The Basics:

Removing the keyboard from the carrying bag reveals that it looks quite a bit like other gaming keyboards. However, there are several differences that are immediately noticed. There are a substantial number of extra keys (when compared to a standard keyboard). The function key row is condensed to take up less room, which in turn creates space to allow for some of these additional keys.



Taking a closer look at the keyboard, the differences begin to stand out. Along the left side of the keyboard (below left image) there are five macro keys identified as T1 through T5. At the top left there is a piece of rubber which is covering the hole where you install the miniature fan.



The above right image shows the right side of the keyboard. Like the left edge, the right edge has additional macro keys, and these are labeled T6 through T10. Above the standard "Insert, Home, Page Up" key grouping, the Challenger Pro has several non-standard keys which work in multimedia applications such as Windows Media, Power DVD, and Internet Explorer. The last two keys in the top row are unique as they pertain to functions on this keyboard. The first is the back light toggle (0%, 25%, 75%, 100%), and the second is the profile toggle (set 0, set 1, set 2, set 3); the selected profile can also be seen at the top of the keyboard by a LED indicator (Red, Green, Blue, Purple).

At the bottom center of the keyboard is a simple bright red "Tt" logo. While the back light on the keyboard can be turned off, by default this is always lit up when the keyboard is receiving power; but it can be turned off using the included software. The bottom edge of the keyboard is accented with some red trim.



The top edge of the keyboard is where the two USB 2.0 ports are located (see below left image). Right next to these ports is a label that states that each port provides a maximum of 100mA, so only low powered USB devices will work. I plugged in several external hard drives and none of them worked, however, USB flash drives work flawlessly. These ports are meant for gaming devices like mice and joysticks, and in general their power consumption should not be an issue



On the other side of the top edge is a spot to put the fan when it is not in use (see above right image). This keeps the fan secure and within reach. There are also two riser feet on the bottom of the keyboard which elevate it about 1/2 an inch.