Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard PCBA. This is done so that the LEDs on the PCB can shine through more directly to the legends on the keys, as the more sloped side of the switch housing gives more room for that. Still, the higher force requirement dramatically reduces the number of unforced typing errors. PC restarts under heavy load, faulty psu? 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. 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. How to quickly & easily fix coil-whine(coil choke noise). For that, the ENTR rides high as the PCMag Editors' Choice for budget mechanical keyboards. As a tenkeyless keyboard, the form factor is very traditional. Wireless Phones are not eligible for return. The tenkeyless sized board has an solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate. Shortcut lists can be shared as long as you don't create a database. Drop CTRL allows you to create custom configurations on its. There was a problem. Utilizing its BLD service, NZXT allows you to configure the keyboard of your dreams from the get-go on its website, including a choice of switches, colors, keycaps, and accessories. The thick, sturdy base is made of metal and feels solid. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Theyre louder than the other keys and the rattle can quickly become grating, especially if youre used to a quieter keyboard. The Drop ALT is bad for a home theater PC setup, but it isn't designed for this use anyway. Click to play video. The best budget-priced mechanical keyboard. The Drop CTRL can be purchased as a pre-assembled kit or as a barebones version that lacks switches and keycaps for a discount. 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. So lets be careful out there! Our professional technicians can help find the right solution for you backed by our Service Guarantee. We've looked at a few here on Windows Central, including the brilliant Akko World Tour Tokyo R2 (3068B). Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard - Black - Barebones MDX-31830-14. It has full RGB lighting and every key is macro-programmable, but without dedicated software, it's a bit difficult to set macros. It has 36.8 x 14 x 3.6 cm dimensions. There's no onboard memory for storing settings like RGB lighting, but this isn't a gaming keyboard. 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). 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. Drop CTRL allows you to create custom configurations on its Configurator page and compile the firmware with your own configuration. The CTRL supports per-key RGB backlighting. Go with RX 6800 XT or wait for 7900 XT price cut? 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. You have a rainbow wave and breathe effect, a scrolling red line, and six static colors. It doesn't take up much space on your desk, and it's about the same size as the Ducky One 2 SF. The ENTR lacks configuration software that would let you remap keys or create macros. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. The Drop CTRL and Hexgears Gemini I've compared this to over the course of the review both are variants of the, Kids want Minecraft Console for Multiplayer. Options are quite limited compared to other keyboards, even at significantly less cost. Also, you can position its magnetically attachable feet to give a negative incline. We're sorry for inconvenience. Kaviso, LLC . 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 PCMag supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownerships. $39.99. The high-profile version of the CTRL feels much more premium than most pre-built keyboards available currently. On the contrary, I played everything from Doom Eternal and Battlefield V to slow-paced MMORPGs like Final Fantasy FFXIV using it just fine. Hover to zoom. The modding scene has been around for years, and it's starting to become mainstream as more customizable keyboards are released. Sadly, it doesn't come with a wrist rest, which is a bit disappointing considering the higher profile of the keys. To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. The lighting is nowhere near as customizable. Its up to you. The best stabilizers screw into the PCB for improved stability (and also sound the best if youre into typing ASMR). 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. We absolutely love this keyboard and consider it one of the best hot-swappable keyboards currently out there. 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. Note that the standard CTRL features backlit gray-hued keycaps. The added height of the high profile case did leave me reaching for a palm rest to elevate my wrists and maintain a comfortable typing posture. Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available. The Drop feels better built, and it's fully compatible with most desktopoperating systems. It does have volume up and down, pause and play, but only if you memorize the keys. 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. Its also where things get difficult. Out of the box, this keyboard is an upgraded essential for your workstation. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). In fact, the ENTR is the best typing experience you'll encounter at its $90 price. Fn + Q: LED Scrolling Pattern Speed Decrease. Across nearly a dozen tests with the keyboard, I rounded out at 106 WPM. Log into your account. May have minor cosmetic issues as it is used. Aerial Drones So every time I turn it on, I just press Fn+D a few times, Fn+Z to turn off the rim light, and Fn+S to turn down the brightness. The doubleshot PBT shine-through keycaps have a slightly rough feeling to them. Sign up for Lab Report to get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered right to your inbox. Details regarding registration can be The Drop CTRL is an awesome mechanical keyboard with a floating keycap design and a sleek aluminum frame. The company is still running group buys as . https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/drop-entr-mechanical-keyboard. The Drop has magnetically attachable feet, which you can also position to create a negative incline, and it has a USB passthrough. A more universal downside is that the largely metal construction can cause reverberation on particularly hard bottom outs or when the switches being used have ping from their internal springs. 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. Updated: Updated program information. The mechanical keyboard section used to be lively with multiple other brands, and now it is overwhelmingly Drop-branded keyboards, like the $349 SENSE75. Click to play video. The ENTR's main appeal is its the build quality; the components, and how theyre put together. Its a tenkeyless keyboard, which means it lacks a dedicated number pad. 1. The Drop CTRL is very well designed. Updated. This is the third mechanical keyboard in the Drop + Lord of the Rings . Compare. It's well-made with an aluminum frame, and the RGB lighting gets very bright and looks great. Welcome! You can also connect your mouse if it has a USB-C cable ending or if you have an adapter. Also see our recommendations for the best keyboards, thebest mechanical keyboards, and thebest keyboards for programming. Like the Drop, it lacks customization software, but you can set macros and create multiple profiles directly from the board. The Drop CTRL is an awesome mechanical keyboard with a floating keycap design and a sleek aluminum frame. MASSDROP CTRL KEYBOARD - TIGHT PLATE Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it. 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. 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. Like I said, I got the Halo Clears, which are a 65g tactile switch. 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. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). I think that its Fn+PgUp or Fn+PgDn for the volume features. For help getting set up, or if future issues arise, visit our Knowledge Bar technicians instore or contact our remote Tech Support services. Unlike those keyboards, theres no expectation of softness to the typing experience (and is a fairly modern trend in custom mechanical keyboards). But I dont think Ive ever experienced a super rattly keyboard in the first place. The Drop CTRL is available as a barebones unit, which is essentially the keyboard without any keycaps or switches. Removing the keycaps and switches, using the included tools from Drop, reveals the main PCB. Videos for related products. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. 2. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. (COVID-19 Safety Measure). 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, Kaihua Speed Silver) Visit the DROP Store 213 ratings | 16 answered questions Deal -15% $22950 List Price: $270.00 FREE Returns Style: Kaihua Speed Silver Barebones Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Drop CTRL High Profile is a very good keyboard, but its not without its drawbacks. For a look on the different RGB lighting, I recommend checking out my wifes Youtube video review for this keyboard. Featuring customizable RGB backlighting and underlighting, it puts on a colorful show; or you can set it to a single color for a more subtle look. The ENTR is a simple, wired keyboard. Each of the rings more than thirty LEDs can be color customized within the online customization tool. 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. Driven by data, run by a passionate team of engineers, testers, technical writers, developers, and more. 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. The Drop ALT and the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO are both compact gaming keyboards. You may have read or seen his tech and gaming coverage at IGN, Lifehacker, Gizmodo, Variety, Digital Trends, and, of course, PCMag. the FAA to be registered for outdoor use. There's an RGB strip that goes around the frame, which is a nice touch. It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and every key is macro-programmable. Initially, it felt like too much pressure for each press. All default keys work on Windows, macOS, and Linux. They also share the same customization options through Drop's website and the QMK toolbox, which aren't very user-friendly. Great! 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. Corsair has announced the K100 AIR, its thinnest wireless mechanical keyboard ever. 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. A key important detail is that the keyboard is not cheap, you are paying a bit extra for features such as an anodized aluminum frame with hot-swappability. Also, it has a Windows key lock feature, which the Drop lacks. On the other hand, the Drop has dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys, and has a USB passthrough. Please check out the wiki for general information about mechanical keyboards and consider posting questions in the daily sticky post at the top of the subreddit for any smaller questions.. Its easy to unplug, pack up, and carry with you on a trip. On the other hand, the Razer has much lower latency, and it has customization software to set macros, reprogram keys, and create profiles. There's no option for a smoother typing experience through the use of gasket mounting, for instance. The CTRL just lacks the depth of programmability available on dedicated gaming keyboards from the likes of Razer or Corsair. No complaints there. There's a USB-C port on both sides of the keyboard, and you can use either one to connect to your computer. Config apps, dedicated media keys, USB passthrough, wireless connectivity: These features have value, and it would be a mistake to dismiss what they offer. Measuring at 368mm by 140mm and 44mm thick, it's in line with the competition if not a little on the thick side. 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. Remapping a key is as simple as clicking it and then selecting which function you would rather have there. On the bright side, it had media hotkeys and RGB lighting to help you see the key legends when in the dark. Choose your keyboard Default ALT Default CTRL Default Carina Default Zslane Mercury Rocketeer Default SHIFT Configurations are compiled using QMK Firmware. 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.