CM Storm QuickFire TK is a No Compromise Compact Mechanical Keyboard

 Conclusion

A quality keyboard makes a significant improvement in productivity and enjoyment for any user.   We noticed that using our new CM Storm QuickFire TK keyboard made a significant difference to this editor’s ability to Gunzerk at Level 52 in Borderlands 2.   In True Vault Hunter’s mode on the second playthrough, it was impossible to beat Handsome Jack and the Warrior using the Logitech keyboard, but it proved quite simple using the QuickFire TK!!  There is that much of a difference with accuracy!  Being able to keep your fingers on the right keys in the most intense firefights (and to be able to quickly see where they must be placed if one has to look, especially with the original 3D Vision), coupled with having a near-instantaneous response to your key presses, often means the difference between life and death in a game.

The warnings we would like to make especially about mechanical keyboards, are to (1) match the keyboard to the use and (2) to the user; and to determine the (3) amount of resistance you want from the keys, and (4) what kind of tactile feedback will suits you best; and (5) what amount of noise is tolerable.  A roommate may well object to the click-clack of the Blue keys and perhaps the Browns or even the Reds would be a better choice for a gamer in these circumstances.

The CM Sports QuickFire TK compact gaming keyboard is an excellent value for a compact keyboard that can be easily taken to LAN parties. It is ideal for a gamer who wants a compact keyboard so as to have as much room for his mouse as possible, and the TX is also a good choice for a typist. You will make less errors and have less fatigue than from using ordinary keyboards.  The Blues are awesome for typists.

Get Used to it

This is important if you are new to mechanical keyboards. It may take a few days – or longer – to get used to a mechanical key keyboard if you are used to a standard rubber dome variety.  Most gamers will never go back as they game or type with more accuracy and less fatigue on a great tactically responsive keyboard that will retain the same high quality for years of dependable service.

Arrow key-only gamers who are used to playing on a full-sized keyboard may have difficulty transitioning back and forth to the QuickFire TK.  On the other hand, the majority of WASD gamers should have no such issues.

Pros:

• Cherry Blue MX switches are a great choice for a gamer. They are fast and provide superb tactile feedback.
• Compact size is one of the important features of this board, it takes up less space but loses nothing compared to a full size keyboard and it even has a numpad.  The main part of the keyboard for typists is standard.
• The QuickFire TK compact keyboard is heavy, *solid* and built to last.  The color-coordinated metal backplate adds stiffness and good aesthetics.  QuickFire TK is a handsome and good looking black keyboard that will go with just about any PC.
• The keyboard lights up every key – or just some chosen keys – with blue LEDs with 5 levels of adjustable brightness – the highest level is perfect for the first (darker) version of 3D Vision or in the brightest daylight.
•  Multiple adjustable function and media keys.  The Windows key can be deactivated for gamers just as with the Num Pad.
• The tilt-up is good and the rubber feet keep the keyboard from moving even during heavy gaming.
• The 6-foot USB braided cable is heavy and very durable with gold-plated connectors, and the QuickFire TK is made with excellent cable management in mind.
• This is as good a keyboard for a gamer as it is for a typist; the tactile feel of the Blue switches will delight a typist yet will work well for most gamers that do not need to regularly spam the same key repeatedly.

Cons

• There are no programmable keys for macros and no USB connectors for additional peripherials.
• Cherry Blue MX Switches are the loudest of the Cherry switches and they are not as suitable for fighting games which require spamming the same key over-and-over; in either case, choose the QuickFire TK Brown or even the Red MX Switches.

We give the CM Sports QuickFire TK Compact Gaming Keyboard our highest recommendation and our ABT Editor’s Choice Award. It is a superior well-built and above average mechanical keyboard at an average entry level price.  It has become our favorite keyboard and we will be using it for many years to come.  Highly recommended!

 Happy Gaming!

Please join us in our Forums

Become a Fan on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

For the latest updates from ABT, please join our RSS News Feed

Join our Distributed Computing teams

• Folding@Home – Team AlienBabelTech – 164304
• SETI@Home – Team AlienBabelTech – 138705
• World Community Grid – Team AlienBabelTech