Mice & Keyboards by stefan @ 2013-04-03
The red Cherry MX switch CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid gaming keyboard from Cooler Master does not feature a numeric pad, extra macro keys, LEDs or a software application but it comes in a compact form, is built from high quality materials and can be carried with ease at LAN parties thanks to the removable USB cable.
At first I would like to thank Cooler Master for sending a sample of their CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard [Red Switches] for testing and reviewing.
"Owning the PC trenches for almost two decades, Cooler Master ’s veterans present their scars from battles past as claims of triumph over the competition. United with a new generation of eSports athletes and engineers, now marching under the flag of CM Storm, the time has come to reveal truly ground-breaking, military grade hardware for the gaming revolution.
Through long-standing research programs, CM Storm is co-developed with the world’s most prolific enthusiasts and eSports prodigies. Thanks to intensive testing and continuous feedback, the CM Storm division has been able to encompass and improve upon gamers’ needs and their tough to handle scenarios.
By working directly with the gaming community we have injected our Storm Tactics into each and every product we make. Storm Tactics, with a heavily dedicated focus on Strength, Security and Control, will keep your most vital gear fortified and well tuned at all times.
2008 marks a new era for Cooler Master, as its fierce Storm Gear stands ready at bay to mobilize and back up your gaming skills.
CM Storm – Arming the Gaming Revolution"
Mechanical CHERRY MX Red switches
Windows Keys disabled in GAME mode
Extra key-caps bundled (with keypuller)
Laser-marked keycaps
Anti Ghosting
NKRO in PS/2 mode
Multimedia shortcuts
Rubber coated Keyboard surface
Removable braided USB cable with cable routing
The compact CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid mechanical keyboard from Cooler Master is offered in a medium and quite slim cardboard enclosure, with a photo of the product on top along with the type of Cherry MX switch used (this time we are talking about Cherry MX Red):
On the bottom side of the box, we will see some of the product highlights, along with the list of features:
After opening up the top, we will see the keyboard wrapped in a protective foam bag, along with the documentation and the rest of the bundle:
With the keyboard we will also get some extra key caps, a key puller, the USB cable and an USB-to-PS/2 adapter:
The extra key caps are for replacement of the WSAD keys and also the WIN keys; the key puller helps us remove the caps faster, without damaging the surface or scratching the caps:
The replacement caps for WSAD are red and the letter functions can be found on the side, as on the Ninja keyboards:
Here is also a view of the included Cooler Master key caps:
In the small leaflet that we receive, we will get the list of package contents, but also instructions on how to remove the key caps for replacement:
Considering that the numeric pad is gone, we get a lot of extra free space on the table (tenkeyless design). The keyboard also comes with a rubber coated finish and the key caps are laser etched :
Unlike Filco tenkeyless, the CM Storm comes with LEDs at specific keys, for example Caps Lock, Scroll Lock:
The Windows keys do not come with the usual logo:
The function keys from F5 to F12 also come with multimedia controls:
The F9 key can be used for locking the “Win” keys and is provided with a led:
To remove one of the key caps, we must place the key puller as instructed:
This way, we will reveal the Cherry MX Red switch:
On the back side of the keyboard, we will find a color CM Storm logo:
The bottom side of the keyboard comes with a sticker and some channels for cable routing:
The keyboard comes with 4 rubber coated feet and two plastic foldable stands:
The USB port is used for plugging in the supplied cable; while the Quick Fire Rapid comes with cable routing channels, we feel that on the Trigger the cable was much easier to attach:
Both USB cable connectors are gold plated:
The CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid Mechanical gaming keyboard from Cooler Master is another high quality product, our sample sporting red Cherry MX switches and comes in a tenkeyless form, without the numeric pad. Because the product is more compact, we will be able to make room for more on the table, like a larger mouse pad. This compact feature also makes it good for carrying at LAN parties.
The Quick Fire Rapid also gets shipped with a key puller and some extra key caps for easy replacement; the removable USB cable feature that we have also found at the Storm Trigger is present and for routing we have multiple channels available on the back side of the keyboard.
The keyboard also comes with the function to disable the Windows keys (game mode) and some multimedia shortcuts. When the keyboard is connected on PS/2 with the supplied adapter, we will have the N-Key Rollover function active, so we can have multiple keys pressed at the same time.
Unlike the Storm Trigger, the Quick Fire Rapid does not ship with extra software so we won’t be able to define macros or other functions.
The version with red switches comes with a slightly modified color scheme compared to the regular which features a grey top cover.
CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid keyboard is available online for about 70 Euros, which we think that it is a good price for a high quality mechanical keyboard, which has the optional bells and whistles removed like individual LED lights, multiple macro keys or an extra USB 2.0 hub with microphone and headphone ports.
I would like to thank again to Cooler Master for making this review possible!