CM Storm QuickFire XT - Full Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Brown Switches

Pros: I purchased this keyboard in October 2013, 16 months ago and have had zero problems using it for 8-12 hours daily. The construction is STURDY (it doesn't flex at all) and they keyboard has more weight to it than was expected. It doesn't slide around at all thanks to the large rubber pads. Like all mechanical keyboards, this one has everything I need for gaming and work. Where it stands out, for me, is that this model has NONE of the things that I DON'T want.

Cons: The only thing I don't like is that the windows button lock feature doesn't stay on after shutting down the PC, but that is to be expected.

Overall Review: So many manufacturers try to gimmick-up high-end quality keyboards with extra macro buttons, LED displays, wrist rests, USB hubs, lighting schemes, etc. Maybe it does help sales, but I find it all off-putting. The lower-end mechanical keyboards seem to make compromises of quality with connectors that break and flimsy construction. This model is exactly the high-quality no-frills keyboard I was looking for. Thank you so much, CoolerMaster!

Pros: Solid Construction Feel

Cherry MX Brown Keys

Laser Etched Key Caps

Nice and heavy

Rubber feet all around

Cons: Rough sounding key stroke

Loud keys when they bottom out

Braided cord is very stiff

N-Key Rollover only via PS2 connection, not USB (as advertised)

NUM Lock, CAP Lock, and Scroll LEDs are a bit cheap [or nostalgic] looking and the silk screened lettering on the frame is very light, meaning it's hard to read the word above the LED.

Overall Review: I just received this keyboard and this is my "DAY 1 Evaluation". I plan to update this review after 1 month of use or create a new review.

First I'd like to say that this is my first mechanical keyboard in about 15 years.

I gave this review 3 eggs for the following reasons below, and I'm not saying this is a bad keyboard, Just you cannot compare a review of say an un-managed network switch which you should either give it 0 eggs if it doesn't work or 5 eggs if it works. For a keyboard there are many factors to evaluate. Also, I'm not a gamer so I cannot review how well this keyboard would work in that capacity.

On the positive:
The keyboard feel solid, it has what is touted as high quality keys, the key caps are laser etched meaning the letters will not wear off, and it has rubber feet even on the legs in the back so it stays put.

The feel of the key pressure is much lighter than my rubber dome keyboards so it's a nice feeling but it will take a little getting use to. If someone wants a key with similar pressure of a rubber dome key, don't get the MX Browns.

The Negative Side:

Keys sound a bit rough when pressing them down. What I mean is when the key is sliding down, the friction of the plastic pieces sound rough. Maybe it's my ears.

The keys make a loud noise when they hit the bottom of the key stroke during normal typing. I've read others have purchased o-rings to cushion the keys at the bottom of the stroke. I may give that an attempt but only after a fair 1 month of use to see if I adjust my typing style to pressing less hard which would solve this problem for me.

The so called "braided cord" appears to be nothing more than a normal plastic USB cord with a plastic fine mesh braid shrunk down tightly over it. Don't get me wrong, it looks and feels nice however functionally it makes the cable very stiff. I was under the impression it was a loose fitting braid around a nice flexible wire which is not the case. I see no added value to this cord. If I were mobile with this keyboard, I'd purchase a replacement USB A to USB A cord that was more flexible.

Summary:
Overall I'm liking this keyboard but it will take a little getting use to. Is this keyboard worth what I paid for it, the jury is still out. This keyboard is missing a lot of features I'd like to have but the price point for them in a mechanical keyboard was just too steep. Features I'd like to have had are - Discrete media controls (not using the function key), dim white back light (this keyboard has no back lighting), Calculator button, a power off/sleep button, ability to program a function into some of the keys, a power light indicator. I hope to report in 1 month that this is a 5 egg keyboard, even for the price paid.