Cherry is best known for being the creators of much-coveted keyboard switches, the small switches that lie behind each key on your favorite input device. They are less known because they actually make their own peripherals, which is why Cherry KC 4500 Ergo it is particularly interesting.
This full size keyboard is, as you can see above, ergonomically designed for comfort. The keyboard measures 18.70 x 8.53 x 1.39 inches and has no backlight.
Chiclet-style keys have a similar layout to MacBook keys and are fairly quiet. The depth is satisfactory, but everything feels slightly threatened, which you would want if you wanted to reduce hand strain. While they are not my favorite style, they are certainly easy to handle and very quiet.
The key switches are rubber dome, which means they are not traditionally mechanical. This style is very similar to the switches on most laptop keyboards, which should make the transition from a MacBook quite smooth.
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Now for the bad news. The keyboard has no N key changes, which means you can only hold down a few keys at a time. On most mechanical keyboards, you can hold down the four rows at the top (for example, “qwer”) and then tap “ty” at once and get “qwerty.” In my tests, this keyboard supported up to four keys at a time, and not very well. Don’t expect to play any hardcore games or finger punches with a heavy typing and you’ll be fine.
While this model isn’t for everyone, it’s definitely worth a look compared to similar offerings like Microsoft’s $ 39 model and Logitech’s K350 wireless keyboard, which is priced at $ 59 more expensive.
The 4500 Ergo is definitely built for comfort. If you’ve been hitting a mechanical keyboard for a long time, this $ 45 keyboard is like giving your carpal tunnel a spa day. The built-in wrist support is soft and comfortable, the design is fantastic, and the switches, while not the workhorses we’re used to from Cherry, are better than most laptop keyboards. When you think of it as a way to take a break with standard keyboards, the 4500 Ergo is fine.