As the tech world descends upon CES 2026, CHERRY’s dedicated gaming arm, CHERRY XTRFY, has signaled a paradigm shift in the competitive peripheral market. The brand is officially entering the magnetic switch arena, but with a technological twist that sets it apart from the competition.
While most manufacturers have settled on Hall effect sensing for their magnetic boards, CHERRY XTRFY is introducing the industry’s first models powered by Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) technology.
The TMR Advantage: Precision and Efficiency
The shift to TMR represents a significant leap in sensor accuracy and power management. Unlike traditional Hall effect sensors, which can be susceptible to temperature fluctuations and higher power draw, TMR sensors offer surgical precision. This allows for an incredible 0.01 mm actuation accuracy, giving competitive gamers unparalleled control over their movement and ability timing.
Joakim Jansson, Director of Product Management at CHERRY, emphasized the leap forward: “The demand for magnetic switch keyboards keeps growing, but with TMR, we’re taking it further. The MX 8.2 Pro TMR delivers ultra-fast wireless performance and everything users expect from a magnetic keyboard, but with higher precision and more flexibility.”
MX 8.2 Pro TMR: The New Wireless Standard
The flagship of this new lineup is the MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless, scheduled for release on January 29th. This compact tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard is engineered specifically for the rigors of esports. It features a robust aluminum top frame and durable PBT keycaps, but the true innovation lies beneath the surface.
Thanks to the energy efficiency of TMR sensors, CHERRY XTRFY has solved the wireless compromise often found in high-performance boards. The MX 8.2 Pro TMR supports a blistering 8000 Hz wireless polling rate, meaning it reports inputs to the PC up to eight times per millisecond. Furthermore, the board introduces a dual hot-swap system, a rarity in the market that allows enthusiasts to mix and match both magnetic and mechanical switches on a single board.
Customization via MagCrate Software
To complement the new hardware, CHERRY is leaning heavily into its MagCrate software. This interface allows gamers to fine-tune the “Rapid Trigger” features now common in magnetic boards. Users can adjust actuation points and even assign multiple actions to a single key—for instance, a light tap to walk and a deep press to sprint—based entirely on the depth or duration of the press.
The K5 Pro TMR: A Compact Powerhouse
Expanding the lineup further, the K5 Pro TMR is slated for a spring 2026 release. Built on the beloved 65 percent layout of the K5 series, this model brings TMR precision to a smaller footprint. Like its larger sibling, it will jump from a standard 1000 Hz to an 8000 Hz polling rate, ensuring that even the most space-saving setups don’t sacrifice speed.
Pricing and Availability
The MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless will lead the charge on January 29th with an MSRP of $249.99. For those looking for the more streamlined K5 Pro TMR Compact, pricing will be revealed closer to its launch later this spring.
