When comparing CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i vs Planck, the Slant community recommends Planck for most people. In the question“What are the best mechanical keyboards?” Planck is ranked 17th while CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i is ranked 20th. The most important reason people chose Planck is:
You can throw this thing in your backpack. You can take it with you everywhere. If you don't have a lot of space on your desk, this will probably fit. Don't confuse this for a netbook keyboard though. All the keys are the full size and are as far apart as a normal, regular keyboard. But there are fewer keys. The keys you can't access directly can be found via the "raise" and "lower" keys.
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Pros
Pro Detachable and replaceable cable
The Rapid-i's comes with a long 1.8 m braided cable, which makes it more durable and aesthetically pleasant than common cables. It's detachable and, therefore, easily replaceable by a shorter/longer cable. This also means that, in case the cable breaks, it's easy to fix it and there's no need to replace the entire keyboard.
Pro Customizable backlighting is great for use in the dark
This keyboard is backlit and offers individual key backlighting customization. Up to 4 profiles can be saved, being quite easy to switch between them.
Pro First-class mechanical switches
Cherry MX switches are considered the golden standard of mechanical key switches. This particular model's tenkeyless version is available in the Blue or Brown varieties of the MX. Blue switches offer audible and tactile feedback at the actuation point (about halfway the full travel distance). These are best for typing. Brown switches offer a slightly less pronounced tactile bump than Blue switches, and are silent. They are often described as a mix-switch: something that is equally good for gaming and typing, though not the best at either one.
Pro Tiny layout
You can throw this thing in your backpack. You can take it with you everywhere. If you don't have a lot of space on your desk, this will probably fit.
Don't confuse this for a netbook keyboard though. All the keys are the full size and are as far apart as a normal, regular keyboard. But there are fewer keys. The keys you can't access directly can be found via the "raise" and "lower" keys.
Pro DIY
You get to pick your switches. You get to choose your key caps. You get to select your case. You get to pick your layout. You get to reprogram your board. You even get to pick your firmware! This keyboard will be really and truly yours!
Pro Ortholinear key layout
This layout is different from a regular staggered layout. Some people really like this change in layout.
Cons
Con Limited switch types for the tenkeyless version
The tenkeyless version of this keyboard is more compact, but it only offers Blue and Brown switches, which are the most popular. However, if you want Green or Red MX switches you'll need to choose the larger version of the keyboard (with a number pad).
Con The USB connector sticks out
Unlike many other keyboards, the USB port for the Rapid-i is not tucked under the keyboard, so when the L-shaped USB connector is inserted, it sticks out a bit. In addition to not looking as sleek as a result, it also means that it's easier to accidentally damage both the connector and the port.
Con Tiny layout
You have to build this thing. The keys are laid out weird. And now you don't even get numeric keys? WHERE DOES THE MADNESS END!?
Con Ortholinear key layout
You just went through all the work to solder this together and now you need to relearn how to type? Where does it all end?!
Con DIY
You have to pick your switches. You have to choose your key caps. You have to select your case. And then you have to build it.