Introduction

CM Storm is Cooler Master's gaming brand which is responsible for several mice and gaming keyboards. Their latest keyboard is dubbed the Trigger and features mechanical keys, back-lit keys, and five dedicated macro buttons. The Cooler Master Trigger keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX Black key mechanisms which are some of the best keys for gamers. At a retail price $119 it is not exactly cheap, but it does have some very neat features compared to other high end gaming keyboards. CM Storm's implementation of back lighting on the Trigger is quite unique: it has three different modes and five different intensity settings.

Furthermore the Trigger is available in several version with different Cherry MX key mechanisms.

Specifications

• High durability gold-plated Cherry switches rated for over 50 million key strokes
• Available with Cherry MX-series switches: Black, Red, Blue, Brown
• Multi-media control keys for convenient sound control
• 5 macro keys with profile management
• 18K gold plated ultra low latency USB plugs
• Anti-ghosting 6 key rollover
• 64KB on-board memory for profile storage
• Storm tactics key for deactivation of Windows key
• 1000Hz driverless polling / 1ms response time
• Two port enhanced USB 2.0 hub
• Detachable wrist rest
• Braided cable for durability
• Non-slip rubber coating
• MCU that allows the keyboard to playback macros without delay

Closer Examination

The Trigger keyboard has a somewhat unusual design, especially around the arrow-keys. Due to the addition of five macro buttons on the left of the keyboard it is a bit bigger than your average full-size keyboard, but only about 5 cm.


This small pattern near the cursor keys might not be to everyone's liking, for others it could provide extra grip.


CM Storm went for a somewhat funky cable implementation. Instead of having a cable that is solidly connected to the keyboard, they went for an ordinary micro-USB cable and interface. Durability wise this solution is definitely inferior to a normal system with an integrated strain relief.


Two function keys are present on the Trigger which allows you to access all of the custom functions when combined with the F-keys.


The macro key area is somewhat odd to access, but if you are used to Logitech's G-series then it will probably be an easy transition. Since the keyboard can store several different profiles you could easily make a profile dedicated to just one game or application where some of the normal keys were reassigned to enable macro functions.


Media keys are combined with the F-keys just like we saw on the recent keyboards from QPAD.


Port wise the Trigger is a bit special. Mini-USB is the only way to hook it up to your PC. The two USB ports are well positioned and are easy to access. In order to utilize the full potential of them you need to hook up a PSU to the keyboard which is not included with the package.


The stands seem to work well even though they only feature two positions. The rubber pads on the back of the keyboard ensure that it does not slide around on the desk.


The wrist rest works alright and is of course removable.