In May we took a look at a keyboard from CoolerMaster
CMStorm line called the QuickFire
Rapid. The rapid was a smaller form factor as it didn't have a number pad.
Today we're going to look at the Rapid's big brother, the CMStorm Trigger. The
Trigger is CMStorm's high end keyboard and it shows.
My review unit came with Cherry MX Brown switches. Both the QuickFire Rapid and Das
Keyboard I previously reviewed came with Cherry MX Blue switch type, so I
was very excited to try a different type of switch. Per overlock.nets
mechanical keyboard guide the difference between blue and brown switches
are that blue switches have tactile and clicky feedback, whereas browns have
only tactile. There's a slight difference in actuation force also with blue
coming in at 50g while brown come in at 45g.
Typing on a different switch type took some getting used to
as I'd been using Cherry MX Blue switches for months. However, the browns grew
on me quickly. I was typing quickly and accurately without much audible
feedback. While clicky feedback doesn't
really bother me the added quiet while typing was appreciated.
There are a few things that I noticed that set this keyboard
apart from the rest. Build quality is impressive. As I mentioned in my review
of the rapid I have never seen such a high quality braided cable as they use
for USB connectivity. I find this keyboard to be very comfortable and was happy
to find an included wrist rest. There's a high level of customization due to 5
dedicated programmable macro keys on the left hand side of the keyboard. The
Triggers software made customizing each macro key a breeze. I found the Trigger
to be as useful for gaming as in the office thanks to programmable and superior
typing accuracy.
I was very impressed with the CMStorm Trigger, but with an
MSRP of $120 dollars I expected nothing less. One thing I found strange was
that an optional 5VDC power supply was not included. This feature didn't make a
difference to me, but is used to add even more customization to the keyboard's
backlighting. CMStorm is a division of CoolerMaster marketed to gamers, but I
believe they are high value, do-everything keyboard with the highest of build
quality standards.
Pros:
-Super comfortable
-Included wrist rest
-Non-slip rubber coating (also on wrist rest)
-High grip rubber feet
-Full red backlighting (customizable zones and intensity)
-Multi-media keys
-5 Macro keys, fully customizable
-18K Gold plated USB plugs with the best braided cable I've seen
-Anti-ghosting 6 key rollover
-Two port USB 2.0 hub
-Different cherry MX switches available
-64KB On-board memory for macro profile storage
Cons:
-$120 MSRP
-No Cable Management
-No included 5VDC adapter
-No default Windows key (I press Windows+L to lock Windows often)
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Re: CMStorm Trigger Mechanical Keyboard Review
