CHERRY has announced the new CHERRY XTRFY K5 Ultra wired gaming keyboard, expanding its lineup of esports-focused peripherals with a compact design and magnetic switch technology. The keyboard was revealed on May 7 and introduces CHERRY’s latest TMR-based switches called the “Magic Crystal Magnetic Switch Plus.”
The K5 Ultra arrives with a 65% layout, targeting players looking for a smaller keyboard footprint without removing important keys such as the arrow cluster. Compact gaming keyboards continue to gain popularity among competitive players due to their portability and additional desk space for mouse movement, especially in FPS titles.
Rapid Trigger support is also included on the K5 Ultra. Users can fine-tune the actuation range from 0.1mm to 3.3mm, with adjustment accuracy down to 0.01mm. This gives players more control over how quickly keys respond during gameplay. Magnetic switch keyboards have gained popularity in the esports space due to their fast reset response and customizable actuation settings.
CHERRY has also equipped the keyboard with high-speed input specifications. The K5 Ultra supports an 8,000Hz polling rate along with a 16,000Hz full key scan rate. These features are designed to reduce latency and improve responsiveness during gameplay, particularly in competitive multiplayer titles where quick inputs can make a noticeable difference.
The keyboard includes an aluminum alloy positioning plate combined with a four-layer internal noise-absorbing structure. This setup is intended to improve typing acoustics while also delivering a firmer typing feel. CHERRY says the PCB is compatible with selected third-party magnetic switches, offering additional flexibility for users interested in switch customization.
On the design side, the K5 Ultra features a translucent casing paired with “shadow”- printed side keycaps. The side-print design keeps the top surface cleaner while allowing RGB lighting effects to remain visible through the transparent housing. The overall look follows the growing trend of transparent gaming peripherals seen across recent enthusiast products.
The launch of the K5 Ultra reflects the increasing competition in the magnetic gaming keyboard segment, where brands are focusing on low-latency performance, customizable actuation, and compact layouts. While CHERRY has not yet confirmed pricing or release dates for all regions, the keyboard is expected to compete in the premium gaming keyboard category.
With its new magnetic switch platform, high-polling-rate support, and compact form factor, the CHERRY XTRFY K5 Ultra adds another option for users seeking performance-focused gaming peripherals.
