Gaming Keyboard - CM Quickfire TK (Mechanical Cherry MX Blue) $65 AR F/S @ Newegg

arionfrost

arionfrost

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Hey All,

I've done Hardware posts before, so here's another. If you get newegg's circular, you probably have seen this in your inbox this morning.

cm-storm-quickfire-tk-cherry-blue.jpg


Cooler Master QuickFire TK Mechanical Cherry MX Blue

Regular Price $110. Discounted $10 + Plus $25 Promo Code (EMCYTZT3284) + $10 MIR + Free Shipping.

Final Price $65. If you have been following this particular keyboard, you would know that is a ridiculous price for a Mechanical Keyboard made by a reputable company.

Features
- Full NKRO.
- Backlit Blue (very vibrant and adjustable).
- Media keys via FN function.
- Compact and transportable, removable cord.
- Mechanical microswitches, steel backplate, excellent keys.

My thoughts below for those interested in a "real" gaming keyboard.

You may be wondering what makes this a gaming keyboard? It looks like an unassuming blue backlit keyboard with no fancy frills and such.

Wrong.

This keyboard is very spartan, with the primary design specifically for quick and accurate keying. There aren't any specific media keys to get in the way. No macro buttons, no usb pass through. No headphone and mic plug ins. If you are a passionate PC gamer, you probably already have a decent sound card or usb headseat, and you probably don't need macros.

This keyboard is a 10keyless design with a 10key number pad included. The arrow keys and insert-pagedown block are integrated into the number pad. That cuts down on size and allows you to transport it easily in a backpack. It has a removable braided usb cord that can be routed in 3 separate directions depending on where you want it to exit.

It's Cherry MX Blue microswitches. Blue gives a tactile click as a feedback/aural response. Youtube it to see the difference between the red / blue / brown microswitches. The one on sale currently is blue. It has a steel backplate, so it won't flex / bend when pushed. The keys on a regular membrane keyboard feel like mush compared to this one.

Full N-key Rollover. Basically, you won't be able to max out the number of simultaneous key presses on this keyboard and drop a key under normal gaming / typing conditions.

There have been a resurgence of mechanical keyboards in the PC market. This is an excellent keyboard, very well laid out and designed. If you are mouse/keyboard gamer, this is a great keyboard for gaming. Some people will prefer the Cherry MX Red (unfortunately not on sale) so do some research before buying.
 
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I'm VERY tempted to get this, been looking for a backlit mechanical gaming keyboard for a long time, since my dog walked all over my Gen 1 G15 so half my keys are pretty soft now (don't ask).

Of course I know very little about mechanical keyboards and have never used one. This worth it?

Edit:

Bit the bullet. Ordered me one. Came to $80.71, then the $10 mail in will bring it to $70.71.
 
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[quote name='aShufflinZombie']How are these for regular typing comfortablity? For how little I game on my keyboard, is it worth it?[/QUOTE]

It may be marketed as a gamer's keyboard, but mechanical keyboards are generally considered to be the premium keyboards for typists as well. Mechanical Keyboards are expensive and $65 is a really good price for one, but they are not for everyone.

...I know Cooler Master makes great PC Cases, but has anyone used one of their keyboards? (I honestly didn't even know that they made keyboards)
 
[quote name='KillerRamen']It may be marketed as a gamer's keyboard, but mechanical keyboards are generally considered to be the premium keyboards for typists as well. Mechanical Keyboards are expensive and $65 is a really good price for one, but they are not for everyone.

...I know Cooler Master makes great PC Cases, but has anyone used one of their keyboards? (I honestly didn't even know that they made keyboards)[/QUOTE]

I use a quickfire rapid with brown switches (tenkeyless). I love it, keys feel great and it is the perfect size to fit in my keyboard tray with a big mousepad. I mainly type on it since I use a controller most of the time. Only thing missing is the number pad and the backlight. I am honestly temped to try this one out and get rid of the old one for the backlight (i couldn't find a reasonable tenkeyless with a backlight).

Edit: forgot to add this. For the price this is a great deal. I paid about the same for my keyboard(just no rebate required).
 
I fucking hate mechanical keyboards... the clicking noises they make when typing on them are so annoying.
 
[quote name='lwhitit']I use a quickfire rapid with brown switches (tenkeyless). I love it, keys feel great and it is the perfect size to fit in my keyboard tray with a big mousepad. I mainly type on it since I use a controller most of the time. Only thing missing is the number pad and the backlight. I am honestly temped to try this one out and get rid of the old one for the backlight (i couldn't find a reasonable tenkeyless with a backlight).

Edit: forgot to add this. For the price this is a great deal. I paid about the same for my keyboard(just no rebate required).[/QUOTE]

Thanks for posting your experience with one of their keyboards. I ended up buying it. I've been on the market for one for quite a while, so it's nice to finally make the jump.

[quote name='retrad']I fucking hate mechanical keyboards... the clicking noises they make when typing on them are so annoying.[/QUOTE]

LOL... Like I said, it's not for everyone. It's a love it or hate it kind of thing. :lol:
 
[quote name='retrad']I fucking hate mechanical keyboards... the clicking noises they make when typing on them are so annoying.[/QUOTE]

Too each his own. I'm a very fast typer at 45+wmp so it's hard for me to use membranes (even though that's currently my primary)because my speed is hindered and I bang on the keys anyway.
 
Great quality keyboard for a great price. With that being said I still prefer membrane keyboards. I type at 95 wpm just fine with mine and still do excellent in gaming without one. I personally do not think giving up the quietness of the keyboard for a minor performance difference is worth it. Also, those who share rooms with family or have girlfriends beware because you might not anymore if you buy 1 of these lol. Also, if you use a voip server with sensitivity it can be a real problem as well for your friends. ^^ They're fun to type on though and sometimes you type just to hear yourself.
 
[quote name='layziebnt'] ...Also, if you use a voip server with sensitivity it can be a real problem as well for your friends. ^^ They're fun to type on though and sometimes you type just to hear yourself.[/QUOTE]

Most good voip clients (such as teamspeak) will allow you to fine tune the sensitivity, so you don't pick up the background noise.
 
[quote name='aShufflinZombie']Too each his own. I'm a very fast typer at 45+wmp so it's hard for me to use membranes (even though that's currently my primary)because my speed is hindered and I bang on the keys anyway.[/QUOTE]

No offense, but I didn't know 45 wpm was considered fast...

Personally, not a fan of Blues. I personally go Brown > Black / Red > Blue. Blue is like the loudest, slowest, and most resistant of the switches.
 
[quote name='elessar123']No offense, but I didn't know 45 wpm was considered fast...

Personally, not a fan of Blues. I personally go Brown > Black / Red > Blue. Blue is like the loudest, slowest, and most resistant of the switches.[/QUOTE]

Well for an early teen, 45 is fast. Then again, most people I know can't touch type.
 
[quote name='aShufflinZombie']Well for an early teen, 45 is fast. Then again, most people I know can't touch type.[/QUOTE]

That's not bad then. To me, fast is 70+. Closed captioning requires like 2x+ that.
 
Not in for this deal, but I just wanted to let everyone know that I've been using a CM trigger red switch keyboard for the past few months and have nothing but great things to say about it. Compared to my friend's Das Keyboard and Razer Blackwidow Ultimate, it stacks up 100%. I haven't used this specific keyboard, but I will vouch for the quality of CM products in general.
 
Try different switches?


[quote name='retrad']I fucking hate mechanical keyboards... the clicking noises they make when typing on them are so annoying.[/QUOTE]
 
Ok... I'm intrigued. I've always wanted a mechanical keyboard to play with. Though I'm a REALLY picky typer when it comes to keyboard... I have owned from Dell generic simplistic keyboard to macbook pro keyboards, to Logitech G15 keyboards... and I don't like all of them. The Dell and G15 had too much keytravel and resistance where if your finger comes down at an angle, the "imperfection" of the plastic slider travel would cause even more friction and resistance.

I've finally settled for an Apple full size keyboard with scissor type keyboard. The middle road between typical full sized keyboard and laptop minimal travel keys.

So... I don't mean to give you a history lesson about myself, but seeing how we have some knowledgeable folks in the colored cherry keys...

Which color is the closest to the Apple desktop keyboard? Minimal key travel. Has key resistance enough not to be registered when I rest my fingers on them, but is effortless to actuate.
 
[quote name='XClaude']Which color is the closest to the Apple desktop keyboard? Minimal key travel. Has key resistance enough not to be registered when I rest my fingers on them, but is effortless to actuate.[/QUOTE]

No idea how an apple keyboard is, but the closest based on your desires is probably black. Maybe red.
 
Just to let everyone know, depending on where you are, Newegg seems to be using Lasership (I guess it's some kind of courier) for some of these shipments. I ordered yesterday and although the distro center was supposed to be in Edmonton NJ, it seems it's already out for delivery in my area (Richmond, VA). That's not bad for free shipping.


[quote name='XClaude']Ok... I'm intrigued. I've always wanted a mechanical keyboard to play with. Though I'm a REALLY picky typer when it comes to keyboard... I have owned from Dell generic simplistic keyboard to macbook pro keyboards, to Logitech G15 keyboards... and I don't like all of them. The Dell and G15 had too much keytravel and resistance where if your finger comes down at an angle, the "imperfection" of the plastic slider travel would cause even more friction and resistance.

I've finally settled for an Apple full size keyboard with scissor type keyboard. The middle road between typical full sized keyboard and laptop minimal travel keys.

So... I don't mean to give you a history lesson about myself, but seeing how we have some knowledgeable folks in the colored cherry keys...

Which color is the closest to the Apple desktop keyboard? Minimal key travel. Has key resistance enough not to be registered when I rest my fingers on them, but is effortless to actuate.[/QUOTE]

I would say find someplace that sells mechanicals and "test" one out. There is no comparison between what you have and a mechanical, they are night and day. I would say it feels more like typing on a electric typewriter. The keyboard backing on a good mechanical will have absolutely no flex, there won't be the slightest "give" or "play".

Mechanicals don't have minimal key travel. Each keystroke is deliberate. That said, once you get past the learning curve, the design of a mechanical lends itself to more accurate typing. There is not plunger that presses on a rubber dome which presses on a circuit board (that's a total of 3 points of contact, your finger on the key, the key on the rubber dome, and the dome on the circuit board). On a mechanical, there's only 2 points of physical contact, your finger on the key and the key on the switch. From there it's an electronic signal.

I hope this description helps. There's definitely a learning curve, when switching to mechanical, but for those who can adjust their typing to accommodate, it's definitely hard to switch back.

I would say try the blue, because:

- it's on sale until the end of the day only.
- the blue will give you an audible click. The click will be helpful if you want to switch to mechanical, because you will be getting 2 responses, the click and the feel. If you can get used to it, you can switch to a red or brown depending on your tastes.
- you can turn this keyboard on your local craigslist for close to your buying price if mechanical doesn't work out for you. Most "good" mechanicals are in demand and cost around $100.
 
I ordered this yesterday morning, picked free eggsaver shipping, and it showed up today. Seriously impressed. Gonna give this keyboard a run then I'll update you guys
 
[quote name='Progamer665']Damn, if they were red or brown cherries I would have gotten them. What do blues with o rings compare to?[/QUOTE]

I would just keep your eyes peeled for deals. Like two weeks ago the storm trigger with brown switches was 60 AR on newegg. I have a red switch quickfire pro and a brown switch storm trigger, and I think the storm trigger is a much nicer keyboard.
 
[quote name='arionfrost']Most good voip clients (such as teamspeak) will allow you to fine tune the sensitivity, so you don't pick up the background noise.[/QUOTE]

Even with adjusting sensitivity the loudness will generally trigger anyone using a mechanical keyboard due to the sharp sound being as loud as someone speaking lol. I know of around 7 people no matter how hard they try adjusting it still picks up with sensitivity. I've even tried adjusting it with mine before and it proves to be quite difficult regardless of the software. I've used it on TS/Vent/Mumble/etc. Unless you become quite skilled with typing on it and don't bottom out the keys...which most people will do anyway just because they like the sound or do not care to practice...it's going to pick up.
 
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