From a purely aesthetic point of view, Cooler Master’s CM Storm QuickFire Pro mechanical gaming
keyboard is sleek, with a matte black exterior, striking red LED backlighting, and Cooler Master’s signature
font emblazoned on every key. And although the LED backlighting could be seen as an aesthetic feature, as well, it also adds to the keyboard’s overall functionality.
In fact, one of the first things we tried out when we plugged in the CM Storm QuickFire Pro was its set of three adjustable backlight modes— Gaming Cluster, Extended Gaming Cluster, and Extended Gaming Cluster (Breathing). Gaming Cluster lights up the WASD and arrow keys; Extended Gaming Cluster adds even more; and the “breathing” mode makes the backlighting brighten and dim in a rhythmic fashion. Cooler Master’s approach to the keyboard’s backlighting gives gamers quick reference and access to the exact keys they need.
Cooler Master also added a variety of other features designed specifically for gamers; most of them are tied to the Function Lock key, which you should familiarize yourself with right away. This key lets you to change the backlighting mode, disable Windows keys, switch between 6N Key mode or Full N Key rollover mode, and access the multimedia playback keys and volume controls. The Function Lock key also lets you adjust the USB polling rate of the keyboard, giving you the options of 125Hz (8ms), 250Hz (4ms), 500Hz (2ms), or 1,000Hz (1ms). With all of these features, it’s simple to tune the keyboard to your specific needs.
There’s no doubt that the QuickFire Pro packs a punch in the design and feature categories, but it’s also a solidly built mechanical keyboard with highly responsive Cherry MX keyswitches. (The model we reviewed used Cherry MX Browns, but Cooler Master also offers Black, Blue, or Red keyswitches in certain regions.) It provides that satisfying “click” response mechanical keyboard enthusiasts have grown to love without being too loud.
Going back to the QuickFire Pro’sdesign, we quickly noticed how durable and well put together it feels. The keyboard has quite a bit of weight to it. The braided USB 2.0 cable is also detachable, which adds to its mobility. Everything about the CM Storm QuickFire Pro is designed to give gamers and enthusiasts the best possible experience without getting in the way of it. We enjoyed the amount of customization options Cooler Master built into this keyboard and we think you’ll take advantage of the multiple backlighting modes to illuminate the keys you need during intense gaming sessions.
CM Storm QuickFire Pro
$99.99
Cooler Master
www.coolermaster-usa.com
