{"id":32411,"date":"2012-11-19T07:58:58","date_gmt":"2012-11-19T07:58:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=32411"},"modified":"2012-11-20T04:58:35","modified_gmt":"2012-11-20T04:58:35","slug":"cooler-masters-compact-mechanical-kb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/cooler-masters-compact-mechanical-kb\/","title":{"rendered":"CM Storm QuickFire TK is a No Compromise Compact Mechanical Keyboard"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n<span id=\"__mce\"><\/span><span id=\"__caret\">_<\/span>\/\/ <![CDATA[                               google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n                                                                   google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n\n\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">CM Storm announced a new LED-backlit compact keyboard on November 16, that uses Cherry MX switches &#8211; the QuickFire TK.\u00a0 ABT received a QuickFire TK keyboard from Cooler Master with Cherry Blue MX switches and we have been using it for\u00a0three weeks in gaming as well as for\u00a0a day-to-day keyboard for typing.\u00a0\u00a0 Evaluating a keyboard is subjective and much will be said about the &#8220;feel&#8221; of the keyboard.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32445\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32445\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32445\" title=\"QUICKFIRE\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/QUICKFIRE.jpg?resize=400%2C131\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/QUICKFIRE.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/QUICKFIRE-300x98.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-32445\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">CM Storm QuickFire TK<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">CM Storm makes an incredibly bold statement\u00a0when introducing the\u00a0QuickFire TK on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cmstorm.com\/en\/products\/keyboards\/quickfiretk\/\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.cmstorm.com\/en\/products\/keyboards\/quickfiretk\/', 'its homepage']);\" >its homepage<\/a>:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>You&#8217;re a gamer. You know that a mechanical keyboard means the difference between winning and losing. The original QuickFire Rapid gaming keyboard was embraced by gamers worldwide because it made the difference. Now the QuickFire TK takes the QuickFire Rapid and put it on steroids! Choose between 3 different Cherry MX switches. Each keycap is UV coated to make it durable. There&#8217;s full LED backlighting with 3 modes and 5 brightness levels. NKRO over USB means every single keystroke will be registered. An embedded steel plate give you maximum stability and durability. 7 easy-access multimedia shortcut keys save time. A complete numpad lets you get work done while not gaming. The slim and lightweight size gives you plenty of room for your mouse. Great for LAN parties.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>We are gamers.\u00a0 And we are going to explore whether a keyboard can make the difference between winning and losing.\u00a0 We will attest to the quality of the lettering, the usefulness of the backlighting, the compact size yet solid feel and weight\u00a0to see if this\u00a0is the\u00a0weapon\u00a0of choice for LAN parties.\u00a0 It is certainly heavy enough to be a literal defensive\u00a0weapon at 1.2 pounds and its metal backplate gives it a very solid feel.<a href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32565\" title=\"CM-KB-1\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-1.jpg?resize=480%2C227\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-1-300x142.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Many PC users think of their keyboards as cheap and disposable or don&#8217;t think of them at all unless there are issues. \u00a0Gamers demand much more from their keyboards than casual users and are willing to pay well over a hundred dollars for high quality. The QuickFire TK Keyboard\u00a0has\u00a0just been introduced\u00a0at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/CM-Storm-QuickFire-Mechanical-SGK-4020-GKCL1-US\/dp\/B00A378L4C\/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1353342096&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=QuickFire+TK\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/CM-Storm-QuickFire-Mechanical-SGK-4020-GKCL1-US\/dp\/B00A378L4C\/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1353342096&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=QuickFire+TK', 'Amazon.com for $99.99 with free shipping']);\" >Amazon.com for $99.99 with free shipping<\/a>. Naturally we want to determine if it is a good value.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">CM Storm brings us a new\u00a0mechanical keyboard with a choice of\u00a0three distinct\u00a0Cherry MX switches &#8211; brown, blue and red\u00a0&#8211; for gamers and also for typists. We feel that we can give the reader a thorough evaluation as we have put it to good use in daily tasks, including playing <em>Borderlands<\/em><em> 2<\/em> &#8211; and typing &#8211; for more than three weeks.<\/p>\n<p>First of all, the QuickFire TK keyboard that we are reviewing is a compact keyboard. <em>Really<\/em> <strong><em>compact<\/em><\/strong>. This keyboard is the same size as the keyboard in this editor&#8217;s <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=26539\">15&#8243; Compaq notebook<\/a>, and the keys have nearly the same layout\u00a0which made\u00a0transitioning easier that it did with our Thermaltake MEKA compact keyboard (top keyboard, below).\u00a0\u00a0The QuickFire TK&#8217;s numpad\u00a0and placement of the arrow keys may trouble some gamers but we had no issues whatsoever as we are primarily a WASD gamer.<a href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CMvTt.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32566\" title=\"CMvTt\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CMvTt.jpg?resize=480%2C322\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CMvTt.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CMvTt-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Why a Mechanical Keyboard?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The best keyboards feature mechanical key switches and usually are constructed of high-quality materials. Thus they are more reliable and will last longer. Best of all, once you are used to one, a mechanical key switch keyboard will probably make you a better typist &#8211; or gamer. You will be able to get things done faster and with less fatigue.\u00a0 Mechanical switches are also fast &#8211; there is almost no lag time from when a key is pressed to action on the screen.<\/p>\n<p>Most keyboards that are mass produced are rubber dome or membrane keyboards. Their main feature is that they are inexpensive and that they get the job done. Not that long ago we needed a USB keyboard in a hurry and paid $11 for a Logitech K-120 at a brick and mortar WalMart. It looks nice and it works for basic PC functions. But it is a world apart from the QuickFire TK keyboard for typing or for gaming.<\/p>\n<p>These cheap keyboards usually don&#8217;t provide users with any tactile feedback. The keys themselves feel mushy when they are brand new and they get worse as the rubber underneath them degrades over time. And with a lot of cheap keyboards including notebooks, the keys may not all actuate at the same point and they will often stick when dust gets trapped inside. Cheap keyboards also tend to flex and move around, especially when used for gaming. Not so with a quality mechanical keyboard.<\/p>\n<p>The main advantage the mechanical key switch offers to the user is tactile feedback. Other than by a letter appearing on screen or an action taking place\u00a0as with a cheap keyboard, you will know by touch that a key has been pressed on a mechanical switch.<\/p>\n<p>In the case of the QuickFire TK, the Cherry Blue MX switches are built to much stricter tolerances than rubber domes and all key presses are consistent across all of the keys on the board. In the case of the QuickFire TK, it is about 3 time heavier and much more rigid than the $11 Logitech keyboard. There is no comparison between the two products in terms of quality &#8211; just contrast.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Cherry Blue MX Switch<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We made our typing transition easily from our notebook and we now make fewer typing errors on the QuickFire TK than we did before due to the nature of the mechanical keyboard&#8217;s keys.\u00a0 It is also easy to switch back and forth between keyboards because of the similar key layout.\u00a0 \u00a0The keys on the QuickFire TK are less prone to being accidentally pressed as there is some resistance and each key&#8217;s surface is concave and it\u00a0cradles the fingertips.\u00a0 The key caps are ABS plastic which is\u00a0grip coated and they are removable.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In addition, the surface the fingers contact is a bit smaller and slightly more isolated from the other keys than most notebook keyboards. This is a superb feature for typists although some might like even less resistance from the keys than the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cherrycorp.com\/english\/switches\/key\/mx.htm\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.cherrycorp.com\/english\/switches\/key\/mx.htm', 'Cherry Blue MX switches']);\" >Cherry Blue MX switches<\/a> provide and CM storm offers three choices of Cherry MX switches &#8211; Blue (as reviewed) with a blue blackplate and backlighting; Red switches with a red backplate and backlighting and Brown switches with a brown backplate but with white backlighting.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The QuickFire TK as with most\u00a0mechanical keyboards are moderately to loudly\u00a0noisy with distinct clicks as you type or frag. If you or your roommates love total silence, bypass any regular mechanical keyboard that uses loud mechanical switches. The QuickFire TK uses Cherry Blue MX switches which are well-recognized in the industry as having some of the best characteristics for typists as well as for many gamers. However, the Cherry Blue MX switch\u00a0also has the reputation\u00a0of being\u00a0relatively\u00a0loud compared to\u00a0other Cherry MX\u00a0switches and CM Storm offers the gamer a choice of Blue, Brown or Red Cherry MX switches as shown below.\u00a0 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" style=\"border: 0px currentColor;\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coolermaster-usa.com\/press_release\/quickfiretk\/7.png?resize=495%2C198\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Tactile Feel of the Cherry Blue MX Switch<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Blue MX\u00a0switch feel\u00a0will probably please the typist and many gamers as it did this editor. When\u00a0a\u00a0key is pressed, it\u00a0moves a\u00a0plunger inside the switch\u00a0to push down on the center piece\u00a0which\u00a0moves past the switch\u00a0to activate it.\u00a0 After the key is released and the plunger is raised back up\u00a0by the spring, the center piece is pulled back up and the switch deactivates.<\/p>\n<p>This disconnect between the plunger and the center piece that activates the switch gives the Blue its distinct click.\u00a0A typist will move on to the next key after a successful click response, but\u00a0a gamer\u00a0cannot ride the activation point when a single button needs to be\u00a0spammed over and over as some fighting games require, for example.\u00a0 This switch has a peak force of 60g\u00a0yet it\u00a0is 50g at the point of actuation due to the design of the\u00a0Blue MX switch.\u00a0 If you regularly need to spam a key over-and-over, look to the QuickFire TK keyboard which uses the Cherry MX Brown switches instead of the Blue.<\/p>\n<p>Let head over to the unboxing and take a closer look at the QuickFire TK.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:Introduction--><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Unboxing &#038; Closer Look--><br \/>\n<strong>Unboxing &amp; Closer Look<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We see the outside of the box which also describes the QuickFire TK Keyboard&#8217;s features.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/TheBox-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32563\" title=\"TheBox-3\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/TheBox-3.jpg?resize=560%2C149\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/TheBox-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/TheBox-3-300x79.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>On the box we see advertised,\u00a01000Hz polling rate, 1 ms, 50,000,000 keystrokes and a two year warranty featured.\u00a0\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32561\" title=\"Box-1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Box-1.jpg?resize=480%2C321\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Box-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Box-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The other side of the box is written in\u00a09 languages.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32562\" title=\"Box-obv\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Box-obv.jpg?resize=480%2C338\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Box-obv.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Box-obv-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>ABT did not get a retail box so the\u00a0above 3 images are courtesy of Cooler Master. Ours was received in a white OEM box since we got our evaluation sample two weeks ahead of the launch.\u00a0 Let&#8217;s get the contents out of the box.<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/oembox.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-32573\" title=\"oembox\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/oembox.jpg?resize=300%2C258\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/oembox-300x258.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/oembox.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Although we did not, you will\u00a0get a\u00a0user guide or you can download it <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cmstorm.com\/en\/support\/downloads\/117\/\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.cmstorm.com\/en\/support\/downloads\/117\/', 'here']);\" >here<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0The braided USB cable is quite stiff with a\u00a0nice touch\u00a0being the gold-plated USB connections.\u00a0\u00a0A key-puller is\u00a0included.\u00a0 You can see the blue backplate which adds a nice aesthetic touch and complements the blue\u00a0LED key backlighting.\u00a0 Of course, the Red MX switch keyboard has a red backplate and red backlighting\u00a0while the brown MX switch keyboard has a brown backplate but comes with white backlighting.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-32568 aligncenter\" title=\"KB-contents\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-contents.jpg?resize=480%2C245\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-contents.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-contents-300x153.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All of the\u00a0keys\u00a0can light up although there are three modes so that only the gaming keys are highlighted in\u00a0one of them &#8211; the WASD and arrow keys &#8211;\u00a0and the brightness has 5 levels of adjustment.\u00a0 Here is the brightness on the lowest mode in a dark room.<a href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-lower-lit.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-32576 aligncenter\" title=\"KB-lower-lit\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-lower-lit.jpg?resize=480%2C147\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-lower-lit.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-lower-lit-300x91.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Now note the brightness set to high\u00a0in the same conditions.\u00a0 It&#8217;s nearly blinding!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-fully-lit.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-32575 aligncenter\" title=\"KB-fully-lit\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-fully-lit.jpg?resize=480%2C151\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-fully-lit.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-fully-lit-300x94.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Even in a very bright room,\u00a0on the brightest mode the keys\u00a0are still\u00a0quite noticeable\u00a0and in a dark room they stand out\u00a0way too much &#8211; unless you are playing with the original 3D Vision &#8211; then you will really appreciate the extreme brightness setting.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of lighting the entire keyboard, the QuickFire TK can light up only\u00a0the WASD and\/or arrow keys which is very useful at times.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-partiallit.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32577\" title=\"KB-partiallit\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-partiallit.jpg?resize=480%2C174\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-partiallit.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-partiallit-300x108.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>By pressing the function key, the cursors\u00a0can show at a glance what mode you are in &#8211; gaming or typing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-partial-function-key.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32578\" title=\"KB-partial-function-key\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-partial-function-key.jpg?resize=480%2C166\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-partial-function-key.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/KB-partial-function-key-300x103.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>And of course, the Windows key\u00a0should be disabled for a gaming session to avoid accidental presses taking you out of the game.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-32574 aligncenter\" title=\"CM-KB-2\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-2.jpg?resize=480%2C172\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-2-300x107.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The key spacing is excellent and they are not jammed right\u00a0next to each other as on many compact keyboards. You have a full-size typing keyboard including a switchable Numpad\u00a0which makes\u00a0the QuickFire TK compact keyboard quite decent for typing.\u00a0 It was very easy to switch back and forth between the QuickFireTK and other standard keyboards for typing and for\u00a0gaming.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32569\" title=\"CM-KB-obv\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-obv.jpg?resize=480%2C195\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-obv.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-obv-300x121.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Turning the QuickFire TK compact keyboard over,\u00a0one can see that it is quite thick and very solidly built. The top rubber feet lie flat but can be extended,\u00a0and the channels will give you a choice of where the braided USB\u00a0cable will go.\u00a0 There are no USB ports built into the keyboard, a feature we miss.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" style=\"border: 0px currentColor;\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/coolermaster-usa.com\/press_release\/quickfiretk\/5.jpg?resize=200%2C150\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The rubber feet\u00a0can also be\u00a0extended, raising the back of the keyboard a bit and giving a very solid and secure non-slip surface to game on.\u00a0 The bottom of the keyboard has rubber grips which secure it to the desk even in the heaviest gaming situations. Typists need not worry at all.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/feet.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32570\" title=\"feet\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/feet.jpg?resize=384%2C266\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/feet.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/feet-300x207.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The QuickFire TK Keyboard is a rugged and solid keyboard with great aesthetic appeal for many\u00a0gamers.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" style=\"border: 0px currentColor;\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/coolermaster-usa.com\/press_release\/quickfiretk\/4.jpg?resize=200%2C150\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On the next page are some of CM Storm&#8217;s\u00a0QuickFire TK\u00a0product features which we will examine one-by-one followed by our conclusion.<br \/>\n<!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Some Product Features and Advanced Functions--><\/p>\n<div>\n<h3>More Product Features &amp; Advanced Functions<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Up to 1000Hz\/1ms polling rate\u00a0is much\u00a0quicker than regular gaming keyboard &#8211; there is no lag<\/li>\n<li>Cherry Blue Mechanical Switch Enables an excellent gaming\u00a0experience with life expectancy for up to 50 million keystrokes<\/li>\n<li>NKRO or #KRO is available via USB.\u00a0 Or you can use 6KRO.<\/li>\n<li>Gold-plated USB connectors provide reliable data for signal transmission and long life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Advanced Functions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Just like on a Laptop, pressing the Function (FN) key at the same time as any of the F1-F12 keys enables a secondary function for this key. By holding the FN key depressed for 3 seconds you can lock the FN key\u00a0so it\u00a0always on. Pressing the FN key for 3 seconds again restores the F1-F12 keys to their default functions.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Function (next to right control) + F1 toggles the lights on and off<\/li>\n<li>Function + F2\/3 adjust the brightness<\/li>\n<li>Function + F4 toggles the mode (All keys, WASD only, Cycling)<\/li>\n<li>Function + F12 disables the windows key<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" style=\"border: 0px currentColor;\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coolermaster-usa.com\/press_release\/quickfiretk\/6.png?resize=440%2C232\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Media Keys<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In FN-Lock mode F5-F11 act as media keys and let you control your media player as well as your speaker\/headset volume.\u00a0 All of this information can be found on the <a href=\"http:\/\/cmstorm.com\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/cmstorm.com', 'cmstorm.com']);\" target=\"_blank\">cmstorm.com<\/a> product page.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Checking the product features<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s look at the product features. First,\u00a0 1000Hz\/1ms polling rate\u00a0is much\u00a0quicker than a regular gaming keyboard.\u00a0\u00a0However, this\u00a0is more hype than a special feature considering that the Cherry Blue MX switches have a debouncing speed of 5ms. That means that anything over 200MHz is pretty meaningless. It&#8217;s fast enough for a superhuman gamer or typist is what we need to take away from this. Polling speeds have meaning for the mouse\u00a0but not so much for the keyboard.<\/p>\n<p>What do 50 million key presses really mean?\u00a0 Well, if you were to press a single key every second for the next 550 days, you would have made about 50 million key presses.\u00a0 The Cherry MX keys are pretty durable and will last even the extreme gamer for years.<\/p>\n<p>We have seen how the Cherry Blue MX mechanical switch is an excellent choice &#8211; although some gamers prefer the Red, the Black,\u00a0or the Brown. The main thing we need to realize is that you will probably never wear out your keyboard switches &#8211; unlike the cheaper dome switches of the standard keyboards.<\/p>\n<p>Key Blocking is experienced when you reach your maximum key roll over. When two keys are pressed and the third key is blocked as it is on this editor&#8217;s Compaq notebook, that is Key Blocking in action, and the keyboard is 2KRO.\u00a0 In the case of the\u00a0QuickFire TK\u00a0compact keyboard, it is dual-rated.\u00a0 In normal mode, if you press all the keys at once, the first six will register meaning that it is 6KRO.\u00a0 Using the Function key you can switch to NKRO\u00a0or\u00a0#KRO &#8211; meaning that all of the keys will register if pressed at once &#8211; which can be exceptional for gamers.\u00a0 From the User&#8217;s Guide:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/functions.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32585 aligncenter\" title=\"functions\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/functions.jpg?resize=480%2C405\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/functions.jpg 480w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/functions-300x253.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The gold plating is a nice touch ensuring good contact with the USB connectors and longevity for something that will soon become one of a gamers most prized possessions &#8211; for years. And of course, CM Sports backs it with a 2-year warranty.\u00a0 Let&#8217;s head for our conclusion.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Conclusion--><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A quality keyboard makes a significant improvement in productivity and enjoyment for any user.\u00a0\u00a0 We noticed that using our new CM Storm QuickFire TK keyboard made a significant difference to this editor&#8217;s ability to Gunzerk at Level 52\u00a0in <em>Borderlands 2.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Borderlands2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-32592\" title=\"Borderlands2\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Borderlands2.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Borderlands2-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Borderlands2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Borderlands2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>In True Vault Hunter&#8217;s mode on the second playthrough,\u00a0it was impossible to beat Handsome Jack and the Warrior using the Logitech keyboard, but it proved quite simple using the QuickFire TK!!\u00a0 There is that much of a difference with accuracy!\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-32593\" title=\"CM-KB-3\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-3.jpg?resize=480%2C175\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-3-300x109.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The warnings we would like to make\u00a0especially about mechanical keyboards,\u00a0are to (1)\u00a0match 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.\u00a0 A roommate may well object to the click-clack of the Blue keys and perhaps the Browns or even the Reds\u00a0would be a better choice for a gamer\u00a0in these circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0CM Sports\u00a0QuickFire 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\u00a0the TX\u00a0is also a good choice for a typist. You will make less errors and have less fatigue than from using ordinary keyboards.\u00a0 The Blues are awesome for typists.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Get Used to it<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is important if you are new to mechanical keyboards. It may take a\u00a0few days &#8211; or longer &#8211;\u00a0to get used to a mechanical key keyboard if you are used to a standard rubber dome variety.\u00a0 Most gamers\u00a0will never go back as they\u00a0game 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.<\/p>\n<p>Arrow key-only\u00a0gamers who\u00a0are used to playing on a full-sized keyboard may have difficulty\u00a0transitioning back and forth\u00a0to the QuickFire TK.\u00a0 On the other hand, the majority of\u00a0WASD gamers should have no such issues.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cherry Blue MX switches are a great choice for a gamer. They are fast and provide superb\u00a0tactile feedback.<\/li>\n<li>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.\u00a0 The main part of the keyboard for typists is standard.<\/li>\n<li>The QuickFire TK compact keyboard is heavy, *solid* and built to last.\u00a0 The color-coordinated metal backplate adds stiffness and good aesthetics.\u00a0 QuickFire TK is a handsome and good looking black keyboard that will go with just about any PC.<\/li>\n<li>The keyboard lights up every key &#8211; or just some chosen keys &#8211; with\u00a0blue LEDs with 5 levels of adjustable brightness &#8211;\u00a0the highest level is perfect for the first (darker) version of 3D Vision or in the brightest daylight.<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Multiple adjustable function and media keys.\u00a0 The Windows key can be deactivated for gamers just as\u00a0with the Num Pad.<\/li>\n<li>The tilt-up is\u00a0good and the rubber feet keep the keyboard from moving even during heavy gaming.<\/li>\n<li>The\u00a06-foot USB braided cable is heavy and very durable with gold-plated connectors,\u00a0and the\u00a0QuickFire TK\u00a0is made\u00a0with excellent cable management in mind.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>There are no programmable keys for macros and no USB connectors for additional peripherials.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We give the CM Sports QuickFire TK Compact Gaming Keyboard our highest recommendation and our ABT Editor&#8217;s Choice Award. It is a superior well-built and above average mechanical keyboard at an average entry level\u00a0price.\u00a0 It\u00a0has become\u00a0our favorite keyboard and we will be using it for many years to come.\u00a0 Highly recommended!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/10\/editorschoice-png.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/10\/editorschoice-png.png?resize=150%2C251\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Happy Gaming!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Please join us in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Forums<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Become a Fan on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142', 'Facebook']);\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Follow us on <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech', 'Twitter']);\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the latest updates from ABT, please <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?feed=rss2\" target=\"_blank\">join our RSS News Feed<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join our Distributed Computing teams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Folding@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 164304<\/li>\n<li>SETI@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 138705<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1', 'World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech']);\" target=\"_blank\">World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=32411\"><img decoding=\"async\" align=top title=\"Author: Mark Poppin\" src=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/CM-KB-ImageLINK.jpg\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":32598,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2533,7814,5],"tags":[4126,5884,182,23,5910,4991,5909],"class_list":["post-32411","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-abt-news","category-articles","category-gaming","tag-blue","tag-cherry-mx-switches","tag-cm-storm","tag-cooler-master","tag-keyboard-review","tag-mechanical-key","tag-quickfire-tx"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32411","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32411"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32411\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32598"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32411"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}