Tt eSPORTS Challenger Pro Keyboard - Software, Testing and Final Thoughts

Software:

The included software allows you to set up the 10 different macro keys with specific timed macros, the ability to launch programs with a touch of a button, or assign basic key functions as well.  You can choose to set copy and paste buttons as well as pretty much any combination to make your life easier.  I have setup one profile for Photoshop with a few key combinations assigned to one macro key.  CTRL-ALT-SHIFT-S is a quick macro that allows you to "Save for Web".  It is very handy.

Stock Keyboard Map

Testing:

I've been gaming on a Saitek Eclipse II keyboard for almost three years now and I was a bit skeptical when switching to a Thermaltake device.  My main keyboards for office work are generally Logitech and once you get used to the feel of a keyboard, it's kind of hard to switch things up too much.  Also, my main computer is now a Lenovo T410 laptop - which I used an external keyboard with - but I do often find myself using the laptop keyboard as I'm on the road quite often.

With all of that being said, the Thermaltake unit was very easy to get used to.  It has a nice soft short keypress action and it feels like a laptop keyboard in many respects - or a bit like the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard.  It has smooth and quiet action as it's not a mechanical keyboard.  Overall, this made a great first impression.

One thing I do like is the ability to assign virtually any key or macro to any of the 10 custom macro keys.  The software program allows you to upload these settings to the keyboard itself, so you can take it and plug it into any computer and instantly have all of your macros set up.  This is a great function for a competitive gamer that is allowed to use their own keyboard and mouse.

On the downside of things, the top row of function and multimedia keys is a little small.  They are about 60% size and this makes them a bit harder to hit in a hurry.  My biggest complaint is the small "Escape" key at the top left of the main key bundle - and the raised macro key next to it.  I found myself often hitting this macro key instead of the Escape key.  The fix?  Assign Macro T1 to "Escape".  This solved the accidental hit problem, but also wasted the most conveniently positioned macro key.

Final Thoughts:

Other than basic functions, a keyboard becomes largely a thing of personal preference.  I'm a die-hard Saitek fan/user and in fact have worn off most of my keys on the left side of the keyboard.  Still, I found it remarkably easy to switch to the Thermaltake Challenger Pro.  I like the idea of the additional macro keys, but I didn't find them that useful for my style of game play.  In terms of office use they are great as I've assigned Photoshop macros, as well as major script macros for stuff on the BCCHardware.com site.  I was surprised at how well the fan works on this unit, but my keyboard hand never gets that sweaty.  I'd prefer a fan in my mouse (and yes, I know they do exist).  In the end, it is a good keyboard and priced very well at under $70 online.

I could recommend this keyboard to a gamer that wants a flashy keyboard with macro functions.  I do feel that the fan and colored keys are just for show - but I love the idea of key-caps for the Windows keys.  You won't accidentally open something in the middle of a game and exit to desktop.

Pros:

• High Quality Keyboard
• Nice soft, adjustable back-lighting
  
• Great keystroke feel 
• Macro + saved to on-board memory

Cons:

• Function & top row keys are too small
• Top left macro key is easy to hit and mistake for "Escape" key.
  

I'd like to thank Thermaltake for sending over the Challenger Pro for us to review.  It was a nice change to take a look at something that I normally have to fight for.  If you have any questions or comments, please post them in the forum at the "Comments" link below.