Although the ALT has no companion software, all of its settings are customizablevia the Drop website, unlike the ENTR. See Source link below for more information. 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. 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. 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. Turkish As a result, the ENTR is the PCMag Editors' Choice for budget mechanical keyboards. See photos for exactly what is included. The Drop has magnetically attachable feet, which you can position to give a negative incline. Across nearly a dozen tests with the keyboard, I rounded out at 106 WPM. The Drop CTRL can be purchased as a pre-assembled kit or as a barebones version that lacks switches and keycaps for a discount. Embedded code will get the data from Defkey.com and will remain available. 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. It's a wired-only board, so you need to plug it in directly to the TV, and it lacks a built-in trackpad. You can view our Privacy Policy and information regarding our use of cookies here for more information about cookies. You can control the brightness and effects directly with hotkeys, but you need the user manual to learn the full list of hotkeys. The New Standard Our flagship model, the CTRL raises the bar with cutting-edge features and a premium build. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a wrist rest, and you may feel fatigue typing on it. The Drop ENTR is a finely crafted keyboard. All default keys work on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Bug tracker, The shortcuts above was basic hotkeys for the keyboard. Videos for related products. This is a thankfully easy fix with a touch of dielectric grease and doesnt require disassembling the case. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame and Kaihua hot-swappable switch sockets, the CTRL allows you to change switches whenever you want without soldering. It absolutely sucked, and I was scared that I would have to return it. The ENTR comes with either Gatreon Yellow or Drops Halo True mechanical switches. It's also available with Cherry MX Blue, Kaihua Speed Silver, Kaihua Box White, Halo Clear, and Halo True switches. Being hot-swappable means that using the switch puller that comes with the keyboard, you can pull out each individual switch and put new ones in. Unfortunately, neither has customization software, but you can adjust settings on either keyboard using the QMK firmware tool on Drop's website. The doubleshot PBT keycaps feel nice, and the Cherry MX Brown switches provide good tactile feedback, but you can get the board in several switches. The modding scene has been around for years, and it's starting to become mainstream as more customizable keyboards are released. 2. 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. The lighting is nowhere near as customizable. 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. For help getting set up, or if future issues arise, visit our Knowledge Bar technicians instore or contact our remote Tech Support services. Both boards are available in several switches, and neither has dedicated software; however, you can still set macros on the Ducky by using a combination of hotkeys. Digital Downloads
Kinda lame. The first few months after I bought this keyboard, I did experience keyboard chatter and double typing. The Drop ALT is an excellent gaming keyboard. The best budget-priced mechanical keyboard. $250 for the high-profile version and $200 for the low-profile feels more expensive now that affordable custom kits are becoming more common. Unfortunately, there's no dedicated customization software, so you can't easily set macros or reprogram keys. 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 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. + Reasonably priced for a complete custom keyboard, + Available in a barebones version at a reduced price. It's well-made with an aluminum frame, and the RGB lighting gets very bright and looks great. Drop, formerly known as Massdrop, primarily deals in limited-run keyboard components for enthusiast mechanical keyboard builders, but it also makes a few complete units. Riitek K18 Plus Wireless 3-LED Color Backlit Multimedia Keyboard ASUS ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Moonlight White Wired Mechanical RGB Logitech ERGO K860 Split Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard, Targus Compact Multi-Device Bluetooth Antimicrobial Keyboard, Microsoft N9Z-00001 Wireless Slim All-in-One Keyboard, Logitech K380 Bluetooth Slim Multi-Device Keyboard, Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard - Black, Logitech Signature K650 (Graphite) Wireless Keyboard. Partnering with global cooling component manufacturer Noctua, the new DROP + MiTo MT3 keycaps set has the colors and quality of build from both companies. Sadly, there's no dedicated software, so you can't customize the board as easily. The incline feet attach to the board magnetically. In fact, the ENTR is the best typing experience you'll encounter at its $90 price. You must enter 10 digits for phone number. Source: Drop.com The choice of switches available from Drop includes Halo Clear, Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Cherry MX Blue RGB, and Cherry MX Brown RGB. 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. Shop ALT | $139 Besides typing experience, we expect our results to be valid for the other variants. Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money . Its easy to unplug, pack up, and carry with you on a trip. I knew I wanted something quieter, but I didnt know the difference between tactile and clicky switches even. 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. Update 12/17/2021: We initially listed our Macro Programmable Keys test result to 'All', but this is incorrect. With a 1ms response time, the keyboard lacks little in responsiveness against dedicated gaming keyboards. The Drop CTRL is an expensive keyboard; there's no other way to look at the price. Accelerate Your Returns with Micro Center's Online Return Check-in! The Drop ALT iswell-built andoffers better typing quality than most other mechanical keyboards of its size. Something went wrong. 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) $ 322.99 (2 Offers) Free Shipping from United States. 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. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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. The keyboard has a dedicated Fn button that accesses the first layer by default when held. Log into your account. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. 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. Instructions for loading compiled firmware onto your keyboard: It's not a deal-breaker, but worth bearing in mind when shopping around for aftermarket switches. The only gripe I have is that it still does chatter sometimes, although the frequency has decreased dramatically. 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. Wireless Phones are not eligible for return. 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. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 3.4 It ticks most of the right boxes, including excellent build quality, a great selection of switches, and USB-C connectivity. There is also an option to pair it with different keycap sets, get an optional extended warranty, or . What really sells the CTRL is the combination of features, as the alternatives tend to lack one key feature or another. Also, its latency is much lower. 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). It's easily one of the better custom keyboard kits out there. There was a solution, which well talk about later. Overview of the Drop CTRL While I appreciate everything that the ENTR brings to the table, its important to talk about what it lacks. On the other hand, the Drop is has a USB passthrough and much lower latency. Do you have any useful tips for it? This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Each side of the keyboard has its own USB-C connector as well. Other compelling pre-built options include the Ducky Shine 7, which is made of zinc, for $169 or the Mecha SF Radiant at $159, but neither have the same level of firmware-based programmability or the tenkeyless form factor. To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. As Ive said before, this allows you to change the switches on this keyboard very easily without having to solder anything. But what happens if you're unable to choose a specific model from a brand that ticks all the right boxes? Theres no native macro support or advanced features like one-button custom application launches, timers, or game-reactive lighting. On the bright side, it had media hotkeys and RGB lighting to help you see the key legends when in the dark. The Massdrop CTRL mechanical keyboard is here! 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. It has low latency, though some gamers may prefer it lower. This is very much a matter of personal taste but is still something to keep in mind. You can also connect your mouse if it has a USB-C cable ending or if you have an adapter. Intel to Go Ahead with "Meteor Lake" 6P+16E Processor on the Desktop Platform? Initially, it felt like too much pressure for each press. It has a USB passthrough and much lower latency. GlobaleParts StoreVisit Store. More information. The Gatreon Yellow is a quick tap with smooth action; you arent waiting to feel the click. Fn + N Toggle keyboard 6KRO/NKRO (Default state 6KRO) Custom configuration (2 shortcuts) # The shortcuts above was basic hotkeys for the keyboard. That said, if you want a compact keyboard that has two USB-A ports in addition to two USB-C ports, check out the System76 Launch. your password When compared against other premium keyboards, it's not an obscene amount of cash. We really dig into whether or not the Drop Alt/CTRL are worth it in this article. 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. The trend in custom keyboards today is a softer typing experience, usually created from flexible plate materials (like polycarbonate) or foam gaskets. Mechanical Keyboards Shop All Fully Built TKL 65% Full Size DIY Kits Keycaps Shop All Full Keycap Sets 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. I grew tired of the loud intense clicks, especially when talking to friends on Discord or streaming on Twitch, it was just too distracting. Content. For that, the ENTR rides high as the PCMag Editors' Choice for budget mechanical keyboards. The doubleshot PBT shine-through keycaps have a slightly rough feeling to them. There's an RGB strip that goes around the frame, which is a nice touch. You will receive a verification email shortly. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. Corsair has announced the K100 AIR, its thinnest wireless mechanical keyboard ever. The ALT has full RGB lighting, and all of its keys are macro-programmable. The high-profile version of the CTRL feels much more premium than most pre-built keyboards available currently. For software, the Drop CTRL supports QMK and the company's own suite that lets you customize every inch of the keyboard. Best Laptops 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. Keychron Q1 Pro review: a remarkably great keyboard without getting your fingers dirty. 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. That said, with a detachable USB-C cable, the ENTR is the finest possible version of a simple, wired connection. Keyboards released these days include five-pin sockets with support for switches with enhanced stability. Im going to be honest with you guys right now, since Im not selling this keyboard or gaining any affiliate whatever. If all goes well, the firmware will apply to the keyboard and completely rewrite what it shipped with. For a clicky typing experience, you can choose from Cherry MX Blue RGB or Kailh (Kaihua) Box Whites. Know more about our affliate disclosure terms. On the other hand, the GLORIOUS is sold as a barebones board only. Finally, Keychron has taken their flagship keyboard and enhanced it. I talked about it on our first article, guide to Cherry MX switches, where I discuss the difference between common switches. The options are the following: Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Kaihua Speed Silver, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, and Halo Clears. The board is fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Our professional technicians can help find the right solution for you backed by our Service Guarantee. We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund and you wont even need a receipt. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Windows Central is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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. Easy peezy just like that. The Drop CTRL comes with an array of options for linear, tactile, and clicky switches. Free shipping. 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:. Platform detected: Windows or Linux (not macOS), Other languages: Updated: Updated program information. 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. Priced at $90, the Drop ENTR is far and away the best pure typing experience you'll find for less than $100. We eventually ended up modding the stabilizers to make them sound and feel even better. A flip side to this ability is cost. Please temporarily enable JavaScript in your browser to post text. However, it's not user-friendly and isn't considered dedicated software. Theres a wealth of customization options to really match what feels best to you. We've looked at a few here on Windows Central, including the brilliant Akko World Tour Tokyo R2 (3068B). Where the potential of the keyboard really shows is when you expand into secondary layers. Its been about 5 months since then. Whether you stick with what's included with the CTRL or go your own way with choosing switches, you're going to have a great time with this keyboard. Kaviso, LLC . Riitek Rii i8 Smart TV 2.4G Mini Wireless QWERTY Keyboard with Logitech MX Keys Wireless Keyboard - Black. 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. 0:35 . Hover to zoom. There's a USB-C port on both sides of the keyboard, and you can use either one to connect to your computer. It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and every key is macro-programmable. How to quickly & easily fix coil-whine(coil choke noise). Our unit is quiet and won't disturb others around you. 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. 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. 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. 2023 - Still, the higher force requirement dramatically reduces the number of unforced typing errors. Measuring at 368mm by 140mm and 44mm thick, it's in line with the competition if not a little on the thick side. The new group is a . If you love the all-metal build quality, the Abkoncore AK87 is just shy of seven pounds and costs $170 (opens in new tab). Thank you to sellers! I love them. 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. Copy the html code below and embed it to a discussion forum or to any web page. Overall, this keyboard is great, but I have 3 main issues. Note that the standard CTRL features backlit gray-hued keycaps. Also, it doesn't have a volume control wheel. The Drop CTRL is an expensive keyboard; there's no other way to look at the price. Amazon is currently offering the ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for $89.99 shipped. Theyre made of PBT plastic, which is more resistant to wear and tear than ABS plastic and wont develop the telltale oily shine after months of regular use. It has a bunch of RGB lighting features built-in. Hands On: Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard. I prefer the blue and purple lighting with no rim light at a low brightness. The heavy aluminum case and integrated top plate do a good job of deadening out key presses, making them feel solid under the finger. HP GK320 Wired Full Size RGB Backlight . On the other hand, the Razer has much lower latency, and it has customization software to set macros, reprogram keys, and create profiles. (3 updates.) This may just be me being picky. As a service to our customers, Micro Center offers in-store technical support. 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.. Best Products; See All; Computing. 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. Thats why the company call this the accessible model.