When comparing Topre Realforce 87U EK Edition vs CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i, the Slant community recommends Topre Realforce 87U EK Edition for most people. In the question“What are the best mechanical keyboards?” Topre Realforce 87U EK Edition is ranked 10th while CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i is ranked 20th. The most important reason people chose Topre Realforce 87U EK Edition is:
The Topre switches used on this keyboard allow for quiet typing.
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Pros
Pro Quiet
The Topre switches used on this keyboard allow for quiet typing.
Pro Great build quality
Probably the most well-built keyboard after the KUL-87
Pro Good feedback
The Topre switches are precision-tuned for each key, giving great feedback.
Pro Compact
Since there is no number pad, this keyboard takes up less space on the desk than typical keyboards.
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.
Cons
Con Characters difficult to read
With black character text printed on black keys, inscriptions can be difficult to read unless in a well lit room.
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.