CM Storm Trigger Gaming Keyboard Review
Author: Darren McCain
Published: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Mechanical vs. Membrane Keyboards
The first thing you notice when switching to a mechanical keyboard is the noise. While the actual volume is dependent on your choice of switch, even our brown switch is measurably louder than anything else in the house bringing back memories of old school typing classes on mechanical type writers. This is due to the presence of a physical switch beneath every key as opposed to a bubbled plastic that flexes on a membrane type keyboard.
These switches make the mechanical keyboard much heavier than a membrane keyboard. The Trigger weighs in at a solid 2.78 lbs (1260 g). All that weight doesn't impact usage though and provides a solid foundation not likely to shift even under heavy gaming.
Mechanical switches also last longer than membranes providing you with a dramatic life extension. Cherry rates their MX line at 50 million operations per switch. That's opposed to the 5 million or less found on even the best membrane keyboards.
Even after days of heavy use, the mechanical keyboard just feels different. Keystrokes are crisper and tactile feedback is precise. As I get used to the feel, I am finding the effort needed to get the response is considerably less than I am used to. This results in less fatigue and a slight increase in my typing speed..
These switches make the mechanical keyboard much heavier than a membrane keyboard. The Trigger weighs in at a solid 2.78 lbs (1260 g). All that weight doesn't impact usage though and provides a solid foundation not likely to shift even under heavy gaming.
Mechanical switches also last longer than membranes providing you with a dramatic life extension. Cherry rates their MX line at 50 million operations per switch. That's opposed to the 5 million or less found on even the best membrane keyboards.
Even after days of heavy use, the mechanical keyboard just feels different. Keystrokes are crisper and tactile feedback is precise. As I get used to the feel, I am finding the effort needed to get the response is considerably less than I am used to. This results in less fatigue and a slight increase in my typing speed..
Cooler Master's decision to include only 5 programmable macro keys was a bit baffling considering some of the other gaming keyboards I am used to. But after some reflection I realized I rarely use more than a row anyway. Finding a key during the heat of battle is hard enough without feeling through several rows or worse, taking my hands/eyes off the game.
The Trigger places its function keys across the top on the function row. These keys control the lighting and offer the traditional multimedia controls with a familiar spacing. The Windows key has been replaced by the CM storm key that triggers the function row. It's a nice touch for hard core gamers as it prevents accidental presses during gaming.
The Trigger places its function keys across the top on the function row. These keys control the lighting and offer the traditional multimedia controls with a familiar spacing. The Windows key has been replaced by the CM storm key that triggers the function row. It's a nice touch for hard core gamers as it prevents accidental presses during gaming.
