Comparing Logitech MK235 and Cherry DW2300: How to Choose a Budget-Friendly Keyboard and Mouse for the Office

Choosing the Right Office Keyboard and Mouse: A Comparison of Logitech MK235 and Cherry DW2300

When it comes to office work, the keyboard and mouse are indispensable tools. Recently, my trusty Logitech MK235 set, which I had been using for almost 2 years, finally reached its end. Unfortunately, my company no longer provides peripheral equipment, but instead gives us subsidies to purchase our own. So, after much consideration, I decided to make a change and opted for the Cherry DW2300 retro white set.

What caught my attention is that both the Cherry DW2300 and the Logitech MK235 are chocolate keyboard and mouse combos, with a similar price point of around 99 yuan. However, I wanted to delve deeper and discuss the key factors to consider when choosing an office keyboard and mouse.

Let's start with the mouse. In terms of comfort, the Cherry DW2300 outperforms the Logitech MK235. Visually, you can tell that the Cherry DW2300 mouse is larger and more ergonomic. The protrusion of the Cherry DW2300 mouse is about 3/5 of the mouse, providing a fuller and more comfortable grip. Additionally, the Cherry DW2300 mouse weighs 66g without a battery, while the Logitech MK235 is lighter at 50g without a battery. Both mice operate on a single AA battery.

Moving on to sensors, the Logitech MK235 utilizes a 1000dpi sensor with an unknown brand, while the Cherry DW2300 incorporates a PixArt original phase sensor with 1200dpi.

An important feature of the Cherry DW2300 is its silent micro-movement, ensuring a noise-free office environment. This makes it perfect for office use. On the other hand, the Logitech MK235's traditional micro-movement provides a crisp and tactile feel, but it can be quite loud, causing a cacophony of sounds in a busy office.

When it comes to the middle button, the Cherry DW2300 has a non-slip rubber surface, making it easier to scroll quickly without slipping. The Logitech MK235, meanwhile, relies on concave and convex patterns for anti-slip functionality. The scroll wheel on the Cherry DW2300 has a tighter feel with a noticeable step, while the Logitech MK235 offers a smoother scrolling experience without any distinct steps. If you frequently use the middle button, the Cherry DW2300 is more easily pressed, while the Logitech MK235 requires a bit more effort.

Now, let's compare the keyboards. Although both are referred to as chocolate keyboards, the Cherry DW2300 is actually an island keyboard. This design, popularized by Apple keyboards, features independent and unconnected keys, resembling isolated islands. The benefits include a sleek and concise appearance with larger keys and reduced chances of typing errors. Furthermore, the double-layer closed design of the Cherry DW2300 keyboard makes it difficult for dust and water to enter.

Conversely, the Logitech MK235 is a traditional chocolate keyboard, where the keys are closely connected with thin grooves between them, resembling a large piece of chocolate. While this design allows for larger key surfaces, cleaning becomes challenging as the keycaps must be removed to remove dust.

I found that despite the increased keycap area on the Logitech MK235, the actual touchable area with fingertips remained the same as the Cherry DW2300. In terms of the key film design, the Logitech MK235 features a film covering the entire keyboard, resulting in less noise when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Cherry DW2300 opts for a pricier independent design, with no connections between the circular membranes under each button. This leads to a louder sound when keys hit the inner aluminum plate at the bottom. It's a shame that the Cherry DW2300 keyboard isn't as silent as its mouse counterpart.

Additionally, the layouts of the two keyboards differ significantly. The Cherry DW2300 has large "Enter," "Backspace," and "SHIFT" keys, while the Logitech MK235 replaces the "menu key" with an enlarged FN key. Personally, I dislike this change, as I prefer the traditional layout and found it inconvenient.

Moreover, the Cherry DW2300 keyboard features physical "PrtSc," "ScrLk," and "Pause" keys, whereas the Logitech MK235 requires key combinations to access those functions. As someone who frequently uses the "PrtSc" key for screenshots, this absence of physical buttons on the Logitech MK235 proved to be quite frustrating.

Another advantage of the Cherry DW2300 is its customizable key functions for the keyboard and mouse, allowing quick startup of software, webpages, files, folders, and various system functions. Additionally, it offers one-key text and macro functions. In contrast, the Logitech MK235 only permits customization of the middle mouse button through software.

In terms of durability, the Cherry DW2300 is equipped with more and larger rubber feet, providing better anti-slip and shock absorption. It's important to note that the Cherry DW2300 keyboard has a fixed 7.9° inclination and cannot be folded, while the Logitech MK235 features a traditional foot support design that raises the keyboard to approximately 9° when unfolded. The Cherry DW2300 keyboard operates on a single AAA battery, while the Logitech MK235 requires two AAA batteries.

When it comes to office use, my personal recommendation is to opt for a membrane keyboard due to the nature of office work and the potential for mishaps like spills. Membrane keyboards, like the Logitech MK235, offer natural waterproofing. However, the Cherry DW2300's island design also provides its own waterproofing, making it suitable for general splashes.

Regarding battery life, the Logitech MK235 boasts a 1-year battery life for the mouse and a remarkable 3-year battery life for the keyboard. In practice, I found myself replacing the mouse battery every 8 or 9 months and the keyboard battery every 1.5 to 2 years. Although the Cherry DW2300 lacks a specified battery life, I speculate it could potentially surpass the Logitech MK235's longevity. The nominal power consumption of the Logitech MK235 mouse/keyboard is 1.5V 30mA and 3V 20mA, respectively, while the Cherry DW2300 mouse and keyboard have a nominal power consumption of 1.5V 20mA and 1.5V 10mA. Due to its low power consumption, the Cherry DW2300 keyboard doesn't even feature an on/off button, so it's crucial to use high-quality batteries to avoid leakage.

Both the Cherry DW2300 keyboard and mouse feature low battery indicator lights, with the keyboard's light also serving as a caps lock indicator. In contrast, the Logitech MK235 does not have any lights on the keyboard.

Lastly, it's important to note that office keyboard and mouse sets are consumables and usually come with a one-year warranty, such as the Logitech MK235. However, the Cherry DW2300 exceptionally offers a two-year warranty.

In terms of appearance, the Cherry DW2300 retro white set is a clear winner. For around 100 yuan, it delivers an aesthetically pleasing design that complements my Mac mini. I personally adore this color scheme and find it well worth the investment. To my surprise, Cherry, known for its mechanical keyboards, has crafted an exceptional membrane product that excels in appearance, comfort, functionality, and after-sales service. I hope to see more cost-effective and high-value offerings from Cherry, following the footsteps of the DW2300.

In conclusion, when choosing an office keyboard and mouse set, it's essential to consider factors such as comfort, mouse ergonomics, sensor precision, noise levels, anti-slip features, keyboard design and layout, customization options, battery life, durability, and warranty. The Cherry DW2300 and Logitech MK235 serve as noteworthy contenders, each with their own strengths. By carefully weighing these factors against your personal preferences and requirements, you can make an informed decision that enhances your productivity and comfort in the office.