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. It's well-built, and you can change the position of the feet to create a negative incline. Update 12/17/2021: We initially listed our Macro Programmable Keys test result to 'All', but this is incorrect. Like the Drop, it lacks customization software, but you can set macros and create multiple profiles directly from the board. The LED-backlit PBT doubleshot keycaps are thick, with sharp legends and a smooth matte finish. 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. LED Keys. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Search the Micro Center Job Access site to review our latest Openings. 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. Such keyboards allow the swapping of switches and keycaps, as well as other components, to personalize everything to your personal preference. 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 3/5/2021 8:56:46 PM Added some shortcuts. 2000-2023 Newegg Inc. All rights reserved. It lacks the software of the best gaming keyboards. 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. You may feel fatigued after typing for long periods because of the high profile of the keys and lack of wrist rest. 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. They are available with the same Cherry MX, Kaihua, or Halo switches, and bothoffer an excellent typing experience. Welcome! All in all, I would recommend this keyboard to you guys to try out. 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. After launching its Elvish and Dwarvish mechanical keyboards, DROP is back with a new Mordor-themed Black Speech keyboard. We're your trusted local service and repair professionals. Its more like the original silver than space grey, but its a bit darker. This is great for games where you may have a specific layout that helps you stay nimble in-game, but is also useful for adding things like LED controls and media keys to the CTRL without losing inputs on the primary layer. This is again an area where the CTRL shows its age. Fn + Q: LED Scrolling Pattern Speed Decrease. Updated. 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. Note that the standard CTRL features backlit gray-hued keycaps. Also, ithas magnetically attachable feet, which you can position to give a negative incline. As a result, the ENTR is the PCMag Editors' Choice for budget mechanical keyboards. The trend in custom keyboards today is a softer typing experience, usually created from flexible plate materials (like polycarbonate) or foam gaskets. There is also an option to pair it with different keycap sets, get an optional extended warranty, or . PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard - amazon.com We eventually ended up modding the stabilizers to make them sound and feel even better. On the contrary, I played everything from Doom Eternal and Battlefield V to slow-paced MMORPGs like Final Fantasy FFXIV using it just fine. This keyboard is an absolute beauty. We're sorry for inconvenience. There is an occasional $21 discount to be had from Drop, if not more at times, bringing the prices to $179-204. + Reasonably priced for a complete custom keyboard, + Available in a barebones version at a reduced price. The current stabilizers included with the Drops keyboards are loose and rattly. Its starting to show its age but remains one of the best entry-level custom keyboards you can buy outside of the group buy model. Its easy to unplug, pack up, and carry with you on a trip. Measuring at 368mm by 140mm and 44mm thick, it's in line with the competition if not a little on the thick side. Clearly, theres still a place for the Drop CTRL in the custom keyboard world. The switches are north-facing, meaning they're mounted upside-down from the intended orientation of Cherry-style switches. The Drop ALT keyboard is wired-only, and you can't use it with wireless devices. While you can reprogram keys by flashing the board with QMK, it isn't native software, so Macro Programmable Keys should say 'No.' They also share the same customization options through Drop's website and the QMK toolbox, which aren't very user-friendly. It doesn't take up much space on your desk, and it's about the same size as the Ducky One 2 SF. The mechanical keyboard section used to be lively with multiple other brands, and now it is overwhelmingly Drop-branded keyboards, like the $349 SENSE75. The keyboard features dual USB-C connectors. Corsair announces the K100 AIR ultra-thin mechanical keyboard Neowin The Drop feels better built, and it's fully compatible with most desktopoperating systems. It absolutely sucked, and I was scared that I would have to return it. The Drop CTRL was originally released with a low-profile case and floating key design to show off the RGB. The only gripe I have is that it still does chatter sometimes, although the frequency has decreased dramatically. The included USB-C cable is basic, and the connector wobbles a bit when plugged in. Drop CTRL Review: Excellent Build Quality and Hot-Swappable You can find the product on Amazon through this link, so you can check for the most up-to-date price. 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. What the keyboard does lack is supporting features for gaming. It's available in several mechanical switches and is hot-swappable, so you can easily change the switches without any soldering. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/drop-entr-mechanical-keyboard. Something went wrong. Software system requirements are typically found on the Product information specification page. 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. The heavy aluminum case and integrated top plate do a good job of deadening out key presses, making them feel solid under the finger. Options are quite limited compared to other keyboards, even at significantly less cost. Videos for related products. Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. 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. This is done so that the LEDs on the PCB can shine through more directly to the legends on the keys, as the more sloped side of the switch housing gives more room for that. Removing the keycaps and switches, using the included tools from Drop, reveals the main PCB. No complaints there. (3 updates.) Also, its latency is much lower. I also enjoy the magnetic feet and the double USB-C cable connectors, all things that are convenient to a casual typist and new mechanical keyboard enthusiast. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. 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. Its been about 5 months since then. Keyboard Configurator for CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT Keyboards | Drop Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. While you can set macros through Drop's QMK firmware on their website, it isn't user-friendly, so it might take some time to learn how to use it. Sadly, it doesn't come with a wrist rest, which is a bit disappointing considering the higher profile of the keys. The Gatreon Yellow is a quick tap with smooth action; you arent waiting to feel the click. General Return Policy (Hardware). The Massdrop CTRL mechanical keyboard is here! The keyboard has a dedicated Fn button that accesses the first layer by default when held. The ALT also has lower latency, better RGB color mixing for its backlighting, and it has an additional incline setting. However, the Drop ALT is a 65% compact prebuilt board witha USB passthrough. The first few months after I bought this keyboard, I did experience keyboard chatter and double typing. The keyboard is composed of two halves. Mechanical keyboards are now the norm when it comes to choosing the best typing (or gaming) machine for your desktop PC. High profile of keys may lead to fatigue. You can view our Privacy Policy and information regarding our use of cookies here for more information about cookies. The Drop CTRL comes with an array of options for linear, tactile, and clicky switches. 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 incline feet attach to the board magnetically. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. On the other hand, the GLORIOUS is sold as a barebones board only. Just use the switch puller that comes with the keyboard and pull each one out individually. It's very bright and looks great even in a well-lit area. So I went with the Halo Clears, and trust me, I Googled the heck out of this thing. The spacebar, right shift and enter keys on the TKL model I reviewed are loose and clatter slightly with keystrokes. All Digital Download sales are final and are not eligible for return or refund under the Micro Center Return Policy. Source: Drop.com ASUS' ROG Strix Scope TKL RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard drops within Came packaged carefully and fast. There's also a Drop ALT High Profile mechanical keyboard sold in black or space gray with the same switch options as the Drop ALT we tested. Mechanical Keyboards | Drop In the work-from-home era, you can use it across many workspaces, such as your desk, coffee table, or kitchen table. 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. Config apps, dedicated media keys, USB passthrough, wireless connectivity: These features have value, and it would be a mistake to dismiss what they offer. You will receive a verification email shortly. TheDrop ALT and theRazer Huntsman Miniare both compact boards, but the Drop is slightly larger and has dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys. It has excellent typing quality. Drop also sells different keycap sets to give it a unique aesthetic. It has okay ergonomics, but it doesn't come with a wrist rest, meaning some people may feel fatigued after long periods of use. As a tenkeyless keyboard, the form factor is very traditional. You'll need to bear in mind that there's no wrist rest included either, which makes the pill harder to. Another minor complaint include it doesnt have any media keys. 0:35 . So long as you don't rely on the use of media keys and other physical features found on other keyboards, the Drop CTRL has everything you'll require. The Drop ALT and the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO are both compact gaming keyboards. There was a problem. Drop CTRL 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. 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 ALT keyboard has low latency. That said, both options have similar build quality and ergonomics. . If youre switching to a TKL to save space, the ENTR maximizes that benefit. 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. You can find the Drop CTRL on Amazon for a good price. Its worth noting that Drop has a web-based config tool for its other keyboards, so that support may come to the ENTR . Its been a while since the CTRL first hit the scene, so it doesnt have the benefit of following a lot of the recent trends in custom mechanical keyboards. Now to do the typing test. The Drop ALT keyboard has incredible backlighting. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a wrist rest, and you may feel fatigue typing on it. It's available in a variety of Cherry MX, Kaihua, and Halo switches. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. Whats more, the keyboard comes with your choice of switches, so you can get just the feel you likewhether you prefer something heavy and tactile or lightweight and linear. 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. Please temporarily enable JavaScript in your browser to post text. The Drop ALT is a highly-customizable mechanical keyboard. The K100 AIR includes RGB backlighting and onboard storage to save profiles for preset macros and lighting effects. Drop ALT Review - RTINGS.com The ENTR's compact design, measuring 1.19 by 14.06 by 5.09 inches (HWD), has a small desktop footprint. Each of the rings more than thirty LEDs can be color customized within the online customization tool. 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. Unlike those keyboards, theres no expectation of softness to the typing experience (and is a fairly modern trend in custom mechanical keyboards). The RGB lighting isn't the brightest but makes good use of the reflective metal to create quite the effect. Then there's the height of the Drop CTRL, which makes it a little taller than most mechanical keyboards. 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. 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. Overview of the Drop CTRL Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Review - Value & Conclusion - TechPowerUp At the time, I was especially worried about keyboard chatter or double typing that everyone was discussing in the reviews/comments section of the product itself. How to Configure your CTRL Keyboard! | Drop Theres no flex or bounce to the typing experience like the Keychron Q1 or even the already fairly stiff Glorious GMMK Pro. 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. 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. You can also pick custom keycap kits for additional costs. This keyboard has okay ergonomics. 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. The backlight can also be customized for brightness and speed. Delivering enthusiast-grade parts and build quality, the ENTR is an incredibly well-crafted keyboard. It's louder if you get the clicky Kaihua Box White or Cherry MX Blue switches, like on the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame and Kaihua hot-swappable switch sockets, the CTRL allows you to change switches whenever you want without soldering. 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.