We paired the CM Storm MECH with a generic five button mouse in our tests, chiefly to understand how the software and macro systems of the MECH compensated for a mouse clearly poorly suited for use in the majority of MMO and MOBA titles. We were not disappointed.
The first hurdle was getting used to Cherry MX Blue switches. In the main MX Reds have been something of a standard amongst gaming keyboards, and for good reason. They provide a consistent, linear response throughout the keystroke, and is the closest approximation you would want to membrane-style switches many users will be graduating from. The Cherry MX Blues provide very noticeable audible and tactile feedback, whilst also retaining a consistent and predictable response across the whole keyset.
Some gamers will appreciate this feedback and it many respects it’s more comfortable to type on than MX Reds, with which your natural inclination will be to hammer the keystroke fully to the backplate rather than begin to ease off when you have hit the point of actuation. Those new to mechanical keyboards may even find the mechanism so far from what they’re used to that it’s actively unpleasant. In whichever way you approach it, typing will be loud even if you employ the o-ring dampening trick and should factor into your decisions if working/gaming in a communal area. If possible, we encourage everyone to try each type of mechanical switch before purchase.
In terms of the key surface, it appears to be a good quality finish with sharp lettering and plenty of illumination thanks to the LED backlight. The white backplate reflects more light upwards, allowing lower overall brightness to be used for an effective illumination of each key. That may sound inconsequential, but for those who have issues with white light diffraction through corrective lenses cutting down on the maximum LED brightness you’re exposed to does help in low-light conditions.
The MECH itself has good rigidity due to a steel backplate and reinforced ABS plastic. With raised feet there’s a very slight flex present when leant on with a lot of weight, but we didn’t experience any wobble or other instability in the platform unlike other recently reviewed products. The grip to the desk surface was excellent to boot thanks to the use of rubberised extendible feet and large rubber pads on the floor of the keyboard.
Macro keys are always useful, but it’s good to note that CM Storm are aware of the ideal locations and have designed their layout accordingly. There’s just enough of a gap between the main keyset and M-keys to differentiate effectively and as they’re also mechanical the feel is totally consistent with the rest of the keyboard.
NKRO/Anti-ghosting
The MECH claims 64-Key rollover, and it delivers in most respects. When using the main key set, that is to say every key with the exception of M1-M5, in both testing and during gameplay none of the keys appear to interfere with the operation of another. Ghosting is much harder to assess with that number of simultaneous number of keypresses, but it certainly didn't appear to register any unintended keypresses and most assuredly none in the critical Function-key block.
Where the MECH did fall down a little was with the dedicated macro keys and general macro handling. We're aware from the software investigation that macro keys can only be bound to macros - a single sequence of timed keystrokes or button presses - rather than also exactly mimicing the dynamics of a single key in the standard keyset. When executing any macro all other input is disabled, including any key(s) you're holding down at the time. By definition this breaks rollover, but also means that no additional modifiers such as CONTROL and ALT can be used with the macros or macro keys. If you're aware of this limitation then it's possible to plan around it in the design of your macros, but the fact that it will break continuous in-game movement via WASD is something of any issue.
It's possible that this will be rectified in a future keyboard firmware update, but in the meantime CM Storm already have a work-around through the MECH AP software. The 'Execute In AP' functionality will process the macro without interrupting any keys you have held down already, exactly the functionality you need whilst also processing the keystroke modifiers at the same time. Unfortunately the software needs to be installed to use this functionality, limiting the value of on-board memory a little, but that's a justifiable price to pay.
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During extended gaming sessions the MECH performed admirably thanks to the MX Blue switches and stable design. MMO gaming in World of Warcraft and Guild Wars 2 presented few difficulties with the exception of those discussed above, and the longer than usual game sessions benefited from the way in which the keyboard stayed almost glued to the desk. A little more visual feedback on the active profile whilst in operation would have been useful, but isn't essential.
When moving the keyboard to a local LAN event we found it to be exceptionally portable thanks to the built-in handle, despite the weight. The on-board memory proved to be well warranted - Counter Strike: Source bindings were ready to go, as were the DOTA2 macros which were necessary to create on-the-fly. These sorts of titles and also including RTS titles, where a rapid succession of keypresses are often necessary rather than continual pressing of one key whilst also needing an active macro, were those in which the MECH could really show its class.
We also wouldn't discount the clicky nature of the Cherry MX Blues. They won't be for everyone, but they shouldn't be overlooked by those who would find tactile feedback reassuring. If you have exceptional manual dexterity it's even possible to 'ride' the tactile bump, greatly decreasing reaction times.
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Whatever the type of gamer you are, you should buy according to your needs. It's pleasing to note that the MECH should suit most types of gamer, although they may need to adapt their play style to cater to the boards idiosyncrasies. Those living, working and playing in a communal area should definitely note that the MX Blue variant will be noisy, generally more so than other MX Red-based keyboards we have reviewed to date. In terms of living with the MECH though, it's by far one of the most easy to get along with. Grime doesn't show up so much, nor do finger prints on the aluminium faceplate. If you have an obsessive need to keep your desk clean the MECH, despite its appearance, may be much easier to cope with than the majority of other options.
