Budget gaming keyboard is mainly designed for casual gamers who has limited budget but wanted the basic ‘bling-bling’ effect and features such as LED illumination, ergonomic profile design, etc. With that in mind, Cooler Master released the CM Storm Devastator Gaming Combo with a price tag of RM 149 which is well received by the market. Recently, Cooler Master decided to ‘upgrade’ the mentioned Gaming Combo with a the release of CM Storm Octane, where the highlight of the product is the 7 different backlight led illumination for end-users to choose according to their preference.
Product Link: http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/keyboards/octane/
Suggested Retail Price: RM 199
Specification
Unboxing
The front box of the CM Storm Octane Gaming Gear Combo. Cooler Master highlighted the features of both the keyboard and mouse at the front. The model name ‘OCTANE’ catches the first sight of the product.
Several highlighted features of the mouse (MS35)
+ Seven led backlighting colors to choose from
+ 10 Million-click life cycle
+ Illuminate with on-the-fly color cycle
+ Four preset DPI levels (500 – 3500)
+ Avago 3050 Optical sensor
Several highlighted features of the keyboard (MB7C)
+ Seven backlighting colors with quick cycling and adjustable pulsation speed
+ 19-key anti-ghosting
+ Six dedicated multimedia keys
+ Turbo mode- Quickly adjust repeat rate
An the back of the packaging, there are description with foreign languages for both of the mouse and keyboard features.
Cooler Master makes the package very simple. Both of the mouse and keyboard is packaged using plastic wrap and the cable is tied and hide inside the small compartment of the box.
The package came with the mouse and the keyboard itself. A simple manual is included as usual.
Since the combo is for budget gaming, it’s understandable that there’s no gold plated USB and the cables is not fully braided.
CM Storm Octane Keyboard (Model - MB7C)
- Seven backlighting colors with quick cycling and adjustable pulsation speed
- 19-key anti-ghosting
- Six dedicated multimedia keys
- Turbo mode- Quickly adjust repeat rate
The overall look of the keyboard is very eye catchy. At one glimpse the CM Storm Octane Keyboard can be easily identify as a gaming keyboard.
There’s only a sticker at the back with S/N and Model number information.
The CM Storm Octane keyboard comes with standard adjustable key tilt leg to increase height of keyboard.
There are several useful multimedia key for easy access of both Playback key and volume control located above the Function keys.
At the end of the left and right of the keyboard, the design is kind of based on a directional arrow. It would be nice if it has LED illumination as well.
The function key (FN) allow user to activate with other alternative keys. On the right side of the FN keys is the key to switch between 7 led colors. If both FN key and Backlit key are pressed together will toggle between Normal Mode and Breathing Mode for the LEDs
The pulsation speed control keys can be activated with FN keys to control the in-between pulsation speed.
The keyboard allows controlling the brightness of LED with 3 brightness level with the helps of FN key function.
User can find the keyboard lock function located at F11 that allows user to disable all the keyboard input (Except FN and F11) to prevent from mistakenly press or disturb by other user.
It is rare to see a budget gaming gear has the Input Rate toggle. This mode can be activated with the FN key pressed together with Q for rapid mode. This mode is very useful for certain games.
CM Storm Octane Mouse (Model - MS35)
- Seven led backlighting colors to choose fro
- 10 Million-click life cycle
- Illuminate with on-the-fly color cycle
- Four preset DPI levels (500 – 3500)
- Avago 3050 Optical sensor
At the first glance we thought the mouse really looks like a robot (Optimus Prime).
The scroll wheel design is very simple with 3 rubberized lines to increase traction for easy scrolling. The middle button is for DPI exchange that can be switched with 4 different speed ranges from 500 – 3500.
The bottom part of the mouse is very simple. The CM Storm logo is spotted at the back of the mouse together S/N and Model number information.
The overall built of the mouse is sort of a sport cars.
On the back there’s several holes line to match with the sporty mouse design.
On the left there are 2 side buttons to toggle between previous page and next page.
The right side of the mouse is very simple and there’s only a stripes to match up with the left design.
LED Effects
CM Storm Octane Keyboard - Pulse Effect
CM Storm Octane Mouse - Pulse Effect
CM Storm Octane Keyboard - LED Choices
Conclusion
We are truly satisfied with the new CM Storm Octane keyboard, especially the choices of LED illumination available. With more LED choices, it’s not only fun but also it enable end-user to change the LED colour according to their need and mood. The mentioned gaming gear is also priced reasonably well at RM 199. It is perfect for gamers with limited budget but wants something which stands-out. A membrane keyboard is the best choice if mechanical keyboard is out of reach. As for the user experience, both the keyboard and mouse tend to has a little clicky sound which gamers like it nowadays. From our experience, the mouse seems to be more favorable to claw grip users.
Finally, we would like thank Cooler Master Malaysia for giving us an opportunity to review the CM Storm Octane Gaming Keyboard & Mouse Combo.
Performance: 4/5
Materials: 4/5
Specifications: 4/5
Appearance: 5/5
Performance/Price Value: 5/5
Pros
+ 7 backlighting colors with pulsation mode
+ Great price for budget gaming combo
+ High aesthetic value
+ Easy access of Media button
+ Anti-ghosting keys
Cons
- Mouse favorable more to claw user
CM Storm Octane Gaming Keyboard & Mouse Combo received Gold Award from OCDrift.com
Disclaimer: OCDrift.com gives out our own award based on the Hardware Performance, OverClocking Ability, Innovation, and Value as determined by the reviewer
shah93
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