Friday, August 16, 2013

Cooler Master: CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (CherryMX Blue Switch) Review


(WARNING: When purchasing, please look towards the right at the buying choices for the lowest price, usually by Amazon, and choose that one to add to cart. SAVE money!)
*As of this review there's a special offer going on that will save you $35 off this purchase. Scroll down to Purchase to find out!

The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid is an entry level mechanical keyboard that offers you the best quality for the lowest price without all the extra fuss. If you have never used a (good) mechanical keyboard before, this is the perfect start. Once you go mechanical, you'll never go back.

Why Mechanical?
Mechanical keyboards are expensive but offer superior quality, tactile feedback and can increase reactiveness, typing speed along with accuracy. They use physical switches rather than cheap membranes that your average keyboards have. They often feel great to the touch and are excellent typing or gaming keyboards.

Also mechanical keyboards use (CHERRY MX brand) switches denoted by different colors. Each switches vary for different functions.

For example:
Blue = Tactile/Clicky for Typing, ok for Gaming
Brown = Quiet/Tactile hybrid for Typing, Gaming
Red = non-tactile/non-clicky/light, some preferred for Gaming

These are just examples and whether you like that particular switch or not and for what function it's completely up to you. I use the blue switches (which usually is the cheapest).

My CM Storm:
I bought my precious keyboard this year actually, on July 13th for $60, ($20 off orig $80) and I absolutely cannot go back to normal keyboards anymore. The feel, the touch, the sound is magnificent and although I haven't tested my typing speed I feel as if it's increased. I'm a PC gamer and since switching I feel faster and more fluid in my games. This keyboard feels very strong and expensive the moment I took it out the box. I've since changed my arrow keys with the spare keys included and plan to buy custom key caps to personalize it.

Personal Image, Taken 2013

Warning: Mechanical keyboards are loud, especially the blue switches. I recommend brown switches if you wish not to be yelled at by your peers or significant other. If you live/work alone then it'll be an non-issue. Most users actually fall in love with the elegant clicks and clacks. Consider installing O ring dampeners under keycaps to reduce noise. They are very easy to use.

Purchase:
This keyboard is currently on sale for $60 (standard price is $80) and eligible for a $15 rebate. $45 for a mechanical keyboard is ridiculously cheap! (Click for rebate form) LIMITED TIME! Buy Now! (Blue Switch Only). This keyboard is also available in a stealth edition (also available in different key types) in which the keys have no markings. This is prefered by those who wish to memorize the keyboard themselves or add personal markings, etc. If you wish to have backlighting or a number pad consider the Pro or TK alternatives. *Purchase also includes extra key caps for your customization and keycap tool to remove keycaps with ease.





Alternative: If you're rich and prefer to get the best I recommend trying the DAS keyboard. They're fairly well known in the upper end and are very high quality.


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