✨ We've just launched our NEW website design!

Learn More Here
Peripherals

Cherry Stream 3.0 Low-Profile Keyboard Review

A Closer Look


The Stream 3.0 is available in two colours, black and pale grey, and by pale grey they mean the old stone grey colour you’ll remember from every old PC case and peripheral of the early 90s, I’m not a fan of it, but I can imagine a lot of offices would prefer it to keep in theme with some older hardware they still use. The 3.0 comes hard-wired with a standard USB cable, and there’s no software, so simply plug it in and you’re good to go.

DSC_8182

The design of the keyboard looks pretty standard, but still has a very nice premium quality look and feel to it. There’s a light texture to the plastics that gives its durable plastic an almost stone effect finish,

DSC_8183

Tucked away at the top of the keyboard, there are six buttons for multimedia control. These are always welcome and great for skipping through music or taking quick control of your volume levels without your hands leaving the keyboard.

DSC_8184

There’s little in the way of fancy features here, as this is as straight forward a keyboard as you could hope for. It’s not built for gaming as much as it is built for a professional environment where you’ll be typing many emails, working on your reports, or playing around on Facebook and Reddit when you think the boss isn’t watching over your shoulder.

DSC_8185

The SX switches are the main focus here, as they’re a lot cheaper than the MX mechanical switches, but still a premium product compared to your usual dome-membrane type switch. They don’t feel soft and muddy like most membrane, as they still have a mechanism in them that allows for a short travel distance, but also gives the keys a swift and smooth return rate, allowing for rapid keystrokes and lightening fast touch-typing.

DSC_8186

There is a full-size number pad on the right, all pretty standard stuff there, and you’ll also notice a good amount of spacing for the keys, meaning you’re less likely to hit the wrong key while working.

DSC_8187

One of the most important features o this keyboard is its super-slim profile. The keys are virtually flat right across the board, not swept or curved like many other keyboards.

DSC_8188

This ultra flat profile is a huge benefit for touch-typing, as it means your fingertips can glide effortlessly across the keyboard and it’s very nice to type on if you have a light and low typing technique.

DSC_8189

What’s really impressive is just how responsive the keys feel. It’s like a very high-quality laptop keyboard, but without the often loose feeling key caps that many laptop keyboards seem to suffer from. You can really mash away at them and feel like there’s no issue with build quality so if you’re deploying this in an office, don’t worry about that stone-fisted member of staff breaking it anytime soon.

DSC_8190

The keys are also incredibly quiet, and I’m sure you can imagine an entire office equipped with MX Blue switches; it would sound like testing day a bubble wrap factory. Having fast, responsive and whisper quiet keys can be a real advantage for a lot of environments.

DSC_8191

Around the base of the keyboard, you’ll find a bunch of rubber grips that help keep the Stream firmly planted on your desk, as well as a few holes that should allow any spilled liquids to be drained from the keyboard in case of an accident.

DSC_8194

There are two large kickstands on the base and they’re surprisingly durable for a keyboard of this price and it’s nice to see Cherry didn’t overlook this component as so many other brands still do.

DSC_8195

Finally, the keyboard has three blue LED indicators in the top right for the usual functions, they’re nice and clear and compliment the finish of the keyboard nicely.

DSC_8197

Previous page 1 2 3Next page

Peter Donnell

As a child in my 40's, I spend my day combining my love of music and movies with a life-long passion for gaming, from arcade classics and retro consoles to the latest high-end PC and console games. So it's no wonder I write about tech and test the latest hardware while I enjoy my hobbies!

Related Articles

Back to top button
Close

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker!   eTeknix prides itself on supplying the most accurate and informative PC and tech related news and reviews and this is made possible by advertisements but be rest assured that we will never serve pop ups, self playing audio ads or any form of ad that tracks your information as your data security is as important to us as it is to you.   If you want to help support us further you can over on our Patreon!   Thank you for visiting eTeknix