Cherry
Cherry KC 1000, Smartcard Keyboard (JK-A0100EU-2)
Bottom line: The Cherry KC 1000 ($34.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Integrated Class 2 PC/SC smartcard reader for secure login and authentication; main trade-off: wired USB only; no wireless connectivity option.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Integrated Class 2 PC/SC smartcard reader for secure login and authentication
- ✓ FIPS 201 and EMV 2000 Level 1 approved for government and finance use
- ✓ Hardware secure PIN entry for e-signatures, encryption, and access control
- ✓ Driver support across Windows, macOS X, and Linux; CCID compatible
Cons
- ✗ Wired USB only; no wireless connectivity option
- ✗ Smartcard terminal requires ISO 7816 cards and PKI setup to be useful
- ✗ Enterprise-focused; overkill for gaming or casual home typing
- ✗ Only four hotkeys (calculator, e-mail, browser, sleep); no media controls
Manufacturer description
The CHERRY KC 1000 SC is an exceptionally secure wired keyboard with an integrated Class 2 chip card reader. The new smart keyboard offers maximum security in the workplace, and the integrated smart card terminal meets the necessary requirements for electronic signatures, authentication, data encryption, and access authorization.The keyboard itself is equipped with useful features that promise an optimal user experience: 109 keys, including four hotkeys for "Calculator," "E-mail," "Browser," and "Sleep Mode." Thanks to CHERRY's high-quality standards, the keycaps are incredibly resistant to…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Cherry KC 1000 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. Cherry's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Key Features
- Wired security keyboard with integrated chip card terminal
- Secure PIN entry
- PC/SC smartcard reader
- Protocols: T=0, T=1, S=8, S=9, S=10
- FIPS 201 Approved
- EMV 2000 Level 1 approved
Full Specifications
| Brand | Cherry |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Style | smart card |
| Theme | Security |
| Language | German, German |
| Protocols | T=0, T=1, S=8, S=9, S=10 |
| Generation | 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen |
| Model Name | KC 1000 SC |
| Style Name | smart card |
| Unit Count | 1 count |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Model Number | JK-A0100EU-2 |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, Linux |
| Series Number | 100 |
| Built-In Media | Camera Body, Battery Pack |
| Item Type Name | Smartcard Keyboard |
| Number of Keys | 108 |
| Button Quantity | 109 |
| Connection Type | Wired |
Ready to buy?
Cherry KC 1000, Smartcard Keyboard (JK-A0100EU-2) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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