So as a Forum Noob, here's a review of the Cooler Master Quickfire TK.
Like it's brother the Quickfire Rapid, the TK uses a tenkeyless design, but is unique in that instead of eliminating the numpad, it eliminates the six command keys and integrates directional keys into the numpad. The company has better pictures than I could take, so here is an example.
Table of ContentsDimensionsTaken from the CM website, the keyboard is 14.9 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches, about 2.5 inches shorter than the Corsair K60 full size, and significantly lighter; it weight 544 grams, or slightly over a pound.
It also comes with a removable braided micro-USB to USB cable, about as thin as a soda straw but very flexible and quite durable, with straight, left, and right channels. No extra USB ports.
There is a steel plate in the back, and therefore minimal if any flex. On the bottom, there are four flat rubber surfaces, and rubber feet on the stands, preventing movement on my slippery desk.
LayoutAs you can see, the keyboard uses a double-0 key rather than the traditional extra-large 0. However, as can be inferred, with the trade off of the reduced form comes a trade-off. I am primarily a typist, and I play some RPGs, and the use of the keys on the numpad (by turning numlock off) is rather natural to me, as they are in the same spaces in which the directional keys would normally occupy. As a matter of convenience, the lights for each of the four keys are lit up when numlock is off and they are functional.
Because, however, I am a typist and not a programmer by any means, I have little experience with using the keys in a spreadsheet, and from other reviews which I have read, programmers would certainly be better-served with a full size keyboard, without compromise.
KeysAs for the keys themselves, they are ABS made and coated with a matte, grippy substance; the coating is light and comfortable on the fingers, rather hard to describe but certainly not unpleasant. Between the choices of switch are the basic Red, Blue, and Brown; the Blue which I am using have a 45g actuation force. The spacebar and both shift keys use Cherry Corp stabilizers rather than third party, and while reviews are mixed I feel that they are extremely light and responsive. Being a backlit keyboard, the letters on the keys are a translucent white. Thankfully, the text is straight and easily readable (Razer, take note) while still being stylized to indicate its status as a gaming peripheral.
As far as the function and special keys, the escape and F1-F12 keys have, in order, a toggle between 6KRO and NKRO for USB, light on/off, brightness, mode, multimedia, volume, and a Windows Lock key, which lights up only when activated. Unusually, the keyboard also has a function lock key, activated by holding for a few seconds, between the right windows key/control which also is lit only when in use. The Insert/Home/etc. keys are also put into the numpad above the direction keys, and can be useful while playing MMOs.
LightingAs the mechanical switches themselves change, so too do the color of the backlighting. Blue and red intuitively have blue and red backlighting, respectively, while Brown (pictured) has white. If one looks beneath the keys, a feature of the bottom is quickly seen, in that it is colored; the coloring corresponds to the backlighting and serves to enhance the light strongly and provide for an even lighting. Each key, of course, is backlit.
Between the modes, there is a simple 'gaming' mode, in which only the WASD keys and directional/windows lock/FN lock keys are lit, if they are applicable, a breathing mode, and a basic lit mode where all the lights excluding those earlier mentioned if not in use are on. There are five modes of lighting, and for indoors purposes the fifth (highest) level is absolutely glowing light, while at one the keys are still easily read, but more suitable for darker situations; I prefer a two or one at most times, but the higher settings are certainly very good looking if overly bright. This is where the colored back (pardon the pun) truly shines, as the even reflection of light eliminates dark spots and at higher settings make the keys and spacing between them glow a wonderful looking-blue.
ConclusionIn summary, I must say that I really do enjoy the Quickfire TK, it being my second keyboard after the Corsair K60 with MX Red, given a combination of factors, especially its affordable pricing, at $80-90 from Amazon and other retailers. Mine was open-box, and it was a free five dollars off for no compromise, as it was a display model. The light weight (544 g) is very nice, as it weighs less than half of most full-size mechanical keyboards and similar to membranous keyboards, despite its metal backing.
The typing sensation is as expected, but the coating on the keys was something new to me and genuinely felt very comfortable and easy on the fingers. If you are looking for a great-priced keyboard which is easily transported and great for typing, this is a good choice. Of course, if you want something similar in feel and appearance yet with the directional keys and six keys rather than numpad, the Stealth version is a go-to, and the recently reviewed Quickfire XT is a full-sized version at a lower price but without the backlighting.
On the good, the great feel of the keycaps, solid backlighting, and sensible features (windows/fn lock, adaptive lights) impressed me, as well as the NKRO in USB. The travel factor also, of course.
For drawbacks, I would have to say the lack of ports (a USB port and/or headphone jack would make this perfect), but few other issues.
P.S. For more experienced reviewers, any help on things that I could work on? This is a first review, and it feels rather unpolished but I think that I covered most points. I do apologize for having little other than the Corsair to compare this keyboard to, as I have nothing else on hand! Advice is greatly appreciated.
