CM Storm Reaper Review

👤by Tim Harmer Comments 📅14-10-13
Conclusion

When all is said and done, what was our opinion of the Reaper? Well, just as we described the feature set as solid so we would have to apply the same label to the mouse overall. You cannot really reinvent the wheel with mice and expect to come up with anything resembling sensible, and so the more experimental features we saw with the MECH cannot really be replicated. However if you’re seeking a matching set or assembling the whole AL-series package the Reaper will serve you exceptionally well.

As an 8-button mouse we can report that it performed admirably. CM Storm didn’t fall into the trap of creating a mouse with fixed button functionality, and so in the theme common throughout the AL-series every one can be customisable. This makes it both ideal for FPS gaming and significantly above average for any other game in which you can leverage the use of the ‘Clutch’ thumb button for best effect. MMO and action-RPG gamers, wary of the complexities of elaborate MMO mice, should find the Reaper an ideal compromise with minimal learning curve but a lot of potential.

As with the MECH components, CM Storm have made excellent choices with the Reaper. The 8200DPI Avago 9800 laser sensor is becoming a fixture of high-end gaming mice and it once again performs admirably without a skip in tracking. On-board memory is also well worth its place on a spec list if LANs or simply playing on someone else’s PC figures highly in your usage. Four on-board profiles and ever-reliable Omron switches are just gravy.



We’re also pleased to report that the software is in a very good, if unpolished, state. The functionality is all there and it’s much more usable than its corresponding software on the MECH. We were a little disappointed that there are no synergies to be had between the keyboard and mouse. Both work well independently and together, but it’s not yet possible to use one to affect a state on another, a feature that’s been on one or two competitor lines.

Perhaps the one factor which is a let down is the removable aluminium panel. For the MECH it was a very strong feature with bags of potential, but it’s difficult to see how well the average enthusiast will be able to leverage that flexibility in the Reaper. The panel is a precision engineered piece with complicated shaping and intricacy which by its very nature will be relatively difficult to replicate. A very snug panel fit will make covering the panel with a vinyl surface difficult to apply and hold. Finally, its screw-based removal method is also set to be problematic, and we'd advise that you ensure your screwdrivers are in tip-top condition before tackling it.

CM Storm reached out to us to let us know their plans in supporting this feature in the future. Perhaps the most important point is that blank fascias will be available from their dedicated EU online shopfront, allowing users to mod a replacement panel in any way they see fit whilst preserving the excellent finish on the original. Custom designs may begin to appear later but those with a little initiative will be able to crack on regardless. With that said the stock aesthetics of the mouse are excellent, especially for any mouse at the £50 price point.

CM Storm have come back down to earth with the Reaper, the final member of their AL-Series peripheral range. Attractive aesthetic design is backed up with excellent component choices and good feature set, adding up to a mouse which is a match for most at the price. The first software release is still solid, and with on-board memory and profiles the Reaper more than holds its own as a competition mouse for gaming events where access to configuration software isn’t guaranteed. Customisation options are a little lacking, but this can be rectified by a strong selection of fascias from CM Storm. We award it a Silver, with particular note that it's most suited to those who prefer larger, heavier mice.

Pros

+ Great aesthetics
+ Solid construction
+ Very good component choices
+ On-board memory for macros and profiles
+ All programmable buttons
+ Clutch button for low-DPI mode where desired

Cons

+ Large and Heavy
+ Aluminium plate removal method ill thought out
+ No weight redistribution
+ 1.0 version of the software could use some polish
+ Slight imbalance on the mouse if pressing on the very end of the main mouse buttons

Tips

= Aesthetic design matches that of the MECH and Pulse-R, but silver and matte-black really go with anything.




Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net. Thanks to CM Storm for providing this review sample.




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