We absolutely love this keyboard and consider it one of the best hot-swappable keyboards currently out there. Micro Center is happy to honor its customary 30-day return policy for Aerial Drone returns due to product defect or customer dissatisfaction. There are two magnetic feet (optional) that you can attach to the bottom of the keyboard to raise the back or the front. Our review unit featured Gatreon Yellow, a quick-acting linear switch similar to the Cherry MX Reds found in many gaming keyboards, but with a high actuation force. But it lacks per-key RGB and programmability. 1. If you want to swap out the switches for something a little more tailored to your preference, this is entirely possible with the Drop CTRL. Updated. Initially, it felt like too much pressure for each press. You can pair the Obinslab with up to four devices via Bluetooth, but you can also use it wired. They feel good to type on and lend a nice solidity to the experience, but arent as thick as some of the premium aftermarket sets like the GMK Blue Samurai that was sent with my sample and photographed for this review. It has full RGB lighting and every key is macro-programmable, but without dedicated software, it's a bit difficult to set macros. The Ducky has better typing quality anda Windows Key lock. 3.4 DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray) Visit the DROP Store 614 ratings | 39 answered questions $22000 FREE Returns Color: Space Gray Style: Halo Clear Barebones Cherry MX Blue RGB Like the Drop, it lacks customization software, but you can set macros and create multiple profiles directly from the board. The New Standard Our flagship model, the CTRL raises the bar with cutting-edge features and a premium build. Glorious PC Gaming . Videos for related products. One of its best features is that it is hot-swappable. Skip to main content. It's all interconnected, meaning you don't need to mess around with anything other than the switches, but this does limit the amount of modding that can be done. It has excellent typing quality. This may just be me being picky. Embedded code will get the data from Defkey.com and will remain available. defkey.com We couldn't add you, please check that your email address is correct and try again. The Drop ALT keyboard is wired-only, and you can't use it with wireless devices. Also, you can position its magnetically attachable feet to give a negative incline. Missing 5, 8, +=, O, {[, }], L, Z, |\\, J, enter key, shift key, 2 control keys, and right arrow key. Then there's the integrated USB passthrough with dual rear USB-C ports allowing one to connect a mouse or other accessories through the Drop CTRL as opposed to hunting for a free USB port. Hi, it appears you may be new to this subreddit! We're sorry for inconvenience. The Drop CTRL is very well designed. The new group is a . However, if you need help or need to return an item, were here for you! Drop CTRL I love that it has two USB-C connectors, one of the right and one on the left. If this is your first time remapping a keyboard, or if youre aiming for a particular hue with the backlight, you should be prepared to repeat this process multiple times as you dial it in. The Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit provide good tactile feedback and are fairly light to press since you don't need much force to actuate the key. It's easily one of the better custom keyboard kits out there. Aerial Drones Your invoice reference number will be required for free assistance. We absolutely love this keyboard and consider it one of the best hot-swappable keyboards currently out there. The Drop ALT is great for programming. As someone who uses a lot of gaming keyboards, I think of linear switches as having a hair-trigger: You can accidentally actuate a Cherry MX Red and Cherry Speed Silver key by brushing the keycap. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). You can create custom lighting schemes using Drops online Configurator, but the out-of-box experience is sorely lacking compared to the competition. You can see the specs on the product page, but Ill summarize them below: I received my keyboard on August 12, 2019 with Halo Clear switches and the original keycap kit. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, You can remap keys and program up to fifteen layers of keymaps (which are similar to profiles on gaming keyboards), so having keysets for individual games is entirely possible. It's not a deal-breaker, but worth bearing in mind when shopping around for aftermarket switches. Clearly, theres still a place for the Drop CTRL in the custom keyboard world. They are available with the same Cherry MX, Kaihua, or Halo switches, and bothoffer an excellent typing experience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The keyboard features dual USB-C connectors. The included Kaihua Box White switches are excellent for typing up thousands of words a day and some gaming on the side. Bug tracker, The shortcuts above was basic hotkeys for the keyboard. But then youre spending time building it yourself. The Drop CTRL was originally released with a low-profile case and floating key design to show off the RGB. If youre used to a standard plastic or even premium gaming keyboard with a metal top plate, youll be in for a surprise the first time you hold it in your hands. That said, with a detachable USB-C cable, the ENTR is the finest possible version of a simple, wired connection. We tested the Drop ALT mechanical keyboard in black with Cherry MX Brown switches. I've taken this keyboard for a spin over the past couple of weeks and feel like I'm ready to discuss what makes this such a good choice, as well as where it could be improved. You can also flip them around to have it on a negative incline. Update 12/17/2021: We initially listed our Macro Programmable Keys test result to 'All', but this is incorrect. The switches are north-facing, meaning they're mounted upside-down from the intended orientation of Cherry-style switches. The CTRL supports per-key RGB backlighting. You can find the product on Amazon through this link, so you can check for the most up-to-date price. Keyboards released these days include five-pin sockets with support for switches with enhanced stability. The board is fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. See photos for exactly what is included. . Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. Aesthetically, the keyboard is equally impressive. Ask your Support Technician about additional options available through our exclusive Priority Care Program. It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and every key is macro-programmable. (Hardware). As Ive said before, this allows you to change the switches on this keyboard very easily without having to solder anything. $250 for the high-profile version and $200 for the low-profile feels more expensive now that affordable custom kits are becoming more common. The Drop ALT is a better keyboard than the Drop ENTR. Unfortunately, there's no dedicated customization software, so you can't easily set macros or reprogram keys. A flip side to this ability is cost. It's available in several mechanical switches and is hot-swappable, so you can easily change the switches without any soldering. You can control the brightness and effects directly with hotkeys, but you need the user manual to learn the full list of hotkeys. For this review, I was sent the Drop CTRL High Profile Barebones Kit. While many modern custom keyboards support VIA, a downloadable QMK tool that automatically remaps keys as you enter them, the CTRL relies on downloading a firmware file and a very specific process to write that file to the keyboard. The only gripe I have is that it still does chatter sometimes, although the frequency has decreased dramatically. Typically, I type above 90wpm, but lets see how we do and if theres any chattering. It's well-made with an aluminum frame, and the RGB lighting gets very bright and looks great. Copy the html code below and embed it to a discussion forum or to any web page. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. For software, the Drop CTRL supports QMK and the company's own suite that lets you customize every inch of the keyboard. Log into your account. But for clean, comfortable typing, this is as good as it gets at a sub-$100 price. Sadly, it doesn't come with a wrist rest, which is a bit disappointing considering the higher profile of the keys. 2000-2023 Newegg Inc. All rights reserved. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. High profile of keys may lead to fatigue. Although the ALT has no companion software, all of its settings are customizablevia the Drop website, unlike the ENTR. Why you can trust Tom's Hardware You can your pick of which switches it comes with. It has okay ergonomics, but it doesn't come with a wrist rest, meaning some people may feel fatigued after long periods of use. 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A fairly generic linear switch produced by JWK, they do a good job of representing the typing experience of the Drop CTRL High Profile with other low-cost linears. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Instructions for loading compiled firmware onto your keyboard: 2. Mechanical keyboards are now the norm when it comes to choosing the best typing (or gaming) machine for your desktop PC. Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money for an excellent typing experience. Theres no need to desolder the old switches and solder new ones on. Its also fully programmable via QMK . Is it normal to not be able to change wifi channels on a modem? $54.95. The Dream Machines has companion software to customize the board, and every key is macro-programmable. Thank you to sellers! This is, on the surface, a great thing as youll be able to take these keymaps to any machine without the need for software. The Gatreon Yellow is a quick tap with smooth action; you arent waiting to feel the click. However, it's not user-friendly and isn't considered dedicated software. How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard. link to Keychron Q1 Pro review: a remarkably great keyboard without getting your fingers dirty. The anodized aluminum base and beefy, matte plastic top panel are premium materials and feel like a finer component grade than what you find on most mass-produced keyboards. (Image: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central), (Image credit: Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central), You want a great foundation for a custom keyboard, You aren't comfortable spending nearly $300 on a keyboard. You may feel fatigued after typing for long periods because of the high profile of the keys and lack of wrist rest. Shortcut lists can be shared as long as you don't create a database. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Across nearly a dozen tests with the keyboard, I rounded out at 106 WPM. There is minimal rattle with the stabilizers. Drop CTRL is a mechanical keyboard with 87 keys. As an email subscriber, you'll have premier access to our best offers, exclusive deals and more. It's available in a variety of Cherry MX, Kaihua, and Halo switches. Outside of gaming, which has embraced the value of mechanical keys, even the cheapest office-grade keyboards are wireless, so paying nearly $100 for a keyboard you have to plug in may seem backward to some people. There's rubber underneath the feet and, combined with the weight of the aluminum frame, it doesn't slide around easily. The Obinslab Anne Pro 2 is a 60% wireless gaming keyboard, while theDrop ALT is a compact 65% wired gaming model. The build quality, hot-swappable switches, and typing experience are a clear upgrade from the average gaming or productivity keyboard, even with the rattly stabilizers. Theyre made of PBT plastic, which is more resistant to wear and tear than ABS plastic and wont develop the telltale oily shine after months of regular use. It's a nice touch to have a secondary RGB strip that wraps around the base of the keyboard. Overview of the Drop CTRL Sometimes it's not possible to choose the best keyboards off the shelf and if that's the case for you, a custom keyboard kit like the Drop CTRL may be just what you require. Its more like the original silver than space grey, but its a bit darker. Neowin Our unit is quiet and won't disturb others around you. You can find him on Twitter @Bombur. Its always nice to have such a diverse selection of switches, because most product offerings make you pick between one or two switch types. The Drop CTRL High Profile is a very good keyboard, but its not without its drawbacks. Its worth noting that Drop has a web-based config tool for its other keyboards, so that support may come to the ENTR . Bottom line: Build your own killer mechanical keyboard with the Drop CTRL. Then there's the height of the Drop CTRL, which makes it a little taller than most mechanical keyboards. The Drop CTRL and the Drop ALT are similar hot-swappable mechanical keyboards, but the CTRL is TenKeyless, while the ALT is a compact (65%) sized keyboard. Wireless Phones are not eligible for return. The board also comes in a TenKeyLess version called the Drop CTRL. The Configurator allows you to set the color of each key, but doing so is cumbersome unless youre applying one color or effect to every key. It's available with many different switch types, and you can also buy it barebones if you prefer to add the switches and keycaps yourself. We're your trusted local service and repair professionals. Refresh your browser window to try again. Bottom line: I'm a big fan of the Drop CTRL. Shop CTRL | $200 Drop ALT star_borderstar star_borderstar star_borderstar star_borderstar star_borderstar 1325 A Smaller Take With 67 keys (compared to 87 on the CTRL), the fully-featured ALT is the perfect compact companion. The Drop ALT is bad for a home theater PC setup, but it isn't designed for this use anyway. It comes with Cherry MX Brown / Blue RGB or Halo True / Clear switches. Compare. The Drop ALT keyboard has two USB-C inputs, and you can use either one as a USB passthrough, meaning you can charge your devices at USB 2.0 charging speeds. The best budget-priced mechanical keyboard. The Drop ALT keyboard has incredible backlighting. Over time, I got used to it and now I love it. All default keys work on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Drop sent along a set of Holy Pandas (opens in new tab), which are a coveted option in the enthusiast community due to their enjoyable tactility. This allows you to truly the customize the board to what switch type feels the best for you. $39.99. The backlight can also be customized for brightness and speed. At the same time, a pricier keyboard like the $199.99, Editors' Choice award-winning Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT brings more utility to the table. If youre switching to a TKL to save space, the ENTR maximizes that benefit. The all-aluminum chassis feels premium, weighing in at just shy of 2kg. It's very bright and looks great even in a well-lit area. Theres no volume wheel or interchangeable plate like the Glorious GMMK Pro. On the other hand, the Drop has dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys, and has a USB passthrough. It lacks the software of the best gaming keyboards. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. Get the best of Windows Central in your inbox, every day! The stock keycaps feel nice to type on. Still, a lot has changed in the last three years since the CTRL released, and its not quite the killer value it used to be. When youre done, clicking Compile and Download will download a firmware file thats ready to be loaded onto your keyboard. The low-profile version retails for $200 (opens in new tab) pre-built and $150 (opens in new tab) as a barebones kit. Since theyre plate-mounted, it takes only minutes to completely replace them with a higher quality set (opens in new tab) and doesnt require disassembling the whole keyboard. 2023 - The Drop CTRL is an awesome mechanical keyboard with a floating keycap design and a sleek aluminum frame. Great! Noctua and DROP collaborate to create the DROP + MiTo MT3 Noctua keycaps for mechanical keyboards, offering style and functionality DROP's latest keycaps set plans to be a fan favorite for PC and keyboard enthusiasts. Our unit has Cherry MX Brown switches, but it's also available with Linear Kaihua Speed Silver switches, tactile Halo Clear or Halo true switches, and clicky Kaihua Box White or Cherry MX Blue switches. It does have volume up and down, pause and play, but only if you memorize the keys. Updated: Updated program information. Measuring at 368mm by 140mm and 44mm thick, it's in line with the competition if not a little on the thick side. What the keyboard does lack is supporting features for gaming. There's an RGB strip that goes around the frame, which is a nice touch. For help getting set up, or if future issues arise, visit our Knowledge Bar technicians instore or contact our remote Tech Support services. Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray) $ 322.99 (2 Offers) Free Shipping from United States. Go with RX 6800 XT or wait for 7900 XT price cut? The Drop ALT is an excellent gaming keyboard. Notes - Delivery *Estimated delivery dates include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of acceptance and will depend on shipping service selected and receipt of cleared payment. Free shipping. Tested and works. Amazon is currently offering the ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for $89.99 shipped. Also, the ALT has a higher travel distance and a lower actuation force. On the plus side, the lighting effect is enhanced thanks to its wrap-around diffuser sandwiched between the halves of the case. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The trend in custom keyboards today is a softer typing experience, usually created from flexible plate materials (like polycarbonate) or foam gaskets. 0:35 . Accelerate Your Returns with Micro Center's Online Return Check-in! So I went with the Halo Clears, and trust me, I Googled the heck out of this thing. You can find the Drop CTRL on Amazon for a good price. Another downside is that it only supports plate-mounted stabilizers for the larger keys. The keycaps are shine-through PBT keycaps with a slightly rough feel to them. Today we will be covering the PE Foam mod, a sound-altering solution We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. The doubleshot PBT keycaps feel great, but the keys wobble just a bit. Sadly, there's no dedicated software, so you can't customize the board as easily. It also has a USB passthrough feature. At the time, I was especially worried about keyboard chatter or double typing that everyone was discussing in the reviews/comments section of the product itself. Fn + S: LED Brightness Decrease. Easy peezy just like that. The ENTR comes with either Gatreon Yellow or Drops Halo True mechanical switches. If all goes well, the firmware will apply to the keyboard and completely rewrite what it shipped with. It offers excellent typing quality with the Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit, and you can get it with a variety of switches. We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund in accordance with our return policy no receipt needed if you have a Micro Center Insider Account. NY 10036. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. Its latency is very good, but it may not be low enough for some gamers. Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money . DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Barebones, Black) Visit the DROP Store 614 ratings | 39 answered questions $17500 FREE Returns Color: Black Style: Barebones Barebones Cherry MX Blue RGB Cherry MX Brown RGB The Drop CTRL is an expensive keyboard; there's no other way to look at the price. With a 1ms response time, the keyboard lacks little in responsiveness against dedicated gaming keyboards. GamaKay . The Drop CTRL mechanical keyboard we tested is the Black color variant, but it's also available in a Space Gray colorway. NY 10036. This keyboard has okay ergonomics. Looks like the same innards as the Input.Club K-Type and the previous CTRL that have been available for years. Another minor complaint include it doesnt have any media keys. There's no onboard memory for storing settings like RGB lighting, but this isn't a gaming keyboard. The Drop CTRL is an expensive keyboard; there's no other way to look at the price. It sounds odd to explain the ENTR in such fashion, as weve reviewed similarly built TKL gaming keyboards, but the keys and layout arent a given with the enthusiast manufacturer. It's extensive and incredibly intuitive. Today, its also available in a high-profile version with a taller case that hides the keycap housings. Redgear Shadow Blade MK853 Mechanical Keyboard with Spectrum LED Lights, Media Control Knob and Wrist Support (Black)* -: Quantum QHM9800 Rapid Strike Mechanical Gaming Multimedia Wired Keyboard with 6-Colour RGB LED, 12 Adjustable Lighting Modes, Lasting Durability 3 days testing warranty. 1 5 Related Topics Mechanical keyboard Computer Keyboard Computer hardware Computer Information & communications technology Technology 5 comments Best Add a Comment plac3b0guy 3 yr. ago Get a better switch remover.. The stabilized keys are terrible. It doesn't take up much space on your desk, and it's about the same size as the Ducky One 2 SF. Thank you for signing up to Windows Central. It happens most often with the space bar. This makes it convenient for all sorts of desk set-ups and doesnt limit you from only using one side awkwardly. Drop Icon Collection Keyboards Ready-to-Ship Keycaps Drop Studio Gaming Headsets NEW - Togekey KeyboardWeekend Deals SALE - SENSE75 Keyboard Save up to $100 per month on your favorite mechanical keyboard gear by joining Drop Keyboard Club. I had extra O-rings from when I tried to quiet/dampen down my Razer Blackwidow with little success. Software system requirements are typically found on the Product information specification page. Note that the standard CTRL features backlit gray-hued keycaps. It comes with incline feet that attach magnetically, so you can easily remove them, and they stay in place well while you're using them. I was stuck with the Razer green switches for forever, and Im not looking to go back anytime soon. Both keyboards feel very well-built and offer very similar typing experiences with the Cherry MX Brown switches we tested, but they're available in a range of other switch types. Since writing this entire article, there has been chatter about 5 times total. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. found at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/, Wireless Phones & Devices Despite feeling slightly long in the tooth, its still a very solid offering that delivers a good typing experience out of the box and manages to look good doing it. It has low latency, though some gamers may prefer it lower. Details regarding registration can be Theres a wealth of customization options to really match what feels best to you. 0:10 . Every key is macro-programmable, but there isn't dedicated software and setting macros through the QMK software on the website isn't user-friendly. Typing on the CTRL High Profile is a mostly enjoyable experience with the exception of the larger stabilized keys. The Drop has magnetically attachable feet, which you can position to give a negative incline.