Testing & Results

Testing Methodology

Testing an input device is simple, all one needs to do is use it, unfortunately there are no quantative benchmarks to run, no numbers to compare, and no software used that can test the quality of the hardware. Testing an input device like the Thermaltake Challenger Pro Gaming Keyboard is going to be based around personal opinion and preference. For instance, I really like the effect of the backlight around the keys, but this might not be to everyone's taste. In this section I will present my unbiased opinion with regards to the use and operation of the Challenger Pro and report back any improvement benefiting directly by its use in various games and programs listed below. Your mileage may vary slightly and as such this should be taken as a guide only.

Test System

• Motherboard: ECS P55H-AK (Intel P55)
• System Memory: OCZ Blade ST 2000MHz 4GB Kit
• Processor: Intel Core i5 760
• Video: Gigabyte GTX 460 1GB
• Disk Drive 1: 160GB Seagate SATA 7200rpm 32MB cache
• Enclosure: Thermaltake Armor A90
• PSU: Corsair HX750W Modular
• Monitor: HKC 2219A 22" Widescreen
• Operating System: Windows 7 ultimate x64

Software Tested

• Call of Duty: Black-Ops
• Need For Speed: World
• Microsoft Word
• Firefox & Internet Explorer

Results

I have been using the Thermaltake Challenger Pro for around two weeks now and prior to using it I was using a Steelseries 6Gv2 mechanical keyboard, because of this I was aware of how inferior a regular keyboard can be compared to a mechanical keyboard when it comes to typing. When it comes to gaming though there isn't really a difference. The keys are low profile and have a short travel distance which makes for an acceptable gaming experience. The macro keys proved more useful for launching programs rather than controlling them for me, but if you use or could benefit from macros more than me then you can't ignore the capability of the Challenger Pro keyboard as you can have up to 40 macros at your fingertips.

The main problem I have with this keyboard is apparent when I am typing, maybe it's the adjustment period of the keyboard or maybe it's just me, but I find myself also hitting the keys next to the keys I intend to press which results in a lot of typo's, Caps Lock is the most frequent which is never good when typing. It's not so much now so I guess I am getting used to the keyboard. Also I have to note the issue of the software that I pointed out earlier in the review, when windows starts all of the lights are on regardless of the settings in software, then when I start the software for the challenger Pro all of the lights go out and need to be reactivated. These are real minor points but can still be quite annoying.

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