You can remap this key anywhere and have it function in a multitude of ways. The high-profile version of the CTRL feels much more premium than most pre-built keyboards available currently. You'll need to bear in mind that there's no wrist rest included either, which makes the pill harder to. It's easily one of the better custom keyboard kits out there. 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.. Over time, I got used to it and now I love it. 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 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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. 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. The board also comes in a TenKeyLess version called the Drop CTRL. 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. While I appreciate everything that the ENTR brings to the table, its important to talk about what it lacks. It's available in a variety of Cherry MX, Kaihua, and Halo switches. I prefer to keep my fingers on the home row, so I map my Caps Lock key to access Layer 1 when held and send Caps Lock when tapped. - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new window or tab, NEW DROP CTRL Custom Mechanical Keyboard Aluminum Enclosure Case MIDNIGHT GREEN, cleared payment - opens in a new window or tab, Report this item - opens in new window or tab. The options are the following: Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Kaihua Speed Silver, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, and Halo Clears. 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. Bottom line: I'm a big fan of the Drop CTRL. There was a solution, which well talk about later. Intro Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Review: Tenkeyless and Hot-Swappable Switch and Click 686K subscribers Join Subscribe 547 Share Save 31K views 2 years ago Link to Drop CTRL:. There's rubber underneath the feet and, combined with the weight of the aluminum frame, it doesn't slide around easily. You use the function key and different letters on the keyboard to control the effects, brightness, turn on/off lights/rim light, and speed of pulsing. It has excellent typing quality. 3/5/2021 8:57:42 PM Updated program information. The new group is a . 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. There's a USB-C port on both sides of the keyboard, and you can use either one to connect to your computer. What really sells the CTRL is the combination of features, as the alternatives tend to lack one key feature or another. The Drop ALT is an excellent gaming keyboard. 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. However, the Drop ALT is a 65% compact prebuilt board witha USB passthrough. 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. Ill attach a link to the fix that I used to configure it so that it would stop chattering. We're your trusted local service and repair professionals. Driven by data, run by a passionate team of engineers, testers, technical writers, developers, and more. They also share the same customization options through Drop's website and the QMK toolbox, which aren't very user-friendly. The Drop ALT is a wired-only keyboard that isn't designed for mobile devices. And thanks to the hot-swap switch sockets, it allows you to change switches whenever you want with no soldering required. 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 The Drop CTRL can be purchased as a pre-assembled kit or as a barebones version that lacks switches and keycaps for a discount. Software system requirements are typically found on the Product information specification page. 2. Its easy to unplug, pack up, and carry with you on a trip. But I dont think Ive ever experienced a super rattly keyboard in the first place. All products come with 60 days of Complimentary Tech Support, For additional coverage and peace of mind, consider our service and replacement plans. 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. Menu Search Best Products Best Products. Out of the box, this keyboard is an upgraded essential for your workstation. I had extra O-rings from when I tried to quiet/dampen down my Razer Blackwidow with little success. You also cannot swap out the plate, and there's no gasket mounting for a softer typing feel. The Drop feels better built, and it's fully compatible with most desktopoperating systems. Some lubricant should help here. 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 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. There was a problem. Many of the most popular key switches have five pins to aid in stability and alignment. The modding scene has been around for years, and it's starting to become mainstream as more customizable keyboards are released. It was love at first sight. If you prefer a bigger model with a numpad, check out the Drop SHIFT instead. As a service to our customers, Micro Center offers in-store technical support. For the typing tests, I transferred the matching keycaps from my Drop ALT keyboard, which are identical but lack complete coverage for the TKL form factor. Why you can trust Tom's Hardware I grew tired of the loud intense clicks, especially when talking to friends on Discord or streaming on Twitch, it was just too distracting. As an email subscriber, you'll have premier access to our best offers, exclusive deals and more. Customized appearance of GMMK Pro with Premium GPBT Keycaps. It has 36.8 x 14 x 3.6 cm dimensions. For review, I'm using the Drop CTRL with Kaihua Box White switches. 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.. The spacebar, right shift and enter keys on the TKL model I reviewed are loose and clatter slightly with keystrokes. Our professional technicians can help find the right solution for you backed by our Service Guarantee. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. It happens most often with the space bar. The Ducky Mecha Mini V2 is a 60% compact board, while the Drop ALT is a 65% compact model. There's no onboard memory for storing settings like RGB lighting, but this isn't a gaming keyboard. 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. The stock keycaps feel nice to type on. Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money for an excellent typing experience. I really enjoy this tactile feedback, but others may not. Removing the keycaps and switches, using the included tools from Drop, reveals the main PCB. 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. You can also flip them around to have it on a negative incline. The keyboard is composed of two halves. Its also fully programmable via QMK, meaning you can assign macros or custom keybindings to every key. Mike Epstein is a freelance technology and culture critic based in New York. If youre willing to take the time to apply a handful of easy mods, it can become even easier. Mechanical Keyboards Shop All Fully Built TKL 65% Full Size DIY Kits Keycaps Shop All Full Keycap Sets + Reasonably priced for a complete custom keyboard, + Available in a barebones version at a reduced price. The Drop ALT keyboard has low latency. The LED-backlit PBT doubleshot keycaps are thick, with sharp legends and a smooth matte finish. Desktop / notebook computers, tablets, processors, motherboards, digital cameras, camcorders and projectors, 3D printers, 3D scanners, and CD/DVD duplicators But it lacks per-key RGB and programmability. If this isnt an issue for you, then just ignore this complaint entirely. There's no option for a smoother typing experience through the use of gasket mounting, for instance. Let other users know below. Its a tenkeyless keyboard, which means it lacks a dedicated number pad. It's fine for most gamers and daily tasks, but competitive gamers may notice a delay. 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. 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. General Return Policy I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Fn + N Toggle keyboard 6KRO/NKRO (Default state 6KRO) Custom configuration (2 shortcuts) # The shortcuts above was basic hotkeys for the keyboard. 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. Glorious PC Gaming . The top portion of the case includes an integrated mounting plate for the switches, simplifying assembly and disassembly should you decide to apply any mods or take a gander at the internals. Merchandise must be in new condition, with original carton / UPC, and all packaging / accessories / materials. Unfortunately, it isn't very user-friendly. Content. Then there's the height of the Drop CTRL, which makes it a little taller than most mechanical keyboards. Theres no flex or bounce to the typing experience like the Keychron Q1 or even the already fairly stiff Glorious GMMK Pro. Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard PCBA. But I was never sure until I got it in my hands. The Drop ALT keyboard has incredible backlighting. Again, not a major concern, but something to note if you prefer silence. 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. Its not the heaviest keyboard in the custom or even premade world (the Abkoncore AK87 (opens in new tab) tops it by more than two pounds), but its certainly heavy enough to elicit a wow moment the first time you feel it for yourself. 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 Also, the ALT has a higher travel distance and a lower actuation force. The ENTR is a simple, wired keyboard. This is the third mechanical keyboard in the Drop + Lord of the Rings . So lets be careful out there! We absolutely love this keyboard and consider it one of the best hot-swappable keyboards currently out there. The doubleshot PBT keycaps feel nice, and the Cherry MX Brown switches provide good tactile feedback, but you can get the board in several switches. We updated the review accordingly. The added density of the material and slight texturing present on their surface feels good under the fingers. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. 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. 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. MSRP: $150. It's a solid place to start on your keyboard modding journey. Thank you for signing up to Windows Central. Unfortunately, there's no dedicated customization software, so you can't easily set macros or reprogram keys. $39.99. Instructions for loading compiled firmware onto your keyboard: The choice of switches available from Drop includes Halo Clear, Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Cherry MX Blue RGB, and Cherry MX Brown RGB. If youre switching to a TKL to save space, the ENTR maximizes that benefit. You can control the brightness and effects directly with hotkeys, but you need the user manual to learn the full list of hotkeys. For software, the Drop CTRL supports QMK and the company's own suite that lets you customize every inch of the keyboard. This may just be me being picky. It's a nice touch to have a secondary RGB strip that wraps around the base of the keyboard. 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. Kaviso, LLC . 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. Model: Drop Alt Switches: Halo True, with o-rings installed Programmable: Yes, QMK Shop ALT | $139 Updated: Updated program information. With Razer youll be stuck with the Razer switches, whatever those may be. But what happens if you're unable to choose a specific model from a brand that ticks all the right boxes? On the plus side, the lighting effect is enhanced thanks to its wrap-around diffuser sandwiched between the halves of the case. Also, you can position its magnetically attachable feet to give a negative incline. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. 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. If you need to return an item, simply bring it back to any Micro Center store for a full refund or exchange. Finally, Keychron has taken their flagship keyboard and enhanced it. 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. We tested the Drop ALT mechanical keyboard in black with Cherry MX Brown switches. That said, if you want a compact keyboard that has two USB-A ports in addition to two USB-C ports, check out the System76 Launch. It also has a USB passthrough feature. The Drop CTRL was originally released with a low-profile case and floating key design to show off the RGB. Turkish The solid aluminum plate is a shiny space grey, not like the Macbook space grey. All Digital Download sales are final and are not eligible for return or refund under the Micro Center Return Policy. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. Free assistance is available for the first 60 days on new purchases, excluding internal hardware installations or networking support. Click to play video. As a tenkeyless keyboard, the form factor is very traditional. We've looked at a few here on Windows Central, including the brilliant Akko World Tour Tokyo R2 (3068B). All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Best Products; See All; Computing. There is an occasional $21 discount to be had from Drop, if not more at times, bringing the prices to $179-204. It comes in a variety of switches, including clicky and linear ones, meaning you can get the ones you prefer. - Go with RX 6800 XT or wait for 7900 XT price cut? PC restarts under heavy load, faulty psu? To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. 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. 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. As a result, the ENTR is the PCMag Editors' Choice for budget mechanical keyboards. The Drop CTRL is an awesome mechanical keyboard with a floating keycap design and a sleek aluminum frame. If all goes well, the firmware will apply to the keyboard and completely rewrite what it shipped with. Thank you to sellers! Is it normal to not be able to change wifi channels on a modem? 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. The stabilized keys are terrible. It's also showing its age slightly with the use of three-pin sockets. PCMag supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownerships. What is your favorite Drop CTRL hotkey? On the other hand, the GLORIOUS is sold as a barebones board only. 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. 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. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. If you need to return software, a game or a movie, remember that you may not retain any copies its not legal, and its not nice. Priced at $90, the Drop ENTR is far and away the best pure typing experience you'll find for less than $100. The CTRL just lacks the depth of programmability available on dedicated gaming keyboards from the likes of Razer or Corsair. Free shipping. The Drop ALT is great for programming. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. 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. You can view our Privacy Policy and information regarding our use of cookies here for more information about cookies. The included USB-C cable is basic, and the connector wobbles a bit when plugged in. Kinda lame. We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund and you wont even need a receipt. The mechanical keyboard section used to be lively with multiple other brands, and now it is overwhelmingly Drop-branded keyboards, like the $349 SENSE75. Typically, I type above 90wpm, but lets see how we do and if theres any chattering. There's very little flex in the keyboard without applying considerable force. The Drop CTRL is configured using Drops QMK-driven online Configurator tool. This keyboard is an absolute beauty. Big brands are also taking notice of the increased activity with custom keycaps, switches, and other features found on keyboards like the CTRL. The Drop ALT and the Dream Machines DreamKey are mechanical gaming keyboards, but they have different features. This is a wonderful feature that allows you to easily try new switches, which is one of the most fun aspects of the custom keyboard hobby. Its also fully programmable via QMK . Drop is not always the answer ;-). 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. $48.00 + $11.35 shipping. 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. Although the ALT has no companion software, all of its settings are customizablevia the Drop website, unlike the ENTR. The LEDs themselves are bright and vibrant and can be customized across a handful of presets using shortcuts on the keyboard. Click here and follow these directions to get started. Please temporarily enable JavaScript in your browser to post text. Its latency is very good, but it may not be low enough for some gamers. Ctrl Mechanical Keyboard. The Drop CTRL High Profile is a very good keyboard, but its not without its drawbacks. 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If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. On the other hand, the Drop is has a USB passthrough and much lower latency. 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. Typing on the CTRL High Profile is a mostly enjoyable experience with the exception of the larger stabilized keys. It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and every key is macro-programmable. 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 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. We're sorry for inconvenience. Something went wrong. The tenkeyless sized board has an solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate. The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is listed for around the same price but is designed primarily for gamers without the ability to customize the switches and more. 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. Drop CTRL allows you to create custom configurations on its Configurator page and compile the firmware with your own configuration. We don't expect our results to be valid for this one. 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. 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. I knew I wanted something quieter, but I didnt know the difference between tactile and clicky switches even. 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