Leopold FC200 or CM Storm QuickFire Rapid? (Cherry MX Red)

[stealthbr]

Well, I am about to buy a mechanical keyboard and would like to know which would be the better option. Which is a more reliable brand and which is better, quality-wise? Both are priced reasonably well, so it's down to these criteria. Thanks!

Thanks for the help!

[Glockateer]

QuickFire is better overall and also has costar stabilizers if you wish to change keycaps in the future.

[stingrae]

Well, I am about to buy a mechanical keyboard and would like to know which would be the better option. Which is a more reliable brand and which is better, quality-wise? Both are priced reasonably well, so it's down to these criteria. Thanks!

Thanks for the help!

I can't say anything for Leopold's quallity as I have not owned one. I am lead to believe they use cherry stabilizers where as CM STORM uses costar (who make Filco). I think both are quallity boards.

Other than that the differences are rather minimal but might matter to you!

1. Raised lettering on CM STORM keycaps (honestly not a problem for me but i imagine it annoys people especially the spacebar)
2. Excessive overbranding (logo windows keys, logo by escape, logo by arrows and logo on backside
3. Rubberized finish (which is quite smooth, atleast it's not glossy lol)

Having briefly had a Filco board I must say the cm storm is close in quallity (but as i didn't have mx blue switches I really can't say better/worse) and the functionality does make up for the inconvenience of not having a minimalistic board (besides can always buy keycaps or use the majority of the noppoo keys but its kinda ugly looking that way).

I think it's a hard decision both are good and perhaps both have their own flaws. Either way they are solid boards so perhaps go for the leopold if you want to be minimalistic and the cm storm if you don't (given that the red is more obvious in branding to the blue/brown and black).

I'd say your best bet is reading comments on the stabilizers and seeing if you can identify with what is said to me that seems the biggest issue between the two or choose the one with the least drawbacks for you, theres a wiki and a whole bunch of reviews. Good luck on your decision I hope you enjoy !

[stealthbr]

Nice, thanks for the reply! Do you know if and when the QuickFire Cherry MX Red will be available for purchase in the US?

[fstop]

No one knows for sure CM reps say they're testing the market with the Mx blues for now and will decide in the next few months if they want to bring reds over. Your only choice is PCHome or buying a used one.

I used PCHome and had a great experience. Arrived in 3 days to the U.S. no problems. Faster shipping then US retailers

[Roguemaster8]

I currently own a CM Storm with Cherry Blues and I couldn't be happier. Build quality is great, and like what has been stated already, the board uses Costar stabilizers, exact same ones a Filco would use.

When it came down to a similar decision with me (Filco or Quickfire), I ended up going with the Quickfire because it also comes with media keys and is better priced.

[stealthbr]

Hmmm, I think I'll wait until Amazon has them. Either way, which wrist rest do you recommend me getting considering the keyboard lacks num keys?

[stealthbr]

This PChome website is confusing, to say the least. Anyone have a direct link to the CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Cherry MX Red switches keyboard?

[stealthbr]

Um... okay?

[stealthbr]

You're the number one keyboard expert on the planet. Do I need to use paypal or does a regular CC work?

[stealthbr]

Oh, and why does it say 80% mechanical?

[lightsout714]

Because its 80% the size of a regular keyboard. And yes I would use paypal on pchome.

[stealthbr]

Thanks, well I just bought it. I don't think there was a shipping method option (meaning how fast it ships: 2-day, 3-day, etc.), so can anyone tell me how long it would take to ship it to Miami? Thanks.

[lightsout714]

Got to california from sunday (ordered it) to thursday.

[piken]

Thanks, well I just bought it. I don't think there was a shipping method option (meaning how fast it ships: 2-day, 3-day, etc.), so can anyone tell me how long it would take to ship it to Miami? Thanks.

I have bought a filco from them before right after EK stopped with them and hadn't started with the Leo's yet. It took 4 days to get to my house in Fort Lauderdale.

[iBro]

Haters gonna hate.

Leopold is a fine brand. Some people prefer costar stabilizers to cherry stabilizers, but the Leopold is by no means a bad keyboard. I would trust the build quality to be better than the CM. I owned a Leopold and loved the build quality and how it felt genuinely "planted" if that makes any sense. It just felt nice and sturdy. I have never owned a CM so I can't comment on to how it feels.

Also the CM has disgusting logos.

Seriously, I hate the logos.





Gross

[hashbaz]

Haters gonna hate.
...
Also the CM has disgusting logos.
Seriously, I hate the logos.
Gross

Yup.

I thought the descriptions of the Leo on this thread were fair and balanced, fwiw.  I own one with reds, and love it to death, though I do prefer Costar stabilizers.

[RetronicVoice]

I don't know why people is complaining about cm logos (in other forums as well)... if these were bad or horrible, the story would be different, but logos are very nice to see. At least, logos or no logos don't care me. I'm only looking for a great keyboard.

Well, actually it's purely personal taste i admit it lol. Personally, i'd pick up a cm storm

[hashbaz]

I would prefer more discreet branding, but it's not a huge deal for me either.  If I ever buy a CM Storm it'll be as a workhorse.  I already have a show pony.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 38226[/ATTACH]

[jellowiggler]

I realize that the Storm Quickfire Rapid is a nice quality board. But you really have to get past the logos being everywhere, which I can't.

I also don't like windowed keys (hard to find replacements), and crazy fonts that make any keys you add look out of place.

So I'd go with the Leopold.  High quality. Only down side is cherry stabilizer on space bar. But universal spaces are coming out everywhere now. Three are people here who will modify a costar space to a leopold for you as well. I really hate the bling on the Storm.

If I took the Storm I'd at least order replacement windows keys and a space bar. That eliminates 3 of the 6 logos.

[lightsout714]

Once you change the keycaps the two logos don't look bad. I would much rather deal with logos then the cherry stabilizers. I sold my Leo w/reds for a cm w/reds fwiw.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[TopazPie]

I think the logos are fine. The thing that bugs me the most, is the font. I'm planning on getting a cm storm keyboard on Monday. Already have Filco caps to replace the original ones.

[stealthbr]

I guess what really led me to buy the QuickFire was the windows lock key and the media controls via the function key, that's all. I don't really care that much about aesthetics as I don't really look at my keyboard. Even so, I'm sure Leopold produces very high quality keyboards.

[kdash4]

kind of on the same boat.
The thing is I really don't like the fonts and the logos on the CMStorm. However, I like that they have costar and is priced better. around $40-50 difference for me compared to leopold.
I am leaning towards the cmstorm due to it's price but not sure...

[paulcalypse]

According to the picture on PCHome of the quickfire with reds, the keycaps have only English characters. Is this really the case if I order it from there? So sick of waiting, haha.

[CyberDave]

I would prefer more discreet branding, but it's not a huge deal for me either.  If I ever buy a CM Storm it'll be as a workhorse.  I already have a show pony.

(Attachment Link) 38226[/ATTACH]

Are those...custom keycaps made to look like Model M keys?

[hashbaz]

Are those...custom keycaps made to look like Model M keys?

Nope.  They're Cherry doubleshots.

[CyberDave]

Nope.  They're Cherry doubleshots.

Ah, gotcha.

[stealthbr]

Hmmm, under Order Status it says: Order Confirmation. Anyone know how long this stage takes and why exactly it's still in this stage? PChome sent me two emails.

They first one says that: "The notification letter is to inform you of the system have received your order information, and check for your own purposes again, does not mean that the transaction has been completed."

The second one says: "Order ********** to maintain transaction information security, the credit card company to confirm the transaction to be content to wait until the confirmation information will be shipped as quickly as possible, so the order will be a slight delay in shipping time, please forgive me!"

Also, PayPal sent me an email saying: "You have sent a payment of NT $ 3,287 TWD to PChome Online Inc."

[Glukos]

It's sunday. Maybe...

[lightsout714]

According to the picture on PCHome of the quickfire with reds, the keycaps have only English characters. Is this really the case if I order it from there? So sick of waiting, haha.

No thats wrong they will have Chinese characters.

Hmmm, under Order Status it says: Order Confirmation. Anyone know how long this stage takes and why exactly it's still in this stage? PChome sent me two emails.

They first one says that: "The notification letter is to inform you of the system have received your order information, and check for your own purposes again, does not mean that the transaction has been completed."

The second one says: "Order ********** to maintain transaction information security, the credit card company to confirm the transaction to be content to wait until the confirmation information will be shipped as quickly as possible, so the order will be a slight delay in shipping time, please forgive me!"

Also, PayPal sent me an email saying: "You have sent a payment of NT $ 3,287 TWD to PChome Online Inc."

Mine was a little weird and I ordered on saturday night as well. I was a bit concerned but I think around monday it got changed. Use the status page I don't think you will get another email. But a lot of stuff in China is shut down right now so hopefully they are open to ship during the holiday.

[stealthbr]

Wait, what? The keyboard I just ordered has Chinese characters on them??? Here's the link:
http://global.pchome.com.tw/DCAH28-A58428401

[alaricljs]

See the specifications at the bottom of the page you linked.   You're getting Chinese phonetic printed keycaps.

[stealthbr]

ROFL, excellent. Now is there a way to get a refund? I'm getting the Leopold, this chinese crap is too complicated.

Edit: Wait, but right next to the Add to Cart button, it also says:  "Chinese version / printed only in English phonetic and quick to join"
Not to mention, the picture shows English characters on the keys.

[elton5354]

It does have English as well as Chinese characters on the bottom.

[alaricljs]

This is what you'll get if you don't cancel.

[stealthbr]

Link not working.

[stealthbr]

Ah, if it has both English and Chinese, then whatever. Even so, if I happen not to like the keycaps, where can I find replacements for them? Thanks!

[alaricljs]

Don't know what the issue is with the link, I obviously have no issue with it.  It's a review of the board on vr-zone

[Glukos]

You can ask Qtan here:
http://geekhack.org/forumdisplay.php?81-Elite-e-sports-gaming-equipment
Or just use his store here:
http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/pbt-key-caps/catId=3982960
Or you can find Qtan's store on ebay also.

[stealthbr]

Don't know what the issue is with the link, I obviously have no issue with it.  It's a review of the board on vr-zone

I had to use a proxy to open the link, don't know why. I looked at the keyboard and I think I can live with it. Thanks.

[royalsego]

Haters gonna hate.

Leopold is a fine brand. Some people prefer costar stabilizers to cherry stabilizers, but the Leopold is by no means a bad keyboard. I would trust the build quality to be better than the CM. I owned a Leopold and loved the build quality and how it felt genuinely "planted" if that makes any sense. It just felt nice and sturdy. I have never owned a CM so I can't comment on to how it feels.

Also the CM has disgusting logos.

Seriously, I hate the logos.





Gross

For the uninitiated, what is the difference between costar and cherry stabilizers? is it just the spacebar?

[alaricljs]

Cherry stabilizers involve a bit more friction and frequently change how the bottoming of a key feels.  Costar's have nearly no change in key feel however some people complain that they rattle more.  A lot of people think changing caps on Cherry stabilizers is easier since you just yank the cap off (and hope everything is mounted well on the board)  There's more of a puzzle to pull caps off Costar stabilizers.

Keys involved:  both Shifts, Enter, Backspace, Space  (then on 104 boards: +, Enter, Insert)

[stealthbr]

Well, I ended up cancelling the order. Anyway, does anyone know of a Tenkeyless Cherry MX Red fully mechanical keyboard with a USB port to connect other things like the mouse? Thanks.

[alaricljs]

I don't know of any, you'd have to mod a hub into one.

[daerid]

Dang, I'm itching for a red tenkeyless board. Was hoping to see how you liked it

[ZeroGraVT]

If you want the CMStorm Reds then you should wait till they sell it on their website. Reps said they'll be available around next month. The website is the only place they'll sell it in the US unless there's enough demand for them to release it to retailers. Corsair K60 is not fully mechanical but does have usb hub. I have a Leopold Red and it's awesome. It's my main keyboard and use it for FPS and typing.  I haven't found anything to complain about. The cherry stabilizers do make the keys feel a little different but it's really not that big of a deal.

[alaricljs]

... Corsair K60 is not fully mechanical but does have usb hub.

It's also not 87-key (tenkeyless).

[ZeroGraVT]

It's also not 87-key (tenkeyless).

I didn't say it was.

[wongster]

I have both a Leopold with browns and a CM Storm with reds. I prefer the CM Storm because of the reds and the Costar stabilizers, Cherry stabilizers feel mushy to me (but that's purely subjective). I didn't like the over branding as well, but changing keycaps and taping over a logo helped a lot, I like the look of it now.

Here's a pic of how it looked previously. Hope that helps!