CM Storm QuickFire TK Stealth – Hardware Review
It has been a while since we last had the chance to present you something from Cooler Master’s QuickFire series. We had the chance to present you with our view on the QuickFire Pro and the QuickFire TK, which were both outstanding mechanical keyboards. Today we welcome their slightly mysterious counterpart, namely the QuickFire TK Stealth.
As the name suggests the QuickFire TK Stealth will be pretty much the same keyboard as the original QuickFire TK, with some very nice tweaks and changes.
The first change is already clear when opening the box. When looking at the QuickFire TK Stealth from the top it just seems as if you’re offered a totally black and blank keyboard, with no letters or numbers written on top of the keys. Instead you’ll see them on the front side of the keys, thus presenting you with a design-ish keyboard. Also with a choice like this, the designers are making sure the prints will not wear off after a long period of time.
Compact, yet robust is a motto the QuickFire TK and the QuickFire TK Stealth share. Both keyboards are downsized with the combination of num pad and arrow keys in one.
Comfort wise the keys seem to have been finished with a matte coating which is quite pleasant. Whilst it’s only a fairly subtle effect, it will surely be appreciated.
Like the the QuickFire TK, the Stealth also combines its num pad with the arrow keys. This means when wanting to use either one of them, you’ll simply have to activate or deactivate the num lock key to use the desired keys. A small disadvantage for some, but it will only take a short while to get used to it.
Again the keyboard is quite comparable with a laptop keyboard and thus to activate certain keys you will have to use a ‘FN’ (function) key. When toggling the FN key you’ll be able to access the media buttons that are combined with your normal F keys and also the windows lock button can be toggled on or off this way. The windows lock key will prevent you from switching back to your desktop when accidently pressing the windows key during your play session.
Seeing the prints are on the front side of the keys, this model has no real LED lights inserted. Only the Windows lock key, the FN key and the arrow keys (when activated) posses a small white LED light.
Of course the Stealth also works with Cherry MX switches and will offer you the choice between different models. This means you can pick the keyboard that suits your own playstyle.
Like the other keyboards in the series, the QuickFire TK Stealth also possesses the option of removing its connection cable, which makes it easier to transport it when going outdoors or to a local gaming session.
Own opinion
To be honest, not that much has changed compared to the original QuickFire TK version, which is actually a good thing. An already great piece of hardware does not need too many changes or additions to remain decent.
Design wise the QuickFire TK Stealth is amazing. Whilst the fairly unique idea of putting the prints on the front of the keys may be subtle, it looks amazing. The keyboard looks a lot cleaner and a lot more like a professional piece of your own gaming set-up.
Sadly, like the other QuickFire keyboards on the site, this gaming keyboard still has no real macro keys. Even though a lot of gamers will not make use of them, there surely is a bunch that would love the addition of these keys on compact keyboards, like the TK series.
Personally the Stealth shows that there are still some original ideas out there on the ‘keyboard market’ and might just encourage a new wave of creativity coming from designers.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of gaming hardware that looks spectacular and also offers a great gaming experience, the QuickFire TK Stealth might be one of those items that you could fancy. The small size makes sure you’ll have enough room for your mouse and it offers you a compact piece of hardware when on the road.
Note: a full list of specs can be found here.
CM Storm QuickFire TK Stealth - Hardware Review,
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