The CMStorm QuickFire Rapid was one of the first really solid inexpensive mechanical keyboards. But its controller is a product of its time (2012). With reFIRE, you can replace that controller, turning the keyboard into a modern programmable workhorse powered by QMK!

I have a similar upgrade board for the WASD CODE v2 keyboard, too!

What it’s for

Why customize your old keyboard? Well, why install custom keycaps? Customization is a great way to make something yours. But beyond the pure joy of hacking your tools, with reFIRE, you can:

• Enable full N-key rollover when using USB! (The original only supported it on PS/2.)
• Change the indicator light behavior — say, replace the old WinLock light with a layer indicator!
• Change the keyboard layout in arbitrary ways that follow you from computer to computer!
• Enable OS detection to automatically choose a Mac or PC layout!
• Or any of the other laundry list of features supported by QMK

Compatibility and Disclaimers

The QuickFire Rapid and QuickFire Rapid-i are totally different keyboards! reFIRE is compatible with the QuickFire Rapid, which has red indicator lights and no backlighting. It is not compatible with the Rapid-i, which has white indicator lights and backlighting.

reFIRE is based on reverse engineering of a proprietary product, and while I’ve made a best effort to ensure compatibility (and have not so far heard any reports of incompatibility), it’s possible that not all QuickFire Rapids are alike under the hood, and that this is not compatible with your keyboard. Even if it fits in the controller slot, it’s possible that different batches of the QuickFire Rapid keyboard have electrical differences. Like any modification that involves opening your keyboard and altering its electronics, it’s possible this may damage your keyboard. I can’t be responsible for replacing your keyboard (this is a hobby project for me).

PCB may have slight differences in appearance from the photos above.

Product status

This is derived from my reCODE board, a four-year-old thoroughly-tested design. I’ve recently modified it for my old QuickFire Rapid and it’s been working well. The boards I’m distributing are the rest of that batch. Quantity is limited, but if there’s interest I can make more.

Upgrading your keyboard

To install this module you will need basic through-hole soldering skills. The process is straightforward, and is described in considerable detail in the user manual. Here’s a summary:

1. Solder the (included) pin headers into place on either side. (I’ve already soldered all the surface mount bits for you.)
2. Remove all the screws from the back of your keyboard. (On the tenkeyless version, there is a single screw under the meaningless warranty sticker. The fullsize has a total of three.)
3. Use a spudger or sturdy fingernail to pry the top plastic case off by working around the seam.
4. Gently lift the factory controller PCB out of its position over the cursor keys.
5. Put reFIRE in its place.

Replacing the firmware

Using the default QMK firmware, you can put the keyboard into DFU mode by holding ESC while plugging it in, or by pressing Fn+ESC. Have fun, it’s almost impossible to brick reFIRE with a firmware update. The user’s manual describes this in more detail.

My QMK support for this module is on a branch in my fork — the same one I use for reCODE development. I’ve gone to some lengths to ensure that the QMK port has exactly the same behavior as the stock firmware, down to the WinLock hotkey and indicator light. If you would like to build it yourself, there are instructions in the manual.

Documentation and Support

• User Manual
• QMK source
• Schematics:
  • Revision A