Also see our recommendations for the best keyboards, thebest mechanical keyboards, and thebest keyboards for programming. There was a solution, which well talk about later. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. This is, on the surface, a great thing as youll be able to take these keymaps to any machine without the need for software. Content. This is the third mechanical keyboard in the Drop + Lord of the Rings . The CTRL is light on additional features there are no tilt feet, DIP switches, or cable routing channels but it does have one cool trick up its sleeve: a built-in USB Type-C hub. Overview of the Drop CTRL 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. And thanks to the hot-swap switch sockets, it allows you to change switches whenever you want with no soldering required. Still, a lot has changed in the last three years since the CTRL released, and its not quite the killer value it used to be. The Drop has magnetically attachable feet, which you can also position to create a negative incline, and it has a USB passthrough. 3/5/2021 8:57:42 PM Updated program information. The low-profile version retails for $200 (opens in new tab) pre-built and $150 (opens in new tab) as a barebones kit. You can't set macros directly from the board, and there's no native software for customizations. (COVID-19 Safety Measure). Like the Drop, it lacks customization software, but you can set macros and create multiple profiles directly from the board. DROP + MiTo MT3 Noctua Keycaps Offer Luxury & Style To Mechanical Keyboards The Drop CTRL comes with an array of options for linear, tactile, and clicky switches. Drop CTRL review: A great yet expensive foundation for a custom Copy the html code below and embed it to a discussion forum or to any web page. The current stabilizers included with the Drops keyboards are loose and rattly. Unlike those keyboards, theres no expectation of softness to the typing experience (and is a fairly modern trend in custom mechanical keyboards). This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Where the potential of the keyboard really shows is when you expand into secondary layers. 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. The brightness of this ring can be independently controlled, but its worth keeping on for the slick underglow effect and appealing side profile. One of its best features is that it is hot-swappable. 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. Sadly, it doesn't come with a wrist rest, which is a bit disappointing considering the higher profile of the keys. Shop ALT | $139 There's no onboard memory for storing settings like RGB lighting, but this isn't a gaming keyboard. DROP CTRL MECHANICAL Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL 87 Key Gaming Keyboard Parts/Used - $95.38. 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 You can your pick of which switches it comes with. It does have volume up and down, pause and play, but only if you memorize the keys. It's available in a wide variety of switches, so you can get the ones you prefer. Changelog 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. Just use the switch puller that comes with the keyboard and pull each one out individually. LED Keys. Remapping a key is as simple as clicking it and then selecting which function you would rather have there. Weve tested out several different switches on this keyboard to give them a go. For an expensive keyboard I was surprised there was such a glaring issue, although after further research I realized it was the Halo Clear switches and not the keyboard itself. French. + Reasonably priced for a complete custom keyboard, + Available in a barebones version at a reduced price. Overall, this keyboard is great, but I have 3 main issues. Search the Micro Center Job Access site to review our latest Openings. Theyre louder than the other keys and the rattle can quickly become grating, especially if youre used to a quieter keyboard. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Its latency is very good, but it may not be low enough for some gamers. But what happens if you're unable to choose a specific model from a brand that ticks all the right boxes? 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. Why you can trust Tom's Hardware There's rubber underneath the feet and, combined with the weight of the aluminum frame, it doesn't slide around easily. DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard your username. The Drop ALT has outstanding build quality. The Drop ALT is a better keyboard than the Drop ENTR. I know, theres a way to use the QMK software and program it myself to make my preferred setting the default, but as a noobie, I have no experience with QMK at all. I talked about it on our first article, guide to Cherry MX switches, where I discuss the difference between common switches. PC restarts under heavy load, faulty psu? Details regarding registration can be You can also pick custom keycap kits for additional costs. The company is still running group buys as . The New Standard Our flagship model, the CTRL raises the bar with cutting-edge features and a premium build. Menu Search Best Products Best Products. 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. We tested the Drop ALT mechanical keyboard in black with Cherry MX Brown switches. Although the ALT has no companion software, all of its settings are customizablevia the Drop website, unlike the ENTR. 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. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the system requirements before making your purchase. Now to do the typing test. Videos for related products. There are three options for fans of tactile switches: Cherry MX Brown RGB, and Drops own Halo Clear and Halo True switches. With dual USB-C connectors, the CTRL is outfitted with the fastest available connections. 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. 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. Each of the rings more than thirty LEDs can be color customized within the online customization tool. Bottom line: Build your own killer mechanical keyboard with the Drop CTRL. Then you can customize it further once you have it in your hands. Also, its latency is much lower. Some lubricant should help here. 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. *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. A flip side to this ability is cost. We updated the review accordingly. On the contrary, that solidness feels fitting for such a heavy case and is quite enjoyable. Kinda lame. The high-profile version features a much thicker (and heavier) metal case which raises the price to $250 (opens in new tab) pre-built and $200 (opens in new tab) without switches and keycaps. The Drop ALT iswell-built andoffers better typing quality than most other mechanical keyboards of its size. 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). For users looking for a more compact option, its an effective choice without losing important keys, like the function row. 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. Please carefully review the . But for clean, comfortable typing, this is as good as it gets at a sub-$100 price. As an entry point to the mechanical keyboard . Bottom line: I'm a big fan of the Drop CTRL. Its worth noting that Drop has a web-based config tool for its other keyboards, so that support may come to the ENTR . Black-LK67 RGB Modular DIY Mechanical Keyboard. Mechanical Keyboards | Drop Typing on the CTRL High Profile is a mostly enjoyable experience with the exception of the larger stabilized keys. It was love at first sight. Because the plate is a continuation of the top case rather than a separate part, there isnt any opportunity for flex, which can make bottom outs feel stiff. Hover to zoom. the FAA to be registered for outdoor use. 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. 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. That said, both options have similar build quality and ergonomics. It's not a deal-breaker, but worth bearing in mind when shopping around for aftermarket switches. 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. It comes in a variety of switches, including clicky and linear ones, meaning you can get the ones you prefer. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. The Drop ALT keyboard is wired-only, and you can't use it with wireless devices. We're your trusted local service and repair professionals. $48.00 + $11.35 shipping. . All products come with 60 days of Complimentary Tech Support, For additional coverage and peace of mind, consider our service and replacement plans. For help getting set up, or if future issues arise, visit our Knowledge Bar technicians instore or contact our remote Tech Support services. 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.