nerdytec Couchmaster has established itself in the gaming community with innovative products, but the company is entering new territory with the introduction of the CYKEY keyboard. The shift to mechanical keyboards seems well thought out and aims to revolutionize both gaming and the workplace. The CYKEY keyboard combines technical sophistication with a functional design, making an impressive debut in the highly competitive mechanical keyboard market.
We have kindly been contacted for this review the master provided, but this does not affect our honest opinion.
Design and craftsmanship: A look at CYKEY
CYKEY’s design impresses with its unique semi-transparent housing and a compact 75 percent layout that dispenses with the number pad to save space without compromising functionality. Build quality is solid, with a sturdy feel and a weight of around 960 grams. Adjustable feet on the bottom allow different tilt angles for comfortable handling. Particular attention is paid to details such as the special ESC button with nerdy 😉 and well-thought-out cable routing, which highlight the CYKEY visually and functionally.
Tactile Sensation and Acoustics: CYKEY switches
CYKEY Gateron G Pro 3.0 is equipped with yellow switches, known for their smooth operation and low volume. These linear switches have slightly higher activation pressure than standard red switches, resulting in a precise and smooth typing experience. The keyboard therefore enables consistently responsive performance both during gaming and typing, further supported by N-Key rollover, which means simultaneous keystrokes are reliably recognized.
Innovative and versatile: the CYKEY rotary controller
A special feature of the nerdytec CYKEY keyboard is the freely programmable rotary control, which enables intuitive and versatile operation. The developers at nerdytec have created a flexible solution that is useful in a variety of contexts. Be it adjusting brightness, controlling volume or setting the zoom factor in applications – the rotary control allows users to control these functions directly and without distraction. This innovative integration enhances ease of use and underlines the keyboard’s user-oriented orientation.
Lighting and Software: A Brilliant Experience
CYKEY effectively uses translucent keycaps to display RGB lighting, 30 preset effects that can be activated via FN key combinations. Lighting effects can be adjusted in speed and color mode, turning the keyboard into a true play of light. While customization via the VIA web app can be a bit fiddly, a one-time setup lets you use the keyboard with the same settings on different devices.
nerdytec goes beyond the ordinary with the CYKEY keyboard and offers a comprehensive package that includes, in addition to the keyboard, a sturdy, braided USB cable, a combined keycap and switch puller, additional stabilizers, replacement switches, a replacement metal control button, and additional keycaps for Windows and Mac. These extras greatly increase the value and flexibility of the keyboard and allow the user to customize and maintain the keyboard.
Material and feel: Quality you can feel
Although the CYKEY boasts a semi-transparent design, it has a slightly less sturdy feel than some competitors like the Cycron, largely due to the use of ABS plastic for the keycap. These quickly make fingerprints more visible. Still, the keyboard impresses with its impeccable build quality and attractive feel.
Sustainability and Customization: A Future-Proof Design
CYKEY is forward-thinking not only in performance and aesthetics, but also in its durability and adaptability. The ability to easily swap hot-swappable switches and keycaps ensures that the keyboard can grow with the user’s needs and preferences. Included replacement parts and maintenance tools increase long-term value and reduce wear and tear concerns, making this keyboard a long-term investment for any typing and gaming enthusiast.
A strong package with room for improvement – our conclusion
Overall, the nerdytec CYKEY delivers a convincing performance as a mechanical gaming keyboard characterized by its attractive design, high performance and solid technology. In many respects it’s hardly inferior to top dog models like the Keychron, though it compromises slightly on keycap and software features. However, these minor weaknesses are more than compensated by an excellent price-performance ratio with CYKEY offering at a fraction of the price of high-end competing products.
CYKEY also scores points for its wide scope of customization and delivery, making it a strong choice in the mechanical keyboard category, especially for those who value personalization and design. While it still leaves room for improvement in some areas, at around 130 euros it’s a very attractive option for gamers and heavy typists looking for a reliable, stylish and customizable keyboard.
nerdytec hit the mark with their first mechanical keyboard in their range. We are thrilled and look forward to potential successors and/or other models from the new segment.
