When comparing CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i vs Vortex KBC Poker II, the Slant community recommends Vortex KBC Poker II for most people. In the question“What are the best mechanical keyboards?” Vortex KBC Poker II is ranked 7th while CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i is ranked 20th. The most important reason people chose Vortex KBC Poker II is:
It has a 100% standard ANSI layout and you can program keys to perform media control functions if desired.
Specs
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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 Easily customizable (both programmatically and with new keys)
It has a 100% standard ANSI layout and you can program keys to perform media control functions if desired.
Pro Doesn't take much space
The Poker II takes less space than most keyboards, since it's tenkeyless.
Pro Great quality
The materials and overall design is of good quality.
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 Suffers from side flex
Since it doesn't have a faceplate, the Vortex KBC Poker II suffers from a bit of flex on its sides.