CHERRY Secure Board 1.0 - USB Keyboard – Smart Card Reader - Wired - GS Approval - QWERTY Security Keyboard – Black

This keyword been very useful. Of course it functions like a regular keyboard and it’s a cherry so you should know what to expect right off the bat. The really useful part though is in the smart card reader. I’ve been experimenting with using it and reading inventory tags, but definitely useful as a security keyboard for those that need or want it.

Cherry is a well-known brand among keyboard enthusiasts, particularly for their high-quality mechanical keyboard switches. This specific Cherry keyboard might not be ideal for competitive gamers due to its focus on security features. However, it offers a comfortable typing experience and a unique selling point: built-in encryption!The keyboard's "secure mode" encrypts your keystrokes, making it extremely difficult for spyware or keyloggers to steal your passwords and other sensitive information. This feature makes it perfect for security-conscious users who prioritize data protection on their Windows machines.It's important to note that while the keyboard works flawlessly on my Windows laptop, I wasn't able to find compatible software for my iMac. The keyboard does offer Linux support, but macOS compatibility seems to be lacking.

Full size keyboard, keys have a slight texture that I like. Key depth about 1/8 inch. Haven’t utilized the secure functions yet. Keyboard and flip outs have lrf, reduce slippage, sliding. Everything is snug and clean, no loose bits. Not much clatter if you shake it. Plenty of cord. This is a nicer keyboard than whas provide with the desktop machines.

The CHERRY Secure Board 1.0 is a fantastic solution for enhancing security in the workplace. I have to use a card reader for access and it's a better solution than putting my card in my computer because I sometimes forget and walk away. Then I get locked out of my building **sigh**. Embarrassing for sure.Hooking up the keyboard was straightforward, and I was impressed by its compatibility with PC/SC smart cards and CCID. The protocols support ISO 7816 and ISO 14443 A/B compliant cards, ensuring seamless operation.It also offers ergonomic design and responsive keys for comfortable typing during long work hours. Overall, the CHERRY Secure Board 1.0 is an excellent investment for anyone prioritizing data security in the office environment.

The one feature that most folks seem to fixate on is the card reader, and while the card reader is a nice security feature for logons and whatnot, it's not the most impressive (and hence, useful) feature this keyboard offers in terms of security.Secure mode is.In fact, if you're concerned about security, you could never ever put a card in this keyboard, and you would STILL enjoy enormous security benefits from it.There are a few bits of software you will need to install on your machine. The manual will point you to a German website, which you can eventually navigate to the English version, or you can just go here:https://www.cherryamericas.com/service/downloadsSearch for the CHERRY Secure Board 1.0 in the drop down (yes, it's actually in there!) and choose your operating system, and install the relevant software for your system. I'm glad to report that it supports not only windows in SECURE MODE, but also Mac's OS as well as 32 and 64 bit Linux systems, which I happen to use primarily. In fact, the majority of my computers at home use Linux, and I only have 1 Windows machine running at all. So I'm very happy (read: elated) to see Cherry not only putting out a secure keyboard, but also supporting SECURE OPERATING SYSTEMS to boot.So while I have a card programmer, and I could easily program myself a chip card to use in this keyboard, I doubt I'll ever need to do that in my home environment. But "Secure Mode"? Oh, that absolutely IS useful in a home environment, and provides me with a very, very good layer of additional security (on top of any other systems I have operating) by protecting me from any USB hacks / keyloggers, because the entirety of the keystroke is encrypted between the computer and keyboard, and only decrypted in software.And I'd like to apologize for anyone suggesting a "security keyboard" in "Bluetooth'. I had a good laugh at that one, but it saddened me at the same time. There is no such thing...in the ENTIRE UNIVERSE...as a "Bluetooth security keyboard", and I highly doubt there EVER WILL BE. Please...for the sake of your own security...don't go looking for one of those. Ever.Now...how does it work as a keyboard? Because I'm both a high WPM touch typist as well as a gamer, and to tell you the truth, it's not my favorite keyboard for gaming OR typing. Can you use it for gaming? Sure. Can you use it to type out your next novel? Sure. But the keystroke on this keyboard can best be described as..."Microsoft-like". Ever use a Microsoft keyboard? With the soft, non-mechanical limited throw keys they offer? It honestly types like a Microsoft keyboard. NOT like something you might use offering "Cherry RED switches".So while I gave this keyboard high marks for security (Secure Mode is just DREAMY), I gave it -1 star for having the overall feel of a Microsoft keyboard...which I don't like.So who needs it? Anyone that desires an added (and very beneficial) layer of security between their keyboard strokes and the outside world. Which could mean just about anyone. But you won't enjoy typing on it...or gaming on it...like you will some of their other offerings.What do I wish? That Cherry releases "Secure Board 2.0" but with their best mechanical switches in tow. I love what they did with security on this keyboard. I love that you even have options about how MUCH security. I love that they properly support a multitude of different operating systems. I just wish it had that classic clickety clackity mechanical keyboard feel that I love so much. Why can't it be secure...AND great to type on? Close, Cherry. Very close.4 stars.

If you know anything about quality keyboards you've no doubt heard of Cherry. They're best known for keyboard switches, which have burgeoned into a huge industry driven by high end gaming keyboards. This keyboard might not be your best option for gaming but it feels good to type on and includes a smart card reader. The star of the show is the keyboard's 'secure mode' which actually encrypts your keystrokes! This makes it exceptionally difficult for a keylogging device to intercept passwords or other sensitive data. I will say that if you're looking for a keyboard for pure typing speed there are likely better choices. Ditto if you're looking for a gaming keyboard. For a security-centric use case, however, this device can't be beat and it's sold at a downright impressive price point. Highly recommended!

This is a good quality wired keyboard on its own. The keys are responsive and well placed. It is nice that it has a few convenience functions like calculator and email that can be handy. Of course, the point of this particular keyboard is that it has a card reader. This is much more convenient that adding a separate card reader and takes less ports. Said card-reader seems to read my government ID with ease with no added drivers.