We tested the Drop ALT mechanical keyboard in black with Cherry MX Brown switches. The Drop ALT is an excellent gaming keyboard. Is it normal to not be able to change wifi channels on a modem? It's extensive and incredibly intuitive. may be returned within 15 days of purchase. We eventually ended up modding the stabilizers to make them sound and feel even better. Sign up for Lab Report to get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered right to your inbox. Theres no flex or bounce to the typing experience like the Keychron Q1 or even the already fairly stiff Glorious GMMK Pro. But I dont think Ive ever experienced a super rattly keyboard in the first place. The ALT has full RGB lighting, and all of its keys are macro-programmable. The new group is a . So I went with the Halo Clears, and trust me, I Googled the heck out of this thing. 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. When youre done, clicking Compile and Download will download a firmware file thats ready to be loaded onto your keyboard. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. The Drop CTRL High Profile is a very good keyboard, but its not without its drawbacks. As a result, the ENTR is the PCMag Editors' Choice for budget mechanical keyboards. Overview of the Drop CTRL For help getting set up, or if future issues arise, visit our Knowledge Bar technicians instore or contact our remote Tech Support services. Merchandise must be in new condition, with original carton / UPC, and all packaging / accessories / materials. It's very bright and looks great even in a well-lit area. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. Free shipping. All in all, I would recommend this keyboard to you guys to try out. This may put off some who can't justify spending nearly $300 on a keyboard, but if all you care about is quality, this is definitely worth a spot on your shortlist. Click to play video. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/drop-entr-mechanical-keyboard. There is minimal rattle with the stabilizers. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Bug tracker, The shortcuts above was basic hotkeys for the keyboard. The current stabilizers included with the Drops keyboards are loose and rattly. Its more like the original silver than space grey, but its a bit darker. As an email subscriber, you'll have premier access to our best offers, exclusive deals and more. The first few months after I bought this keyboard, I did experience keyboard chatter and double typing. The Drop has magnetically attachable feet, which you can position to give a negative incline. Instructions for loading compiled firmware onto your keyboard: Free shipping. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame and Kaihua hot-swappable switch sockets, the CTRL allows you to change switches whenever you want without soldering. Do you have any useful tips for it? The Drop CTRL took the mechanical keyboard community by storm in late 2018. Content. 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. Model: Keychron Q2 Knob Edition Switches: Gateron Pro Reds (lubed) Programmable: Yes, QMK and VIA compatible Connection: USB-C RGB: Yes Hotswap: Yes Want: $180 Great keyboard, I've used it a lot but its just as good as new (and heavy). However, the ALT is a smaller, compact model without function keys, while the SHIFT is a compact full-sized keyboard with all the standard keys. 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. Videos for related products. Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac - Lavender 1 x Keyboard, 1x 56-inch USB cable, 1x Keycap puller, 1x Switch puller, 1x Plate-mount stabilizers, 1x Switches and keycaps, Choose your store to see our full product selection with local pricing and availability. Its starting to show its age but remains one of the best entry-level custom keyboards you can buy outside of the group buy model. The Drop ALT is bad for a home theater PC setup, but it isn't designed for this use anyway. But if you'd rather not hunt down either part alongside buying the keyboard or want something to use out the box, there are a few different configurations available. It comes in a variety of switches, including clicky and linear ones, meaning you can get the ones you prefer. However, it's not user-friendly and isn't considered dedicated software. Its not gasket mounted and lacks case foam like the Keychron Q1. There are three options for fans of tactile switches: Cherry MX Brown RGB, and Drops own Halo Clear and Halo True switches. 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. This is again an area where the CTRL shows its age. Microsoft to Standardize RGB Control within Windows 11 Settings, NVIDIA RTX Video Super Resolution Tested, AI Enhanced Streaming That Barely Makes a Difference, LG Display Claims Samsung's QD OLED More Susceptible to Screen Burn Than LG's WOLED, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Possibly Maxes Out AD107, NVIDIA's Smallest Ada Silicon, The Drop CTRL keyboard comes in a variety of color and switch options, with the cost ranging from $200 to $225 from, Fully open-source firmware and design language, Very customizable with spare/replacement parts, PBT doubleshot keycaps are of great quality, Hot-swappable mechanical switch socket, albeit limited to 3-pin switches, Vibrant side lighting courtesy 32 extra LEDs, Full programmability with Drop configurator, with up to 15 extra layers, Per-key RGB backlighting options to edit and create, Two add-on feet for different elevation options courtesy magnets and tilting, Low-profile, clean looks with no branding on the front or sides, The software experience is too complicated for the average customer, 1st-party configurator updates seem dead now, albeit QMK loader is still being worked on, Legends are not very clear without backlighting, Not very competitive at MSRP today, especially with 3-pin switch sockets, plate-mounted stabilizers, and north-facing LEDs. Default Hot Keys. You can find the product on Amazon through this link, so you can check for the most up-to-date price. It does have volume up and down, pause and play, but only if you memorize the keys. Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard PCBA. Your subscription has been confirmed. While there are a number of function-key shortcuts for media commands, increasing and decreasing LED brightness, and launching basic Windows apps like Calculator, power users may find the lack of customization stifling. Nice review, but there are definitely cheaper options in to the world of modded keyboards. Drops other keyboards are all smaller, and some have non-traditional layouts. PC restarts under heavy load, faulty psu? The Drop ALT is slightly better than the Ducky One 2 SF. defkey.com Double-clicking will select all of the LEDs under each switch or wrapping around the keyboard, allowing you to then select the color or preset effect. DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable, Backlit RGB LED, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum (Gray, Cherry MX Blue) Visit the DROP Store 212 ratings | 16 answered questions $29500 FREE Returns Style: Cherry MX Blue RGB Barebones Cherry MX Blue RGB Cherry MX Brown RGB For that, the ENTR rides high as the PCMag Editors' Choice for budget mechanical keyboards. Once you select your keyboard, the site will present you with a layout of your keyboard, and clicking on a key will open up all of the available commands for that key. NEW 2 Disney Cruise Line DCL Castaway Club PLATINUM Black Lanyards ID Holders (#155212240812), 4" Brass Ring Globe Ball Shade Holder Vintage Antique Kerosene Oil Lamp Parts (#165878793367), NEW Drop BIIP MT3 EXTENDED 2048 Keycap Set for 60% to 75% Keyboards MODIFIERS (#155396505096). Thank you for signing up to Windows Central. Free assistance is available for the first 60 days on new purchases, excluding internal hardware installations or networking support. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. The Drop CTRL was originally released with a low-profile case and floating key design to show off the RGB. Unfortunately, neither has customization software, but you can adjust settings on either keyboard using the QMK firmware tool on Drop's website. We've looked at a few here on Windows Central, including the brilliant Akko World Tour Tokyo R2 (3068B). This item: DROP + Invyr Holy Panda Mechanical Keyboard Switches - Plate Mounted Tactile Switches, Cherry MX Style, 67g Spring, by Kailh (110 PCS) SAR 492.84 SAR 342.98 SAR 108.15 Product description THE MOST TACTILE SWITCHES IN THE WORLD: With a name like Holy Panda, these switches had to be epic. I didnt experience any learning curve or slow down in my typing speed getting started on the CTRL. Typing on the CTRL High Profile is a mostly enjoyable experience with the exception of the larger stabilized keys. The Drop ALT and the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO are both compact gaming keyboards. It's a wired-only board, so you need to plug it in directly to the TV, and it lacks a built-in trackpad. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). When compared against other premium keyboards, it's not an obscene amount of cash. If you opt for the build your own option using Drops Mech Keys Builder, the options expand to include a few other options at an added cost, but then youre stuck installing the switches yourself. On the other hand, the Drop is has a USB passthrough and much lower latency. This is a thankfully easy fix with a touch of dielectric grease and doesnt require disassembling the case. With a 1ms response time, the keyboard lacks little in responsiveness against dedicated gaming keyboards. View cart for details. Remapping a key is as simple as clicking it and then selecting which function you would rather have there. We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund and you wont even need a receipt. For this review, I was sent the Drop CTRL High Profile Barebones Kit. 300TB Flash Drives Due in 2026, Supplier Claims, Tested: No, Ryzen 7950X3D's iGPU Isn't 4X Faster Than 7950X's, Save Up to $160 With the AMD 7000-Series Combo Offer: Real Deals, Amazon Basics CPU Cooler is Its First Foray into PC Components, Halo Clear, Halo True, Kaihua (Kailh) Box White, Kaihua (Kailh) Speed Silver, Cherry MX Blue RGB, Cherry MX Brown RGB, Fifteen supported layers (firmware-based), 14.5 x 5.5 x 1.75 inches (368 x 140 x 44 mm). Being hot-swappable means that using the switch puller that comes with the keyboard, you can pull out each individual switch and put new ones in. The Drop CTRL keyboard comes in a variety of color and switch options, with the cost ranging from $200 to $225 from Drop directly. There was a problem. Finally, Keychron has taken their flagship keyboard and enhanced it. There's no option for a smoother typing experience through the use of gasket mounting, for instance. However, the Drop ALT is a 65% compact prebuilt board witha USB passthrough. Drop also sells different keycap sets to give it a unique aesthetic. Theres a wealth of customization options to really match what feels best to you. 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. 2000-2023 Newegg Inc. All rights reserved. It's available in a variety of Cherry MX, Kaihua, and Halo switches. We absolutely love this keyboard and consider it one of the best hot-swappable keyboards currently out there. In addition, you need a specialized USB-C power cable for this keyboard, I tried using my custom cable, but ran into some issues with not having enough power delivered to the keyboard. I knew I wanted something quieter, but I didnt know the difference between tactile and clicky switches even. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, This keyboard has okay ergonomics. - All Digital Download sales are final and are not eligible for return or refund under the Micro Center Return Policy. If you're looking for a keyboard with companion software that allows you to program macros to any key, check out the Dream Machines DreamKey. Weve tested out several different switches on this keyboard to give them a go. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. The mechanical keyboard section used to be lively with multiple other brands, and now it is overwhelmingly Drop-branded keyboards, like the $349 SENSE75. At this point I had never used a high-end keyboard, I had been using the 2014 Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition for about 5 years. 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. This may not be a big deal if you dont mind pressing them into place (and inevitably fixing a few bent pins in the process), but is worth considering if youd rather unbox it and get right to work. Drop sells a variety of keycap style sets, too, so you can get the ones that suit your style the best, but we tested the Slate keycaps from the Skylight Series set. the FAA to be registered for outdoor use. Unfortunately, there's no dedicated customization software, so you can't easily set macros or reprogram keys. DROP CTRL MECHANICAL Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL 87 Key Gaming Keyboard Parts/Used - $95.38. This is great for games where you may have a specific layout that helps you stay nimble in-game, but is also useful for adding things like LED controls and media keys to the CTRL without losing inputs on the primary layer. The Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit provide good tactile feedback and excellent typing quality. The legends are also backlit to show off the RGB backlighting. QMK is a popular keyboard firmware that allows users to remap their keyboards eliminating the need for software and opening the door for more advanced access to layers of keysets. Options are quite limited compared to other keyboards, even at significantly less cost. The Drop ALT is very good for office use. The following are available for selection: GMK Red Samurai, MT3 /dev/tty, XDA Canvas, and SA Pulse Noire. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. Riitek Rii i8 Smart TV 2.4G Mini Wireless QWERTY Keyboard with Logitech MX Keys Wireless Keyboard - Black. There is backlighting all through the outer rim as well as under each key. Accelerate Your Returns with Micro Center's Online Return Check-in! It's also available with Cherry MX Blue, Kaihua Speed Silver, Kaihua Box White, Halo Clear, and Halo True switches. Glorious PC Gaming . There are two magnetic feet (optional) that you can attach to the bottom of the keyboard to raise the back or the front. You can create custom lighting schemes using Drops online Configurator, but the out-of-box experience is sorely lacking compared to the competition. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods. 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, Black) Visit the DROP Store 612 ratings | 39 answered questions $22000 FREE Returns Its been a while since the CTRL first hit the scene, so it doesnt have the benefit of following a lot of the recent trends in custom mechanical keyboards. * We want you to be satisfied with your Micro Center purchase. Using the software may require the use of a computer or other device that must meet minimum system requirements. You can view our Privacy Policy and information regarding our use of cookies here for more information about cookies. 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. Featuring a fully aluminum case, PBT keycaps, multiple configuration options, and QMK driven programmability, the Drop CTRL is the custom TKL keyboard for users who dont want to build their own custom keyboard. The board comes with both a keycap puller and a switch puller, so no extra tools are required, and changing switches is as easy as pulling off the keycap, pulling out the old switch and pressing the new one into place. This is very much a matter of personal taste but is still something to keep in mind. Aerial Drones
It has low latency, though some gamers may prefer it lower. Drop CTRL allows you to create custom configurations on its Configurator page and compile the firmware with your own configuration. HP GK320 Wired Full Size RGB Backlight . Please temporarily enable JavaScript in your browser to post text. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. While I appreciate everything that the ENTR brings to the table, its important to talk about what it lacks. We couldn't add you, please check that your email address is correct and try again. Logitech G Pro X Gaming Keyboard Best mechanical keyboard overall Jump to details $150 Logitech Razer BlackWidow Elite Best mechanical keyboard for gaming Jump to details $238 Amazon Das. Keep an eye on your inbox! All products come with 60 days of Complimentary Tech Support, For additional coverage and peace of mind, consider our service and replacement plans. The back edge of the keyboard features Type-C ports on each side, allowing you to choose which youd like to connect to your PC and leaving the other open for peripherals. The Drop CTRL is an easy on-ramp to the custom keyboard hobby that delivers a mostly solid typing experience that becomes even better with mods. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. This makes it convenient for all sorts of desk set-ups and doesnt limit you from only using one side awkwardly. (COVID-19 Safety Measure). Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money for an excellent typing experience. Tested and works. It has 36.8 x 14 x 3.6 cm dimensions. Then you can customize it further once you have it in your hands. The ENTR comes with either Gatreon Yellow or Drops Halo True mechanical switches. $48.00 + $11.35 shipping. How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard. I had extra O-rings from when I tried to quiet/dampen down my Razer Blackwidow with little success. The high-profile version of the CTRL feels much more premium than most pre-built keyboards available currently. All Rights Reserved. Im going to be honest with you guys right now, since Im not selling this keyboard or gaining any affiliate whatever. Compare. It features a dastardly design with the Eye of Sauron, Black Speech keycaps (based on the language of Mordor), and an inscription from The One Ring. However, there's a QMK firmware available on their website, but we don't count it as dedicated software. Shop ALT | $139 Im currently typing up this review with my Massdrop CTRL itself, and so far, there are zero issues. Removing the keycaps and switches, using the included tools from Drop, reveals the main PCB. This is to avoid comment bots. 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. You can your pick of which switches it comes with. Mechanical keyboards are now the norm when it comes to choosing the best typing (or gaming) machine for your desktop PC. The LED-backlit PBT doubleshot keycaps are thick, with sharp legends and a smooth matte finish. Drop CTRL allows you to create custom configurations on its. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. The thick, sturdy base is made of metal and feels solid. New York, $54.95. You can find the Drop CTRL on Amazon for a good price. There is also an option to pair it with different keycap sets, get an optional extended warranty, or . 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. Great! link to Keychron Q1 Pro review: a remarkably great keyboard without getting your fingers dirty. The biggest is that it only supports 3-pin switches. 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. Getting more complex requires clicking individual keys (you can select more than one by holding Shift) before choosing the color. Welcome! This is, on the surface, a great thing as youll be able to take these keymaps to any machine without the need for software. 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I talked about it on our first article, guide to Cherry MX switches, where I discuss the difference between common switches. There's very little flex in the keyboard without applying considerable force. The pre-travel and total travel distance are in line with Cherry MX's advertised 2mm pre-travel and 4mm travel distance, but these may change per unit due to manufacturing tolerances. No complaints there. You also cannot swap out the plate, and there's no gasket mounting for a softer typing feel. Like the Drop, it lacks customization software, but you can set macros and create multiple profiles directly from the board. Theres a good chance youll want to look into replacing the stabilizers, too, because the ones included with the keyboard are poor and rattle terribly. The low-profile version retails for $200 (opens in new tab) pre-built and $150 (opens in new tab) as a barebones kit. The stock keycaps are very good. Its also fully programmable via QMK, meaning you can assign macros or custom keybindings to every key. We don't expect our results to be valid for this one. TheDrop ALT and theRazer Huntsman Miniare both compact boards, but the Drop is slightly larger and has dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys. Such keyboards allow the swapping of switches and keycaps, as well as other components, to personalize everything to your personal preference. While you can set macros through Drop's QMK firmware on their website, it isn't user-friendly, so it might take some time to learn how to use it. But then youre spending time building it yourself. One of two new models released this fall, the ENTR, is the company's take on a classic tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard. Stop in any of our store locations during regular business hours, and our expert staff will answer your computer questions or help you with things like: If you need help with products purchased from Micro Center, please contact one of our knowledgeable tech support reps using the online chat button below, or visit our Tech Support page for additional options and helpful information. If an item you have purchased from us is not working as expected, please visit one of our in-store Knowledge Experts for free help, where they can solve your problem or even exchange the item for a product that better suits your needs. It comes with Cherry MX Brown / Blue RGB or Halo True / Clear switches. 3/5/2021 8:56:46 PM Added some shortcuts. The incline feet attach to the board magnetically. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the system requirements before making your purchase. If you love the all-metal build quality, the Abkoncore AK87 is just shy of seven pounds and costs $170 (opens in new tab). On the contrary, I played everything from Doom Eternal and Battlefield V to slow-paced MMORPGs like Final Fantasy FFXIV using it just fine. The LEDs themselves are bright and vibrant and can be customized across a handful of presets using shortcuts on the keyboard. MASSDROP CTRL KEYBOARD - TIGHT PLATE Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it. Although it lacks many customization and quality-of-life features found in gaming and productivity keyboards, the ENTR is an excellent high-quality, low-feature keyboard that carries a reasonable price. One of its best features is that it is hot-swappable. The Drop CTRL took the mechanical keyboard community by storm in late 2018. When hes not playing video games or checking out new gear, he is probably asleep. If youre willing to take the time to apply a handful of easy mods, it can become even easier. We updated the review accordingly. 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. These stabilizers virtually demand modding, and I would highly recommend any user take the time to add some dielectric grease (opens in new tab) to the wires. The Drop SHIFT is a customizable keyboard that's better for gaming than the NPET K20, which is a basic entry-level mechanical keyboard. An integrated plate isnt ideal for sound or typing feel, however. Finally, the stabilizers for the larger keys aren't great. Bottoming out has a satisfyingly solid tactility that made typing an enjoyable experience. Find out more about how we test. Each of the rings more than thirty LEDs can be color customized within the online customization tool. Its still possible to use these switches if youre willing to clip off the two additional feet, but the last thing you want to do with a set of expensive aftermarket switches is clip the feet off and make them irrevocably less stable. Measuring 14.5 x 5.5 x 1.75 inches, its very close in size to other tenkeyless keyboards like the Corsair K70 RGB TKL but will still take up more space than even more compact keyboards like the Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini. The all-aluminum chassis feels premium, weighing in at just shy of 2kg. I also enjoy the magnetic feet and the double USB-C cable connectors, all things that are convenient to a casual typist and new mechanical keyboard enthusiast. *If you are a Micro Center Insider or if you have provided us with validated contact information (name, address, email address), you wont even need your receipt.