While the Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini doesn't have macOS-specific software, it does still do a lot to make Mac users feel at home.
The world of third-party keyboards is a wide world of colors, builds, and features for consumers, but often Mac users are rarely top of mind.
Many keyboards work with Mac, but it is uncommon to find a manufacturer that markets models in their respective catalogs directly to Mac users. Especially if they go the extra mile to align with the Mac aesthetic.
Cherry is a German headquartered company, with roots in the United States going back to the 1950s as a manufacturer of microswitches for arcade machines. It became one of the first companies to manufacture computer keyboards.
With a long history and a reputation for producing quality keyboards and accessories, I was thrilled to be asked to look at one of their Mac-focused offerings.
Cherry sent over the Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini, and I spent a few days with it as my daily use keyboard to see how it measures up to other third-party Mac keyboards.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: Unboxing
The Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini is a 75 percent low-profile mechanical keyboard. Connectivity includes a 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and USB wired connections.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: In the box
The keyboard and accessories arrive in a simple and sturdy box with Cherry branding.
The keyboard is wrapped in a lovely, water-resistant travel cover that is ideal for users intending to make the Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini part of their mobile workstation or extended travel use.
Cherry offers the KW 2.0 Mini in one color: black. The company does offer other colors on different keyboards in their catalog, and I hope more color options become available in the future.
Inside the box:
- Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini keyboard
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- USB 2.4 GHz dongle
- Travel bag
- Manual
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: Specifications
- Anodized aluminum plate construction
- Multi-device support: Two Bluetooth 5.2 channels, one 2.4 GHz wireless, and one USB-A to USB-C wired connection for up to 4 devices
- Mechanical ultra-slim Cherry MX Ultra Low-Profile Tactile switches
- White key backlighting with additional color LEDs for status keys
- Foldable feet for height adjustment
- Wireless nano receiver storable in the keyboard itself
- Dimensions: 12.57 inches x 5.2 inches x 0.62 inches
- Weight: 20 ounces
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: Build Quality
I have heard about Cherry keyboards for years, but I never had the chance to try one for an extended time. I was not ready for just how good their products are.
Out of the box, the KW 2.0 Mini feels incredibly well-made and surprisingly heavy, in a good way. The case is solid, the keys are smooth and easy to read, and from the travel case down to the USB cable, even the accessories feel high-class.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: Low profile keys from the rear
I review a lot of keyboards, and I can state here that the KW 2.0 Mini is easily one of the most well-made keyboards I have ever used.
The Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini utilizes Cherry MX Ultra Low-Profile Tactile switches that are made exclusively by Cherry in Germany.
With the keyboard not including key puller tools or additional keycaps and switches, the KW 2.0 Mini is not hot swappable or customizable.
The KW 2.0 Mini features white LED keyboard lights with a few specific color lights for functionality and indicators. It is not a full RGB keyboard with customization options that you may find elsewhere.
The back of the keyboard has a single USB-C port in the center and a simple power switch on the right side.
The bottom of the keyboard features strong, foldable feet to adjust the height and typing angle of the KW 2.0 Mini. I very much appreciate the option as someone who uses keyboards for work and play, requiring different angles for both uses.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: Lack of Mac Specific Options
Cherry offers a variety of software options for their products, with the Cherry Keys and Cherry Utility working with many keyboards outside of the Cherry catalog.
However, a deep dive into the Cherry website revealed that all the proprietary software is Windows only, with no macOS option available.
Instructions and functionality within the Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini allow it to work with both Windows and Mac OS through the selection of specific function keys to change modes. However, the lack of Mac software to change key binds and macros cannot go unmentioned.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: In use
I tested the KW 2.0 Mini for 5 days prior to writing this review. Aside from the lack of Mac software, it was an outstanding experience.
The KW 2.0 Mini has nearly the same desktop footprint as a Mac Magic Keyboard and nearly identical key layout. This resulted in zero muscle memory issues in day-to-day use.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: Top down view
The weight and grip on the keyboard reduce incidental sliding, and for me, this was a perfect amount of movement. I use a drawing tablet stylus with my dominant right hand and use key commands with my left hand on the keyboard.
Typing on the keyboard is smooth. While I generally prefer the soft, non-noise keycaps and switches, the tactile "Thak" sound is very satisfying when I am in the zone and speed typing an email or review.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: Base view
The Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini can connect to up to four devices at once, and I tested this with connections to my Mac Studio, my gaming PC, and my iPad. Every connection worked wonderfully.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: A Great low-profile keyboard
The Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini is an amazing mechanical keyboard, and one of my personal top-three of all time.
From the build quality to the comfort of use, and the comfort that comes with buying from a company like Cherry, there are many positives. Too many to overshadow the small negatives.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Review: In use
The retail price of $199 pushes the Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini outside of what could be considered inexpensive for what you get. But, the lack of extra switches, buttons, bells, and whistles is replaced by a rock-solid keyboard that does exactly what you need it to do.
In my life and work environment, that is exactly what I want. I need a keyboard that will withstand long hours and years of work, and the Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini feels exactly like that.
If you like ultra-low-profile keyboards and the Magic Keyboard, the Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini feels like an upgrade that deserves your attention.
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Pros
- Satisfying tactile keys
- High build quality
- Instant familiarity for Mac users
- Compatible with Windows
- Connectivity with up to 4 devices
Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini Cons
- No Mac OS software support
- Not inexpensive for first-time buyers
Rating 3.5 out of 5
Where to buy the Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini
The Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini is available on the Cherry Amazon shop for $199.
