It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and every key is macro-programmable. The first few months after I bought this keyboard, I did experience keyboard chatter and double typing. And thanks to the hot-swap switch sockets, it allows you to change switches whenever you want with no soldering required. Instructions for loading compiled firmware onto your keyboard: 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 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. The Drop ENTR is a finely crafted keyboard. Also, it doesn't have a volume control wheel. 1996-2023 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. Something went wrong. The Drop CTRL took the mechanical keyboard community by storm in late 2018. The ENTR lacks configuration software that would let you remap keys or create macros. Another downside is that it only supports plate-mounted stabilizers for the larger keys. The Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit provide good tactile feedback and excellent typing quality. Unfortunately, the PCB is the same one that was released on the original CTRL back in 2018 and does have a few drawbacks that stand out more with each passing year. Click to play video. Although the ALT has no companion software, all of its settings are customizablevia the Drop website, unlike the ENTR. However, there's a QMK firmware available on their website, but we don't count it as dedicated software. 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. French. This is the third mechanical keyboard in the Drop + Lord of the Rings . Find out more about how we test. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. Keyboards released these days include five-pin sockets with support for switches with enhanced stability. It seems limited to Type-A power delivery, so it wont work to fast charge your smartphone, but is great for connecting other devices without reaching around to the back of your PC. The Drop ALT mechanical keyboard is a compact 65% model with dedicated arrow keys. The tall top half of the case and thicker bottom combine to add under three pounds of weight to the keyboard, bringing its mass to a respectable 4.4 pounds. The heavy aluminum case and integrated top plate do a good job of deadening out key presses, making them feel solid under the finger. The Drop SHIFT is a customizable keyboard that's better for gaming than the NPET K20, which is a basic entry-level mechanical keyboard. Skip to main content. 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. What the keyboard does lack is supporting features for gaming. Fn + D: LED Pattern Select Next. Black-LK67 RGB Modular DIY Mechanical Keyboard. The board is fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Drop CTRL allows you to create custom configurations on its Configurator page and compile the firmware with your own configuration. The added density of the material and slight texturing present on their surface feels good under the fingers. A flip side to this ability is cost. Whether you stick with what's included with the CTRL or go your own way with choosing switches, you're going to have a great time with this keyboard. However, if you need help or need to return an item, were here for you! Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money . 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. For switches, Drop included a set of its in-house favorite Holy Pandas and the new GMK Blue Samurai keycaps, as well as a few artisans. Unfortunately, neither has customization software, but you can adjust settings on either keyboard using the QMK firmware tool on Drop's website. 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. Missing 5, 8, +=, O, {[, }], L, Z, |\\, J, enter key, shift key, 2 control keys, and right arrow key. The Drop CTRL is an expensive keyboard; there's no other way to look at the price. Where the potential of the keyboard really shows is when you expand into secondary layers. Click to enlarge. Best Products; See All; Computing. Your subscription has been confirmed. For users looking for a more compact option, its an effective choice without losing important keys, like the function row. On the other hand, the Razer has much lower latency, and it has customization software to set macros, reprogram keys, and create profiles. The high-profile version of the CTRL feels much more premium than most pre-built keyboards available currently. 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. Riitek K18 Plus Wireless 3-LED Color Backlit Multimedia Keyboard ASUS ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Moonlight White Wired Mechanical RGB Logitech ERGO K860 Split Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard, Targus Compact Multi-Device Bluetooth Antimicrobial Keyboard, Microsoft N9Z-00001 Wireless Slim All-in-One Keyboard, Logitech K380 Bluetooth Slim Multi-Device Keyboard, Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard - Black, Logitech Signature K650 (Graphite) Wireless Keyboard. Originally released in 2018, the CTRL is now available in multiple configurations, including low- and high-profile case versions, two colors, six switches, and even more colors and switches if you purchase upgrades. We're your trusted local service and repair professionals. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. You can't set macros directly from the board, and there's no native software for customizations. The ALT also has lower latency, better RGB color mixing for its backlighting, and it has an additional incline setting. 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. To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. NY 10036. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. It's fine for most gamers and daily tasks, but competitive gamers may notice a delay. With Razer youll be stuck with the Razer switches, whatever those may be. Nice review, but there are definitely cheaper options in to the world of modded keyboards. There's very little flex in the keyboard without applying considerable force. Config apps, dedicated media keys, USB passthrough, wireless connectivity: These features have value, and it would be a mistake to dismiss what they offer. I love them. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. 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. You'll need to bear in mind that there's no wrist rest included either, which makes the pill harder to swallow and means you'll need an aftermarket solution for the raised keys compared to other keyboards. The Drop ENTR is a full TKL with 87 keyseverything youd expect from a full-size keyboard except for the number pad, and it's laid out in the exact the same way. 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). Another complaint I have is that every time I turn off and turn back on my computer, the keyboard will go back to its initial rainbow RGB lighting. 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. This is to avoid comment bots. Typing on the CTRL High Profile is a mostly enjoyable experience with the exception of the larger stabilized keys. Finally, the stabilizers for the larger keys aren't great. If you love the all-metal build quality, the Abkoncore AK87 is just shy of seven pounds and costs $170 (opens in new tab). 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. Options are quite limited compared to other keyboards, even at significantly less cost. 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. GamaKay . Finally, Keychron has taken their flagship keyboard and enhanced it. $54.95. The trend in custom keyboards today is a softer typing experience, usually created from flexible plate materials (like polycarbonate) or foam gaskets. Typically, I type above 90wpm, but lets see how we do and if theres any chattering. Hi, it appears you may be new to this subreddit! 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. Its up to you. Shortcut lists can be shared as long as you don't create a database. A side note Id like to make is that I put O-rings on all of my typing keys since I prefer it not to have the loud echo sound when it bottoms out. It's also available with Cherry MX Blue, Kaihua Speed Silver, Kaihua Box White, Halo Clear, and Halo True switches. There's rubber underneath the feet and, combined with the weight of the aluminum frame, it doesn't slide around easily. There was a solution, which well talk about later. The current stabilizers included with the Drops keyboards are loose and rattly. Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money for an excellent typing experience. 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. Thank you for signing up to Windows Central. There is backlighting all through the outer rim as well as under each key.