At first we would like to thank CHERRY for sending out a sample of their KW 7100 Mini BT Multi-Device Compact Keyboard for testing and reviewing.

 

 

About CHERRY:

"CHERRY GmbH, with its headquarters in Auerbach in der Oberpfalz, Germany, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of computer input devices with an emphasis on office, industrial and security markets, as well as switches for mechanical keyboards among

others for PC gaming. Cherry GmbH is a 100% subsidiary of the technology group ZF Friedrichshafen AG."

 

Product Features:

 

Multi-device compact keyboard with three Bluetooth channels

Whether you want to use it for business or leisure, the compact CHERRY KW 7100 MINI BT Bluetooth keyboard effortlessly meets all the requirements of life on the go. It only takes up a small amount of space, so you can work with it easily even in places with a reduced work surface. This flat, compact keyboard can be both transported easily and safely thanks to the included carrying case. The multi-device function ensures absolute flexibility: Connect up to three devices at the same time and switch back and forth as you like — completely wirelessly, of course.

Extra flexible, extra compact: A keyboard made for you

At college, in the office, on the train, in cafés or working from home — with the CHERRY KW 7100 MINI BT, you can work comfortably and above all flexibly in any environment. This wireless multi-device keyboard has a total of three Bluetooth-5.1 channels that can be used to connect up to three devices at the same time — with secure AES-128 encryption, of course. Use the F1, F2 and F3 keys to switch between the different channels and operate the device of your choice. This small keyboard is compatible with almost any Bluetooth®-enabled device, allowing you to work on your PC, notebook, tablet and smartphone at your convenience. Due to its reduced dimensions, this compact Bluetooth keyboard with multi-device function fits on any table and can be stowed in just about any bag. Additionally, the included recycled plastic carrying case protects the CHERRY KW 7100 MINI BT, making it the ideal companion on the go.

Make every day colorful

In addition to its flat and minimalist design, the chic CHERRY Bluetooth keyboard also comes in a wide range of colors: available in SLATE BLUE, AGAVE GREEN, CHERRY BLOSSOM and MILK WHITE, there's a color to suit every taste. Is it important to you to have a matching keyboard and mouse? Our GENTIX BT Bluetooth mouse is also available in many different colors! This means you can find the right mouse right away — for example, if you choose the compact Bluetooth® keyboard in pink, you can get the mouse in the same color. Not only does the GENTIX BT visually complement the CHERRY KW 7100 MINI BT — it is also equipped with a multi-device function for up to three end devices, making these two a perfect team!

Unparalleled typing feel thanks to CHERRY SX scissor mechanism

Our SX scissor mechanism lets you type comfortably, precisely and quietly on the CHERRY KW 7100 MINI BT keyboard. The flat, slightly concave keys are comparable to those of a laptop keyboard and provide a fatigue-free and fluid writing experience. Although the compact Bluetooth keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, you can still enjoy the familiar layout of a full-size keyboard.

Workstation ergonomics — even on the go

As a battery-powered 75% keyboard, the CHERRY KW 7100 MINI BT is ideal for mobile working while also offering ergonomic advantages: Thanks to the lack of numeric keypad on the right, the arm used to operate the mouse can be kept closer to the keyboard, which creates an improved shoulder posture and can prevent tension. If you want to adjust the height of the keyboard, simply fold out the sturdy feet. A solid metal plate inside makes the compact Bluetooth® keyboard particularly stable.

Even more special features

The CHERRY KW 7100 MINI BT Bluetooth keyboard may be compact, but it has some great special features: The Fn key allows you to switch between the various Bluetooth® channels, operate image control or volume control and also gives you access to various multimedia functions, such as play/pause and track selection. If you want to make permanent use of these special functions, you can easily lock the Fn key by simply pushing a button. The status LEDs built into the buttons indicate whether the Fn Lock key is activated. The same applies to the Bluetooth® channel currently in use and the upload key.

CHERRY KEYS: Assigning custom functions to F keys and special keys

Would you like to program the compact Bluetooth keyboard to suit your preferences? That's no problem either! With our free CHERRY KEYS software, you can quickly reassign both the special keys and F keys on the KW 7100 MINI BT: Shortcuts, text blocks, macros, opening of files/folders/programs/web pages, multimedia or system functions can be assigned to individual keys without expert knowledge, as the process is completely intuitive.

 

Product Specifications:

 

Weight main product: 450 g

Dimensions product without packaging: 295 mm x 129 mm x 16 mm

Weight of product incl. packaging: 620 g

Scope of delivery:

Keyboard

Manual

Pouch

2 x AAA battery

Reliability: up to 18 months

Software support: CHERRY KEYS

Encryption in Bluetooth mode: Yes

Bluetooth protocol: V5.1

Bluetooth range (m): 10

Replaceable batteries: Yes

Service life per key: 10 million actuations

Switching characteristics: standard

Max. current consumption (mA): 10 mA

Keyboard format: compact (75%)

Integrated metal plate: Yes

Key encryption: AES-128

Actuating force (cN): 62.5 cN

Actuating force (tolerance):10 cN

Key stroke total travel path: 2 mm

Key labeling: Pad Printing + UV coating

Special key functions: FN

Adjustable feet: integrated

Status LEDs: in keys

Key technology: Scissor

Keycap material: ABS

 

 

In this article we will concentrate our attention upon another cost-effective product from CHERRY, a multi-device, compact keyboard with three different BT channels, available in no less than 3 color schemes and featuring CHERRY SX Scissor Technology switches: KW 7100 MINI BT.

 

The compact keyboard is shipped inside a slim cardboard enclosure, showing a photo of the product on the top cover, but also the keyboard layout:

 

 

 

A big, red CHERRY logo is present on the frame of the box:

 

 

 

Nearby, we will locate the product serial number, the production date code, the internal code name but also the key layout:

 

 

 

CHERRY has also placed a side view of the keyboard on the box:

 

 

 

The bottom area includes the main product features, the box contents list but also the system requirements, in multiple languages:

 

 

 

After unsealing the box and lifting the top cover, we will note that the KW 7100 MINI BT also comes with a protective cover:

 

 

 

Besides that, we will note the installation guide, along with a set of batteries:

 

 

 

The guide is multi-language and we will get from there useful instructions such as the pairing procedure, but also how to access the keys with double functions:

 

 

 

 

The full list of technical specifications is also present here:

 

 

 

The keyboard is shipped along with two Energizer Max AAA batteries, size E92, with a LR03-AM4 format:

 

 

 

 

KW 7100 MINI BT comes with a 75% compact format (295 x 129 x 16 mm), while the keys do employ CHERRY SX scissor mechanism with rubber domes, a design often found with laptop keyboards; its small size helps with saving up desk space and can be used with multiple devices thanks to the three BT channels. The top plastic cover can be black, green or pink:

 

 

 

F1, F2 and F3 are the keys we are interested in when switching between Bluetooth channels and these are equipped with LEDs as well for signaling the current status; F4 can be used for opening up the default Calculator application:

 

 

 

Insert, Print, Home and End can be accessed as second functions for F5, F6, F7 and F8:

 

 

 

The last Function keys do help with executing Page Up, Page Down, Volume -, Volume +:

 

 

 

As with most regular-sized keyboards, between the Ctrl and Alt keys we do have the Windows key present:

 

 

 

On the right side of Spacebar, we will note the ALT GR and secondary Ctrl key:

 

 

 

The directional keys can be used for multimedia functions as well:

 

 

 

The Fn key is present near the right Shift and Enter key, also featuring a status LED; this can remain activated when needed, a neat function!

 

 

 

A view from the side does show the small distance between the keys and the desk surface, not actually requiring a wrist rest for making the typing activity comfortable:

 

 

 

In the frontal area of the keyboard we will note no extra USB interfaces, since this particular model does not come with an integrated rechargeable battery:

 

 

 

The switch in the front will allow the user to turn it on or off, but also monitor its status via the LED:

 

 

 

On the bottom, we will note the CHERRY signature design, with the battery compartment and several small rubberized feet which will assure stability on the table:

 

 

 

The middle sticker informs us on the product power rating, but also on the code name and serial number:

 

 

 

For such a small keyboard, we are quite surprised that kickstands were included, for an extra level of customization! A small rubber foot is present on the kickstand even in the closed position, while the secondary rubber tip is available on the foot, with the assembly raised:

 

 

 

 

The battery compartment can be easily opened:

 

 

 

The compartment does also have drawings regarding how the batteries should be installed:

 

 

 

 

When powered on, the status LED will light up:

 

 

 

We will be also shown the current BT channel that is currently active:

 

 

 

KW 7100 MINI BT is an universal peripheral, meant to be used with multiple devices at once such as the smartphone, tablet, laptop, TV, miniPC and so on. The connection procedure is easy, while the keys are silent and easy to actuate; we did really enjoy the possibility of keeping the keyboard at a raised angle thanks to the included kickstands, while the carry case is meant to protect the product from damages but also from dust when it is not used.

While in the case of some devices, such as tablets, the usage of a trackpad/mouse might not be necessary, other devices will require a pointing device as well, since KW 7100 MINI BT does not feature a dedicated trackpad.

 

Since the product does not feature per-key lighting and packs Bluetooth 5.1 technology which is low power, we may expect up to 18 months of regular use!

 

CHERRY allows modification of some mappings via its KEYS software in Windows, but we do not think this feature is actually necessary for such a product.

 

The keyboard does come with a fair price of about 40 Euros, is built from good quality components, while the SX switches should last around 10 million actuations!

 

CHERRY KW 7100 Mini BT Multi-Device Compact Keyboard is Recommended for:

 

 

We would like to thank again to CHERRY for making this review possible!