CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-I Gaming Keyboard Review

Cooler Master Quick Fire Rapid-I Review

Manufacturer: Cooler Master
UK Price (as reviewed): £89.99 (inc. VAT)
US Price (as reviewed): $139.99 (ex TAX)

A surprising number of people prefer tenkeyless keyboards to their full-size counterparts. If you rarely need to use the number pad, or have a separate unit, you can save space or make your LAN party going-away bag a little smaller too. However, as the full-size brigade are obviously a larger crowd, tenkeyless options aren't as varied.

However, Cooler Master, specifically its CM Storm gaming peripheral section, has spotted a gap in the market for a gaming-orientated, backlit mechanical tenkeyless keyboard. The Quick Fire Rapid-I measures less than 36cm (14in) across so is a good deal smaller than your average full size keyboard, as is the company's upcoming NovaTouch TKL Topre-style hybrid capacitive system keyboard.


Our sample came equipped with Cherry MX brown switches - black switches aren't an option but it's available with blue or red too. Build quality is excellent and there's a top soft-touch coating that eliminates finger prints and reflections too. It weighs in at just under 1KG, despite the exterior being made entirely of plastic.


Connectivity is via a detachable 1.5M braided cable, which uses a right-angled micro-USB connector, with both ends being gold-plated too. It's obviously not as secure as having a fixed connector - if your desk is regularly covered in pizza boxes and the like, you might think a few knocks in the right place could dislodge it, especially as the angled connector points outwards. Thankfully this isn't the case - it sits remarkably firmly and only a direct yank backwards is enough to remove the connector.


The underside is pretty featurelss except for two clip-out stands. These are remarkably sturdy - so they should be given the price and produce a satisfying clunk when clicking into place, raising the rear of the keyboard by approximately 16mm. They also have thick rubber feet which, combined with additional feet at the front and rear, help to keep the keyboard planted firmly on your desk.


The brown switches themselves offer your typical click-less low-resistance tactile feedback - it's a shame black switches aren't an option but CM Storm obviously feels it has a big enough area covered by going with the other three main colours. Included is your typical key cap removal tool as well, should you wish to replace or clean them.

Specifications

• Connection: Wired (1 x detachable micro-USB)
  
• Cable: 1.5M braided
  
• Build: Plastic
  
• Key switch: Mechanical – Cherry MX Brown
  
• Backlighting: Yes - 5 modes, individual key programming
  
• Gaming/Media Keys: Playback and volume control
  
• USB pass-through: No
  
• Key-rollover: NKRO (Windows only)
  
• Extra features: Repeat rate adjustment, key removal tool