Cooler Master CM Storm Trigger Mechanical Keyboard Review

1. Introduction2. Design and Ergonomics3. Software and Performance4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

Our early sample of the Trigger was supplied in a plain cardboard box but Cooler Master provided us with an image of the retail packaging (above).  Inside the box, the only item we received with the keyboard was the detachable braided USB cable.  We expect that Cooler Master will include a quick start guide and possibly a software CD with the retail version.

It would be fair to say that the Trigger stands out from the crowd when compared to the other mechanical gaming keyboards on the market.

The rugged-looking design that CM Storm have given the base of the keyboard gives it quite a presence on your desk.  The rubberised paint finish echoes the rugged theme set by the aesthetic design of the unit.

Even though the black and grey colour scheme that CM Storm has used to finish the Trigger isn't quite as attractive or exciting as the sleek brushed aluminium of Corsair's Vengeance keyboards, it is brought to life by the red LED backlighting that CM Storm have integrated under the keys.

Unlike a lot of LED backlit keyboards, the Trigger has a number of different lighting modes which can be easily selected using the F1-F4 keys in conjunction with the function button.  There are three different lighting modes letting the user choose between static lighting, a breathing effect or gaming mode where only the WASD, arrow and macro keys are illuminated.

The only slight issue with the lighting is caused by the mechanical switches in the keyboard. The LEDs are located underneath the top of this key.  This means that the lighting is uneven, especially on the top row of keys.

Rather than use dedicated multimedia buttons, CM Storm has made them second functions on the F5-F11 keys.  These are a little fiddly to use as you have to press them function button at the same time.

Corsair's Vengeance keyboards offer a much more user-friendly solution.

Along the left hand side of the keyboard there are five Macro buttons labelled M1-M5 which can be configured in the included software utility.  These are within relatively easy reach of your natural hand position on the keyboard.  Some users may prefer more dedicated macro buttons but we must consider that the Trigger lets us configure macros for any key on the keyboard.

On the back edge of the keyboard there is a two port USB hub which connects to your PC using the aforementioned braided USB cable.  This cable is removable and connects to the keyboard using a mini-USB connector.  Both of the connectors on this cable are gold plated.

There is also a 5V power input on the back edge of the keyboard but there wasn't any cable provided for this.  This connector would only be required if you use USB devices with a high power requirement in the USB hub.

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