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CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX BLUE Switches

by Cooler Master
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (244 customer reviews)

List Price: $79.99
Price: $79.24 & FREE Shipping. Details
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Style: Rapid
Rapid
Stealth
Color: Blue Switches
  • Mechanical Blue CHERRY MX Switches
  • Windows Keys disabled in GAME mode
  • Extra key-caps bundled (with key puller)
  • Laser-marked keycaps
  • Anti Ghosting
  • Compact design without numpad section provides extra space for your mouse and allows your shoulders to be comfortably positioned
  • NKRO in PS/2 mode
  • Removable braided USB cable with cable routing
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Frequently Bought Together

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX BLUE Switches + SteelSeries QcK Gaming Mouse Pad (Black)
Price for both: $87.14

Buy the selected items together


Technical Details

Style: Rapid | Color: Blue Switches
  • Operating System: Windows
  See more technical details

Product Details

Style Name: Rapid | Color: Blue Switches
  • Product Dimensions: 14 x 5 x 1 inches ; 2.1 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
  • ASIN: B0068INSUM
  • Item model number: SGK-4000-GKCL1-US
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (244 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • Date first available at Amazon.com: January 1, 2012

Product Description

Style: Rapid | Color: Blue Switches

Amazon.com

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Gamers are now able to have an all-encompassing CM Storm experience in a smaller footprint. The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid by Cooler Master is a high-grade mechanical keyboard that employs the best selection of Cherry MX switches available. It is positioned as a premium quality keyboard with an attractive value proposition, inspired by a minimalistic design worthy of competitive use. The smaller design makes it the ideal choice for the gamer on-the-go.

CHERRY BLUE SWITCH
Bred for gaming, the CM Storm QuickFire Rapid comes equipped with renowned Cherry MX Blue switches that deliver low resistance and click feedback, as well as over 50 million keystrokes life cycle for ultimate durability and reliability.
N-KEY ROLLOVER FUNCTION IN PS/2 MODE
The QuickFire Rapid can have multiple keys pressed at the same time in PS/2 mode without conflict, providing an incredible advantage for gamers.
EXTRA KEY-CAPS BUNDLED WITH KEYCAP TOOL
The QuickFire Rapid comes with extra key-caps and keycap tool for added customization.
GAME MODE
Disable your Windows keys to prevent accidental interruption of your gaming sessions.
REMOVABLE BRAIDED USB CABLE WITH CABLE ROUTING
Prevents tangled wires and provides extra flexibility for your keyboard positioning.
MULTIMEDIA SHORTCUTS
Take total control of your music and video playback.

Additional Information

  • 1000Hz driverless polling/1ms response time
  • 87 Keys
  • Laser-etched keycaps
  • PS/2 or USB Connection

What's Included

  • QuickFire Rapid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
  • 6 replacement keycaps
  • Keycap remover
  • Mini USB Cable with gold plated connectors
  • Quick Start Guide

Compatibility

  • PC with available USB 2.0 port (500mA)
  • Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8

Choose Your Switch Type

Key Feel Tactile Smooth Tactile Smooth Tactile
Feedback Bump Bump Click Bump Click
Actuation Point 45g 45g 50g 60g 80g

Item Comparison

Model CM Storm QuickFire Rapid CM Storm QuickFire Pro CM Storm QuickFire TK CM Storm Trigger
Switch Type               
Key Roll Over NKRO/PS2 NKRO/USB NKRO/USB 6 KRO
Total Keys 87 104 (Numpad) 92 (Numpad) 109 (Numpad)
Backlit Partial - Full -    Full -
Extra Feature USB Hub/Wrist Rest
Best For FPS / RTS / LAN FPS / RTS FPS / RTS / LAN FPS / MMO

Product Description

Gamers are now able to have an all-encompassing CM Storm experience. The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid is a high-grade mechanical gaming keyboard that employs the best selection of CHERRY MX Switches available. It is positioned as a premium quality keyboard with an attractive value proposition. It features a minimalistic design inspiration that makes it both an affordable step into using mechanical gaming keyboards and worthy of competitive use. This version of QuickFire Rapid utilizes Blue CHERRY MX Switches that provide force feedback with low resistance, allowing light and easy key presses with a click feedback noise.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
61 of 67 people found the following review helpful
Style Name:Rapid| Color Name:Blue Switches|Amazon Verified Purchase
I moved to this keyboard after using a series of normal rubber-dome type keyboards. I want to give potential buyers an idea of what the experience of using this is, as well as pointing out the things that I do and do not like about this keyboard.

I want this keyboard primarily for improved typing. I also game, but cheap keyboards are more than good enough for my gaming needs. I want something not taxing (no repetitive stress injuries), fast, and accurate. I like a good click and I prefer short travel. I also prefer lower keytops (i.e., less separation between keys). These keys do not have short travel or low profile keys, but I guess you can't have it all.

As of this writing this is the cheapest mechanical keyboard you can buy. At least the cheapest one with Cherry MX keys. Cherry MX dominates the mechanical keyboard switch market, so almost every mechanical keyboard you will find features them. The various colors indicate the type of key used. These are the blue keys, which are the clickiest type (loud) and also probably the most commonly used for typing keyboards (as opposed to gaming keyboards). At the end of the day, the reason to get a mechanical keyboard is to have the mechanical keys. All the other considerations are pretty secondary. So if you are a budget consumer looking to have the mechanical key experience, this is the best keyboard to choose. Provided, of course, that you are interested in the MX blue keys.

The Switches
=======================================================================

The MX blue switches make two distinct sounds as you press a key. At 2mm they make a very high-pitched click. This is also when the key activation signal is sent to the computer. When and if the key bottoms out at 4mm, they make a much louder and lower pitched click. Personally I would have preferred to have a lower pitched click at 2mm and then not much noise at the bottom, but that wasn't the intended design. It takes a bit of getting used to. You start to type more gently and stop bottoming out the keys so much. So with a bit of experience this keyboard is not nearly as loud as it is when you first start using it. I have no problem with the level of noise of the 2mm click, but I do wish the pitch was a little lower. Actually I'm hoping that might change just a little when I use the O ring modification that I will be implementing.

The force required to push these keys is significantly lower than it is on most keyboards I have used. Between that and the fact that you don't really want to be bottoming them out all the time (the bottoming out is a bit more abrupt and jarring than it is on a cheap keyboard), you end up typing very gently indeed. However, the key travel (if you go all the way to bottoming out) is typical or a bit longer than many keyboards I have used. There is a lot of variation in that respect, though. If you want a mechanical keyboard, you will most likely get cherry MX keys, and all cherry switches have the same amount of travel as far as I know. Putting the O rings in place will reduce the travel somewhat. Personally I like less travel than this.

I believe CoolerMaster does or will make this keyboard with a number of different switch types. The browns will feel similar but not have the high pitched click at 2mm. The reds and blacks will not have the tactile feel or click until you bottom them out.

One things I like about these mechanical switches is that there are no issues with friction on the way down. All the resistance you feel is due to the springs in there. Some cheap keyboards seem to have plastic-on-plastic resistance, which is the worst.

The high pitched sound of the clicking, paired with the relatively low friction on the way down can make these keys feel and sound like they are very light and almost fragile. It's just an impression they give, and not exactly the best one in my opinion.

The Keytops
=======================================================================

They keytops are OK, but nothing really special. They are a bit more textured than average, but there are many cheap keyboards that feel similar. I would say the edges are just a little sharper than average as well. Not problematically so, just more than average.

The font they use on these keys is rather unattractive. It's kind of squarish. I think coolermaster was a bit confused about their target audience when they made this. The choice of blue switches and the minimalist design (no macro keys, for example) appeals to a more mature audience. But the font was chosen to be alien or something. It's very nintendo. Not a huge deal because, honestly, who looks at the font?

The layout of the keys is nice. I haven't had any issues with the backspace or spacebar. Those are the most difficult keys to get right because they have to have stabilizers inside of them so the whole key goes down when you press it. The spacebar, in particular, is much better than in a cheap keyboard because personally my thumbs are lazy or something and don't tend to push it down far enough in a normal keyboard, but they get it every time here. It's really nice. My thumbs are happy.

The letters are painted on here. And with fairly thick glue--you can feel it on some keys. Some people have complained that it wears off, which I can believe. Actually I'm kind of hoping for some wear here. Personally I like a smooth keytop (not textured) and I won't miss the letters on the letter keys. Of course, things won't wear off on keys I use infrequently, which are the only ones I need to look at. Anyway, I can see how it would bother someone to have letters wear off but not me. I'll check back in and let you know if they actually do wear off in a few months.

I have a CoolerMaster case, PSU, and CPU cooler on this computer--they make good stuff (and inexpensive) for the enthusiast computer builder. I've noticed that, more than just about any brand, they love their branding. The logo above the arrow keys and the little vortex next to the escape are fine. The big "quick fire" on the spacebar is really ridiculous. I may actually replace it. One nice thing about these MX keys is that you can pretty easily get replacement keys from a number of sources and change them out as you wish. The windows menu key does not exist, which is nice because no one uses that. Instead they have a function key that accesses a few special keys on the keyboard. Not bad. Better than having dedicated keys for things like volume and pause. The windows keys just have big vortexes on them, which I don't particularly like. Honestly, I'd rather have that than a windows logo, though. So really it's just the spacebar logo I don't like. What were they thinking?

There is an LED on the caps lock, scroll lock, and F9 key (which, when used with the function key, puts you in gaming mode and disables the windows keys). These are exceptionally large and bright, which is awesome. There's no way you will be typing with the caps lock on and not notice it. Good call, Coolermaster. In ordinary typing mode these lights are not on, so they are no an annoyance.

Physical Design
===========================================================================

This keyboard is pretty heavy. I thought that would be unambiguously good until I realized how often I'm in the habit of moving my keyboard around as I shift my body. I used to just use one hand and grab the keyboard by the arrow keys but that's not really possible here, so I actually have to grab the whole keyboard. On the plus side, it won't move around anywhere while you are typing--there are also some rubber feet underneath. Basically all mechanical keyboards are heavy. I think it's because they are expensive and people expect expensive things to be heavy, honestly.

Some people have said this keyboard is smaller than a normal one in terms of keys or layout. This is not true. The keys and layout are exactly the same size as any standard sized keyboard. The fact that there is no number pad makes the keyboard look small, but everything else is just in people's mind. The lack of number pad saves real estate on your desktop and allows the mouse to be closer. Very nice. You just have to get used to actually centering yourself in front of the keyboard, rather than sitting (or reaching) slightly to the left.

This keyboard is taller than I am used to. The switches require more space under the keys than the cheap kind. This is making me adjust my normal posture. I'm probably going to get a wrist support, and I suggest it for others as well.

The USB cable is awesome, and it's awesome that it is removable and replaceable. It's awesome that you can route it straight out or to either side. I haven't had any problems with it not wanting to stay put. Very nice.

There is a vaguely rubbery texture to the keyboard (not the keys) that feels nice. Not that you handle it a lot, but I like it when I do.

I have done a good bit of typing and I have not noticed any keys that are more difficult to press or that require a deeper stroke than others. Good build quality in that respect.

All in all, the physical design and manufacture is minimalist, well-thought-out, and excellent.

There are several extra keys (red ones and cooler master branded ones) in case you want to have the WASD keys red for gaming. Again, Coolermaster can't decide if this keyboard is for sophisticated typists or dedicated gamers. I guess they are trying to get both on board. If there's a weakness of this keyboard it's that it's too general. It's not as gamer-centric as, say, a Razer, and not as sophisticated as, say, a Das. Read more ›
Was this review helpful to you?
36 of 42 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Cooler Master does wonderful things. February 12, 2012
Style Name:Rapid|Color Name:Blue Switches
I had only heard of the company.
I didn't know a company like it could make mice and keyboards.
Now I know. They're really good at it.

This is a mechanical keyboard. MX Blue switches(North America). Other regions may find Brown/Red. It's a mechanical keyboard that has the qualities of other well-known creators. In every sense, they really are bringing a level of quality found in much more expensive keyboards($100-200).

I believe it takes a lot for a company to realize mechanical keyboards like this is in demand. They have a good sense like they've been building for many years.
Ever heard of Leopold Tenkeyless keyboards?
From what I see/ hear this is almost identical- layout and cable management both. Just much cheaper.

My favorites:
+Tenkeyless - sophisticated.
+Cherry Blue switches are easy on your fingers
+Rubber matte coating finish entire top body. Utter joy... my favorite feature (As you can see, the body is grey - that's the rubberized part)
+laser-etched keys of decent touch
+Heavy, overall solid
+Red WASD set! always an awesome option. Also red LEDs on select keys.
+Fn shortcuts with a windows key lock! Wow. Volume control works great as well, use it all the time.
+Detachable, gold-plated mini USB.
+$80 price point?! (Edit: lowest I've seen now is 59.00! Wow...!)

Concerns (minor flaws):
*Few too many CM logos.
*Wish it had more useful Fn shortcuts/macro key capability! The Window key lock was a great idea.
*Red LEDs might be too bright.
*Routing the wire left/right, it really doesn't stay in the channels. Keeps popping out.
From those wires constantly not staying inside the channels, it makes the keyboard awkward and slippy when the wire gets underneath.

*Clicks might be too loud for some, but this is the nature of most mechanical boards, and the blue switch. So don't worry too much.

FINAL:
Cooler Master(the company that makes computer cooling components/cases) is definitely making the right moves in the right direction... they deserve a lot of attention! I'm serious! this keyboard is great. I've listed these 'concerns' of personal taste but this is a great board for the price.

*Update 3/13/12
Having used scissor keys on laptops for a long time, I'm having a hard time adjusting to these mechanical switches. I sometimes feel slower because of the longer actuation distance compared to my standard laptop keys.

*3/19/12
I actually play better/ equally good on these now. It just took some time getting used to :D I love using it.

*4/22/12
Great for SC2, Dota2 ;D
Also played Diablo III beta with it. Haha, I guess we kind of miss macro keys for games like that.

*NEW update 10/22/12
Brought this to my dorm room where I don't have to worry about any noise.
Since then, it's become my best friend. I love this thing.
Helped me type 8 pages or research in about 5~8 hours, and I play Dota 2 with it :)

HELPFUL INFO:
I have learned and picked up on a few things since my purchase back in March.

1. You want to buy Costar-made boards, not iOne.
Thankfully, our keyboard (QuickFire Rapid) is indeed Costar-made! :D it's so awesome.

2. For programmable macro keys, buy CM Storm Trigger (also Costar made!)
awesome board... I might pick it up in the future.

3. Cooler Master CM Storm Quick Fire Pro is NOT a Costar board. It's iOne made, and apparently is of lesser quality.

4. "People 'think that the MX red' is 'quieter' but it isn't any quieter, it's the same loudness only without the mid actuation click of the MX blue.

That click barely adds anything to the loudness.

There's no such thing as a quiet cherry MX keyboard. "
(quoted from user tp4tissue at Slickdeals)
Was this review helpful to you?
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Style Name:Rapid|Color Name:Blue Switches
This keyboard is great value for money. It has cherry MX blue mechanical switches (clicky, tactile), and a flex-free chassis. It comes with extra red WASD keys and a keypuller. There is an option to disable the windows keys so you don't accidentally minimize out in the middle of a game.

If you are a hardcore gamer, you will be happy to note that this keyboard has NKRO (n-key rollover) when it is plugged in to the PS/2 port. For those who aren't hardcore gamers, NKRO is not really a big deal (unless you plan to press more than 6 keys at the same time when the keyboard is plugged in via USB).

Cherry MX Blues are generally felt to be the best mechanical switches for typing, while gamers tend to prefer linear switches (like Cherry MX Reds and Blacks). But personal preferences vary, and I love the clicky-clacky sound of the MX Blues. There are lots of Youtube videos out there that will give you an idea of what different cherry mx mechanical keyboards sound like.

It's built by Costar (who make keyboards for Filco, like the Majestouch) for Coolermaster, so in essence you are getting a rebadged Filco, which makes the pricepoint even more attractive. There are some differences - the LED indicator lights are in the keys themselves, and not on the chassis like the Filco. It's a little less "clacky" than the Filco Majestouch but the sound is a little more 'squeaky' (accoustics of the keyboard case?)

The quality is excellent. The chassis is level, none of the keys stick, the laser etching is very well done (although some may raise an eyebrow at the key fonts, which isn't the usual pleasing Helvetica but a Star-Trekish modern sans serif -- I like it, though!)

There are a *lot* of Coolermaster logos on the keyboard - one between the Esc button and F1, one above the arrow keys, the Win keys have the CM Storm logo on them, and there is a "Quick Fire" etched into the spacebar. Very busy.

It has a FN key that allows the F5 through F12 keys to be used to control multimedia and volume (and turn off the Win keys).

The keys are minimally textured and matte, and don't shine and reflect light like the Das Keyboard (which is good!)

This is a tenkeyless keyboard, so if you are looking for a numpad this keyboard is not for you. Overall I love this keyboard, it is great value for money and excellent quality (what else would you expect from Costar?). If you are looking for a tenkeyless cherry mx blue mechanical keyboard, look no further.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars The best keyboard I have ever been used
I should buy this 10 years ago - if possible. Very comfort for typing, small form factor is a good fit for small desk. +1 for detachable cable.
Published 2 days ago by bigbrother
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome keyboard
Keyboard is awesome their support is not. It's pictured with different keys on it. But mine said win instead of the storm logo. I don't run windows. Read more
Published 2 days ago by Joe
5.0 out of 5 stars Buy It
This is my first time using a mechanical keyboard and I'm pretty pleased with it. I've used an old rubber dome for many years and those cheap dell keyboards. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Ben
4.0 out of 5 stars It's a cherry MX board. You know what you're getting
That being said, the space bar took some getting used to, the actuation force was a bit low for my tastes. Read more
Published 7 days ago by David
5.0 out of 5 stars Great while it lasted/coolermaster support is awsome
I have owned this keyboard since October 2012 and up until 3 weeks ago it was an awesome keyboard.Im not sure how to put this so I'll just be straight. Read more
Published 8 days ago by john adam horton
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
I don't like numeric keyboard because it makes the keyboard bigger and cumbersome. This is right size and I like the sense of typing of this keyboard.
Published 10 days ago by Kyuho Jeong
5.0 out of 5 stars A great keyboard if you don't mind a little noise
This keyboard is exactly what I wanted.

It has Cherry's Green MX keyswitches. (Slightly more firm than the Blue MX switches, which means slightly louder, too. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Chris Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars Great quality for a great price
After a lot of research, I decided to buy the QFR with blue switches. It has a quality that is comparable to the Filco brand keyboards (pretty much "the" name in mechanical... Read more
Published 13 days ago by J49
4.0 out of 5 stars Great product. (after I fix the Left "Alt Key" problem
This keyboard is rock solid, great feel and nice red switches. It worth the money.
If you wanted to get one of this, keep in mind that you may end up with a faulty left... Read more
Published 15 days ago by Pedro Guerrero
4.0 out of 5 stars Stealth Cherry Browns
I purchased the Stealth Cherry Browns.

The keyboard quality seems very good, it has a very sturdy build, the weight is very good as it's not moving when i type but if i... Read more
Published 16 days ago by Matthew Stealth
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