Do refer to the video on YouTube on the Unboxing of the Keyboard in the future which I'm still doing. Meanwhile, I'm typing this review from the Keyboard itself. So for now here is all the basics of what goes into / with the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid.
In the box, the package contains the following items:
- The Tenkeyless QWERTY Keyboard
- Customed RED WSAD Arrow Keys to be fixed to replace the WSAD keys.
- Key Removal Tool
- Gold braided USB Port.
- User's Guide
- Customed CoolerMaster Logo WINDOWS keys.
- PS2 to USB Adapter.
But how about the features?
1. TENKEYLESS DESIGN
The Tenkeyless design of the keyboard eliminates the number keypad to reduce the length of the keyboard to increase portability so you can carry it around in a bag that can handle a laptop which is ideal in a LAN party. Also saves a bit of cost while retaining the rigid build quality. The reduce length also allows the user to position the mouse closer to him if he should see fit.
2. CHERRY MX BROWN KEY SWITCHES
The Brown Key Switches that are installed on this particular model pack the balance of almost everything. It is noisier than that of Black and Red Key switches but not as noisy and clicky as that of the Blue Switches. They also have a balance of the tactile feel as well. And compared to membrane keyboards, the mechanical keys do boost your typing rate by quite a bit. However, the switches are also great for gaming as well.
3. LOWERED COST AND BALANCE QUALITY
With its simple tenkeyless design and without the backlighting places the CM Storm Quickfire Tenkeyless keyboards among some of the cheapest gaming mechanical keyboard that's available. However the cost does not compromise build quality. Even though that it is still a tenkeyless design, the keyboard itself STILL has some heft and heavy weight to it, still weighing at almost one kilo. So you know that this keyboard is built like a tank.
4. PLUG AND PLAY READY
No frills and no fuss, all you need to do to get it running is just plug it to a USB Port via its supplied Gold-Ended cable. It does take a while to install its own integrated driver once you plug it in, but other than that there's really no more additional software or drivers that you need.
5. WINDOWS LOCK KEY / GAMING MODE
The Keyboard comes with the feature of the Windows Lock Key. What you require is to hold down the Function Key (Located between the Right Windows and Control Keys) and then press F9. What it does is Locks the Windows Key so you won't accidentally pop back to the Windows Desktop while you're gaming. Nice to have but not really required. However some pros will just remove the windows key entirely for gaming.
6.OTHER NEAT FEATURES
Other neat features include the inclusion of the USB to PS2 adapter which you can plug at the PS2 port of the motherboard. Most gamers ban this because of how much increase response they can get out of this if you compare that with being plugged in via just a standard USB. However I never seen much of a difference there so....yea. The Quickfire Rapid's Key caps are laser engraved rather than painted so after prolonged usage, the letter prints will not faint.
PERSONAL OPINION
Being the cheapest mechanical keyboard that rivals its price which is a tiny bit above my old keyboard Razer Lycosa, it still brings a lot more performance tweaks to the table within its small frame. I did manage to get it for about 109 SGD which is about 90 US dollars from SITEX at the Intel Extreme Masters, whereas the Lycosa is still around the 80 Dollar mark. However the Mechanical Keyboards make typing fairly easier and slightly faster by about 10 percent compare to a high end membrane keyboard. The switches may be a little noisy if you exert a bit more pressure on your taps, but I like em' clicky and abit noisy.
You do have to sacrifice your number pad if you're doing calculations but many times I don't see people using the number keypad that often.
I actually typed this review on the Quickfire Rapid Keyboard itself in the freaking dark so I really can't see the keys. And even so, provided you know your keyboard around, you should be fine. I reckon it is extremely safe to say that when it comes to gaming and typing vs a Membrane Keyboard, no doubt that even the cheapest Mechanical Keyboard made by CoolerMaster still takes its competition in stride.
IN SUMMARY: It gets an EXCELLENT and Value for Money rating from me. Big Big thumbs up.
