In the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community, Cerakey has gained attention as a brand that produces ceramic keycaps, offering a unique material and tactile experience. With the release of Cerakey V2, many people are wondering: what upgrades does V2 bring compared to V1? Is it worth buying the new version? In this article, we will compare Cerakey V1 and V2 in detail to help you make an informed decision.
1. Material & Durability
Cerakey V1: The first-generation ceramic keycaps were popular for their durability and distinct feel. However, some users reported that after prolonged use, the surface could chip or crack. While ceramic is a very strong material, its brittle nature posed some limitations in long-term use.
Cerakey V2: The V2 version addresses these concerns by refining the material and manufacturing process, resulting in improved durability. Compared to V1, V2 is more resistant to wear and less prone to chipping or damage, making it more reliable for daily use.
2. Design & Aesthetics
Cerakey V1: The design of V1 was relatively minimalist, with a smooth surface. While it had a certain texture, the available design and color options were limited, which didn’t fully meet the diverse needs of users.
Cerakey V2: V2 introduces more design innovation, offering a wider variety of colors and patterns for users to choose from. These options allow for better customization to match different keyboard setups. Additionally, the surface finish of V2 is more refined, offering a more premium look and feel compared to V1.
3. Sound & Feel
Cerakey V1: V1 keycaps provided a distinct "thock" sound (a deep keystroke sound), but some users felt that the sound was too soft, lacking the feedback they desired during typing. The texture of V1 also divided opinions—some enjoyed the cool, smooth feel of ceramic, while others found it too hard.
Cerakey V2: V2 enhances the sound and tactile experience. The acoustics have been improved, producing a crisper and more satisfying "thock" sound during typing, making the overall experience more enjoyable. Additionally, V2’s surface is smoother and softer to the touch, offering a more comfortable and pleasant typing feel.
4. Fitting & Compatibility
Cerakey V1: While V1 keycaps worked with most mechanical keyboards, some users reported that they were not secure on certain switches, leading to looseness or the keycaps falling off.
Cerakey V2: V2 has improved these issues, enhancing compatibility with different switch types and improving the fit on the stems. Compared to V1, the V2 keycaps sit more securely on the switches, making typing more stable and reliable.
5. Weight
Cerakey V1: Due to the nature of the ceramic material, V1 keycaps were relatively heavy compared to traditional plastic keycaps. Users with linear switches may have found the feel too heavy, and typing for extended periods could cause fatigue.
Cerakey V2: V2 is designed to be lighter, reducing the overall weight of the keycaps. This makes the typing experience more comfortable, especially for long sessions, significantly improving comfort compared to V1.
6. Price
Cerakey V1: As a premium product, V1 was priced quite high. Particularly during its initial release, limited supply drove prices even higher.
Cerakey V2: V2 continues to be positioned as a premium product, with prices generally in line with or slightly higher than V1. However, considering the notable improvements in various aspects, many users feel that the price increase is justified, offering better value for money.
| Feature | Cerakey V1 | Cerakey V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Material & Durability | Strong but brittle, prone to chipping | Improved durability, less prone to damage |
| Design & Aesthetics | Minimalist, limited color options | More design options, refined surface |
| Sound & Feel | Soft 'thock' sound, hard texture | Crisper 'thock' sound, smoother feel |
| Fitting & Compatibility | Some issues with switch compatibility | Better switch compatibility, secure fit |
| Weight | Relatively heavy | Lighter, more comfortable for long use |
| Price | High price, limited supply | Similar or slightly higher price, better value |
Is Cerakey V2 Worth the Upgrade?
If you already own Cerakey V1 and are satisfied with its performance, whether to upgrade to V2 depends on your need for the improvements. If you are looking for better aesthetics, enhanced typing feel, or improved durability, or if V1 had any issues that bothered you, then Cerakey V2 is indeed a worthwhile upgrade. For first-time buyers, V2 is undoubtedly the superior choice, offering upgrades and optimizations across the board for a more refined user experience.
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