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Honestly, I didn't know until recently that CHERRY (you know, the folks behind those MX keyboard switches) do peripherals now. That feels like an oversight. After all, Team Vitality walked away with the crown in the last CS:GO Major event after using the CHERRY XTRFY kit. I'm not saying they won solely due to this swanky new gear, of course. But seeing as the team likes it enough to be testing the company's upcoming mice, I'd say the range is worth being on our radar.
With that in mind, I've rounded up five CHERRY XTRFY products to boost your game that you can pick up this summer. These range from speedy rodents to a deck that uses the new CHERRY MX2A switches – a step up from previous models that you'll find lurking under 60 million models worldwide. There's something for the streamers too with a couple of mics they'll probably want to take a look at.
One of the headlines for this encore of the K5 mechanical keyboard is its extensive customization. You can tear out and replace everything about it; alongside switches and keycaps, you can swap the stabilizers, frame, and cable for something more your style should you want to. Actually, even the logo plate itself can be swapped.
Speaking of those switches, this is the first gaming keyboard in the world to include CHERRY MX2A – a level up on the previous model that you'll find pretty much everywhere. These provide a smoother key press, optimized acoustics, and improved durability capable of 100 million keystrokes.
Because it's a reduced 65% size, the K5V2 will fit nicely onto minimalist setups and is perfect for on-the-go play – like at tournaments.
CHERRY's new Ngale microphone range is aimed squarely at gamers and streamers both, so if you run sessions on Twitch or are thinking about getting into the habit, they're worth considering. Out of the two, the Ngale X is the more high-end version that describes itself as "studio-grade audio at a non-studio price."
As an XLR/USB hybrid, the Ngale X is able to fit into most setups. And even though it's perfect for use on a boom arm, it also comes with a quick-and-easy desk stand for those who don't have one yet.
While we're on the subject of ease, this device also provides an optional low-cut filter to sift out unwanted noise while you're streaming along with on-mic controls.
Just starting out in the streaming game, or simply want a good mic for work and play that isn't going to break the bank? That's where the Ngale R comes in; it's designed with accessibility in mind and is easy to set up thanks to that plug-n-play USB connection.
That doesn't come at the cost of quality, though. Besides a high-quality cardioid capsule to make you sound top dollar without background hubub, it's packing a retro design with a grilled RGB front for when you want to feel Fancy (with a capital F). It can be fitted to a boom stand as well if you want to keep your desk clear.
The upcoming M64 and M68 Pro gaming mice may not be out yet (they're due to land this summer), but both are already looking like decent additions to your setup thanks to some fancy tech under the hood.
Namely, that 8K polling rate is impressive. To translate, this means it's sending data 8 times per millisecond, or every 0.125 millisecond. In other words? It has an absurdly low latency which should help keep you ahead of the game in twitch shooters or the competitive scene.
Don't worry about missing out if you choose one or the other, either. Each one has the same specs, and the only difference is that chassis: the M64 opts for an ergonomic shape while the M68 has a symmetrical design instead.
Rounding out this list is a fresh take on the GP5 mouse mat. OK, I appreciate that this might not sound as exciting as super-quick mice and snazzy, customizable keyboards. But the Amnis Blue has tricks of its own.
To go with a non-slip rubber base and stitched edges, the mousepad offers a smooth, high-speed cloth that should allow for greater responsiveness on your part. It comes in multiple sizes – Medium, Large, and XL – to accommodate whatever setup you have, too.
