Thermaltake ESports Challenger & Challenger Pro Keyboards review

1. Introduction2. Thermaltake Esports Challenger Keyboard3. Thermaltake Esports Challenger Pro Keyboard4. Thermaltake Challenger Pro Keyboard and Software5. Using the Challenger Keyboards6. Closing Thoughts7. View All Pages

The Challenger ‘Pro' Keyboard box is slightly larger than the Challenger version but it is finished in the same design and colour scheme. We have a very early prototype of this PRO board and it may change slightly before release in the next month or so.

This box opens up into a gatefold spread, with a multitude of descriptive texts on the various feature sets.

There is a manual, a sofware CD and two pouches. One of the pouches contains the same key removal tool as seen with the ordinary Challenger keyboard, however with the two Windows replacement keys Thermaltake also supply red W,A,S,D keys as well as replacement arrow keys. These are primarily used in a variety of first person shooter and racing titles. They are also red, to stand out from the rest of the keyboard.

The same high quality braided cable is supplied as noted on the last page but with the Pro keyboard it is bundled in a felt bag, and it is detachable from the main keyboard chassis. A very nice touch for transportation and easy replacement if it gets damaged down the line.

When the main box is opened we can see that the keyboard is shipped inside a heavy duty felt carrying bag. Very stylish indeed and a lovely touch from Thermaltake.

The Pro board looks similar to the standard Challenger product, however the keys are a different design and there is also a backlight system which we will look at shortly.

The pro has two rows of keys on either side of the main keyboard section which can be used for in game macro key commands.

Once again there are rubber stoppers at the top of each side of the board, which allow the connection of a fan to keep your hands cool. The rubber plugs are more substantial than the ordinary board.

Again, the same connection method as before, remove the fan from the transportation housing and slot it into the hole after removing the rubber plug. Warm sweaty hands are a thing of the past.

The rear of the keyboard is similar in design to the Non pro version but this one has a red accented area at the bottom. The keyboard risers are also thicker and longer.

This keyboard has three USB ports. two are for connecting external devices and the small one on the right of the image above is for connection of the keyboard USB cable to your computer (or hub).

This is a great idea, if the cable gets damaged you don't have to throw away the keyboard, you can just order a new cable. It also makes transportation much easier, especially as Thermaltake supply a carrying pouch for the cable.

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