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. It lacks the software of the best gaming keyboards. It lets you set macros and customize the RGB lighting, but you need to download the profile and flash it onto your keyboard. Drop CTRL allows you to create custom configurations on its Configurator page and compile the firmware with your own configuration. The Drop ALT doesn't have dedicated software. 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 Massdrop CTRL mechanical keyboard is here! The ALT has full RGB lighting, and all of its keys are macro-programmable. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. The Gatreon Yellow is a quick tap with smooth action; you arent waiting to feel the click. Hands On: Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard. I think that its Fn+PgUp or Fn+PgDn for the volume features. 2000-2023 Newegg Inc. All rights reserved. You can view our Privacy Policy and information regarding our use of cookies here for more information about cookies. The trend in custom keyboards today is a softer typing experience, usually created from flexible plate materials (like polycarbonate) or foam gaskets. How to quickly & easily fix coil-whine(coil choke noise). dition franaise You will receive a verification email shortly. 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. The Drop ALT keyboard is wired-only, and you can't use it with wireless devices. Do you have any useful tips for it? Skip to main content. Riitek Rii i8 Smart TV 2.4G Mini Wireless QWERTY Keyboard with Logitech MX Keys Wireless Keyboard - Black. 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. Compare. It's well-made with an aluminum frame, and the RGB lighting gets very bright and looks great. 3/5/2021 8:57:42 PM Updated program information. With dual USB-C connectors, the CTRL is outfitted with the fastest available connections. Welcome! All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. 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 We eventually ended up modding the stabilizers to make them sound and feel even better. * We want you to be satisfied with your Micro Center purchase. 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. Although the ALT has no companion software, all of its settings are customizablevia the Drop website, unlike the ENTR. There was a solution, which well talk about later. Free Returns in USA Members who purchase earn 387 Drop Rewards There is an occasional $21 discount to be had from Drop, if not more at times, bringing the prices to $179-204. My average typing speed hovers between 105 - 110 WPM on MonkeyType. Partnering with global cooling component manufacturer Noctua, the new DROP + MiTo MT3 keycaps set has the colors and quality of build from both companies. 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 This may just be me being picky. Please refresh the page and try again. 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. Across nearly a dozen tests with the keyboard, I rounded out at 106 WPM. Up for sale is a DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL 185801335788 Instructions for loading compiled firmware onto your keyboard: 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. PCMag supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownerships. The Drop ALT keyboard has low latency. 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 feel the quality of its composition as you slide your fingers along the edges of the base and press down the keys. There's no option for a smoother typing experience through the use of gasket mounting, for instance. The Drop has magnetically attachable feet, which you can also position to create a negative incline, and it has a USB passthrough. 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 biggest is that it only supports 3-pin switches. This is the third mechanical keyboard in the Drop + Lord of the Rings . The incline feet attach to the board magnetically. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). (Hardware). New York, 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. One of the most special things about this keyboard is that it features hot-swappable switches. One of two new models released this fall, the ENTR, is the company's take on a classic tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard. But for clean, comfortable typing, this is as good as it gets at a sub-$100 price. 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. You can remap this key anywhere and have it function in a multitude of ways. Fn + W: LED Brightness Increase. Mike Epstein is a freelance technology and culture critic based in New York. Options are quite limited compared to other keyboards, even at significantly less cost. May have minor cosmetic issues as it is used. Details regarding registration can be 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 mechanical keyboard section used to be lively with multiple other brands, and now it is overwhelmingly Drop-branded keyboards, like the $349 SENSE75. It is also expensive for a keyboard that might not behave the way its supposed to, which is unfortunate. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. You can your pick of which switches it comes with. 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. The Drop ALT is an excellent gaming keyboard. Anyways, thank you so much for the read, and happy typing! You can pair the Obinslab with up to four devices via Bluetooth, but you can also use it wired. Theyre quite expensive, however, ($85 when purchased through the Builder, $105 without) so to keep things in the ballpark of what many users would experience, I opted to use JWICK Yellow (opens in new tab) switches. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds. Initially, it felt like too much pressure for each press. 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. If you dont mind buying and installing your own switches and keycaps, the NovelKeys NK65 is available in aluminum for $185 and the plastic version for only $95. A flip side to this ability is cost. 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. Im going to be honest with you guys right now, since Im not selling this keyboard or gaining any affiliate whatever. MASSDROP CTRL KEYBOARD - TIGHT PLATE Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it. These include everything from standard keyboard commands, to simple Windows shortcuts, media controls, international symbols, and dedicated functions like Copy and Paste. I love them. With Razer youll be stuck with the Razer switches, whatever those may be. The Drop ALT has outstanding build quality. 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 Typing on the CTRL High Profile is a mostly enjoyable experience with the exception of the larger stabilized keys. 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. 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. This makes it convenient for all sorts of desk set-ups and doesnt limit you from only using one side awkwardly. It has full RGB lighting and every key is macro-programmable, but without dedicated software, it's a bit difficult to set macros. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. What is most realistic all core overclock I could get on a Ryzen 7 7700X and 7950X or 13900K/13700K with e-cores off using Noctua NH-D15, HardDrive going bad , but passing all test ? Free shipping. The Drop ALT iswell-built andoffers better typing quality than most other mechanical keyboards of its size. The Drop CTRL is an expensive keyboard; there's no other way to look at the price. Applying your new firmware is a complicated process that is in desperate need of revision. The Drop has magnetically attachable feet, which you can position to give a negative incline. Providing the means for hot-swappable switches within an all-aluminum chassis really drives up the price of a keyboard, and the CTRL is no exception. It comes in a variety of switches, including clicky and linear ones, meaning you can get the ones you prefer. 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. The stock keycaps are very good. It's a nice touch to have a secondary RGB strip that wraps around the base of the keyboard. Normally going for $110, this 18% discount, or solid $20 price drop marks a return to the third-best price we've seen to date while coming within $10 of the all-time low set back over the December holidays. 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). Config apps, dedicated media keys, USB passthrough, wireless connectivity: These features have value, and it would be a mistake to dismiss what they offer. The ALT also has lower latency, better RGB color mixing for its backlighting, and it has an additional incline setting. It doesn't take up much space on your desk, and it's about the same size as the Ducky One 2 SF. 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. One of its best features is that it is hot-swappable. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods. 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. 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. Please temporarily enable JavaScript in your browser to post text. We don't expect our results to be valid for this one. The doubleshot PBT shine-through keycaps have a slightly rough feeling to them. 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.. 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. 3/5/2021 8:56:46 PM Added some shortcuts. 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.. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. 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. You'll need to bear in mind that there's no wrist rest included either, which makes the pill harder to. Our keyboard configurator is easy to use and requires no coding experience. The options are the following: Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Kaihua Speed Silver, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, and Halo Clears. Text me your exclusive deals, new product alerts & coupons. The Drop CTRL took the mechanical keyboard community by storm in late 2018. 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. 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. Picture 1 of 4. 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. Aesthetically, the keyboard is equally impressive. The ENTR is a simple, wired keyboard. Corsair has announced the K100 AIR, its thinnest wireless mechanical keyboard ever. Then there's the height of the Drop CTRL, which makes it a little taller than most mechanical keyboards. Click to play video. The CTRL is Ready for Action The day has finally come. The Drop ALT is very good for office use. *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. Youll need to download Drops mdloader application from its github, put it in the same folder as your firmware file, and open of Windows Command Line Terminal. Chris is a regular contributor for Toms Hardware, covering mechanical keyboards, peripherals, and content creation gear. The shine-through PBT keycaps only enhance the performance. You may feel fatigued after typing for long periods because of the high profile of the keys and lack of wrist rest. DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable, Backlit RGB LED, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum (Black, Kaihua Box White) Visit the DROP Store 213 ratings | 16 answered questions $27000 FREE Returns Style: Kaihua Box White Barebones Cherry MX Blue RGB Cherry MX Brown RGB Ill attach a link to the fix that I used to configure it so that it would stop chattering. The Drop CTRL can be purchased as a pre-assembled kit or as a barebones version that lacks switches and keycaps for a discount. Why you can trust Tom's Hardware It's a wired-only board, so you need to plug it in directly to the TV, and it lacks a built-in trackpad. The Drop SHIFT is a customizable keyboard that's better for gaming than the NPET K20, which is a basic entry-level mechanical keyboard. But keep in mind those keyboards may not have some of the features that the Massdrop CTRL may have such as being hot-swappable, having custom switch choices. You can also pick custom keycap kits for additional costs. See photos for exactly what is included. The Ducky Mecha Mini V2 is a 60% compact board, while the Drop ALT is a 65% compact model. It absolutely sucked, and I was scared that I would have to return it. Rather than rely on solder to hold them in place, the PCB (printed circuit board) features special sockets that allow switches to be plugged and unplugged, even while the keyboard is receiving power. (3 updates.) This is very much a matter of personal taste but is still something to keep in mind. Typically, I type above 90wpm, but lets see how we do and if theres any chattering. Fn + S: LED Brightness Decrease. Accelerate Your Returns with Micro Center's Online Return Check-in! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Tested and works. If you prefer a bigger model with a numpad, check out the Drop SHIFT instead. It's very bright and looks great even in a well-lit area. What the keyboard does lack is supporting features for gaming. However, the Drop ALT is a 65% compact prebuilt board witha USB passthrough. The Drop CTRL is available for $270, which may put some potential buyers off. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. The Drop ALT and the Drop SHIFT are very similar keyboards. The Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit provide good tactile feedback and excellent typing quality. Other features include being fully programmable via QMK, which is available on Drops website as well. The Drop CTRL is an expensive keyboard; there's no other way to look at the price. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns with damage due to pilot error. They also share the same customization options through Drop's website and the QMK toolbox, which aren't very user-friendly. After scouring the discussion boards, they came up with a fix, thank goodness. Glorious PC Gaming . The K100 AIR includes RGB backlighting and onboard storage to save profiles for preset macros and lighting effects. The case is the only meaningful difference between the two versions, so its truly a matter of preference and what works best for your budget. However, it's not user-friendly and isn't considered dedicated software. 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. Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. I was stuck with the Razer green switches for forever, and Im not looking to go back anytime soon. Unlike those keyboards, theres no expectation of softness to the typing experience (and is a fairly modern trend in custom mechanical keyboards). As of December 21, 2015 all drones, regardless of purchase The Drop CTRL is very well designed. Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard - Black - Barebones MDX-31830-14. We really dig into whether or not the Drop Alt/CTRL are worth it in this article. Default Hot Keys. Bottom line: I'm a big fan of the Drop CTRL. The low-profile version retails for $200 (opens in new tab) pre-built and $150 (opens in new tab) as a barebones kit. Removing the keycaps and switches, using the included tools from Drop, reveals the main PCB. More information. TheDrop ALT and theRazer Huntsman Miniare both compact boards, but the Drop is slightly larger and has dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys. All in all, I would recommend this keyboard to you guys to try out. Mechanical Keyboards Shop All Fully Built TKL 65% Full Size DIY Kits Keycaps Shop All Full Keycap Sets The keyboard supports up to 15 layers and can be accessed in multiple ways. The Drop ALT and the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO are both compact gaming keyboards. 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. The keyboard is composed of two halves. It's well-built, and you can change the position of the feet to create a negative incline. On the other hand, the GLORIOUS is sold as a barebones board only. Another thing that Ive read within the discussion boards is that the chattering issues are mostly occurring with the Halo switches, so perhaps using another switch may help you avoid the problem altogether. Click to play video. Layer keys can be set to activate associated layers when tapped or held, made active for one keypress before reverting, made active with set modifier keys already held (like Ctrl or Alt) or even made to become the default layer with a single keypress. By clicking the plus sign under the layer sidebar, an entire second keyset is generated and can house whole separate key sets. 2. This is to avoid comment bots. In the work-from-home era, you can use it across many workspaces, such as your desk, coffee table, or kitchen table. The tactile feedback is very satisfying. 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). 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