It ticks most of the right boxes, including excellent build quality, a great selection of switches, and USB-C connectivity. 3.4 Unlike those keyboards, theres no expectation of softness to the typing experience (and is a fairly modern trend in custom mechanical keyboards). Typically, I type above 90wpm, but lets see how we do and if theres any chattering. Its up to you. Many jobs today require you to Over the last year, the custom keyboard hobby has exploded, bringing with it a plethora of new innovations and modifications. How to Build a Custom 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. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/drop-entr-mechanical-keyboard. This is again an area where the CTRL shows its age. Black-LK67 RGB Modular DIY Mechanical Keyboard. If you're looking for a keyboard with companion software that allows you to program macros to any key, check out the Dream Machines DreamKey. 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. Free assistance is available for the first 60 days on new purchases, excluding internal hardware installations or networking support. This is a thankfully easy fix with a touch of dielectric grease and doesnt require disassembling the case. You can find him on Twitter @Bombur. 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 One of its best features is that it is hot-swappable. The high-profile version of the CTRL feels much more premium than most pre-built keyboards available currently. Work with the latest in computer and digital technology. These include everything from standard keyboard commands, to simple Windows shortcuts, media controls, international symbols, and dedicated functions like Copy and Paste. 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. 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. Drop CTRL is a dream for anyone wanting to build their own mechanical keyboard. Kinda lame. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. 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. The trend in custom keyboards today is a softer typing experience, usually created from flexible plate materials (like polycarbonate) or foam gaskets. The legends are also backlit to show off the RGB backlighting. The incline feet attach to the board magnetically. 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. The Drop feels better built, and it's fully compatible with most desktopoperating systems. The Drop is a 65% size compact board that has a better build quality, more incline settings for better ergonomics, and significantly better latency. Drop is not always the answer ;-). And thanks to the hot-swap switch sockets, it allows you to change switches whenever you want with no soldering required. You must enter 10 digits for phone number. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Its a tenkeyless keyboard, which means it lacks a dedicated number pad. But I was never sure until I got it in my hands. The Ducky Mecha Mini V2 is a 60% compact board, while the Drop ALT is a 65% compact model. They also share the same customization options through Drop's website and the QMK toolbox, which aren't very user-friendly. 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. MSRP: $150. NY 10036. The board is fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. The ALT has full RGB lighting, and all of its keys are macro-programmable. Sadly, there's no dedicated software, so you can't customize the board as easily. I love that it has two USB-C connectors, one of the right and one on the left. The CTRL just lacks the depth of programmability available on dedicated gaming keyboards from the likes of Razer or Corsair. 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. After scouring the discussion boards, they came up with a fix, thank goodness. (Hardware). 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. Today, its also available in a high-profile version with a taller case that hides the keycap housings. As a service to our customers, Micro Center offers in-store technical support. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds. All Digital Download sales are final and are not eligible for return or refund under the Micro Center Return Policy. You can also flip them around to have it on a negative incline. The LEDs themselves are bright and vibrant and can be customized across a handful of presets using shortcuts on the keyboard. The Drop ALT iswell-built andoffers better typing quality than most other mechanical keyboards of its size. 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 Fn + W: LED Brightness Increase. 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. 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 Glorious PC Gaming . To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. On the contrary, that solidness feels fitting for such a heavy case and is quite enjoyable. 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. Do you have any useful tips for it? It is beyond the passable, and even good, craftsmanship you find in mass-produced keyboards from major manufacturers, including ones that charge more money for their more feature-rich designs. The solid aluminum plate is a shiny space grey, not like the Macbook space grey. You can also pick custom keycap kits for additional costs. 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. 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. If you opt for the build your own option using Drops Mech Keys Builder, the options expand to include a few other options at an added cost, but then youre stuck installing the switches yourself. The Drop CTRL took the mechanical keyboard community by storm in late 2018. Default Hot Keys. Weve tested out several different switches on this keyboard to give them a go. 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 ENTR lacks configuration software that would let you remap keys or create macros. No complaints there. The Drop ALT is very good for office use. I've taken this keyboard for a spin over the past couple of weeks and feel like I'm ready to discuss what makes this such a good choice, as well as where it could be improved. On the bright side, it had media hotkeys and RGB lighting to help you see the key legends when in the dark. 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. It comes with incline feet that attach magnetically, so you can easily remove them, and they stay in place well while you're using them. The added density of the material and slight texturing present on their surface feels good under the fingers. 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. It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and every key is macro-programmable. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. One of the most special things about this keyboard is that it features hot-swappable switches. What is your favorite Drop CTRL hotkey? 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. Theres no need to desolder the old switches and solder new ones on. The Ducky has better typing quality anda Windows Key lock. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. The modding scene has been around for years, and it's starting to become mainstream as more customizable keyboards are released. It comes with Cherry MX Brown / Blue RGB or Halo True / Clear switches. * We want you to be satisfied with your Micro Center purchase. There's a USB-C port on both sides of the keyboard, and you can use either one to connect to your computer. Compare. There's an RGB strip that goes around the frame, which is a nice touch. Then there's the height of the Drop CTRL, which makes it a little taller than most mechanical keyboards. Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard PCBA. The Drop ALT is slightly better than the Ducky One 2 SF. LED Keys. 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. It's also showing its age slightly with the use of three-pin sockets. After the first few times applying firmware in this way, the process does speed up substantially, but its arduous enough that I could see many users giving up before theyve even begun. The ENTR comes with either Gatreon Yellow or Drops Halo True mechanical switches. There is backlighting all through the outer rim as well as under each key. The Drop CTRL is an expensive keyboard; there's no other way to look at the price. If all goes well, the firmware will apply to the keyboard and completely rewrite what it shipped with. The Drop CTRL is configured using Drops QMK-driven online Configurator tool. Also, it has a Windows key lock feature, which the Drop lacks. 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). Click to enlarge. Menu Search Best Products Best Products. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. What the keyboard does lack is supporting features for gaming. 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. 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. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. date, between 0.55 lb (8.82 oz, 250 g, 0.25 kg) and 55 lb take-off weight are required by 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. The Drop CTRL can be purchased as a pre-assembled kit or as a barebones version that lacks switches and keycaps for a discount. Merchandise must be in new condition, with original carton / UPC, and all packaging / accessories / materials. 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. 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. 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. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Unfortunately, there's no dedicated customization software, so you can't easily set macros or reprogram keys. Drop CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard bookmark_border star_borderstar star_borderstar star_borderstar star_borderstar star_borderstar 343 $ 250 Case Color: Black Space Gray Switch Type: Halo Clear (65g Tactile) Halo True (60g Tactile) Kaihua Speed Silver (Linear) MX Blue RGB (Clicky) MX Brown RGB (Tactile) check_box_outline_blank Then you can customize it further once you have it in your hands. 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. For a clicky typing experience, you can choose from Cherry MX Blue RGB or Kailh (Kaihua) Box Whites. HP GK320 Wired Full Size RGB Backlight . 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. The biggest is that it only supports 3-pin switches. Mike Epstein is a freelance technology and culture critic based in New York. 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). 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. Its not gasket mounted and lacks case foam like the Keychron Q1. Such keyboards allow the swapping of switches and keycaps, as well as other components, to personalize everything to your personal preference. Why you can trust Tom's Hardware It's available in a wide variety of switches, so you can get the ones you prefer. The included Kaihua Box White switches are excellent for typing up thousands of words a day and some gaming on the side. Customized appearance of GMMK Pro with Premium GPBT Keycaps. $250 for the high-profile version and $200 for the low-profile feels more expensive now that affordable custom kits are becoming more common. The switches are north-facing, meaning they're mounted upside-down from the intended orientation of Cherry-style switches. The all-aluminum chassis feels premium, weighing in at just shy of 2kg. Digital Downloads Our keyboard configurator is easy to use and requires no coding experience. 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. Chris is a regular contributor for Toms Hardware, covering mechanical keyboards, peripherals, and content creation gear. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. French. The Drop ALT is bad for a home theater PC setup, but it isn't designed for this use anyway. 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. We're sorry for inconvenience.
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