CM Storm Quick Fire Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

CM Storm Quick Fire Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

The CM Storm Quick Fire Pro is the successor of CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid which I previously reviewed. The Quick Fire Pro basically has more keys compared to the Quick Fire Rapid. It’s a standard-sized mechanical keyboard with numeric keypads, and unlike the Quick Fire Rapid and it has LED on some of its keys. A Rep from Cooler Master has sent me one for a review. Today, let’s take a look at the Quick Fire Pro.

The Red Cherry MX Switch

The CM Storm Quick Fire Pro I received was only the keyboard itself. So I do not have photos of the box and its packaging. The Quick Fire Rapid I reviewed last time has a Blue CHERRY MX switch, this time (for the Quick Fire Pro) it’s a Red CHERRY MX Switch.

The Red CHERRY MX Switch doesn’t have a clicky sound. It feels just like a typical non-mechanical keyboard, more like a spring type. It’s easy to press and feels soft, although it’s too soft for me. I still like the Blue switch or the non clicky Black or Brown switch. Now, let’s move on to the mechanical keyboard itself.

Features and Specifications:

Features of CM Storm Quick Fire Pro:

• 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

CM Storm Quick Fire Pro Specifications:
Model Number: SGK-4000-GKCL1 (Blue Switch), SGK-4000-GKCC1 (Black Switch), SGK-4000-GKCM1 (Brown Switch)
Dimensions (L x W x H): 355mm x 135mm x 35mm
Weight: 940 g / 2.1 lbs
Key Switch: CHERRY Blue / Black / 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

CM Storm Quick Fire Pro Review – The Design

The CM Storm Quick Fire Pro has a simple design, more like a typical black keyboard, with few highlights and LED keys. It has a smooth plastic surface, no rubber coating this time. It has multi-media keys starting from F5 to F11, and like the Quick Fire Rapid, it also does not have macro keys. When you try to lift it up and hold it, you can feel that this mechanical gaming keyboard is heavy and sturdy. The CM Storm logo is visibly located above the arrow keys as well as beneath the numeric key pad, which you can not see on the pictures above.

Above we have the rear top view of the Quick Fire Pro as well as the buttom view. Once again, the CM Storm logo can be seen near the F1 key. At the bottom of the mechanical keyboard is a three-way path for its cable. The cable is removable, similar to Quick Fire Rapid and Trigger.

The USB cable has gold-plated tips and the cable itself is braided to avoid tangles. The key caps in Quick Fire Pro are removable using the key cap remover included in the package. If you noticed above the left-hand picture, the flooring beneath the keys is colored by a semi-gloss Red. Perhaps this indicates that it is a Red Cherry MX Switch model. Although I haven’t confirmed that with other models yet.

Testing the CM Storm Quick Fire Pro

Like any other mechanical keyboard, the CM Storm Quick Fire Pro is great for typing. You can do speed typing and touch typing without any problems. But like what I said before, I prefer the Blue/Brown or Black Cherry MX Switch compared to Red. For me the Red switch is too soft. And this one doesn’t have an arm rest, so you will need to place a padding beneath the keyboard for long hours of playing or typing.

The FN-lock botton has also a Red LED (unfortunately it was not lit while I took the pictures). You just need to press it once (no need to hold the key) and you can press the desired function located from F1 to F12 keys. The FN+F12 will disable the Windows button. This is useful specially if you are playing to avoid accidental “exits” due to the Windows Button.

When in gaming mode, you can press the FN+F1 to turn on (or off) the LED in the keys. Pressing the FN+F4 will toggle to the different modes. One mode will turn all the LED in the ASDF area, this is helpful if you are playing games that requires almost all of the keys near the ASDF. The other function turns on the keys in a pulsating manner and last one will lit the WASD only.

It also features NKRO (N-Key RollOver), even in USB mode, which means you can press as many keys at the same time and they all get registered. Regular keyboards usually don’t have this kind of function.

CM Storm Quick Fire Pro Review – Conclusion

The CM Storm Quick Fire Pro is generally a great mechanical gaming keyboard with complete set of keys. The design is simple and not flashy. This is to cut down the price to make it more affordable. It basically has what you need in a mechanical gaming keyboard, you only need to choose which CHERRY MX Switch is the best for your fingers. Some of the keys have back-lights (partially) for gaming purposes only, and not for typing sessions. What the Quick Fire Rapid lacks, the Quick Fire Pro has it.

What I like About the Keyboard (Pros)

• It has numeric keypad, unlike the Quick Fire Rapid.
• Available in different Cherry MX Switches
• Affordable mechanical gaming keyboard, (around $99 only)
• Sturdy built and great quality
• Laser-etched letters and they will not be erased
• Great for gaming or typing use

What I do not like about the keyboard (Cons)

• It doesn’t have a wrist-pad to rest on
• The detachable cable is somewhat difficult to insert at the button
• The Quick Fire Rapid’s design and looks is better

Price and Where to Buy

The CM Storm Quick Fire Pro mechanical gaming keyboard is available already in both online and local computer stores. It is priced at only $99 USD, but the price may vary depending on the retailer or store. You can grab one with free super saving shipping on Amazon for only $99 here.