CM Storm QuickFire TK

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soulesschild

Supreme [H]ardness
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This may be the board I replace my BWU with :) Unfortunately it looks like only blues are currently available. I use the bWU at home but I use a CM QFR reds at work and I think I like the reds better (though some say the BWU blue switches are just shit so that could also be why I prefer the reds?)

The price point I think is perfect though I'm still not sure if I'll miss the separate audio/microphone ports but we'll see :)

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=10019&product_name=CM Storm QuickFire TK

http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-Mechanical-SGK-4020-GKCL1-US/dp/B00A378L4C

Short descriptions of the different features
Choose between 3 different Cherry MX switches. Each keycap is UV coated to make it durable. There'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.
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Full LED Backlight, 3 Modes and 5 Brightness Levels

Stylish and provides optimum visibility even in dark rooms. Different backlight modes highlight different key groups.
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Compact Layout with Integrated Numpad Block

The QuickFire TK’s unique NumPad block design merges both navigation and command keys. You get a compact gaming keyboard with a NumPad block.
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feature6.png


TL;DR
Mechanical, choice of blue/red/brown
Fully LED lit with 5 adjustable brightness modes, 3 LED modes
Compacted numpad
full NKRO over PS2
2yr warranty
89.99 price tag
 
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Any word when the other models will be available? I'm really interested in one of the ones with the Browns and white backlight.
 
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Seems as if blue's were just released fairly recently

Blue's release date on Amazon as an official Amazon product.

Date first available at Amazon.com: November 7, 2012
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I'm guessing Amazon hasn't gotten any of the other switches yet but when I searched the brown's SKU (SGK-4020-GKCM1) nothing really comes up except for a shady looking site in AU. The red version seems available from a few vendors such as excalibur

http://www.excaliberpc.com/622212/cooler-master-coolermaster-keyboard-sgk-4020-gkcr1.html

But not at the Amazon blue pricing :(
 
Waiting for the browns. You can get the reds now if you want. They're on amazon. Other forums that I've read point to the end of the month for blue/browns.
 
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As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
The Razer BlackWidow / Ultimate suffer from poor quality control. They have the same mechanical switches as my Das Keyboard Professional but the two feel almost nothing alike. I owned a Razeer Black Widow for a very short time. In fact after a couple hours I went back to my Das Keyboard. The Razer keyboard has flimsy and crappy key caps and really thin stabilizers. These keyboards are also plagued by a number of software and firmware problems.

Razer just doesn't make anything worth a damn in my experience. Their mice have similar issues.

I also own two QuickFire Rapid's with Cherry MX Blue switches. These are both on my test bench. I am pretty sure I saw one with Cherry MX Reds or Browns at Microcenter the other day as well. The QuickFire Rapid's key construction is similar to that of my Das Keyboard and the keys feel about the same. In short the QuickFire Rapid is one of the best mechanical keyboards out there in my opinion. If you like 10key-less boards without backlighting or other features. But it's worlds ahead of the Razer keyboards. I've typed on the QuickFire Pro or whatever it's called and I didn't like it. The casing seems unusually thick and there are features such as these bizarre raised sections where the lights above the number pad are. I don't like those. There are also some other weird lines and channels in parts of it. This TK model I don't like because of the non-standard number pad. But the keys felt good on all the CM Storm QuickFire models I've used.
 
Dan_D said:
The Razer BlackWidow / Ultimate suffer from poor quality control. They have the same mechanical switches as my Das Keyboard Professional but the two feel almost nothing alike. I owned a Razeer Black Widow for a very short time. In fact after a couple hours I went back to my Das Keyboard. The Razer keyboard has flimsy and crappy key caps and really thin stabilizers. These keyboards are also plagued by a number of software and firmware problems.

Razer just doesn't make anything worth a damn in my experience. Their mice have similar issues.

I also own two QuickFire Rapid's with Cherry MX Blue switches. These are both on my test bench. I am pretty sure I saw one with Cherry MX Reds or Browns at Microcenter the other day as well. The QuickFire Rapid's key construction is similar to that of my Das Keyboard and the keys feel about the same. In short the QuickFire Rapid is one of the best mechanical keyboards out there in my opinion. If you like 10key-less boards without backlighting or other features. But it's worlds ahead of the Razer keyboards.
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Yea maybe I just haven't used a quality blue switch yet but I've also come to the realization that I don't need all the fancy features of the more "gaming" oriented KBs (mainly macro keys). I don't have any issues typing on Reds but again, maybe that's because I haven't experienced typing for extended periods of time on blues (I code at work with my CM QF, but I game at home with my BWU). Long as it has a volume control function, a windows locking function, and some sort of media keys (I really like the way CM has done theirs, saves space) I'm happy :)

Some day when I have more disposable income or if they CM QF boards go on sale again for like 50 bucks, I'll pick up one of each switch (brown, blue, red, black if they offer it) :D
 
I have "blue" one(blue sw`s and lighting) and at least you can get into the bios with it on MSI Mpower with it
If that was a concern to some
My Newer CM storm trigger with brown switches y need a second keyboard to get in.
 
I haven't had any trouble with the CM Storm Quickfire Rapids and any motherboard's BIOS/UEFI. I've had good results out of the Das Keyboard Professional and Deck Ice Legend boards as well. The Razer BlackWidow, not so much.
 
This looks...enticing...

Anyone know how the arrow keys and all the others normally found on compact keyboards (Insert, Pg up/down, Pause, etc) function on this? Is there some FN key that turns the number pad on and off?

Edit: Just watched some videos on this keyboard.

This will be my next keyboard and not next as in when my current QuickFire dies...but next as in I'll be ordering one next week. Done deal.

The TK is TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL! :D
 
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The numlock should work fine. The numberpad has many of the functions duplicated there anyway when the numlock is off.
 
Has anybody ordered/received brown switch/while LED from CM Storm's store in the past week? I ordered one a few days ago and my order went from "awaiting fulfillment" to "pending" does that mean their OOS?
 
mtbush said:
Has anybody ordered/received brown switch/while LED from CM Storm's store in the past week? I ordered one a few days ago and my order went from "awaiting fulfillment" to "pending" does that mean their OOS?
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As I understand it there is a shortage of Cherry MX Brown switches right now.
 
Dan_D said:
As I understand it there is a shortage of Cherry MX Brown switches right now.
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There is/was, but a CMStorm rep. had stated that wasn't the reason.

From Geekhack.org;
Carter said:
Re: CM Storm QuickFire TK
« Reply #114 on: Fri, 16 November 2012, 19:51:45 »

discomatt on Fri said:
Where is the best place to check on updates for the release of the MX Brown version in North America? Looking to move over to my first mechanical, and the Ducky 9008S2 seems to be out of stock everywhere (at least in white LED with brown switches).
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You have found the right place, I would have your answer....

At this point in time is comes down to one thing. We are waiting to sell out of a certain QTY in other regions before I can bring in the browns. Despite what many think, its not the shortage in brown switches that are causing TK delay.

The current TK Brown edition shipping globally has a "Brown Backplate" & when the initial material forecast is used up, it will switch to a "White Backplate" @ that point in time, I will bring it in to the US market.

Time frame is looking like Jan
« Last Edit: Fri, 16 November 2012, 20:07:54 by Carter »
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Damn that's enticing. Too bad I have no good reason to ditch my current QFR
 
Okay, I just finished a chat with CM Storm's Online support and my concerns were substantiated. They were selling a product as an in-stock item when they technically had no stock to fulfill orders. The same agent that I got yesterday told me it should ship today, without hesitation. Below is the chat transcript, at no single point in the conversation did he offer an apology or acknowledge any wrong doing on Coolermaster's behalf for charging my CC (not an authorization) for the full amount. I'm filing a report with the BBB at this very moment because I'm at the mercy of waiting on the store manager to contact to be do a chargeback, which is completely unacceptable. Needless to say that he didn't provide me the opportunity to respond as he immediately ended the chat after his last response.

A response from CM Storm Carter would be appreciated to get this matter resolved as quickly as possible.


Jeremy DeLong 12:12:54 PM
the brown switch keyboard is not available until the 2nd week of March.
the person in charge of store should have emailed you this information and asked if you want to hold order until stock arrives
or if you want to cancel the order

ME 12:15:16 PM
Why you guys have the most convoluted ordering process, it shouldn't have been available on the website if it wasn't even in stock. Plus my CC was charged for the full amount...which is pretty unorthodox for a "pre-sale" item

Jeremy DeLong 12:16:50 PM
it wasnt a presale item. we have 4 people order the same board and we did not have it available for purchase. We are currently looking into the issue but the boards release was pushed back until March. CC are charged at time of order and then we are emailed that the payment was accepted

ME 12:17:09 PM
I also chatted you yesterday if you remember and you said it should ship today...

Jeremy DeLong 12:18:14 PM
i did not look at the item for shipping i simply looked at the order date which was friday. We are not here on Saturday and Sunday and the first day of processing was yesterday or Monday. if the product was available it would have shipped today, but they cannot ship a product that we do not physically have

ME 12:18:57 PM
There's no need to get snarky

Jeremy DeLong 12:19:14 PM
im not im stating the facts

matt bush 12:19:22 PM
Please cancel my order and refund my money, I'll take this up with BBB

Jeremy DeLong 12:19:54 PM
store manager will be in contact with you to get CC info to do a charge back

have a great day!
 
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mtbush said:
snip
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I don't know if others will agree, but maybe you're being a bit too harsh? If this guy is just some support person, maybe he doesn't have access to reverse the charges, and hence, someone will contact you regarding that.

He'll probably put in the order cancellation, and someone in billing will read that and contact you to confirm the cancellation of the order.

No need to jump straight to the BBB for what essentially equates to you buying something, it's not in stock, and now they're going to refund; all over the course of what 2 days?

Now if you've had a number of back and forths, and it's been a couple week, then yes, notifying the BBB is qualified.
 
crazjayz said:
I don't know if others will agree, but maybe you're being a bit too harsh? If this guy is just some support person, maybe he doesn't have access to reverse the charges, and hence, someone will contact you regarding that.

He'll probably put in the order cancellation, and someone in billing will read that and contact you to confirm the cancellation of the order.

No need to jump straight to the BBB for what essentially equates to you buying something, it's not in stock, and now they're going to refund; all over the course of what 2 days?

Now if you've had a number of back and forths, and it's been a couple week, then yes, notifying the BBB is qualified.
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Keep in mind this was 2nd time dealing with same individual and his attitude was very nonchalant the first go-round. After working in sales and customer service for what seems like an eternity I feel like a little bit of apathy could have gone a long ways in regards to the situation, especially from someone who carries the title Customer Support Specialist. Them charging my card isn't that big of a deal, but it's the principle of the matter, even if their webstore said that the KB was out of stock and that I had to pay upfront to pre-order that would have been acceptable. But, it showed in-stock, my order went to fulfillment status, I was told it would ship today, then back to pending no-stock...sorry it will be another month...oh, you want to cancel? someone will be in touch, goodbye...

I've contacted my bank and have disputed the charge, I think they provide the merchant 7 days to respond. I just don't think that this is a good way to do business and as of right now my order is still open and no one from CM has contacted me.
 
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So basically I'll be waiting another 6 months before I can get my hands on a white backplate TK. Damnit!
 
What would the difference in quality be between the Quickfire TK (MX red) and a Ducky Shine 2 TKL (MX red)?

I'm debating between these two and wondering if the extra $ for the Ducky is substantiated...
 
NukeDukem said:
What would the difference in quality be between the Quickfire TK (MX red) and a Ducky Shine 2 TKL (MX red)?

I'm debating between these two and wondering if the extra $ for the Ducky is substantiated...
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I haven't heard much about the Quickfire TK's build quality; it seems no one knows who the manufacturer is either and CM isn't saying anything but "it's not iOne/Costar/ect.". The only things I've heard seem to be from people with little/no prior Cherry MX board experience, but they seem to think it's decently built.

If you're considering either board, I'd chose whichever has the feature set that interests you more.
 
I was hoping that "Pending" meant that they would be filling the order soon. Guess I'll cancel the order and grab something else.
 
NukeDukem said:
What would the difference in quality be between the Quickfire TK (MX red) and a Ducky Shine 2 TKL (MX red)?

I'm debating between these two and wondering if the extra $ for the Ducky is substantiated...
Click to expand...

Skull_Angel said:
I haven't heard much about the Quickfire TK's build quality; it seems no one knows who the manufacturer is either and CM isn't saying anything but "it's not iOne/Costar/ect.". The only things I've heard seem to be from people with little/no prior Cherry MX board experience, but they seem to think it's decently built.

If you're considering either board, I'd chose whichever has the feature set that interests you more.
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I've used both: CM Quickfire TK MX Blue and Ducky Shine 2 TKL MX Red.

I loved the layout of the Quickfire. It packed a keyboard + 10 key pad into a form factor of a regular tenkeyless. I thought the Ducky had better backlighting. Both boards were very solid, heavy and felt like they'd take a lot of abuse. The Quickfire was only $80 compared to $130 for the Ducky.

One thing about the Quickfire that turned me off was its backlighting selection. MX Blue switches only available with blue backlighting, MX Red only has red backlighting, MX Brown only has white backlighting. It seems that the Brown boards either haven't been released or just sell out very quickly.

Hope this helped. :)
 
I still can't find a US site with browns in stock. I've been looking for months and all I see are red\blue. Is the difference between brown and red big enough that I should hold out?
 
aggressor said:
I still can't find a US site with browns in stock. I've been looking for months and all I see are red\blue. Is the difference between brown and red big enough that I should hold out?
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I've been waiting for the browns as well, but couldn't wait anymore to try this keyboard. Bit the bullet and went with blues about a month ago. So far, I'm really liking this keyboard.

As far as the difference between brows and reds, yes. There's a huge difference. The brows are tactile, reds are not. I ended up going with blues because they're the closest to browns (as long as you can stand the "clicky" sound).

Watch this video for a comparison between reds and browns: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0kHwzru9nc8
 
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