Newly released mechanical gaming keyboard as they call it:

Features:

• Mechanical CHERRY MX switches
• Windows Keys disabled in GAME mode
• Extra key-caps bundled (with keypuller)
• Laser-marked keycaps
• Anti Ghosting
• NKRO in PS/2 mode
• 1000Hz/1ms response time in USB mode
• Multimedia shortcuts
• Rubber coated keyboard surface
• Removable braided USB cable with cable routing

Specifications:

Key Switch: Cherry MX Blue, Black and Brown
N Key Rollover: N key in PS/2 mode
Polling Rate: 1000 Hz / 1 ms
Interface: USB / PS2
Extra Keys: 6 pcs
Keycap Puller: Yes
USB Cable: Removable
Dimensions: 355(L)x135(W)x35(H) mm / 14(L)x5(W)x1(H) inch
Weight: 940g / 2.1lbs

Source: http://www.cmstorm.com/en/products/keyb ... firerapid/

This seems like a nice keyboard for 12 year olds.

webwit wrote:This seems like a nice keyboard for 12 year olds.

Yup. Just like the keyboards released by Corsair.

The only thing I like about it is the function key, that's what I'm missing on my Filco right now.

What the hell did they think on the spacebar? QUICK FIRE. Alright...

I actually bought one with cherry red switches First thing I'm doing when I receive it is swapping keycaps.

Mmm.. "gaming" keyboard. Seems like that's the new think that's "in". Mechanical keyboards for "gaming".

Not really new, the gamer market has been the sole driver behind the increasing popularity of mechanical keyboards. Nuts like us don't make the numbers.

I'm curious about this keyboard, for me it looks like a "cheap" Filco with red mx switches.

What makes it interesting is Costair getting into LED keys, cable management and function keys.

webwit wrote:What makes it interesting is Costair getting into LED keys, cable management and function keys.

Costair = Costar + Corsair

Well they are pretty much Filco clones and they're pretty cheap... 2500 TW, which is like $83.

Shame that they put these CM Storm logos all over the case.

webwit wrote:Nuts like us

Hehe.

I like the gray and black color scheme. The keys and excess branding are over-the-top.

The over branding is a bit annoying, but it's a good keyboard, same OEM as Filco. The version with red switched has a black body instead of gray, looks better imo and also has a red pcb.

Fixed!

I also don't like the typeface they're using on the keys.

Me neither, and I don't like how the media symbols are slabs of white.

It's the sixties/seventies retro sci-fi font again which I criticized earlier on the der Das Keyboard.

I guess they used it "Because in the future, letters are blocky and unreadable, because of computer graphics you know."

Faux metallic rubber coating? Ehm... what the fuck is that? I guess this is even worse than plastic painted as a metal.

I also don't like the font they used on the keycaps, but who keeps the stock keycaps on anyway? I threw some side printed PBT keycaps on mine and called it good.

I don't know that they were going for faux metallic look, the color looks more gray in person imo. I personally like the rubber coating, though mine is black not gray.

HWI wrote:I also don't like the font they used on the keycaps, but who keeps the stock keycaps on anyway?

With so many new manufacturers jumping on the mechanical bandwagon, I would expect or hope for someone to produce better keycaps! Also, I'm surprised no-one is doing a wireless cherry mx keyboard. I know many people hate or don't care for wireless here, but at least that would be a differente product.

I think XArmor was working on a wireless version of the U9BL before they closed shop.

Not Filco clone -- Leopold clone. Same key spacing as Leopold, which is different from Filco. LEDs under key caps, detachable cable with channels that Leopold has and Filco doesn't.

I suppose that the "rubber coated keyboard surfaces" are rubber-coated WASD keys.

I would be interested if they were available in ISO layout. I would of course repaint the keyboard (because silver plastic is TACKY!) and put Cherry PBT key caps on it.

Findecanor wrote:I suppose that the "rubber coated keyboard surfaces" are rubber-coated WASD keys.

No, the body/frame(not sure of correct term) is rubber coated. All the keycaps are ABS.

This is a Costar keyboard like Filco, I don't think Costar is Leopold's OEM, though I could be wrong.

To be fair, it's not that bad aesthetically. It could look much worse...

Yes, but that keyboard can transform into a robot dog at will.

I just ordered two quickfire with MX Red on PChome, I hope they come soon

For US resident, the red version is avaible at the CMStore : http://cmstore.coolermaster-usa.com/pro ... cts_id=761

I have just received an answer from CM:

hello,
When Quick Fire Rapid keyboard will be available in EU? Will it be available in ANSI layout with brown switches?

Dear Mr./Ms,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The Quick fire rapid will be available next month in Europe stores. These will have the red switches.

Basically the have just ignored my question about layout, but Reds only? I think I'm gonna buy from pchome then...

Now available with Blacks (reds coming "soon" aparently) in UK ISO layout from OCUK for £70 for anyone interested.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showprodu ... =KB-005-CM

How soon is soon?

If I get impatient I'll end up ordering it in ANSI from the US and if the ISO version comes out a few days later... annoying

why can't they just release the damn thing?

End of the month I think they were saying.

Hmm looks like the ANSI for me then!