CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard

(4.0 star rating) Written by: Justin Whitaker

Cooler Master offers a wide range of products from PSUs, cases and cooling equipment and they have continued to expand into the gaming hardware market with their CM Storm branded products. Today we’ll take a look at their latest gaming device – the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid mechanical gaming keyboard. It is their first keyboard release and it focuses on providing the absolute best tactile feel for gamers rather than the multitude of bells-and-whistles found in other gaming keyboards. At a retail price tag of $79, let’s see how it stacks up in the crowded market of aftermarket gaming peripherals.

Design

Taking a first look at the Quickfire Rapid, you will most likely notice two things – 1) the numeric keypad has been chopped off; 2) it uses a detachable USB cable. The lack of a 10-key numeric keypad gives it a compact look, as does the black and gray color scheme.

The QuickFire Rapid abstains from the glitzy LCD screens and multitude of macro control buttons that are typically found on other high-end keyboards (such as the recently reviewed Roccat Isku keyboard). The one element that spruces up the look of the QuickFire Rapid is the included red-colored up, down, left and right keys that are meant to replace the W, A, S and D keys. Using the included key cap puller, the key replacements are easily swapped in. Along with that, we've also got two "CM" buttons which can replace the standard Windows keys to the left and right of the ALT keys.

Size-wise the QuickFire is much more compact than a typical keyboard, although the 2.1 lb. weight is heavier than most other keyboards. Flipping the keyboard over, you can see that the USB cord can be routed in any direction you would like. The USB cord is braided and quite sturdy, which is a nice touch.

Another feature that is quite useful is the small red LED light built into the Caps Lock, F9 and Scroll Lock keys. Each has their own light that can be activated independently to indicate when the key is pressed. This is very handy as it eliminates the need for trial-and-error typing to find out whether you have the Caps Lock on --- a quick glance at the keyboard is all you need.

Quick Fire Rapid Box

Accessories

Features and Specifications

• Mechanical CHERRY MX switches
• Windows Keys disabled in GAME mode
• Extra key-caps bundled (with keypuller)
• Laser-marked keycaps
• Anti Ghosting
• NKRO in PS/2 mode
• 1000Hz/1ms response time in USB mode
• Multimedia shortcuts
• Rubber coated Keyboard surface
• Removable braided USB cable with cable routing
• Model: SGK-4000-GKCL1-US (Blue Switch)
• Dimension: 355(L)x135(W)x35(H) mm; 14(L)x5(W)x1(H) inch
• Weight: 940 g / 2.1 lbs
• Interface: USB / PS2
• Key Switch: CHERRY Blue
• Keycap Puller: Yes
• Extra Keys: 6 pcs
• N key Rollover: N key in PS/2 mode
• Polling Rate: 1000 Hz /1 ms
• USB Cable: Removable
• Warranty: 2 years

Overhead view

Back view

Performance Testing

Testing of the QuickFire Rapid was performed using the same process we have used for all other gaming peripherals – by do exactly what most buyers of the mouse will do and playing many hours worth of games. In my case, I went with the typical FPS games that I enjoy playing. I spent a few hours each playing Quake Live, Crysis and CS: Source. There are of course many, many other MMORPG and RTS games available but I have always gone back to FPS games for a true test of any gaming device.

Superb tactile feedback is what this keyboard advertises, and the mechanical Cherry MX keys deliver just that – precise, accurate key presses each and every time. Any FPS player knows that consistent, predictable key responses are absolutely essential to time your jumps and movement, and most importantly to time your shots – and this is where the QuickFire shines. Going into the testing I honestly was not convinced on the advantages of Cherry MX mechanical keys, but after a few hours of gaming with the Quickfire I am 100% convinced.

Extra keys

Lights on

From an ergonomics stanjdpoint, the QuickFire Rapid has both pluses and minuses. On the positive side, the rubber coated keys feel quite good on fingertips. The rubber coating, along with the hefty weight, keeps the keyboard firmly set wherever you place it on your desk. The compact size of the keyboard also makes it easy to reach nearly every key without having to move your wrist more than a couple of inches.

On the negative side, the mechanical keys require a bit more force to depress each key compared to softer, “mushier” ergonomic keyboards. While this was not an issue for me, it could be considered a drawback by some. Lastly, the mechanical keyboard is louder than most. This was again not an issue during my testing, and likely won’t be an issue for other gamers, as a decent set of isolating headphones makes it a moot point.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard

CM Storm has a solid release with their first gaming keyboard. Some may complain about its lack of a numeric keypad, but it really will not be missed by most users. As more and more people are using laptops, tablets and smartphones with small keyboards the numeric keypad is no longer a must have.

With its $79.99 MSRP it is relatively inexpensive and offers excellent tactile response along with sturdy construction. While it forgoes the multitude of features that other gaming keyboards offer, it shines when it comes to the most important aspect – performance while gaming. MMORPG and RTS players may want a keyboard with more macro recording / management features, but FPS gamers will be more than happy using this keyboard for fragging their opponents.

Pros: Excellent tactile feel for gaming and general usage; lights built into Caps Lock, F9 and Scroll Lock keys.

Cons: Not the most ergonomic friendly keyboard; no macro management features.

Rating: 4.0 out of 5

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