CHERRY MX, the market leader and expert for mechanical switches in keyboards, is expanding the MX Ultra Low Profile series (ULP) with a tactile version without an audible click. The manufacturer of innovative switches thus offers end customers another option in the areas of "high-end laptop keyboards" and "ultra-thin desktop keyboards". The CHERRY MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile comes with all the unique features and distinctive characteristics for which the series is known worldwide. Since the ULP switch is not only an absolute technical masterpiece but has also set a patented standard and allows new technical possibilities for designing ultra-low profile laptop and desktop keyboards within the premium segment, the product received the "German Innovation Award". This makes CHERRY MX an award-winning innovation leader.

In March 2021, the MX Ultra Low Profile switch was introduced as a completely new development and a milestone in switch development: With an overall height of just 3.5 millimeters, CHERRY MX unveiled the shallowest model in its product range. Particularly for laptops, this allows the realization of fully mechanical high-end keyboards that clearly stand out from previous solutions in terms of pleasant tactile feel, intensive feedback during gaming or typing, and increased reliability as well as greater durability without changing the format. The CHERRY MX ULP also opens up new possibilities for desktop keyboards that were previously technically unfeasible. The exclusive and patented switch design incorporates the feature set of CHERRY MX switches that have been proven for decades, ensuring maximum precision and perfect function even in the new design.

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear and systems for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts, today unveiled its innovative first gaming and streaming laptop, the CORSAIR VOYAGER a1600 AMD Advantage Edition. Combining a powerful AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processor, AMD Radeon RX 6800M mobile graphics with CORSAIR and Elgato's vast ecosystem of exclusive software and technologies, the CORSAIR VOYAGER a1600 is a laptop like no other. Whether you're an aspiring content creator, avid gamer, or a full-time streamer, the CORSAIR VOYAGER a1600 AMD Advantage Edition laptop can do everything you need and more.

Packing a wide array of state-of-the-art tech into an impressively thin 19.8 mm form-factor, the CORSAIR VOYAGER a1600 boasts up to an 8-core, 16-thread AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor and AMD Radeon RX 6800M mobile graphics to game at maximum settings and cruise through resource-heavy applications like Adobe After Effects or OBS Studio. Moreover, this combination of cutting-edge AMD components unlocks the suite of exclusive AMD smart technologies, such as AMD Smart Access Memory, which helps unlock high performance by providing select AMD Ryzen processors with address to the entire high-speed GDDR6 graphics memory, further enhancing the CORSAIR VOYAGER a1600's high-end performance. The CORSAIR VOYAGER a1600 stays cool thanks to an advanced compact vapor chamber cooling system that evenly spreads heat, achieving lower temperatures with a thinner profile than traditional cooling methods.

CHERRY, the market leader and expert for mechanical switches for keyboards, extends the lifetime of the MX Low Profile RGB from 50 to more than 100 million actuations without loss of input quality. This extension already applies to all switches in the low-profile format that have been shipped since mid-2021. Therefore, new and existing customers benefit from a doubled guaranteed lifetime of the MX Low Profile RGB. Thanks to this unrivaled durability, CHERRY MX now solidifies its position as the industry leader in the field of low-profile mechanical switches. Extensive internal and external testing validates the new durability claims. The more than 100 million actuations are achieved by optimizing the world-exclusive and technically superior Gold Crosspoint contact system and the unique selection of materials, guaranteeing the switch's permanently consistent quality over many decades.

Introduced in 2018, the entirely newly developed CHERRY MX Low Profile RGB switch now positions itself between the MX Standard and the MX Ultra Low Profile in terms of dimensions. Thanks to an overall height of only 11.9 millimeters, modern slim, mechanical keyboard designs for desktop applications can be implemented without compromising switching characteristics and feel. The MX Low Profile RGB is around 35 percent thinner than the standard version but still offers the inimitable typing feel with which the conventional MX switches have already established themselves as the gold standard on the market.

CHERRY, the specialist for computer input devices from Germany, starts the new year 2022 with the first two product launches. Two new computer mice will expand the product range from now on: the CHERRY MW 9100 and the CHERRY MC 2.1. The resolution of the CHERRY MW 9100 can be adjusted in 3 steps. The DPI button allows you to switch between 1000, 1600 and 2400 dpi at the touch of a button. When the status LED indicates a low battery level, the mouse can be recharged via the included USB-C cable and work can be continued in a relaxed manner. One charge of the lithium battery will last for several weeks.

For maximum flexibility, the wireless PC mouse can be connected to your device via Bluetooth or via the 2.4 GHz radio receiver. A slide switch on the bottom of the mouse allows you to switch between these types of connection, and in both cases the transmission uses AES-128 encryption. Whilst travelling, the CHERRY MW 9100 can be stored in the included transport bag. The USB receiver is stored magnetically inside the mouse.

CHERRY, a leading global manufacturer of computer input devices, now offers wireless version of its well-known STREAM KEYBOARD: the STREAM KEYBOARD WIRELESS. The 2.4 GHz wireless keyboard has everything that its wired counterpart has proven itself with.

With the STREAM KEYBOARD WIRELESS, understated minimalism meets a high level of comfort. It combines all the advantages of the familiar STREAM KEYBOARD and extends the range of functions to include 2.4 GHz technology with a 10 m range. When folded in and out, the wireless keyboard remains stable, resistant to torsion and non-slip. This is ensured by the integrated metal plate, the two robust feet and the eight rubber pads on the underside.

Cherry Americas, part of the global leader in computer input devices, today announced the launch of the CHERRY STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE wireless keyboard and mouse combo. The high-quality wireless keyboard and mouse combination utilizes NiMH rechargeable batteries which will last for months on a single charge and is perfect for both the professional and home office setting. As with all CHERRY products, the combination provides superior quality, durability and ergonomic comfort to impart routine typing and mouse movement with less fatigue.

The CHERRY STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE comes equipped with NiMH rechargeable batteries which will last for months on a single charge and can be conveniently recharged through the keyboard and mouse via USB-C while users continue to work undisturbed. The set can also be completely switched off to help preserve battery life even longer. Because the desktop set lasts longer than any rechargeable battery, it's possible to replace the GP brand NiMH batteries yourself, which is both practical and environmentally friendly.

CHERRY, a leading global manufacturer of computer input devices, introduces another new addition to its portfolio, the CHERRY DW 9100 SLIM, which is the successor to the well-known DW 9000 SLIM. Further developed and optimized, this desktop set combines innovative functions, outstanding workmanship and a very slim design. A switch on the keyboard and mouse lets you toggle between Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity and a USB receiver for the 2.4 GHz wireless transmission is included in the bundle. Data input is via AES-128 encryption over a range of up to 10 meters in both cases.

Rechargeable lithium batteries power the keyboard and mouse for weeks on a single charge and when the status LEDs indicate low charge, you can continue working comfortably. Meanwhile, the wireless desktop set charges via the included USB-C charging cable. To prolong battery life, the set has an ON/OFF switch. Excellent design and high quality go hand in hand with the CHERRY DW 9100 SLIM. A metal plate provides maximum strength and stability while the keyboard remains flat. The separate magnetic support bar can be fitted in seconds to provide a steeper typing angle and when not in use, it can be removed just as quickly.

CHERRY, a leading global manufacturer of computer input devices and switches for mechanical keyboards, announced today the acquisition of Active Key GmbH & Co. KG ("Active Key"), a German-based leading manufacturer of hygienic, washable keyboards and mice for medical and industrial end-markets. The Active Key acquisition expands CHERRY's healthcare product portfolio and meets increased customer demand for hygienic and washable computer peripherals.

Active Key is a leading brand in the development and engineering of specialist keyboards and mice that are used in medical, industrial, point-of-sale and office applications. Its product range includes keyboards that are resistant to dust and moisture, fully sealed keyboards that can be easily sanitized, programmable keyboards, and keyboards with integrated card readers. This acquisition strengthens CHERRY's position as a leading provider of healthcare peripherals.

The combination of CHERRY and Active Key is highly complementary. CHERRY will benefit from Active Key's technical new product development and engineering expertise and Active Key will benefit from CHERRY's established global distribution network. The current environment is driving rising demand for specialized keyboards and mice in healthcare and other industrial settings. This acquisition adds depth to CHERRY's healthcare offerings and will enable future applications of hygienic and washable technology across CHERRY's broader product portfolio and end-markets.

AOC, a global leader in high performance gaming monitors, today adds true mechanical keyboards, gaming mice and mousepads to its eSports and gaming line-up. The new products include:

• Gaming Keyboards: the AGON AGK700 tournament-grade mechanical keyboard for eSports, and the mid-level AOC GK500 gaming mechanical keyboard
• Gaming Mice: the AGON AGM700 tournament-grade RGB gaming mouse for eSports, and the mid-level AOC GM500 RGB gaming mouse
• Gaming Mouse Mat: the AGON AMM700 RGB mouse mat

In competition, the right equipment often makes all the difference. AGON and AOC gaming monitors with have set a standard, enabling fast and accurate visual feedback to gamers, allowing their unhindered skill to determine their performance. AGON and AOC peripherals similarly enable competition-level performance, while providing complimentary design for a striking desktop system look.

"Ever since AOC entered the gaming market, we have strived to put the best-performing, feature-rich, and most reliable products in the hands of our fans. As we continue our growth in the eSports and gaming space, adding these high performance and highly customizable products to our gaming arsenal is a seminal moment," says David Ray, Director of Marketing at AOC North America.

[Editor's note: Our review of the CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL can be found here for those interested.]

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today announced the launch of three new products in its CHAMPION SERIES range of competition-grade peripherals, built for and tested by top esports professionals. Headlining the new launches is the streamlined K70 RGB TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, with 8,000Hz hyper-polling driven by CORSAIR AXON hyper-processing technology in a compact, tenkeyless design, enabling you to take pro performance to your next event.

Two new CORSAIR gaming mice also enter the CHAMPION SERIES lineup: the SABRE RGB PRO and SABRE PRO. The first CORSAIR mice to also utilize AXON hyper-processing technology and 8,000Hz polling, the SABRE RGB PRO and SABRE PRO deliver lightning-fast inputs, along with a comfortable ergonomic shape and ultra-light weight for superior agility and control. Together, these CHAMPION SERIES gaming peripherals give you the tools you need to cut through the competition.

CHERRY MX, the market leader and expert for mechanical switches in keyboards, presents the Ultra Low Profile. With this model, the German-based company once again achieves a milestone in the development of switches: CHERRY MX manages to create the ultra-low profile mechanical switch into its own portfolio, which brings new technical possibilities to the design of ultra-low profile notebook and desktop keyboards in the high-end segment. In addition, the ultra-thin solution combines the feature set of the MX switches that have been proven for decades with new attributes, making the CHERRY MX Ultra Low Profile a game-changer for the industry.

CHERRY MX has not only presented a completely new development with the Low Profile switch introduced in 2018 but also significantly reduced the overall height of mechanical switches in this new design. This step is radically continued with the brand-new Ultra Low Profile. CHERRY MX is moving toward the current limit of technical feasibility with this model: the overall height is now reduced to only 3.5 millimeters. Accordingly, the development team realized a mechanical switch that is around 70 percent smaller than the Low Profile.

Cherry Americas, part of the global leader in computer input devices, today announced the release of its new wireless mouse, the MW 4500 LEFT. This ergonomic mouse is designed with functional features for left-handed users and serves as an optimal tool for providing wrist relief in the office and home office.

With the MW 4500 LEFT, CHERRY brings the high-quality ergonomic design of the MW 4500 to left-handers. By combining ergonomics with function, CHERRY has created a well-rounded mouse that provides efficient and comfortable operation. This new model effectively relieves wrist tension and promotes fatigue-free working. More specifically, the mouse's special shape causes the user's hand to lie on the device at a 45-degree angle. This results in a more natural posture, which helps to prevent joint and tendon problems.

[Editor's note: Our review can be found here for those interested.]

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and enthusiast components, today announced the launch of its first-ever 60% mechanical gaming keyboard, the CORSAIR K65 RGB MINI, alongside a full range of CORSAIR PBT DOUBLE-SHOT PRO Keycap Mod Kits to unlock a huge new range of keyboard personalization.

Packing massive features into its impressively small size, the K65 RGB MINI boasts 100% CHERRY MX mechanical keyswitches, dynamic per-key RGB backlighting, CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology with 8,000Hz polling, and a detachable USB Type-C cable. Launching alongside the K65 RGB MINI, the new CORSAIR PBT DOUBLE-SHOT PRO Keycap Mod Kits offer five additional colors with which to customize your K65 RGB MINI or compatible keyboard and make it your own. Together, K65 RGB MINI and the new PBT DOUBLE-SHOT PRO Keycaps offer a powerful, personal, and portable CORSAIR keyboard experience in the smallest form-factor yet.

Cherry Americas, part of the global leader in computer input devices, today announced that the CHERRY KC 4500 ERGO ergonomic keyboard has been added to its portfolio. Through its unique design, the CHERRY KC 4500 Ergo is specifically built to allow hands, arms and shoulders to adopt a natural posture and provides hours of comfortable working.

The CHERRY KC 4500 ERGO is designed to be equally well suited for use in the office or home. As with all its products, CHERRY has placed great emphasis on maximizing ease of use, including three stand-up feet on the front side of the keyboard to enable users to change the angle of operation whether the user is sitting or standing. The inclusion of rubber feet on the keyboard prevents any slipping in all positions. The keyboard also comes with a soft palm rest that provides optimal positioning to allow users to rest their hands comfortably and prevent straining pressure points.

CHERRY, a world-leading manufacturer of computer input devices and switches for mechanical keyboards, introduces another new addition to its portfolio, which combines a proven and popular keyboard in the wireless variant with a user-friendly mouse: the STREAM DESKTOP Set. It combines all the features of the popular STREAM KEYBOARD with 2.4 GHz wireless freedom and a perfectly matched 6-button mouse.

The new set is equally suitable for use in the office and the home. As with all its products, CHERRY has placed great emphasis on maximum ease of use: Mouse and keyboard are ideally matched to each other. The forward and backward buttons on the side of the mouse are especially helpful in everyday work. The product can also be ideally adapted to the user's needs: The resolution of the mouse can be adjusted in three steps up to 2,400 dpi, and the keyboard has ten office and multimedia keys.

With the GENTIX DESKTOP, CHERRY has added a new dream team to its portfolio. The GENTIX DESKTOP is the perfect fusion of the popular CHERRY GENTIX MOUSE with an uncompromisingly matching keyboard - both wireless components. The latest addition from CHERRY is characterized above all by its extensive features.

The keyboard has ten multimedia keys that make everyday office life noticeably easier thanks to the lock, browser, mail, and calculator functions. Here too, CHERRY has paid great attention to ease of use. The six keys for controlling multimedia functions are self-explanatory. The arrangement of the keys is designed to prevent accidental keystrokes.

CHERRY, a leading global manufacturer of computer input devices and switches for mechanical keyboards, announced today the acquisition of Theobroma Systems Design and Consulting GmbH, an Austrian-based developer and trusted manufacturer of embedded systems. These support various industrial applications in the field of IoT and Industry 4.0. With this acquisition, CHERRY is specifically expanding its development and production capacities in the security sector.

The two companies already have a long-standing development partnership with a focus on security computer input devices. The acquisition gives CHERRY access to Theobroma Systems' comprehensive expertise in embedded Linux software development and the production facilities throughout the product development process. The newly acquired development skills will initially be used at CHERRY in the security areas. In the medium term, it is planned that CHERRY's entire portfolio will benefit from the expanded expertise. CHERRY is thus increasing its existing capacities for the development of embedded industrial systems and trustworthy IT systems. The initial focus will be on development activities, especially hardware development and engineering for Linux, Android, and RTOS (Real-time Operating Systems).

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today announced the launch of the new K60 RGB PRO, the first CORSAIR keyboard to feature CHERRY VIOLA keyswitches. Delivering an essential gaming experience without compromising on style or substance, the K60 RGB PRO is built with a durable aluminium frame, vibrant, per-key RGB backlighting, and new 100% German-made CHERRY VIOLA mechanical keyswitches, featuring smooth linear travel and reliable inputs to secure clutch victories when they matter most.

Equipped with new CHERRY VIOLA keyswitches, the K60 RGB PRO offers gamers the precision, feel, and reliability made possible by mechanical keyswitches. Created by CHERRY, the inventor of the mechanical keyswitch, the new VIOLA keyswitches utilize a patented self-cleaning V-Shape contact system and a two-stage, CrossLinear activation. The result is a smooth linear keypress and a satisfying fast reset ready to take on whatever your fingers can throw at it.

Argand Partners, LP ("Argand"), the New York- and San Francisco Bay Area-based private equity firm, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Cherry GmbH ("Cherry"). Argand acquires market-leading specialty manufacturing and business services companies with sustainable competitive advantages and strong growth potential.

Cherry is the world's leading global designer and manufacturer of high precision keyboard switch technology for PC gaming and professional use computing peripheral products. The company designs and manufactures premium key switches for mechanical keyboards, branded gaming peripherals, computer input devices (including mice and headsets), and products for security, point of sale and e-Health applications. Headquartered in Germany, Cherry operates across a global footprint of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and corporate offices in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Cherry has a reputation for "Made-in-Germany" quality, performance and reliability and enjoys significant brand equity with customers.

Argand's investment in Cherry is supported by long-term growth in the global PC gaming market and the on-going digitalization of healthcare. Cherry has experienced a boost from 'stay-at-home' social policies and 'work from home' corporate trends that are accelerating the adoption of PC gaming and home-based office computer peripherals.

[Editor's note: Our review of the CORSAIR K100 keyboard can be found here.]

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today announced the launch of its new flagship gaming keyboard, the incomparable CORSAIR K100 RGB. Every detail is built for speed, starting with new CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology, delivering your inputs up to four times faster than conventional gaming keyboards. The CORSAIR K100 RGB is equipped with a wide array of premium features that enhance both form and function, such as a refined aluminum frame, a multi-function iCUE control wheel, a 44-zone RGB LightEdge, and PBT double-shot keycaps with a standard bottom row. Available in a mechanical version featuring CHERRY MX SPEED Silver keyswitches, or an optical-mechanical version with exclusive new CORSAIR OPX keyswitches, the CORSAIR K100 RGB is the new pinnacle of gaming keyboards.

Debuting in the CORSAIR K100 RGB, onboard CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology delivers peak performance unmatched by any other gaming keyboard on the market today. AXON enables native 4,000Hz hyper-polling and 4,000Hz key scanning, registering your keypresses up to four times faster than a standard gaming keyboard. Whether you choose the mechanical precision of CHERRY MX SPEED Silver keyswitches or the hyper-fast 1.0 mm actuation of CORSAIR OPX optical-mechanical keyswitches, AXON ensures that every input is read and delivered to your PC faster than ever before.

In honor of its 15th birthday, Das Keyboard, the leader in high-end mechanical keyboards, today announced the launch of its second Ultimate Typing Championship competition to find the fastest and most talented typists across the globe.

The online typing competition will host thousands of talented typists over the age of 13 from around the world to compete for a chance to make history and be crowned the Ultimate Typing Champion. Contestants will race online using the TyprX competitive typing website to record their fastest words-per-minute (WPM) typing speeds. Twenty-five of the fastest typists in the world will be invited to compete in the live-streamed event on August 22nd. In addition to competing for speed, this year's competition will contain unique challenges that will test a variety of typing skills and provide entertainment for viewers of all ages.

The Ultimate Typing Championship 2020 will be streamed live in front of thousands of online viewers across the world on Twitch Saturday, August 22nd at 12:00 pm CDT. All top twenty-five contenders will receive a Das Keyboard; the runner up will receive $500, and the winner will receive $5,000 and be crowned the Ultimate Typing Champion. Current sponsors of the event include the keyboard and key switch maker CHERRY MX, and the keyboard and keycap maker GMK, both of which are headquartered in Germany.

For years, various representative studies have shown that computer keyboards are among the dirtiest and most bacterially contaminated office products available. There are many reasons for this. Firstly there is a high concentration of foreign bacteria on our hands with which we operate the keyboard. Secondly, external influences such as eating and drinking at work, bring further contamination to the keyboard. These impurities often remain hidden as dirt and bacteria collect under the individual keys. Unfortunately, because of this, keyboards are cleaned by their owners far too rarely or only on the surface.

In today's tense times, where special attention must be paid to hygiene, some industrial sectors and branches are confronted with sanitation concepts that sometimes push them to their limits. Especially in organizations with a large number of staff and constant changes of customers or patients, or in production or workshops where liquids, dust, or production waste are generated during work, simple and effective solutions are needed to protect computer keyboards.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards,graphics cards and gaming gears, today announced the AORUS K1 mechanical gaming keyboard. AORUS K1 has built-in the gamer 's favorite German CHERRY MX mechanical gaming RED key-switch. The high-quality CHERRY MX gaming red key-switch can quickly and accurately capture the gamer's movements into the computer to win every battle. AORUS K1 sculpts some details in its simple and neat appearance, so that the keyboard can still show its own personality. RGB Fusion 2.0 allows AORUS K1 to display lights with other AORUS devices and customizes various lighting modes. Other functions such as full-range anti-ghosting capability, all keys programmable with on-board memory, and on-the-fly multimedia and backlight control, are all designed to meet the requirements of gamers.

AORUS K1 is equipped with the German CHERRY MX mechanical gaming red key-switch. The switch has linear switching characteristics, 45 cN operating force and 2 mm actuation travel, which can accurately and quickly capture each finger movement of the gamer. High-quality German-made technology, hundreds of keys working accurately, and a service life 100 million plus times for the keys, so that gamers have no worries while competing, making the CHERRY MX gaming red key-switch the obvious choice for gamers. AORUS K1 is equipped with RGB Fusion 2.0 which has 16.7 million colors of lighting colors and multiple lighting modes. It can be synchronized with other AORUS devices. It can also set different lighting methods for each individual key to create your own unique colors.

When we were invited to meet Cherry at CES 2020, we expected more news on the >100 million actuation rating for their popular MX switches. CORSAIR had broken the news, in a manner of speaking, when they used the new MX Brown and MX Speed (Silver) switches in their new K95 RGB Platinum XT keyboard, and Cherry confirmed to us that all currently produced MX Red, Brown, Black, and Speed (Silver) switches are now rated to this higher count (from 50 million before) with no loss in quality. This improvement comes in the form of an increased gliding surface area on the front side of the switch stem, in addition to having eight guide rails inside for added stability, which Cherry calls "Hyperglide". The company claims to also have optimized the contact force for the gold cross-point contacts, which has now resulted in a reduced debounce rate of under 1 ms. They are working on having similar improvements done to their remaining MX switches, including the MX Blue.

What was unexpected, however, was them announcing a whole new mechanical switch series under the VIOLA name. Cherry is targeting the value-oriented keyboard market here (think well under $100) which tend to use adapted membrane switches to provide a tactile and clicky feedback under various names including mem-chanical, mechanical-like, and so on. The new VIOLA switch, which currently has a single linear switch member, is fully mechanical and uses a novel contact method that allows Cherry to get away with a lower price point. Read past the break for more on this.

CHERRY, the specialist in computer input peripherals, announces the SECURE BOARD 1.0 with keystroke encryption. The keyboard also features an integrated reader for smartcards and RF/NFC-compatible cards or tags. Integrated in SECURE BOARD 1.0 is a terminal for PC/SC smart cards and cards or tags with a RF/NFC interface. The Class 2 reader enables reading and writing of ISO 7816 and ISO 14443 A/B compliant cards. They numeric keypad allows for secure, alphanumeric PIN entry.

Secure Mode provides extra security: the authenticity of the keyboard is verified with a certificate and keystrokes are encrypted. This makes it impossible for hardware keyloggers to access sensitive data and passwords. By blocking the standard keyboard channel "Bad USB" attacks are prevented: USB devices that are recognized by the operating system as keyboards can no longer inject unauthorized code. Secure Mode is particularly useful with thin clients running Linux, which supports this functionality. A solution for Windows is currently under development.