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. Heres how it works. One of its best features is that it is hot-swappable. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, It's also showing its age slightly with the use of three-pin sockets. I talked about it on our first article, guide to Cherry MX switches, where I discuss the difference between common switches. The CTRL is Ready for Action The day has finally come. Updated: Updated program information. Drop SHIFT Review - RTINGS.com The Drop is a 65% size compact board that has a better build quality, more incline settings for better ergonomics, and significantly better latency. One of the most special things about this keyboard is that it features hot-swappable switches. (COVID-19 Safety Measure). With a 1ms response time, the keyboard lacks little in responsiveness against dedicated gaming keyboards. Drop CTRL 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. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Hold FN + listed keys to activate. For help getting set up, or if future issues arise, visit our Knowledge Bar technicians instore or contact our remote Tech Support services. How to quickly & easily fix coil-whine(coil choke noise). Do you have any useful tips for it? The low-profile version retails for $200 (opens in new tab) pre-built and $150 (opens in new tab) as a barebones kit. Overall, this keyboard is great, but I have 3 main issues. Model: Keychron Q2 Knob Edition Switches: Gateron Pro Reds (lubed) Programmable: Yes, QMK and VIA compatible Connection: USB-C RGB: Yes Hotswap: Yes Want: $180 Great keyboard, I've used it a lot but its just as good as new (and heavy). 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 Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. The shine-through PBT keycaps only enhance the performance. 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. Drop CTRL is a mechanical keyboard with 87 keys. The Drop ALT iswell-built andoffers better typing quality than most other mechanical keyboards of its size. The keyboard features dual USB-C connectors. The build quality, hot-swappable switches, and typing experience are a clear upgrade from the average gaming or productivity keyboard, even with the rattly stabilizers. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. 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. If all goes well, the firmware will apply to the keyboard and completely rewrite what it shipped with. your username. 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. Fn + Q: LED Scrolling Pattern Speed Decrease. The switches are north-facing, meaning they're mounted upside-down from the intended orientation of Cherry-style switches. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds. Theres no need to desolder the old switches and solder new ones on. On the other hand, the Drop has dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys, and has a USB passthrough. This is, on the surface, a great thing as youll be able to take these keymaps to any machine without the need for software. That said, with a detachable USB-C cable, the ENTR is the finest possible version of a simple, wired connection. 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. They are available with the same Cherry MX, Kaihua, or Halo switches, and bothoffer an excellent typing experience. What really sells the CTRL is the combination of features, as the alternatives tend to lack one key feature or another. On the other hand, the GLORIOUS is sold as a barebones board only. 3/5/2021 8:56:46 PM Added some shortcuts. All products come with 60 days of Complimentary Tech Support, For additional coverage and peace of mind, consider our service and replacement plans. 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. However, it's not user-friendly and isn't considered dedicated software. Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard - Black - Barebones MDX-31830-14. The heavy aluminum case and integrated top plate do a good job of deadening out key presses, making them feel solid under the finger. Drop CTRL vs. CTRL High Profile : r/MechanicalKeyboards - reddit It's available in a wide variety of switches, so you can get the ones you prefer. I think that its Fn+PgUp or Fn+PgDn for the volume features. The Drop CTRL mechanical keyboard we tested is the Black color variant, but it's also available in a Space Gray colorway. Skip to main content. The Drop ALT is a better keyboard than the Drop ENTR. 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. It offers excellent typing quality with the Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit, and you can get it with a variety of switches. Free Returns in USA Members who purchase earn 387 Drop Rewards Im going to be honest with you guys right now, since Im not selling this keyboard or gaining any affiliate whatever. Drop CTRL High Profile Review: The Pre-Built Custom Keyboard You Can So I went with the Halo Clears, and trust me, I Googled the heck out of this thing. 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. 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. ASUS' ROG Strix Scope TKL RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard drops within Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money for an excellent typing experience. Heck, even the sounds are satisfying.I initially used it for gaming, but after I stopped gaming, I still completed a ton of typing on it. 2017 - It lets you set macros and customize the RGB lighting, but you need to download the profile and flash it onto your keyboard. We absolutely love this keyboard and consider it one of the best hot-swappable keyboards currently out there. You must enter 10 digits for phone number. The Ducky has better typing quality anda Windows Key lock. The Drop CTRL can be purchased as a pre-assembled kit or as a barebones version that lacks switches and keycaps for a discount. The spacebar, right shift and enter keys on the TKL model I reviewed are loose and clatter slightly with keystrokes. 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. Fn + A: LED Pattern Select Previous. 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. The Drop ENTR is a finely crafted keyboard. 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. But what happens if you're unable to choose a specific model from a brand that ticks all the right boxes? TheDrop ALT and theRazer Huntsman Miniare both compact boards, but the Drop is slightly larger and has dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys. Stop in any of our store locations during regular business hours, and our expert staff will answer your computer questions or help you with things like: If you need help with products purchased from Micro Center, please contact one of our knowledgeable tech support reps using the online chat button below, or visit our Tech Support page for additional options and helpful information. With dual USB-C connectors, the CTRL is outfitted with the fastest available connections. 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 Weve tested out several different switches on this keyboard to give them a go. If youre looking for an easy way to get your feet wet in the custom keyboard hobby, it remains a very compelling option, but one that would benefit from some timely updates to bring it up with the times. 0:35 . Looks like the same innards as the Input.Club K-Type and the previous CTRL that have been available for years. The Drop ALT keyboard is wired-only, and you can't use it with wireless devices. The lighting is nowhere near as customizable. Note that the standard CTRL features backlit gray-hued keycaps. 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. A flip side to this ability is cost. Typing on the CTRL High Profile is a mostly enjoyable experience with the exception of the larger stabilized keys. We couldn't add you, please check that your email address is correct and try again. Came packaged carefully and fast. Many of the most popular key switches have five pins to aid in stability and alignment. Its more like the original silver than space grey, but its a bit darker. DROP CTRL MECHANICAL Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL 87 Key Gaming Keyboard The ALT also has lower latency, better RGB color mixing for its backlighting, and it has an additional incline setting. 3/5/2021 8:55:38 PM New program added. It has a bunch of RGB lighting features built-in. Partnering with global cooling component manufacturer Noctua, the new DROP + MiTo MT3 keycaps set has the colors and quality of build from both companies. The keyboard has a dedicated Fn button that accesses the first layer by default when held. . How to Configure your CTRL Keyboard! | Drop For users looking for a more compact option, its an effective choice without losing important keys, like the function row. It doesn't take up much space on your desk, and it's about the same size as the Ducky One 2 SF. Out of the box, this keyboard is an upgraded essential for your workstation. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. You can create custom lighting schemes using Drops online Configurator, but the out-of-box experience is sorely lacking compared to the competition. 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. General Return Policy You may have read or seen his tech and gaming coverage at IGN, Lifehacker, Gizmodo, Variety, Digital Trends, and, of course, PCMag. 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. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. All other products may be returned within 30 days of purchase. We don't expect our results to be valid for this one. Customized appearance of GMMK Pro with Premium GPBT Keycaps. As of December 21, 2015 all drones, regardless of purchase Corsair announces the K100 AIR ultra-thin mechanical keyboard Typically, I type above 90wpm, but lets see how we do and if theres any chattering. It features a dastardly design with the Eye of Sauron, Black Speech keycaps (based on the language of Mordor), and an inscription from The One Ring. 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. 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. 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:. Tested and works. The Massdrop CTRL mechanical keyboard is here! Text me your exclusive deals, new product alerts & coupons. It also has a USB passthrough feature. I was stuck with the Razer green switches for forever, and Im not looking to go back anytime soon. Massdrop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard - Drop Help Center As an email subscriber, you'll have premier access to our best offers, exclusive deals and more. 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). It comes in a variety of switches, including clicky and linear ones, meaning you can get the ones you prefer. The Gatreon Yellow is a quick tap with smooth action; you arent waiting to feel the click. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. Click here and follow these directions to get started. The included USB-C cable is basic, and the connector wobbles a bit when plugged in. You may feel fatigued after typing for long periods because of the high profile of the keys and lack of wrist rest. Aesthetically, the keyboard is equally impressive. Its always nice to have such a diverse selection of switches, because most product offerings make you pick between one or two switch types. New York, 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 know I have brought up Input Club twice already, but bear with me a third time. Embedded code will get the data from Defkey.com and will remain available. The choice of switches available from Drop includes Halo Clear, Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Cherry MX Blue RGB, and Cherry MX Brown RGB. 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. Also, it has a Windows key lock feature, which the Drop lacks. It's available in several mechanical switches and is hot-swappable, so you can easily change the switches without any soldering. 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. Similar to how you can feel the quality in a thicker, more expensive paper stock, or sturdy durability in a fine piece of furniture, you can feel that this keyboard is built to last. Over time, I got used to it and now I love it. The Drop CTRL High Profile is a very good keyboard, but its not without its drawbacks. As an entry point to the mechanical keyboard . Config apps, dedicated media keys, USB passthrough, wireless connectivity: These features have value, and it would be a mistake to dismiss what they offer. Welcome! Let other users know below. 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 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. Also, ithas magnetically attachable feet, which you can position to give a negative incline. On the contrary, that solidness feels fitting for such a heavy case and is quite enjoyable. Its been about 5 months since then. You can view our Privacy Policy and information regarding our use of cookies here for more information about cookies. Micro Center is happy to honor its customary 30-day return policy for Aerial Drone returns due to product defect or customer dissatisfaction. We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund and you wont even need a receipt. You can find the product on Amazon through this link, so you can check for the most up-to-date price. I knew I wanted something quieter, but I didnt know the difference between tactile and clicky switches even. Content. 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. There was a problem. But for clean, comfortable typing, this is as good as it gets at a sub-$100 price. We're your trusted local service and repair professionals. Also, its latency is much lower. Thats why the company call this the accessible model. Also, it doesn't have a volume control wheel. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Drop CTRL took the mechanical keyboard community by storm in late 2018.