CM Storm QuickFire TK mechanical keyboard review

Cooler Master recently added the CM Storm QuickFire TK to its line of mechanical gaming keyboards. The QuickFire TK is basically a more condensed version of the QuickFire Pro, this new model ditches the arrow keys as well as other navigation and editing keys. It's a compact, no-fuzz keyboard without too many bells and whistles, you get Cherry MX switches, key illumination, and NKRO. It seems this keyboard is aimed at gamers with a small desktop and LAN party-goers who are in the market for a compact keyboard that you can easily take with you.

While the full-size QuickFire Pro is available with Cherry MX Black, Blue, Brown, and Red switches, the QuickFire TK limits the choice to red, brown, and blue. The red model has a red backlight, the blue one has a blue backlight and the brown one features a white backlight, probably because a brown backlight wouldn't be appealing enough. Each keyboard is reinforced with a steel plate, which has either a red, blue, or brown coating, corresponding with the color of the Cherry MX switches.

When the QuickFire TK arrived in our test lab I was quite surprised by the size of the product's box - especially the box's width seemed very small. I knew this wasn't a full-sized keyboard but I didn't expect it to be this small.

CM QuickFire TK box


Before we move on to the rest of the review, here's a look at the QuickFire TK's features and specifications:
  • Model Numbers:
    - SGK-4020-GKCR1(Red switch)
    - SGK-4020-GKCM1(Brown switch)
    - SGK-4020-GKCL1(Blue switch)
  • Key Switch: Cherry MX Blue/ Brown/ Red
  • Keycaps: ABS, grip coated, removable
  • Keycap Puller: Yes, ring-puller
  • Backlight:
    - All keys backlit, 5 Levels, 3 Modes(Breathing, WASD or full backlight);
    - Red switch key has red backlight, Blue switch key has blue backlight and Brown switch has white backlight
  • Key Rollover: NKRO (Windows only)
  • Polling Rate: 1000 Hz /1 ms
  • Interface: USB 2.0 full speed
  • USB cable: 1.8m, braided, gold plated, removable
  • Dimensions: 377.5(L)*138(W)*33(H)mm (14.9(L)*5.4(W)*1.3(H)inch)
  • Weight: 544 g (1.2 lbs)
  • Upon opening the box you find the keyboard in a protective bag, you'll notice it has a nicely braided cable and that there are surprisingly few accessories. Cooler Master included a brief manual as well as a keycap puller that enables you to remove the keys for cleaning without having to resort to more brusque methods like using a screwdriver to pop off the keycaps. Unlike most gaming keyboards, this model does not require the installation of a driver, every feature of the QuickFire TK can be activated/deactivated directly on the keyboard.

    CM QuickFire TK accessories


    The QuickFire TK has a unique layout, it's the first keyboard I've ever had in my hands that has a numpad but no dedicated navigation nor editing keys. In order to make this keyboard more compact than its larger brother, Cooler Master decided to offer these keys as second functionality on the numpad. The arrow keys and the print screen, scroll lock, pause, insert, home, page up, page down, end, and delete keys are all situated on the numpad, you can toggle between regular numpad mode and second functionality by using the num lock key. The QuickFire TK has a length of just 377.5mm, whereas the QuickFire Pro is 454mm long.

    CM QuickFire TK keyboard


    Added: December 16th 2012
    Product reviewed: CM Storm QuickFire TK mechanical keyboard
    Reviewer: Thomas De Maesschalck
    Score: 8/10
    Page: 1/3



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    About the Author

    Thomas De Maesschalck

    Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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