![quickfire tk quickfire tk](https://i1.wp.com/rajumenon.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_2471-0.jpg)
This approach of making an already decent keyboard better after listening to customer feedback, is a great way to show that they listen to and know the market well. I like the fact that CM Storm have opted to consolidate their position in the market instead of pushing out model after model of different sized keyboards. There is no software to faff around with, so as soon as you have plugged it in you are good to go. Overall I think the CM Storm Quickfire TK Stealth is a great, no thrills keyboard that has the functionality of a full sized keyboard, squeezed into a smaller body almost 2″ shorter. Speaking of the legends, I actually quite like them, mainly because as they won’t wear off nowhere near as easily as top printed/lasered legends would and they are a lot more discrete. They have also opted to cut back on the full coverage of LEDs, but reducing them to a mere six LEDs located on the Win lock, Fn lock and arrow keys, although there doesn’t seem to be a massive difference in price between the Quickfire TK and the Quickfire TK Stealth, although I think this could be down to the position of the legends, as if they were backlit, they would shine right in your face. When I first started using the Quickfire TK Stealth, the Fn lock was activated and for the life of me I couldn’t find any instructions as to how to turn it off – there is no mention of it anywhere! It wasn’t until I actually spoke to the CM Storm rep, who then informed me I had to hold down the Fn key to toggle the Fn lock – a silly little thing that has been overlooked by CM Storm.
![quickfire tk quickfire tk](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TgfT7XTi0wI/maxresdefault.jpg)
I often make use of the num pad and the home, end, delete keys, so being able to switch between them meant I could still do what I needed. The reduced size and merging of certain areas of keys can be considered a good thing, as the smaller footprint does free up some space on the desk and is only 1″ bigger than a TKL keyboard, but still maintains full functionality. Whilst I love Cherry MX brown switches, I know that they are not for everyone, which CM Storm also believe as they have made the TK Stealth available with Cherry MX red, blue and black switches, so people can take their pick. I think it’s fair to ignore the switch choice for this particular model because as I said before it’s purely subjective and down to personal preference. With the TK Stealth, they have followed a similar path, by taking an already popular product and altering it to make a sleeker and cheaper, so more appealing to the overall market. What makes a great peripherals company, is one that listens to their customers, whether they are criticising their products or suggesting alternative ways to improve them – which was the case with the Quickfire Rapid. CM Storm are never slow to react to the changing market and so at CES, they announced a Topre and Cherry Hybrid switch keyboard, which is the first of its kind in the mechanical keyboard world. The mechanical keyboard market is becoming increasing swamped with keyboards of varying colours and shapes, but with many of them lacking any new innovative features.