Cooler Master has added yet another member to the QuickFire lineup, the CM Storm Quickfire TK. It’s a shortened up version of the Pro with a more compact layout to fit where ever you may go with it. The TK comes in three Cherry MX switches so you can pick exactly what “click” you want: red, blue, or brown. Each switch does ultimately decide what the exterior of your keyboard looks like as well – red switches come with red LED keys, blue with blue LEDs, and brown with white LEDs. A steel plate insert behind the keys also comes in those respective colors. Ultimately either your choice in appearance will choose your key type, or your choice in key type will choose your appearance.
Provided By: Cooler Master
Price: $99.99
Closer Look:
The CM Storm QuikFire TK arrived in matte black packaging with red accents to match CM Storm branding.
The back of the box is covered with features in eight different languages to avoid losing a buyer from lack of understanding I guess as well as four quick shots of in action features are listed on the right: Full LED backlight, Multimedia, lighting and Win-Lock keys, Compact layout with integrated Num pad block , NKRO in USB mode.
Accessories with the QuikFire TK are few, and functional. Included you will find a quick reference card, manual, 1.8 meter USB cable, and key puller.
After removing the keyboard from its packaging, one of the first things that I noticed was this keyboard looks pretty sweet even without any lighting turned on; the keys are also very readable with no lighting, unlike some lighted keyboards that can only be read when lit up.
The top line of function keys F1-F12 all serve as dual purpose keys as well. F1-F4 control the lighting options, F5-F8 control the media playback, F9-F11 control the volume options, and F12 toggles the Windows key on or off. The ESC key is no exception from that row of options and serves as a dual for toggling 6KRO for Mac users or NKRO for Windows users.
The back of the keyboard, isn’t too complicated. There’s a big sticker on the back with a S/N for ownership and some quick labeling to tell you it’s a CM Storm QuickFire TK. There are rubber grips on all four corners to help keep your keys under your finger tips and two rear feet to give those of you who prefer a higher angle a lift. You can also see the grooved channel to allow your cable to be routed best for your desk setup.
Looking from the side profile of the keyboard you can see that it tries to take up the minimum amount of space by only being just wide enough to place all the keys. The natural angle is about average for a keyboard but props up to stand quite a bit higher. You can also see the rounded cut out that allows you to pass your cable out the left side to keep your desk tidy. It has a nice simple look without trying to be over styled.
Features & Specifications:
Model | 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 |
Backlighting | All keys, Red, 5 Levels, 3 Modes |
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 |
Dimension | 377.5(L)*138(W)*33(H)mm14.9(L)*5.4(W)*1.3(H)inch |
Weight | 544 g/1.2 lbs |
Warranty | 2 years |
UPC Code | 884102017971 (SGK-4020-GKCR1 Red switch) 884102017926 (SGK-4020-GKCM1 Brown switch) 884102017940 (SGK-4020-GKCL1 Blue switch) |
Conclusion:
The Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire TK is a great keyboard. If you are looking for a mechanical keyboard for your gaming habit, then any of the QuickFire line up will certainly work for you, but if you need full backlighting, NKRO over USB and a keyboard that sticks to your desk as if it were nailed there, well then the QuickFire TK is probably the only one on your list.
The Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire TK receive the Xtreme Tech Junkie’s Xtreme Award!