CM Storm QuickFire TK

[Hyde]

LOL I went to the CM Storm site to look at the CM Storm Recon Mouse because I'm getting impatient waiting for the store release and I'm obsessed, then I'm like ok I'm here already might as well take a look at keyboard.  Then I was like omg what is this 

http://www.cmstorm.com/en/products/keyboards/Quick%20Fire%20TK/

It's basically you take the full backlight from Trigger (Add blue and white) + form factor from QuickFire Rapid + the design for QuickFire Pro.  Then you have this crazy looking keyboard that's kind of cool.

I wonder if you pick 1 color LED when you buy it or is it multi-color?  Does such technology exist yet?  (I've seen the Costar demo with 2 color but not sure if 3 is possible)

Though us being geekhackers are super anal about point of origin.  Carter once said "we'll never use iOne again" let's hope it's true with this keyboard

[sth]

too bad about the backlighting LEDs and the indicator light area design. i wish more companies would embrace the 96key formfactor instead of TKL.

[absyrd]

Yeah. I hope the same as you do about it.

I'm guessing you can't change the LED color.

[alaricljs]

  uneven mods. 

[Hyde]

too bad about the backlighting LEDs and the indicator light area design. i wish more companies would embrace the 96key formfactor instead of TKL.

Yeah I was gonna say, I guess you can see they already tried to implement the "less is more" design philosophy if you compare this to QuickFire Pro also the new case QuickFire Rapid.  But I still wish they design the indicator light area a bit simpler / streamlined and less "I am a gamer rawr" look to it.  They should just use the same shape as Filco and make a QuickFire Rapid 104 or something (In this case 96).

Though the rest of the keyboard seems to be pretty good.  Really feel like they took the customer feedback and put it into this board.  Red, Blue, White being the 3 most popular color, halfway between full size and tenkeyless, simpler design (they tried, though could made it simpler as I find case design is their weakest point), available in all switches... etc.

I'd say good job CM Storm!  Let's see if this sells lol 

[tjcaustin]

Ahh, this is the one Carter was talking about a couple days ago when he saw the mock ups in the miniphantom thread.

I wonder what price will be and who actually makes the bits and pieces.  Depending on the answers to that, I may be regretting getting a yotd...

[w4rtortle]

Wow very torn between waiting for this or just grabbing a CM tigger now, they seem very similar...

When is this one out?

[WhiteFireDragon]

Bottom row looks like razer's black widow. I'm wondering if it's the same OEM. Which OEM makes black widow again? This really looks like TheProfosist's modified phantom layout.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34909.30

[FoxWolf1]

Definitely like the layout! Brings PgUp and PgDown closer to the arrows, which is good; plus you get the number pad when you want it.

A couple of things worry me about the keyboard, though...

First of all, weight is listed at a mere 544 g/1.2 lbs. That statistic gives me cause for concern about the toughness of this board.

Secondly, keycaps are described as "ABS, grip coated". I realize that I say the exact same thing about any backlit keyboard that isn't a Deck, but I worry about how well the coating will stand up under wear...and what the keycaps will look like once the coating starts to wear off.

[Hyde]

Mmmmm I wouldn't worry too much about the coating, because like you said it's the same for almost any backlit mechanical keyboard.  Haven't heard too many stories about key wearing off yet.

As for the weight, could it be that they use PCB mount to reduce weight?  (Easier to carry to LAN parties)

Though the only thing that really worries me is that judging by the window key size it's might be made by iOne 

[tjcaustin]

Bottom row looks like razer's black widow. I'm wondering if it's the same OEM. Which OEM makes black widow again? This really looks like TheProfosist's modified phantom layout.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34909.30

iOne makes the BW, if that's the case I'm a little more meh about it.  I messaged carter just to see if I could get some info about it, hopefully he responds.

And I'm torn.  Do I wish this is an iOne so that I'm not sad that I just got a ducky yotd or do I wish it's costar like the rapid so I get one of these and get rid of the ducky (assuming led functionality is similar).

[WhiteFireDragon]

tjcaustin, I'm 95% sure this is just basic backlighting and not like the LED lightshow from the ducky YotD. This new quickfire most likely is not Costar either, because I don't think Costar makes LED boards.

[w4rtortle]

I thought the trigger was costar along with the QFR?

[alaricljs]

Costar started making LED boards, they demoed one at a trade show... Nothing complicated tho, and apparently they have a new rev of their stabilizers to support switches w/ LEDs.  Now to dig up those blasted pics.

[WhiteFireDragon]

Costar started making LED boards

Thanks for the info... I did not know this before.

[alaricljs]

Found vid on YT -

Note the bi-color LEDs are 3mm 2 lead LEDs where driving it in 1 direction you get RED and opposite direction you get GREEN.  No mixing, so you couldn't do red/blue/purple for instance (which would be awesome damnit).

[alaricljs]

Trigger is Costar

As for your question.  I'd recommend getting CM Storm QuickFire rapid with MX Red, since it's made by Costar.  While CM Storm Trigger and CM Strom QuickFire Pro are made by iOne.

Costar manufactures Filco, WASD Keyboards, Das Keyboards, ThermalTake Mekka G1... etc
iOne manufactures Razer Blackwidow, iOne, Max Keyboards, QPad, XAmor... etc

In short Costar > iOne build quality.

First of all, Trigger is made by Costar.

Second of all, both Reds and Blues are on the way but will be about 1.5-2 months before they hit the channels.

[WhiteFireDragon]

I wonder why there were so many words around that Trigger was made by iOne. Maybe it was confused with the Pro model.

[esoomenona]

.

[Hyde]

I wonder why there were so many words around that Trigger was made by iOne. Maybe it was confused with the Pro model.

I think people are just not used to Costar making backlit board, so people just jump to backlit = iOne.

Though now that I think about it Costar also makes Mionix Zibal 60 which is also another backlit keyboard.  If only they have different LED colour and different switches.  I guess at least Thermaltake is on their way of releasing backlit MEKA G1 with different switches so just be patient I guess

I like this set up. Is there any news on when it might be available?

lol no clue I just saw it on the site today.

[Carter]

Ok guys,

Will put a few rumors to rest..


Board is not made by iOne, but not Costar.... Build quality is awesome though.

LED + Backplate will match switch color. (Except for Brown switch: White + White)

Cannot give actual launch date but will be soon & first switch type to hit will be Blue (Blue backplate/Blue LED)

[Sifo]

Blue backplate... I might have to get one just for that.

[FoxWolf1]

So will the MX Black version have a black backlight?

[w4rtortle]

ok im going to grab a cm storm trigger for now and then wait for the red version of this guy if the reviews are decent. thanks for the info

[tjcaustin]

Hooray, can still get the duck for now

[Carter]

I will say, this is not the only backlit project of some very much wanted boards to come.

[shadewolf]

Wow, looks pretty interesting.

Thanks for the extra info Carter

[TheProfosist]

Nice looks close to my layout (you should hire me as a layout consultant ) i wonder how close couldnt really tell on my phone from the gallery pictures ill have to look on my pc in the morning. Any way i could get a review sample possibly?

[RickyJ]

There is no one single keyboard for everyone, and I'm very happy to see that Carter and his team are trying to give more people some solid choices. Keep it up!

[ferociousfingerings]

Almost there...

Now, just slap a volume roller-knob and some macro keys on the left side, and we're golden. 

Oh, and let me swap between purple and green backlighting. Red and/or Blue, i can do without. ^^

[TheProfosist]

Almost there...

Now, just slap a volume roller-knob and some macro keys on the left side, and we're golden. 

Oh, and let me swap between purple and green backlighting. Red and/or Blue, i can do without. ^^

that would kinda defeat the purpose of the formfactor.

[Zifle]

Looks interesting, although I'm saddened to see a "non-standard" spacebar (6.5 units).
I'd be much more drawn to it, were it not for that (which, as mentioned earlier, also affects the modifiers on the same row) =/

[WhiteFireDragon]

Now, just slap a volume roller-knob and some macro keys on the left side, and we're golden. 

Actually, don't do that. That's just more gimmick, and it would be better to keep this keyboard as simple as possible. Emphasis is on the hybrid form factor.

[ferociousfingerings]

Almost there...

Now, just slap a volume roller-knob and some macro keys on the left side, and we're golden. 

Oh, and let me swap between purple and green backlighting. Red and/or Blue, i can do without. ^^

that would kinda defeat the purpose of the formfactor.

Well... if the unused left side of your board is all that important, i suppose it might.

OTH: There's a whole lot of stuff between my right shift key and my mouse, that really doesn't need to be there.

I thought the "whole purpose" of shaving stuff from the right side of the board, was so you didn't have to reach left to type, or reach far right for the mouse, if you instead chose to "center" your board for typing.

And the only reason to keep the tenkey at all (or the "edit cluster"), IMO, is because of using it for something other than gaming, and wanting a familiar layout, and for not needing multiple-keys to find a typically single-key function (as one would need to do with any "mini" board).

Honestly... let's just take the whole arrow/edit/tenkey cluster, stick it all on the left, and make it "programmable" like "macro keys." Then we can keep our alpha-box centered, and have our mouse directly beside it... and, a cluster full of multifunctional "macro keys" on the left.

lol.

Or... anyone know if the g13 can be used as a "arrow/edit/tenkey" hybrid cluster? If so, maybe i should just grab one of those and a Pure (If only i could find one w/ the right switches and colors; too bad there's no cherry-g13).

Now, just slap a volume roller-knob and some macro keys on the left side, and we're golden. 

Actually, don't do that. That's just more gimmick, and it would be better to keep this keyboard as simple as possible. Emphasis is on the hybrid form factor.

I honestly thought "the whole purpose" of condensing the right side of the board, was because of how no one really likes having to reach to the left, to type... or centering the board for typing, and then having to reach far right for the mouse... or having to own a separate tenkey-device...

I guess it's about "desk space" for some... but for me it's more about centering, with as "least astonishment" as possible.

I got plenty of room to the left. Even more if i can move my board over, the width of the subtracted "arrow/edit" space. I don't see how 1-2 columns of macro keys (on the left!) would "defeat the purpose." In fact... getting stuff out of the way, and putting it on the other side, seems to me to fit the (*my) purpose, quite well. ^^


Ultimately, i feel this "hybrid cluster" layout, is based on a compromise, attempting to achieve an acceptable middle-ground.

I see it as a placement thing, rather than a space/size thing.


Either way... i think it's great this board is being made, even if it doesn't have macro keys... whether i end up with one or not.

[ferociousfingerings]

Something like this... would be pretty great, IMO.

[gameaholic]

Something like this... would be pretty great, IMO.

+1

That would be a great form factor.  Just enough macros on the left and a regular numpad for when you want it (although I am kinda used to not having it after two TKL keyboards).  I'd also like a detachable wrist rest.  I'm still not a fan of the font of the lettering on the keys.  For the backlighting it lists 5 levels and 3 modes.  The two modes I most liked from the Ducky YOTD are the reactive mode (where the keys light up when you press them) and the profile where you can pick which ones stay lit (I would just keep the WASD lit prob).

You know what, scratch the macros on the side. CM need to just make a mechanical competitor to the Logitech G13 and Razer Nostromo.     

[absyrd]

I will say, this is not the only backlit project of some very much wanted boards to come.

Interesting.

Can you give us an approx MSRP on the TK?

[Soarer]

Not bad... near-TheProfosist quality layout and near-Soarer quality USB code... a decent effort

Just kidding! It's not quite my ideal 'board, but it's great to see a 96-key layout (albeit minus a couple of keys). I hope it's a success... big enough to pull a bandwagon of different takes on the theme from other makers. I'd rather have a more sober design, and no backlighting, but I wouldn't expect that to come from CM - they have their style, and I think commercially it's a good balance between sober and 'gamer-rawr'.

[Hyde]

LED + Backplate will match switch color. (Except for Brown switch: White + White)

What's wrong with brown light?  LOL jk but nooooo I like blue LED but I prefer brown or red switches 

Now, just slap a volume roller-knob and some macro keys on the left side, and we're golden. 

I actually avoid buying keyboard with macros, I have no use of it and I keep hitting it by accident when I try to do copy and paste shortcuts (left ctrl) so it's actually very annoying for me.

I'm still not a fan of the font of the lettering on the keys.

Am I the only one that thinks the font used in Blackwidow and this looks futuristic and stylish?  I mean if it's not backlit then yeah it looks kind of annoying, but with backlit version it looks amazing.

[esoomenona]

.

[TheProfosist]

I actually avoid buying keyboard with macros, I have no use of it and I keep hitting it by accident when I try to do copy and paste shortcuts (left ctrl) so it's actually very annoying for me.

Set up macros for copy and paste

their on my G600

[ferociousfingerings]

the reactive mode (where the keys light up when you press them) and the profile where you can pick which ones stay lit (I would just keep the WASD lit prob).

I'd like to see a "negative" reactive mode... where all keys are lit (alternatively: those you chose to keep lit), and temporarily turn off, as you press them.
Also, more picking which keys are lit.

CM need to just make a mechanical competitor to the Logitech G13 and Razer Nostromo.     

This. And also, Both Logitech and Razer should go ahead and make mech versions of these. Or at least "mechanize" their successors.

[Hyde]

I actually avoid buying keyboard with macros, I have no use of it and I keep hitting it by accident when I try to do copy and paste shortcuts (left ctrl) so it's actually very annoying for me.

Set up macros for copy and paste

But I use Maya and Photoshop there's just way too many combinations of shortcuts that I need that involves the left ctrl, shift, and alt.  Also I don't want to mess up my muscle memory then when I go to work and can't use generic keyboard (Although I brought my keyboard to work lol).

In short I'd rather avoid the headache with macro keys.  Plus I like my esc key on the top left corner close to the edge of keyboard.  Esc key on keyboards with macro column has this annoying extra boarder.

[esoomenona]

.

[boredgunner]

Not iOne, not Costar, interesting... I would have guessed iOne since it looks like the QF Pro, has some of the same secondary functions, and likewise has NKRO in USB.  Can it do PS/2?  I would assume not, but I have to ask.  I will see about getting a review sample when the time comes.  Interesting TKL design. 

[Daniel Beaver]

rawr, want

Not available in the USA yet?

[TheQsanity]

CM is giving me the the biggest nerdgasim atm! Even bigger than what Razer would give me cause!
Razer's like the hot chick that you just want to play with then get bored with...She aint cheap either.
CM is like a girl that knows everything you want and more...at a great price!

[Hyde]

CM is giving me the the biggest nerdgasim atm! Even bigger than what Razer would give me cause!
Razer's like the hot chick that you just want to play with then get bored with...She aint cheap either.
CM is like a girl that knows everything you want and more...at a great price!

Well said lol

[IvanIvanovich]

Not sure if I like this or the Plum 96 more... guess will have to wait and see where the price falls on these. Only thing I;m not sure about is that bottom row. Seems to be the same as the new logitech too, wonder who this mystery oem is?

[TheQsanity]

Not sure if I like this or the Plum 96 more... guess will have to wait and see where the price falls on these. Only thing I;m not sure about is that bottom row. Seems to be the same as the new logitech too, wonder who this mystery oem is?

How much are the Plums?