How to turn on keyboard backlight cm storm. Test & Review: CM Storm Trigger - Mechanical Keyboard for Gamers

25.04.2021

A new top-end CM Storm keyboard for gamers has arrived in our testing lab. It uses modern mechanical keys, but other equipment is also promising. You get adjustable keyboard backlighting, macro and multimedia keys, 6-key Anti-Ghosting Rollover, built-in USB hub - CM Storm offers what your heart desires. Add to that an attractive price point for a backlit mechanical keyboard. But how well will it show itself in reality?

Mechanical keyboards have long been a niche product, produced by a small number of companies, and used by a few enthusiasts. But in recent months, more and more users are starting to feel the benefits of this type of keyboards. The industry reacted accordingly, and today mechanical keyboards are made by major companies such as Corsair, Thermaltake or Razer.

The Cooler Master CM Storm brand, aimed at gamers, is also well known in the market. The company recently introduced the "Spartan" compact Quickfire Rapid keyboard, but the Trigger is likely to attract even more attention. It combines mechanical keys with an impressive feature set and an attractive price tag. This gaming keyboard features not only the MX Black mechanical keys, but also the red backlighting, macro functions, 6-key Anti-Ghosting Rollover, multimedia keys and a USB hub. And all this wealth can be bought for 113 euros in Europe. In Russia, CM Storm Trigger has not yet appeared at the time of publication. For a keyboard, the price may seem high. But if you look at the prices of other backlit mechanical keyboards, the impression quickly changes. For example, Mionix Zibal keyboards or QPad MK-85 (test and review) will cost or

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | Introduction

What is the main weapon in the hands of a professional gamer? Of course, the mouse - it is with its help that all accurate shots are made, sharp, and not very, movements are carried out. However, an important role in gameplay the keyboard also plays. Here, all the little things are important - from the response time and the clarity of pressing, to tactile sensations, ergonomics, etc.

Many computer accessory companies manufacture keyboards designed specifically for active gamers. It must be said that unlike mice, where all manufacturers en masse supply sensors with high DPI values in pursuit of maximum clarity, the approach to creating gaming keyboards from different manufacturers differs.

In our today's review, we will get acquainted with the philosophy that Cooler Master adheres to in this matter. On our test table - a junior gaming keyboard from this company - CM Storm QuickFire Rapid.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | Specifications

With technical characteristics CM Storm QuickFire Rapid can be found by examining the table below.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Specifications
Key material, switches	Rubberized plastic, Cherry MX
Connection type	Wired, USB or PS / 2
Number of keys	87
Response time, ms	1
Dimensions, mm	356.6 x 135.5 x 30
Weight, g	940
useful links	Description of CM Storm QuickFire Rapid on the manufacturer's website

Among the features CM Storm QuickFire Rapid not listed in the table, we can note NKRO support when connected to the PS / 2 connector using an adapter. This function ensures correct recognition of simultaneous pressing of any number of keys.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | Packaging, delivery set

Box CM Storm QuickFire Rapid made in the aggressive gaming style, traditional for CM Storm products.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard Package Contents

Besides the keyboard itself CM Storm QuickFire Rapid, the box contains an instruction manual, a USB-miniUSB cable used to connect the keyboard to a computer, a USB-PS / 2 adapter, a set of replaceable keys, and a key to facilitate the process of replacing them.

USB cable included CM Storm QuickFire Rapid- not quite ordinary. Outside, it is covered with a rigid protective braid with a low coefficient of friction, which will allow it to easily slide on the table and not cling to its corners, and also protects the wire from mechanical damage and chafing. Also, the cable has very grippy plugs that fit very tightly in the connectors and reduce the likelihood of accidental disconnection. After all, it would be very unpleasant if this happened in the middle of a game tournament.

The set of interchangeable keys includes four red buttons with arrows on top and letters W, A, S, D on the ends, designed to replace the corresponding letter keys, as well as two buttons with the CoolerMaster logo, which can be used to replace the Ctrl, Alt, FN or Windows keys ...

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard: Replaceable Keys

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | Appearance, design

Frame CM Storm QuickFire Rapid made of matte rubberized plastic, which is not as effective in appearance as glossy, but it is much more practical: it does not show grease marks from fingers, and it is more resistant to scratches.

Workmanship CM Storm QuickFire Rapid evokes extremely positive emotions. The design is devoid of backlash, squeaks and other similar troubles.

Among the majority of "gaming" accessories CM Storm QuickFire Rapid it stands out for its rather calm design - the gaming purpose of this keyboard can only be guessed by a few proprietary "lights" on its body and "Windows" buttons.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard

Another "gaming" feature CM Storm QuickFire Rapid"pops up" when you take this keyboard in hand: it turns out to be surprisingly heavy. The decent weight makes the keyboard more stable and prevents it from sliding on the table. This is also facilitated by the rubber gaskets located on its bottom.

But the folding legs, which increase the angle of inclination of the keyboard, on the contrary, go as opposed to stability: when using them CM Storm QuickFire Rapid glides no less actively than any conventional keyboard - and its right side slides more than the left.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard: Flip Legs

The reason for this sliding is most likely due to the fact that the legs CM Storm QuickFire Rapid are made of plastic and have a very smooth surface. The feet could be made less slippery by fitting them with rubber pads - perhaps some enthusiasts will decide to do this.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard: Mini-USB Connector

Connector for a USB-miniUSB cable, which CM Storm QuickFire Rapid connects to a computer, located in a rectangular groove on its bottom. From this groove there are three grooves designed for cable routing. The cable is held in the groove by means of small tabs at the edges of the groove.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | Keys

Key sizes and shape CM Storm QuickFire Rapid- typical for most "desktop" keyboards. Their location is also typical - they are divided into groups and installed close to each other; there are no interesting "chips" like gaming "discs" here. The designations are laser-engraved on the keys, so they will not wear off from intensive use.

The keys do not have backlighting - this option is present only in older models of keyboards from CM Storm - QuickFire Pro and Trigger.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard

There is a function key (FN). Holding it down, using the keys of the F1-F12 row, you can control the playback of music / video, as well as programmatically adjust the volume. The Fn + F9 combination disables the Windows keys, thereby eliminating the possibility of accidentally pressing them and minimizing the current application. This option is especially useful for in-game championships, where such a situation will lead to very undesirable results.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | Possible types of switches and their features

Before you start describing your experience with CM Storm QuickFire Rapid, let's pay attention to one important point: this keyboard "occurs in nature" in three variations, differing in the type of switches used in the keys. All variations use Cherry MX switches, however the switch models are Black, Brown and Blue. Find out which switches are set on a specific instance CM Storm QuickFire Rapid you can see the picture on the package, or by the model code (for keyboards with Black switches, it contains a set of characters GKCC1, for Brown and Blue - GKCM1 and GKCL1, respectively).

Cherry MX Black switches have a tight travel, while the actuation point of the key is at the same level as when it was returned to its original state, which makes it easy to press the same key several times in a row.

Cherry MX Blue have a much less tight stroke than Black, and their actuation point is below the return point - in order for the computer to "catch the command", you need to press the key all the way, and to press the key again, you must completely release it.

Cherry MX Brown switches are intermediate between Black and Blue. The point of actuation and return is at the same level; at the same time, in terms of travel stiffness, they are comparable to Cherry MX Blue.

According to many users, Cherry MX Black keyboards are the most comfortable for gaming. The tightness of the move here falls on the hand - thanks to it, the likelihood of accidentally pressing the "wrong" key is reduced. Cherry MX Blue is considered the best choice for printing, while Cherry MX Brown is equally good for typing and playing games.

Our editorial office got the option CM Storm QuickFire Rapid with Cherry MX Black gaming switches. We decided to test this keyboard in both "gaming" and "office" modes.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | Impression of use: office work

The first "working" feature CM Storm QuickFire Rapid with Cherry MX Black switches, which I would like to draw attention to is the noise - when you press the keys, there are quite loud clicks, similar to those that could be heard from keyboards of the eighties and nineties. For this reason alone, this keyboard is not the best candidate for the role of an "office workhorse", especially if your work involves typing long texts - its active "clicking" can interfere with the calmness of colleagues.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard

And Cherry MX Black switches do not dispose to "typing" something voluminous - their stroke is very tight, so long and quick "tapping" on them turns into fatigue, and sometimes fingers numbness.

The author of this review has tried several times to use CM Storm QuickFire Rapid for typing - and each time it ended with a joyful return to the keyboard of the Sony Vaio laptop. In general, office work is clearly not the path where the CM Storm QuickFire Rapid with Cherry MX Black switches can show its best qualities, which, in principle, should be expected. Perhaps the Cherry MX Brown or Blue switch keyboard variations will do better "office work".

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | Impressions of use: games

However, when it comes to gaming, the experience of "chatting" with CM Storm QuickFire Rapid take on a completely different shade. Here, first of all, you pay attention to the fact that in the "lying" position (when the folding legs are not used) the keyboard very confidently holds the "grip" with the table surface - even with a light blow to the sidewall, it practically does not slip.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Gaming Keyboard: With Gaming Arrows

Stiff key travel does not provide any significant advantages in terms of convenience, but, subjectively, it adds a bit of aggression to the gameplay.

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | Conclusion

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid is devoid of "chips" from the category of backlighting or special "game" shape and arrangement of keys. Its creators, obviously, decided not to reinvent the wheel, not to copy the existing ones. game solutions and confined themselves to the classic form factor, separating the excess (digital block).

But what then gives this keyboard the right to be called a gaming keyboard, and why is its price so high?

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid- this is such a minimalistic professional tool, without unnecessary "bells and whistles", but with perfectly implemented basic functionality. Lights, gaming discs, wrist rests, and even additional function keys are unlikely to help a player win a serious championship. But the precise operation of the keys, strong "grip" of the keyboard with the table top, reliable cable retention, the function of locking the Windows keys, give confidence that the keyboard will not fail at a decisive moment, will not cause defeat, and even "smooth out" some of the player's oversights.

Have you noticed a mistake? Select a piece of text and press CTRL + ENTER!

We have already had time to get acquainted with some of the products manufactured under the CM Storm brand. But, nevertheless, let us briefly recall: under this brand, Cooler Master produces devices designed for fans of virtual battles, in other words, for gamers.

Today is our story about the CM Storm Trigger keyboard. Among its main features are Cherry MX mechanical keys, which lack the "fatigue effect" inherent in the membrane design, the presence of keys to which you can assign macros, backlighting, which sometimes may not be superfluous, a built-in USB hub ... acquaintance.

Packaging and equipment

The keyboard is sold in a large enough black cardboard box. The printing on the packaging is of high quality. On the cover we find an image of the device inside, as well as a small transparent window through which the keys are visible. On the bottom of the box there is a description of the device's capabilities in various languages, among which, of course, there is also Russian.

Inside the box, the keyboard is encased in polyethylene foam, which protects it from damage during transportation. The following was also found in the package:

quick installation guide;
removable wrist rest;
Braided cloth USB cable.

Everything you need for full use is present.

Exterior

As with other CM Storm keyboards that use Cherry MX keys, the first thing to notice is the weight. The CM Storm Trigger weighs 1260g - such a price to pay for reliability. However, most the keyboard spends its life on the table, so its weight does not affect the usability in any way, except that the heavier keyboard is less mobile, which is only a plus for gamers.

The shapes of the keyboard are simple: the corners are straight, the edges are flat. The eye only clings to the decorative ribs on the rear end, but to a small cutout on the front edge in front of the switch block. The top panel is gray and the perimeter is black. Moreover, it is made of a material resembling soft touch plastic, but a little tougher.

Before getting to know the layout, let's take a look at the bottom panel. It is made of ordinary black matte plastic, only the huge embossed CM Storm logo is glossy.

There are six rubber feet, and they do their job perfectly: the keyboard on the table is like a glove. There are also traditional folding legs, which allow to increase the angle of inclination of the body.

The layout is traditional European, i.e. there is an L-shaped Enter key, a short left and a long right Shift. All symbols on the buttons are transparent, so they are clearly visible even in the dark, when the backlight is on.

The function keys are also assigned additional responsibilities in the form of controlling the modes and brightness of the backlight, media player and sound.

Indicators Num. Caps and Scroll Lock are in their usual place behind the number pad. Something interesting can be found at the right edge of the rear end.

There is a USB connector through which the keyboard is connected to a PC, two USB ports acting as a built-in hub, and a 5V pin power connector to which an external power supply can be connected. This can be useful if you are using power-hungry USB devices with your keyboard. For example, an external HDD.

The removable wrist rest, which we have already mentioned, is made of plastic with a soft touch coating. It is attached to the body with three latches. It is quite easy to do this, but more difficult to remove. And we do not recommend doing this often, since the strength of small plastic latches has a limit. The emphasis itself is very convenient, but the designers quite reasonably decided that the consumer is free to choose whether to use this element or not. On the underside of the stop, by the way, there are also anti-slip rubber feet.

There are no complaints about the quality of the materials used, the assembly is also at a high level.

In work

To begin with, typing on this keyboard is very pleasant, although the keys are pressed a little more softly than we would like. The sound during the dialing process is loud, but "juicy" - a design feature.

Still, Trigger is not conceived for typing, but for virtual battles, and here gamers will surely appreciate the response time of 1 ms, as well as the polling rate of 1 GHz. Gamers will also appreciate the ability to record macros. In addition to the five micro-commands assigned to the M-keys, another 10 can be assigned to other buttons. To record macros, use the combination Alt keys and Storm (aka Win).

By the way, it is also useful for players that the Win key is disabled in games.

The backlighting is implemented in a very interesting way. It has three modes. In the first, only the CM Storm logo in the far left corner, the M-keys, the W, A, S and D buttons, and the arrow block are highlighted. In general, all those buttons that are necessary in games. In the second mode, absolutely all keys are highlighted, as, indeed, in the third, the only difference is that in the third mode the backlight either fades out or becomes brighter automatically. In the first and second modes, four levels of brightness are provided, which can be changed manually. Of course, the backlight is turned off.

The backlight color, red, is quite pleasant and not annoying in the dark.

All additional functions assigned to the function keys, be it backlight control, media player or sound control, work correctly.

Like the one we reviewed earlier, CM Storm Trigger also allows you to replace keys, i.e. you can remove them, but in this case there are no replaceable buttons or extractor. And if there it was necessary in order to highlight the keys that are constantly used in games, then here they are accentuated by backlighting.

conclusions

CM Storm Trigger is an excellent keyboard for progamers, which has, perhaps, only one noticeable drawback: a high level of noise when pressing keys. This is the only downside to mechanical keys, and the pros probably outweigh them. Firstly, this is the "indestructibility" of the design, and secondly, clear, albeit, perhaps, too soft clicks with an optimal depth of travel.

Photos were taken in the TECHLABS studio, photographer Marina Kosko

We are grateful to JET for providing the keyboard for the test.

CM Storm Trigger: Gamer Trigger

Aim! Get ready! Fire! You only need victory, so you are as focused as possible, you are one big bundle of nerves clenched into a fist. You trained actively and spent a lot of time and energy moving along this path to the heights. Now you will show them all - and not only where the crayfish winter, and Kuzka's mother, but also how to be the best in what you do, how to win, playfully. After all, you have the most perfect gamer's weapon, your fingers are already sliding along the keys, as if on the trigger of a Beretta. Pull the trigger! CM Storm Trigger!

The package contents of the CM Storm Trigger keyboard are as follows: Quick Installation Guide; removable wrist rest; Braided cloth USB cable.

The shapes of the keyboard are simple: the corners are straight, the edges are flat. The top panel is gray and the perimeter is black. Moreover, it is made of a material resembling soft touch plastic, but a little tougher.

And now we turn our attention to the keys. Before us is a full-fledged keyboard, not devoid of any of the usual blocks. Moreover, on the left it has five additional M-keys for working with macros.

Something interesting can be found at the right edge of the rear end. There is a USB connector through which the keyboard is connected to a PC, two USB ports acting as a built-in hub, and a 5V pin power connector to which an external power supply can be connected.

Typing on this keyboard is very pleasant, although the keys are pressed a little more softly than we would like. The sound during the dialing process is loud, but "juicy" - a design feature.

Gamers will appreciate the 1ms response time as well as the 1GHz polling rate. Gamers will also appreciate the ability to record macros. In addition to the five micro-commands assigned to the M-keys, another 10 can be assigned to other buttons. To record macros, the keyboard shortcut Alt and Storm (aka Win) is used. By the way, it is also useful for players that the Win key is disabled in games. All additional functions assigned to the function keys, be it backlight control, media player or sound control, work correctly.

CM Storm Trigger has everything gamers need, but there is nothing superfluous. Keys for recording macros, pleasant backlighting with changeable modes, the ability to disable the Win button in games - all this will undoubtedly come in handy. How useful are the additional options for controlling the media player and sound using the function keys.

It is extremely rare in this world to find a universal thing. This thought came to me after I glanced at a set of hand and power tools. In an effort to combine several functions, you gain one thing, but you undoubtedly lose another. Even a station wagon body in practice turns out to be not so versatile and has its drawbacks that other body types lack. And those, in turn, have other disadvantages. It would seem that there is no happiness in life, but it really is, because all the salt is in who is looking for what. Today we will test the Cooler Master CM gaming keyboard Storm Suppressor, list technical characteristics which will make the heart of any gamer beat faster than usual. Let's see how uncompromising such a keyboard is on the desk of not only a gamer, but also an ordinary PC user.

Appearance of CM Storm Suppressor

Uncompromising thing - uncompromising design. Although, at first glance, CM Storm Suppressor does not seem so outstanding in design.

You can find many competitors with more eye-catching looks. And here - the body consists entirely of matte smooth plastic, only on top there is a small glossy insert.

Monolithic black so much that the soot next to it seems already white.

And the very first sensations, as I took out the keyboard and began to examine it, were not very happy. The keyboard is full-sized, with a small number of additional keys: on the left there are five pieces for switching between profiles, on the top right there are three pieces for controlling the multimedia player. It would seem that everything is in place, all the keys are of the usual sizes. But what confused me was that the characters on the keys are practically invisible, since they are transparent.

From a certain angle, of course, you can see something, but it looks like a mockery of the eyes. But the situation changes dramatically, as soon as you connect the keyboard to the computer.

White illumination turns on, which transforms appearance keyboard, while the backlight is comfortable for the eyes.

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The Taiwanese company Cooler Master is well known in the IT industry for the development and production of a wide range of computer components, accessories, mobile devices and gaming peripherals... The latter is part of the wide range of CM Storm solutions. One of its interesting representatives is the gaming keyboard.

This model has a classic look. Its construction is made with quality materials and its mechanical keys are equipped with Cherry MX switches. CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i has a number of other, no less interesting advantages, which we will definitely consider below. We suggest starting a review of new items with technical characteristics:

Manufacturer	Cooler master
	CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i (SGK-4040-GKCM1)
Interface
Connection	Wired
Switch type	Mechanical (Cherry MX Brown)
Number of keys
Key life, million keystrokes
Polling rate, Hz
Response time, ms
Built-in memory, KB
Number of simultaneous keystrokes (Key Rollover)	Two modes: unlimited (NKRO) and up to 6 keys (6KRO)
Key illumination	LED (white), 5 levels and 8 brightness modes
Peculiarities	Replacement cable with gold-plated micro-USB and USB 2.0 connectors; lack of a digital block of keys; quick access to controls via a button; the ability to save lighting profiles; Turbo mode.
Cord length, m

Dimensions, mm

Software
Supported OS	Windows XP / Vista / 7/8 / 8.1
Official guarantee
Products webpage

Delivery and packaging

The keyboard comes in a relatively small box made of thick black cardboard. The packaging is discreet, but quite informative. The back side contains a large image of the new item, the model name, the brand logo of the manufacturer and the device line, as well as several icons that inform about the features of the new item (Cherry MX switches, full LED backlighting, support for NKRO technology, the ability to save backlight profiles, "Turbo" ). The back side allows you to get acquainted with a more detailed list of the features of this model in several languages, including Russian.

The CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i keyboard comes with a Quick Start Guide, a replaceable L-shaped power cable (micro-USB ↔ USB 2.0), and tweezers for removing keycaps for service.

Appearance and arrangement of elements

Probably, many have already formed a persistent stereotype that gaming keyboards are bulky devices with a considerable number of design optimizations that immediately catch your eye. In contrast to this look, the CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i has a classic understated style. It lacks bright elements and glossy inserts, which is a rather practical solution. The only thing that stands out is the lack of a digital block, which, in combination with narrow frames, has a positive effect on the compactness of the keyboard. Considering the gaming orientation of the novelty, this unit can really be of little use, but it takes up a lot of space, especially when transporting to a LAN party. Despite the compactness (359 x 138 mm), the keyboard turned out to be quite high (39 mm), therefore, subjectively, it would not hurt to have a palm area. In addition, its weight (932 g) is comparable to solutions that have a numeric keypad (for example, ASUS Echelon Mechanical Keyboard - 998 g). However, a significant mass is only for her benefit. This ensures that the keyboard remains firmly placed on the work surface, which eliminates unwanted movement during intense gaming battles.

The CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i case is made of high quality ABS plastic, which not only looks quite stylish and expensive, but also provides a pleasant tactile feel, high wear resistance, and almost complete absence of prints. The upper part and side edges have a rubberized coating, which is very similar to a soft-touch.

In turn, the lower one is represented by an ordinary, somewhat rough surface, on which fingerprints are clearly visible. However, they are most noticeable on the keycaps, which have a somewhat glossy rubberized coating. In general, the case is characterized by a very good build quality, which is confirmed by the absence of any backlash and gaps. And with active use, the keyboard does not squeeze at all and there are no unnecessary sounds.

On the lower part there are four elongated rubberized legs and two plastic ones. The former provide a secure fit on smooth surfaces, while the latter provide the ability to change the angle of the keyboard. There is also a sticker with technical information and the CM Storm logo.

The front part of the case is flat and devoid of decorative ornaments. Only on the side faces (with the transition to the front part) there is a figured recess, which somewhat diversifies the strict look of the keyboard. On the front of the recess there is a connector for connecting a cable, and on the opposite side - the name of the line. The cable itself (1.8 m long) is protected by a nylon braid and has two gold-plated connectors (L-shaped micro-USB and straight USB 2.0), framed by stiffening ribs. It should be noted that this wire can be used without any problems to recharge mobile devices (for example, at night), and if it is lost, you can easily find a replacement for it.

The key layout is presented in the classic American (US ANSI) version with single-level and oblong and, which eliminates the need to get used to, and allows you to immediately effectively interact with the device (both in the gameplay and when typing a test). Of the additional keys, there is only one that is located in place of the "Context Menu" button.

The keys of this model are based on Cherry MX Brown mechanical switches (there are versions with Cherry MX Blue and Cherry MX Red). Note that they can be called a compromise or universal solution for games and typing. The tactile sensation of button operation is in the middle of the travel, which makes it possible to track this moment... This is quite important when performing dynamic operations in games. The keys have tall keycaps with a classic trapezoidal shape and a cylindrical bevel on the top edge. Their dimensions near the base are 18 x 18 mm, and in the pressure area - 15 x 13 mm. LEDs are located under the caps (at the top).

The key travel is quite pleasant, moderately elastic and without a characteristic click at the moment of actuation. In any case, they are noticeably louder than the membrane ones, but the sound from them appears only when they are fully pressed (all the way). If you learn to press only at the moment of triggering, then the keyboard can become completely silent (in theory).

The designation is made by laser engraving in a single (white) color scheme. The Latin alphabet has rather large characters (located in the upper central part of the caps) with a somewhat unusual font, which is quite readable. The Cyrillic alphabet is much smaller, but in general it is also read well (depending on the lighting conditions in the room).

In general, we have a classic, comfortable and compact keyboard, which has a restrained appearance and is not burdened with a large number of not always necessary keys. As befits a product of this class, the CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i is characterized by the high quality of the materials used and the workmanship itself.

An important feature of the CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i (besides the aforementioned switches) is the very bright white LED backlighting of the keys, which is further enhanced by the use of a white base under the buttons themselves. There is an opportunity to change the brightness within 5 levels of gradations (including the "Off" mode), as well as as many as 8 (officially indicated 5, and additional ones appeared in latest version keypad microcode) backlight modes: "Disabled", "Full illumination of all keys", "Pulse illumination of all keys", "Full illumination of all keys with fading when pressed (when released, they light up again)", "ActivLite 1" (the pressed key lights up, released - goes out), “ActivLite 2” (the pressed key lights up, the released key goes out smoothly), “ActivLite 3” (the horizontal and vertical rows are lit relative to the pressed key) and “WASD-block and arrows backlight”. It should be noted that due to the peculiarities of the arrangement of the LEDs (in the upper part of the base of the buttons), there is not too uniform illumination of the keys. That is, the main ones (Latin) are highlighted perfectly, and the rest (including Cyrillic) are satisfactory, but this creates a kind of delimitation of characters. There is 128 KB of internal memory for storing custom profiles of lighting settings. A visual demonstration of the keyboard operation is well illustrated by the video below.

Demonstration of different key illumination modes in the CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i gaming keyboard

The new product supports a considerable number of functional actions that are assigned to the system (activated in combination with the button) and [F] -keys.

A row of keys - is responsible for setting the LED backlight. The keys - are provided to store lighting profiles. For the speed of changing button operations (a useful function for some games), a number is responsible. This is the Turbo mode mentioned above. The essence of his work is that in normal mode one keystroke corresponds to a single repetition of the action. And when the "Turbo" mode is activated, pressing and holding the key corresponds to the multiple value of the repetitions of its action (1/2/4/8). Multimedia functions are placed on the system keys (allow you to control the media player and system volume). The key combination + locks / unlocks the keys, which prevents unwanted minimization of the window during the game. It should be noted that the special software is missing, so use additional utilities to customize or remap keys.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i in the Windows environment has full support for the "NKRO" mode (the ability to simultaneously press an unlimited number of keys without blocking) when connected using the USB 2.0 interface (traditionally, this mode is available when connected only to PS / 2). In other cases, the Key Rollover function will work in the "6KRO" mode, that is, it correctly processes only six simultaneously pressed keys.

Impression from work

The CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i gaming keyboard has not only a pleasant appearance, but also can offer a relatively compact size and an optimal set of buttons for many gamers. In addition, the novelty is made using high quality and fairly practical materials.

Thanks to the classic keyboard layout, you don't have to get used to or adapt to working with it, but you can work efficiently right away. Used Cherry MX Brown mechanical switches provide a compromise solution for gaming and comfortable typing. The keys have a pleasant and moderately springy stroke with a clear actuation feel. So, they are somewhat louder than conventional membrane counterparts, but the sound appears only when fully pressed all the way, so it can be avoided when pressed only until the moment it is triggered. Subjectively, for a more comfortable work, there is not enough under the palm area.

An important advantage of the CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i is the presence of a bright LED backlighting of the keys, which has as many as eight modes of operation with the possibility of flexible settings and saving up to five user profiles. In practice, this solution looks pretty impressive. In addition, multimedia control functions are implemented. Gamers will love the key lock and Turbo mode. An alternative action is activated by simultaneously pressing the corresponding buttons with the key, which is a rather convenient solution.

It is good news that the new product has full support for the "NKRO" mode (unlimited number of simultaneously pressed keys) for Windows when connected via USB 2.0. In addition, the cable itself is replaceable, so it can be easily replaced if needed.

It is rather strange to see a gaming keyboard without special proprietary software and macros, which predetermines the need to look for alternative utilities to expand the functionality of CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i. This is probably the only noticeable drawback of the device.

Summing up the common line under the acquaintance with gaming keyboard we can safely say that Cooler Master engineers managed to create something interesting not only for modern gamers, but also for lovers of stylish and high-quality devices. The novelty has received a classic design with quality materials. And with support for Cherry MX Brown switches, it balances comfort when gaming and working. Despite its compact size, the keyboard retained a fairly high functionality.

One of the main advantages and features of the novelty is an excellent LED backlighting with a large number of interesting operating modes and flexible options for settings. In addition, gamers will love the ability to lock the keys and the "Turbo" mode. Another sign of the gaming orientation of the keyboard is full support for the "NKRO" mode (unlimited number of simultaneously pressed keys) when working in Windows and connecting using the USB 2.0 interface.

A little upsetting in the new product is only the lack of special proprietary software and macros, which predetermines the need to look for alternative utilities to expand the functionality of the keyboard.

In general, CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid-i is an excellent universal tool for playing and working with a discreet appearance, high quality workmanship and fairly wide functionality.

Advantages:

strict and practical appearance;
high quality workmanship;
standard key layout;
mechanical switches Cherry MX Brown;
detachable cable with gold-plated micro-USB and USB 2.0 connectors;
support for a considerable number of additional functions;
support for "Turbo" mode
the ability to lock the keys;
bright LED backlight with a large number of modes and flexible settings;
Support for Key Rollover in NKRO and 6KRO variations.