchanged since the 1980s. Above all, the G80-3000N RGB TKL shares its name with the evergreen – it has been extensively renewed and is simple and slim.
Why the G80 no longer looks appealing by today's standards becomes clear at a glance: It is the epitome of clunky office keyboards from the last century. The N-model therefore slimmed down the case, overhangs on the side, especially behind the keypad, are minimized. As a TKL keyboard, the G80-3000N also does not have a number block. The saving allows the arms to be kept in a more ergonomic position when working or playing. The only thing that borrows from the original model is “lines and the formal language”, says Cherry.
What frills change
“Superfluous bells and whistles” shouldn't be seen in the new edition either, says Cherry. However, the definition of it has changed over time. While the original G80 was still a keyboard with keys and nothing else, the G80-3000N has RGB LEDs and a modern microcontroller that allows different effects in addition to the choice of colors. Some of the effects and colors provided can be configured directly via the keyboard; the full range of settings requires the use of the “Cherry Utility” software. Cherry also classifies n-key rollover and locking the Windows key, the so-called “gaming mode”, in the category of essential keyboard functions.
-
Cherry G80-3000N RGB TKL (Image: Cherry)
Image 1 of 4
Cherry G80-3000N RGB TKL < figure>
Cherry G80-3000N RGB TKL
Cherry G80-3000N RGB TKL Another innovation compared to the 1980s are the buttons. The Cherry MX Silent Red built into the new G80 has only been available on the market for a good six years and differ from the classic red models in that they have a muffled stop that reduces the typing noise.
Cherry does not provide any information on the key labeling, the promise of “durability” remains vague and meaningless. Since the company does not comment on the material of the keycaps, which are unchanged in their shape, ABS plastic can be assumed. Here, the keyboard ties in with the younger G80 models, because the series was introduced with high-quality PBT caps, which are still popular today due to their quality.
The Cherry G80-3000N RGB TKL is expected to reach retailers for around 80 euros at the beginning of September. Assuming that prices will fall slightly depending on availability, this rate seems appropriate for the equipment in the market environment.
Cherry G80-3000N RGB TKL size (L × W × H): 33.5 × 13.0 × 3.8 cm Layout: 88 ISO (“tenkeyless”) Weight: 664 g Cable: 1.80 m, USB 2.0 Hub function: – Key rollover: N-KRO Switch: Cherry MX Silent (Red) Keys: Shape: cylindrical
Material: ABS plastic
Labeling: laser cut Additional keys: – Media functions: Mute, volume Additional functions: Brightness (regulate, switch off), LED modes, gaming mode Lighting: Color: RGB
Modes: breathing effect, wave effect , Reactive Mode, Gaming Lighting, Color Loop
Other: Custom LED Profiles Macros & amp; Programming: – Price: 80 €