At first we would like to thank CHERRY for sending out a sample of their STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE Kit 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."

 

The best STREAM ever as a wireless premium version with charging function

The CHERRY STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE is a high-quality new addition to the STREAM Family with many valuable features for both professional and home-office use. As with all products in the STREAM family, it has the proprietary CHERRY SX scissor mechanism at its heart. A charging function and AES encryption round off the 2.4 GHz wireless keyboard and accompanying wireless mouse perfectly.

 

The charging concept – for long-lasting use

The CHERRY STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE utilises NiMH rechargeable batteries which will last for months on a single charge. Afterwards, you can conveniently recharge the keyboard and mouse via USB-C while you continue to work undisturbed. The set can also be completely switched off to help preserve battery life even longer. Because our 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.

 

Sustainability & ergonomics – a good investment

Environmental protection and sustainability are matters that concern everyone. When it comes to making responsible and sustainable purchases these days, we all need a little guidance. Our keyboard has been awarded the oldest of all European environmental protection seals, the “Blue Angel” and in addition, we have made the packaging completely plastic-free. However, sustainability also means that we need to think about tomorrow with regard to our own health or that of our employees. The benchmark for this is compliance with defined ergonomic and safety standards, so we have laid the foundation for this with this new desktop set. It bears the “Safety Tested” GS seal, which is the only legally regulated test mark for product safety in Europe.

 

CHERRY SX scissor technology – super-quiet & precise

Noise at work affects productivity and increases stress levels, so that's why we've equipped the CHERRY STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE keyboard with our proprietary SX scissor technology – just like all other members of the STREAM family. Not only does it have a clearly defined and crisp pressure point, it's also super-quiet, similar to the flatter design you're used to from your laptop keyboard. Like a knife needs a fork, a keyboard needs a mouse and this one also has almost inaudibly quiet keys. After using it for the shortest of times, you won't want to be without this combination during long working days, in open-plan workspaces or your home office.

 

Performance & stability – CHERRY quality

The CHERRY STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE has quality both inside and out. The CHERRY keyboard benefits from an integrated metal plate and non-slip rubber feet, meaning it's stable on the work surface at all times. Similarly, the mouse nestles comfortably in the hand and combines optimum weight with perfect gliding performance. Both keyboard and mouse are equipped with 128-bit CCM encryption which provides even greater data security.

 

Flexibility & operation – individuality 2.0

The keyboard has 10 additional time-saving and convenient keys: Windows Lock, Browser, Mail, Calculator and 6 keys to control volume and multimedia applications. Two thumb buttons on the mouse are separated by a notch in the housing to prevent accidental actuation. The DPI switch on the top of the mouse allows switching between three different resolution levels (1000dpi/1600dpi/2400dpi). For further key and button customization, the CHERRY KEYS software is available free of charge.

 

Mouse

Number of keys : 6

Battery type: NiMH

Battery replaceable: yes

Battery design: AA

Battery charging socket: USB-C

Battery rechargeable: yes

Illumination: no

Thumb buttons: yes

DPI switch: yes

DPI levels: 3

Wireless range (m): 10

Housing material: ABS

Max. resolution (dpi): 2.400 dpi

Battery life (months): 7

Max. Current consumption (mA): 20 mA

Sensor: PixArt PAW3212

2.4 Ghz wireless connection: yes

Encryption in wireless mode: AES-128

 

Keyboard

Illumination: no

Adjustable feet: integrated

Integrated metal plate: yes

Volume (dB) of keyboard: 49 db

Service life per key (in million strokes): 20 mio. actuations

Max. current consumption (mA) of keyboard: 20 mA

Switching characteristics: standard

Special key functions Browser, Calculator, Last track, Next track, PC lock, Play/Pause, Unmute/Mute, Volume up, Volume down, e-mail program

Status LEDs: in keys

Keyboard format: Full-size (100%)

Keycap material: ABS

Key technology: Scissor

Key encryption: AES-128

 

 

After checking the B.UNLIMITED 3.0 keyboard and mouse set from CHERRY back in 2017, the STREAM 3.0 keyboard and the wireless STREAM keyboard in 2023 meant for office environments, we will also look upon the STREAM DESKOP RECHARGE, which sports a similar layout, includes a mouse and can be bought in two different color schemes. For keeping security elevated, the set includes AES-128 encryption, replaceable AA and AAA batteries but also a more common USB-C port for charging purposes.

 

The STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE set was shipped inside a slim cardboard enclosure, showing the contents inside right on the top cover:

 

 

 

On the side, CHERRY has noted the production date, the serial number, the code name but also the keyboard layout:

 

 

 

In the opposite area, CHERRY will highlight a photo on the side of the keyboard, to highlight the low height:

 

 

 

More details are available on the bottom area, in multiple languages:

 

 

 

Both mouse and keyboard are wrapped in black paper, for extra protection:

 

 

 

In terms of documentation, we will receive the manual, but also two other leaflet with warranty and regulations:

 

 

 

The manual is in multiple languages and besides the usage modes and the charging procedures, we will also note the description of the extra keys/buttons on the keyboard and mouse:

 

 

 

 

The mouse comes with a textured black body, while the middle, recessed area is grey. It’s dimensions are 116 x 64.7 x 37.7 mm, with a total weight of 119 grams:

 

 

 

The scroll wheel, but also the left/right buttons are silent when actuated, which is a big plus when you have more people working with you in the office. Near the rubberized wheel, we also have the DPI step selector button, which can cycle between 1000, 1600 and 2400 DPI:

 

 

 

On the left side, we will note two extra programmable buttons, in grey color:

 

 

 

The right side is identical, minus the previously mentioned buttons:

 

 

 

The back side of the mouse is curved and allows a good positioning of the palm area:

 

 

 

In the front, we will clearly note the USB-C charging port:

 

 

 

The bottom area reveals the On/Off button, the compact USB-A dongle, the battery compartment but also the sensor lens. Talking about the sensor, we have a PixArt PAW3212 with a red LED; it was designed with low power in mind, with a maximum resolution of 2400 DPI. This sensor is clearly not meant for gaming purposes, only productivity work:

 

 

 

After removing the battery cover, we will expose the designated compartment, which instructs the user to install an AA 1.2V model:

 

 

 

We have a GP ReCyko+ rechargeable battery supplied by CHERRY:

 

 

 

It is an AA model with a capacity of 2050mAh and a voltage of 1.2. IT will charge for 16 hours at 200mA:

 

 

 

The installation is quite straightforward:

 

 

 

When the mouse is powered on, the red LED on the lens will be clearly visible:

 

 

 

During mouse boot or DPI change, the designated button will light up in red as well:

 

 

 

The keyboard does resemble the layout of previous models quite a bit, with a textured black plastic on both keycaps and chassis; this material is durable in time and does not allow accumulation of fingerprints:

 

 

 

In the top row we will note dedicated controls for multimedia apps:

 

 

 

The usual functions frequently met in business environments can be found on the top area of the numeric pad:

 

 

 

The STREAM logo is shown in red, on the frame of the keyboard:

 

 

 

The keyboard is low enough in terms of height so it does not justify the existence of a wrist rest, which is great!

 

 

 

The CHERRY logo is present right in the middle of the frame:

 

 

 

A look in the frontal area does reveal some interfaces, but let’s look a bit closer:

 

 

 

Here we do have the charging LED, the On/Off switch but also the USB-C port:

 

 

 

On the bottom, we will note a plastic layer with the same grey accent as on the mouse; several small rubber feet are placed in order to make sure the keyboard will not slip on the surface:

 

 

 

In the middle, we do have a sticker in the usual CHERRY shape, which informs the user on the product code name, the serial number, but also the power rating:

 

 

 

There are also kickstands available, equipped with a rubber tip:

 

 

 

 

The battery compartment informs the user two AAA batteries must be installed:

 

 

 

CHERRY equips the STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE with a set of AAA GP Recyko+:

 

 

 

In terms of specs, we can mention 1.2V, 820mAh, while the standard charge is done in 16h at 80mA:

 

 

 

The installation is quite straight-forward:

 

 

 

The charging cable does come with the CHERRY black/red signature colors:

 

 

 

After completely charging both mouse and keyboard, we went ahead and used it to write some articles, browse the web but also process some Excel documents. The mouse feels comfortable, but there is not a lot of space left for the thumb rest, so the finger will basically mostly sit on the two left programmable buttons. We did really enjoy the silent sound signature of both left and right click buttons, while the scroll wheel is smooth and does not produce a disturbing sound when rotated. Depending on your hand size, you will use it in either a palm grip or fingertip grip, while the textured plastic will make sure your fingers won’t slip and there will be little to no wear to the surface in time.

 

The keyboard does incorporate CHERRY SX switches, with a lifetime of 20 million actuations; the keys are pleasant to the touch and the keyboard comes with a solid chassis thanks to the integrated metallic plate. The usual function keys are equipped with red LEDs so you will know when these are active, while the extra multimedia buttons are handy as separate keys, unlike other keyboards which have these as double functions for the function keys…we would have really enjoyed a Volume wheel though…

 

Both mouse and keyboard are optimized towards durability in time, without flashy stuff such as RGB, but also come with a great battery life from a single recharge (the maximum DPI the mouse can offer is 2400, enough for regular office work).

 

For more key customization, you can always install CHERRY KEYS, a basic software for most devices from the same company.

 

CHERRY STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE is not the least expensive keyboard + mouse kit out there, but it is a product you can count on in terms of durability; cheaper versions come with regular batteries and less battery life, while with this model, CHERRY gives you the possibility to actually recharge the whole set and keep going for months!

CHERRY STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE Kit is Recommended for:

 

 

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