DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard A flip side to this ability is cost. The Drop CTRL isnt designed to be a gaming keyboard, but that doesnt mean youll be stuck swapping keyboards when you want to play games. Drop CTRL allows you to create custom configurations on its. At the same time, a pricier keyboard like the $199.99, Editors' Choice award-winning Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT brings more utility to the table. The New Standard Our flagship model, the CTRL raises the bar with cutting-edge features and a premium build. LED Keys. 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. I looked up multiple sound tests on Youtube. You may feel fatigued after typing for long periods because of the high profile of the keys and lack of wrist rest. It comes in a variety of switches, including clicky and linear ones, meaning you can get the ones you prefer. It lets you set macros and customize the RGB lighting, but you need to download the profile and flash it onto your keyboard. You can your pick of which switches it comes with. link to Keychron Q1 Pro review: a remarkably great keyboard without getting your fingers dirty. The brightness of this ring can be independently controlled, but its worth keeping on for the slick underglow effect and appealing side profile. What the keyboard does lack is supporting features for gaming. 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. Theres no native macro support or advanced features like one-button custom application launches, timers, or game-reactive lighting. You can feel the quality of its composition as you slide your fingers along the edges of the base and press down the keys. MSRP: $150. 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. It comes with Cherry MX Brown / Blue RGB or Halo True / Clear switches. Massdrop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard - Drop Help Center The Drop SHIFT is a customizable keyboard that's better for gaming than the NPET K20, which is a basic entry-level mechanical keyboard. I think that its Fn+PgUp or Fn+PgDn for the volume features. It's extensive and incredibly intuitive. The Drop CTRL is very well designed. $250 for the high-profile version and $200 for the low-profile feels more expensive now that affordable custom kits are becoming more common. It has excellent typing quality. We couldn't add you, please check that your email address is correct and try again. It doesnt solve the problem but does make a substantial difference. Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard - Black - Barebones MDX-31830-14. 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 review, I'm using the Drop CTRL with Kaihua Box White switches. Ill attach a link to the fix that I used to configure it so that it would stop chattering. It's louder if you get the clicky Kaihua Box White or Cherry MX Blue switches, like on the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT. Big brands are also taking notice of the increased activity with custom keycaps, switches, and other features found on keyboards like the CTRL. Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Review - Value & Conclusion - TechPowerUp Drops other keyboards are all smaller, and some have non-traditional layouts. The Drop CTRL is configured using Drops QMK-driven online Configurator tool. It has 36.8 x 14 x 3.6 cm dimensions. The best stabilizers screw into the PCB for improved stability (and also sound the best if youre into typing ASMR). The ENTR lacks configuration software that would let you remap keys or create macros. Updated. Shop CTRL | $200 Drop ALT star_borderstar star_borderstar star_borderstar star_borderstar star_borderstar 1325 A Smaller Take With 67 keys (compared to 87 on the CTRL), the fully-featured ALT is the perfect compact companion. Hands On: Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard. Theres a good chance youll want to look into replacing the stabilizers, too, because the ones included with the keyboard are poor and rattle terribly. Although the ALT has no companion software, all of its settings are customizablevia the Drop website, unlike the ENTR. You can remap this key anywhere and have it function in a multitude of ways. This keyboard is an absolute beauty. Mechanical Keyboards | Drop 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. But I dont think Ive ever experienced a super rattly keyboard in the first place. Many of the most popular key switches have five pins to aid in stability and alignment. Unlike those keyboards, theres no expectation of softness to the typing experience (and is a fairly modern trend in custom mechanical keyboards). Drop CTRL keyboard shortcuts defkey I know I have brought up Input Club twice already, but bear with me a third time. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. They also share the same customization options through Drop's website and the QMK toolbox, which aren't very user-friendly. Finally, the stabilizers for the larger keys aren't great. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hover to zoom. Drop sent along a set of Holy Pandas (opens in new tab), which are a coveted option in the enthusiast community due to their enjoyable tactility. Across nearly a dozen tests with the keyboard, I rounded out at 106 WPM. Also see our recommendations for the best keyboards, thebest mechanical keyboards, and thebest keyboards for programming. HP GK320 Wired Full Size RGB Backlight . Please temporarily enable JavaScript in your browser to post text. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds. Please refresh the page and try again. Drop SHIFT Review - RTINGS.com On the other hand, the Drop has dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys, and has a USB passthrough. 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. If you love the all-metal build quality, the Abkoncore AK87 is just shy of seven pounds and costs $170 (opens in new tab). The first thing youll notice upon picking up the ENTR is that its surprisingly heavy. You can find him on Twitter @Bombur. The only gripe I have is that it still does chatter sometimes, although the frequency has decreased dramatically. The LED-backlit PBT doubleshot keycaps are thick, with sharp legends and a smooth matte finish. 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. dition franaise You can find the Drop CTRL on Amazon for a good price. Also, the ALT has a higher travel distance and a lower actuation force. 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. Riitek Rii X1 2.4G Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad Mouse, Redragon K530 Draconic 61 Key TKL 60% Compact RGB Wireless Inland iC100 USB Keyboard & Mouse Combo - White, Logitech MX Illuminated Mechanical Wireless Performance Keyboard. 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. Clearly, theres still a place for the Drop CTRL in the custom keyboard world. The Drop ALT mechanical keyboard is a compact 65% model with dedicated arrow keys. There's very little flex in the keyboard without applying considerable force. Priced at $90, the Drop ENTR is far and away the best pure typing experience you'll find for less than $100. Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard Review | PCMag $48.00 + $11.35 shipping. Drop CTRL Keyboard Review - RTINGS.com If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. + Reasonably priced for a complete custom keyboard, + Available in a barebones version at a reduced price. Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money for an excellent typing experience. It has low latency, though some gamers may prefer it lower. However, there's a QMK firmware available on their website, but we don't count it as dedicated software. Best Products; See All; Computing. Its been about 5 months since then. However, if you need help or need to return an item, were here for you! 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. However, the Drop ALT is a 65% compact prebuilt board witha USB passthrough. Config apps, dedicated media keys, USB passthrough, wireless connectivity: These features have value, and it would be a mistake to dismiss what they offer. Source: Drop.com 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. NY 10036. The Drop ALT and the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO are both compact gaming keyboards. Like I said, I got the Halo Clears, which are a 65g tactile switch. Each side of the keyboard has its own USB-C connector as well. Let other users know below. Windows Central is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard - Space Gray Story | Mechanical Keyboards So lets be careful out there! It has okay ergonomics, but it doesn't come with a wrist rest, meaning some people may feel fatigued after long periods of use. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key The trend in custom keyboards today is a softer typing experience, usually created from flexible plate materials (like polycarbonate) or foam gaskets. After scouring the discussion boards, they came up with a fix, thank goodness. Measuring at 368mm by 140mm and 44mm thick, it's in line with the competition if not a little on the thick side. Updated: Updated program information. 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. You can control the brightness and effects directly with hotkeys, but you need the user manual to learn the full list of hotkeys. 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. This may not be a big deal if you dont mind pressing them into place (and inevitably fixing a few bent pins in the process), but is worth considering if youd rather unbox it and get right to work. Sadly, there's no dedicated software, so you can't customize the board as easily. One of the most special things about this keyboard is that it features hot-swappable switches. This is the third mechanical keyboard in the Drop + Lord of the Rings . You will receive a verification email shortly. The tactile feedback is very satisfying. Wireless Phones are not eligible for return. It has dedicated navigation keys as the Drop does, but the GLORIOUS also has a programmable rotary knob and a dedicated F-row. It's sold with a gray frame, and you can purchase just the frame (sold as 'Barebones') and add the switches yourself. It ticks most of the right boxes, including excellent build quality, a great selection of switches, and USB-C connectivity. The Drop CTRL keyboard comes in a variety of color and switch options, with the cost ranging from $200 to $225 from Drop directly. I really enjoy this tactile feedback, but others may not. Theres no flex or bounce to the typing experience like the Keychron Q1 or even the already fairly stiff Glorious GMMK Pro. The Massdrop CTRL mechanical keyboard is here! 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. The solid aluminum plate is a shiny space grey, not like the Macbook space grey. How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files, How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac, Read Our Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Gaming Keyboard Review, Read Our SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Gaming Keyboard Review, Read Our Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review, Read Our Razer Pro Type Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review, Read Our Das Keyboard 4C TKL Mechanical Keyboard Review, Read Our Das Keyboard 4Q Mechanical Keyboard Review, Read Our Happy Hacking Professional Hybrid Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review, How to Control Multiple Computers With One Keyboard and Mouse, MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless Mouse Review. More information. Copy the html code below and embed it to a discussion forum or to any web page. Shop ALT | $139 Your invoice reference number will be required for free assistance. Keyboards released these days include five-pin sockets with support for switches with enhanced stability. 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 choice of switches available from Drop includes Halo Clear, Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Cherry MX Blue RGB, and Cherry MX Brown RGB. You can also pick custom keycap kits for additional costs. Great! 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. It's a solid place to start on your keyboard modding journey. You can also customize the RGB lighting through Drop's interface on their website and flash the settings onto your keyboard. The ENTR's compact design, measuring 1.19 by 14.06 by 5.09 inches (HWD), has a small desktop footprint. Know more about our affliate disclosure terms. 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. Delivering enthusiast-grade parts and build quality, the ENTR is an incredibly well-crafted keyboard. In fact, the ENTR is the best typing experience you'll encounter at its $90 price. For help getting set up, or if future issues arise, visit our Knowledge Bar technicians instore or contact our remote Tech Support services. Shortcut lists can be shared as long as you don't create a database. Content. Overall, this keyboard is great, but I have 3 main issues. 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. It's available in several mechanical switches and is hot-swappable, so you can easily change the switches without any soldering. 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. It is also expensive for a keyboard that might not behave the way its supposed to, which is unfortunate. Missing 5, 8, +=, O, {[, }], L, Z, |\\, J, enter key, shift key, 2 control keys, and right arrow key. Drop CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard This allows you to truly the customize the board to what switch type feels the best for you. The Drop CTRL is an awesome mechanical keyboard with a floating keycap design and a sleek aluminum frame. Trke srm 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 The Drop CTRL took the mechanical keyboard community by storm in late 2018. I didnt experience any learning curve or slow down in my typing speed getting started on the CTRL. Drop Mito Mt3 Noctua Keycaps Offer Luxury Style To Mechanical Keyboards LED Toggle Mode (Keys + Edge, Keys Only, Edge Only, Only modifiers), Toggle keyboard 6KRO/NKRO (Default state 6KRO), Program name: 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. The legends are also backlit to show off the RGB backlighting. 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 I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Notes - Delivery *Estimated delivery dates include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of acceptance and will depend on shipping service selected and receipt of cleared payment. Software system requirements are typically found on the Product information specification page. So every time I turn it on, I just press Fn+D a few times, Fn+Z to turn off the rim light, and Fn+S to turn down the brightness. Instructions for loading compiled firmware onto your keyboard: The included USB-C cable is basic, and the connector wobbles a bit when plugged in. It's available in a variety of Cherry MX, Kaihua, and Halo switches. Micro Center is happy to honor its customary 30-day return policy for Aerial Drone returns due to product defect or customer dissatisfaction. That said, both options have similar build quality and ergonomics. Riitek Rii i8 Smart TV 2.4G Mini Wireless QWERTY Keyboard with Logitech MX Keys Wireless Keyboard - Black. 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. Initially, it felt like too much pressure for each press. 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. Free shipping. As a result, the ENTR is the PCMag Editors' Choice for budget mechanical keyboards. 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. The Drop ALT is very good for office use. No complaints there. DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard It was love at first sight. Since writing this entire article, there has been chatter about 5 times total. 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. For users looking for a more compact option, its an effective choice without losing important keys, like the function row. Tested and works. The high-profile version of the CTRL feels much more premium than most pre-built keyboards available currently. Like the Drop, it lacks customization software, but you can set macros and create multiple profiles directly from the board. Search the Micro Center Job Access site to review our latest Openings. You may have read or seen his tech and gaming coverage at IGN, Lifehacker, Gizmodo, Variety, Digital Trends, and, of course, PCMag. The stock keycaps feel nice to type on. To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. It also has a USB passthrough feature. 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. As of December 21, 2015 all drones, regardless of purchase 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. The backlight can also be customized for brightness and speed. 1996-2023 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. How to Configure your CTRL Keyboard! | Drop We absolutely love this keyboard and consider it one of the best hot-swappable keyboards currently out there. 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. Unfortunately, neither has customization software, but you can adjust settings on either keyboard using the QMK firmware tool on Drop's website. 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.