Cherry KW 300 MX Mechanical Keyboard User Manual

Introduction

The Cherry KW 300 MX is a compact mechanical keyboard designed for versatile use. It features sound-proofed housing for quiet operation, dimmable white backlighting, and original German-made CHERRY MX2A switches. This keyboard offers multi-connection options via Bluetooth or USB-C and includes a hot-swap base for easy switch replacement. It also supports both Windows and Mac layouts with additional keycaps provided for Mac users.

Key Features:

• CHERRY MX2A Switches: Equipped with original CHERRY MX2A switches for smooth typing, improved acoustics, and a long lifespan.
• Sound-Proofed Housing: Multiple layers of foam dampen internal noise, resulting in quiet operation.
• Hot-Swap Sockets: Allows for easy replacement of individual switches without soldering.
• Multi-Connection: Connects via Bluetooth or USB-C cable.
• Rechargeable Battery: Integrated lithium-ion battery provides weeks of use on a single charge.
• Mac Compatibility: Includes additional keycaps for easy conversion to a Mac layout.
• Integrated Control Dial: A multi-function dial for controlling various settings.

Figure 1: Top-down view of the Cherry KW 300 MX Mechanical Keyboard.

Setup

1. Initial Power On

To power on the keyboard, press and hold the integrated control dial located on the top right of the keyboard. This applies to both wired and wireless modes.

2. Charging the Battery

The keyboard features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Connect the keyboard to a power source using the provided USB-C to USB-A cable. The battery status indicator will show charging progress. A full charge can last several weeks, depending on backlight usage.

Figure 2: USB-C port for charging and wired connection.

3. Connecting the Keyboard

The Cherry KW 300 MX supports multiple connection methods:

• Wired Connection: Connect the keyboard directly to your computer using the supplied USB-C to USB-A cable.
• Bluetooth Connection: The keyboard supports up to 4 Bluetooth devices.
  1. Ensure the keyboard is powered on.
  2. Press and hold the Bluetooth channel key (e.g., Fn + 1, 2, 3, or 4) until the indicator light flashes, indicating pairing mode.
  3. On your device (PC, Mac, tablet), navigate to Bluetooth settings and select "Cherry KW 300 MX" from the list of available devices.
  4. Once paired, the indicator light will become solid.

Figure 3: Flexible multi-device function with 4 channels for up to 4 devices.

4. Mac Layout Conversion

For Mac users, the keyboard includes additional keycaps to convert from a Windows layout to a Mac layout. Use the provided keycap puller to carefully remove the relevant keycaps (e.g., Alt, Win, Ctrl) and replace them with the Mac-specific keycaps (e.g., Option, Command).

Figure 4: Keyboard showing Mac layout keycaps.

Operating Instructions

1. Control Dial Functions

The multi-function control dial on the top right of the keyboard serves several purposes:

• Power On/Off: Press and hold the dial to turn the keyboard on or off.
• Volume Control: Rotate the dial to adjust the system volume.
• Backlight Brightness: Press the dial to cycle through backlight brightness levels. Rotate to adjust.

2. Backlighting

The keyboard features dimmable white backlighting. Adjust brightness using the control dial. Note that for keys with dual functions (e.g., numbers and symbols), only the primary function may be backlit.

3. Function Keys (Fn Combinations)

Utilize the Fn key in combination with other keys for additional functions:

• Fn + F1-F12: Access multimedia controls and system functions (e.g., volume, media playback, screen brightness).
• Fn + 1, 2, 3, 4: Switch between paired Bluetooth devices.
• Refer to the keyboard's keycap legends for specific Fn key combinations.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

To clean the keyboard, disconnect it from your computer. Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or a mild cleaning solution. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the keyboard. For cleaning between keycaps, use compressed air or a small brush.

2. Replacing Switches (Hot-Swap Feature)

The Cherry KW 300 MX features hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to replace individual switches without soldering. This enables customization of your typing experience.

1. Ensure the keyboard is powered off and disconnected.
2. Use the provided switch puller tool to carefully grip the switch you wish to remove.
3. Gently pull the switch straight up until it detaches from the socket.
4. Align the pins of the new MX-compatible switch with the holes in the socket.
5. Press the new switch firmly into place until it clicks. Ensure it is seated correctly and not bent.

Figure 5: Demonstrating the hot-swap feature for replacing individual switches.

Figure 6: Overview of CHERRY MX2A switches, including Brown switches used in this model.

3. Battery Care

To prolong battery life, avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. Recharge the keyboard when the battery indicator suggests low power. If storing the keyboard for an extended period, ensure it has a partial charge (around 50%) and store it in a cool, dry place.

Troubleshooting

• Keyboard Not Responding:
  • Ensure the keyboard is powered on by pressing and holding the control dial.
  • Check battery level and charge if necessary.
  • For wired connection, ensure the USB-C cable is securely connected to both the keyboard and the computer. Try a different USB port.
  • For Bluetooth connection, ensure the keyboard is paired to the correct channel (Fn + 1/2/3/4) and that Bluetooth is enabled on your device. Try re-pairing the device.
• Keys Not Registering:
  • Check if the specific key switch is properly seated. If it feels loose, gently press it down.
  • If a switch is faulty, consider replacing it using the hot-swap feature as described in the Maintenance section.
  • Clean around the affected keycap to ensure no debris is obstructing the switch.
• Backlight Not Working or Dim:
  • Check the battery level; low battery can affect backlight performance.
  • Adjust the backlight brightness using the control dial.
• Bluetooth Disconnection Issues:
  • Ensure the keyboard is within range of your device.
  • Check for interference from other wireless devices.
  • Try unpairing and re-pairing the keyboard with your device.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Cherry website or contact Cherry customer service. Details regarding product registration and warranty claims can typically be found on the manufacturer's support pages.

Manufacturer: Cherry

For further assistance, visit the Cherry Brand Store on Amazon.