It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the system requirements before making your purchase. The Ducky has better typing quality anda Windows Key lock. Software system requirements are typically found on the Product information specification page. If you want to swap out the switches for something a little more tailored to your preference, this is entirely possible with the Drop CTRL. 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. However, if you need help or need to return an item, were here for you! The doubleshot PBT shine-through keycaps have a slightly rough feeling to them. Please carefully review the . Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Compare. The company is still running group buys as . Hi, it appears you may be new to this subreddit! Outside of gaming, which has embraced the value of mechanical keys, even the cheapest office-grade keyboards are wireless, so paying nearly $100 for a keyboard you have to plug in may seem backward to some people. 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 The Drop ALT has outstanding build quality. There is minimal rattle with the stabilizers. Redgear Shadow Blade MK853 Mechanical Keyboard with Spectrum LED Lights, Media Control Knob and Wrist Support (Black)* -: Quantum QHM9800 Rapid Strike Mechanical Gaming Multimedia Wired Keyboard with 6-Colour RGB LED, 12 Adjustable Lighting Modes, Lasting Durability 3 days testing warranty. Bottom line: I'm a big fan of the Drop CTRL. Aesthetically, the keyboard is equally impressive. Embedded code will get the data from Defkey.com and will remain available. 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. We absolutely love this keyboard and consider it one of the best hot-swappable keyboards currently out there. Updated: Updated program information. It has a USB passthrough and much lower latency. Despite feeling slightly long in the tooth, its still a very solid offering that delivers a good typing experience out of the box and manages to look good doing it. $250 for the high-profile version and $200 for the low-profile feels more expensive now that affordable custom kits are becoming more common. Driven by data, run by a passionate team of engineers, testers, technical writers, developers, and more. LED Keys. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, The thick, sturdy base is made of metal and feels solid. The options are the following: Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Kaihua Speed Silver, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, and Halo Clears. Its latency is very good, but it may not be low enough for some gamers. I grew tired of the loud intense clicks, especially when talking to friends on Discord or streaming on Twitch, it was just too distracting. It absolutely sucked, and I was scared that I would have to return it. That said, with a detachable USB-C cable, the ENTR is the finest possible version of a simple, wired connection. Free shipping. For help getting set up, or if future issues arise, visit our Knowledge Bar technicians instore or contact our remote Tech Support services. We don't expect our results to be valid for this one. PCMag supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownerships. After scouring the discussion boards, they came up with a fix, thank goodness. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. But it lacks per-key RGB and programmability. There was a problem. *If you are a Micro Center Insider or if you have provided us with validated contact information (name, address, email address), you wont even need your receipt. The included Kaihua Box White switches are excellent for typing up thousands of words a day and some gaming on the side. When hes not playing video games or checking out new gear, he is probably asleep. I love that it has two USB-C connectors, one of the right and one on the left. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a wrist rest, and you may feel fatigue typing on it. Theyre also doubleshot, which means the legends are made from a second piece of plastic, so will never chip or fade with time. The Drop ALT mechanical keyboard is a compact 65% model with dedicated arrow keys. The Drop CTRL took the mechanical keyboard community by storm in late 2018. French. GamaKay . Picture 1 of 4. Our keyboard configurator is easy to use and requires no coding experience. 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. The Drop CTRL keyboard comes in a variety of color and switch options, with the cost ranging from $200 to $225 from Drop directly. Let other users know below. The Drop ALT is slightly better than the Ducky One 2 SF. 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, Halo True) (MDX-31831-2) (Renewed) $108.73 (4) Works and looks like new and backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee Consider a similar item Amazon's Choice The CTRL supports per-key RGB backlighting. Hold FN + listed keys to activate. Drop CTRL As an entry point to the mechanical keyboard hobby, its a solid option (as is the low-profile original) that doesnt require building the keyboard from scratch. 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. I prefer the blue and purple lighting with no rim light at a low brightness. Missing 5, 8, +=, O, {[, }], L, Z, |\\, J, enter key, shift key, 2 control keys, and right arrow key. With Razer youll be stuck with the Razer switches, whatever those may be. This allows you to truly the customize the board to what switch type feels the best for you. The ALT also has lower latency, better RGB color mixing for its backlighting, and it has an additional incline setting. Something went wrong. Also see our recommendations for the best keyboards, thebest mechanical keyboards, and thebest keyboards for programming. Removing the keycaps and switches, using the included tools from Drop, reveals the main PCB. This is again an area where the CTRL shows its age. From there, you need to change directory to your file location, type in a precise string to trigger the mdloader applet and direct it to your firmware file, and then flip the keyboard over within 60 seconds to press the reset button. Great! 3.4 I talked about it on our first article, guide to Cherry MX switches, where I discuss the difference between common switches. Amazon is currently offering the ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for $89.99 shipped. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 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. The keyboard has a dedicated Fn button that accesses the first layer by default when held. - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new window or tab, NEW DROP CTRL Custom Mechanical Keyboard Aluminum Enclosure Case MIDNIGHT GREEN, cleared payment - opens in a new window or tab, Report this item - opens in new window or tab. 2017 - QMK is a popular keyboard firmware that allows users to remap their keyboards eliminating the need for software and opening the door for more advanced access to layers of keysets. New York, The CTRL just lacks the depth of programmability available on dedicated gaming keyboards from the likes of Razer or Corsair. But for clean, comfortable typing, this is as good as it gets at a sub-$100 price. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, its stable and fortified. The lighting is nowhere near as customizable. Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available. One of the most special things about this keyboard is that it features hot-swappable switches. Measuring at 368mm by 140mm and 44mm thick, it's in line with the competition if not a little on the thick side. Fn + A: LED Pattern Select Previous. Competition is ramping up for custom mechanical keyboard kits like the Drop CTRL. We tested the Drop ALT mechanical keyboard in black with Cherry MX Brown switches. There's very little flex in the keyboard without applying considerable force. What is most realistic all core overclock I could get on a Ryzen 7 7700X and 7950X or 13900K/13700K with e-cores off using Noctua NH-D15, HardDrive going bad , but passing all test ? I looked up multiple sound tests on Youtube. Then there's the height of the Drop CTRL, which makes it a little taller than most mechanical keyboards. I love them. You can also connect your mouse if it has a USB-C cable ending or if you have an adapter. Out of the box, this keyboard is an upgraded essential for your workstation. The ALT has full RGB lighting, and all of its keys are macro-programmable. How to quickly & easily fix coil-whine(coil choke noise). Keychron Q1 Pro review: a remarkably great keyboard without getting your fingers dirty. It's extensive and incredibly intuitive. Finally, Keychron has taken their flagship keyboard and enhanced it. 2. Aerial Drones The ENTR's main appeal is its the build quality; the components, and how theyre put together. Work with the latest in computer and digital technology. To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. We've looked at a few here on Windows Central, including the brilliant Akko World Tour Tokyo R2 (3068B). Text me your exclusive deals, new product alerts & coupons. This keyboard has okay ergonomics. 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. What the keyboard does lack is supporting features for gaming. You can remap this key anywhere and have it function in a multitude of ways. While I appreciate everything that the ENTR brings to the table, its important to talk about what it lacks. The included USB-C cable is basic, and the connector wobbles a bit when plugged in. It's fine for most gamers and daily tasks, but competitive gamers may notice a delay. 3/5/2021 8:55:38 PM New program added. The only gripe I have is that it still does chatter sometimes, although the frequency has decreased dramatically. It's also showing its age slightly with the use of three-pin sockets. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. The best budget-priced mechanical keyboard. 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. The Drop ALT doesn't have dedicated software. . The ENTR comes with either Gatreon Yellow or Drops Halo True mechanical switches. 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. Picture Information. Our unit is quiet and won't disturb others around you. There's a USB-C port on both sides of the keyboard, and you can use either one to connect to your computer. On the plus side, the lighting effect is enhanced thanks to its wrap-around diffuser sandwiched between the halves of the case. 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 $48.00 + $11.35 shipping. DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Barebones, Black) Visit the DROP Store 614 ratings | 39 answered questions $17500 FREE Returns Color: Black Style: Barebones Barebones Cherry MX Blue RGB Cherry MX Brown RGB Fn + N Toggle keyboard 6KRO/NKRO (Default state 6KRO) Custom configuration (2 shortcuts) # The shortcuts above was basic hotkeys for the keyboard. The high-profile version of the CTRL feels much more premium than most pre-built keyboards available currently. 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. What is your favorite Drop CTRL hotkey? However, it's not user-friendly and isn't considered dedicated software. The Drop ENTR is a finely crafted keyboard. It ticks most of the right boxes, including excellent build quality, a great selection of switches, and USB-C connectivity. 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. NY 10036. 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. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. It also has a USB passthrough feature. Sign up for Lab Report to get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered right to your inbox. It's well-built, and you can change the position of the feet to create a negative incline. There's no onboard memory for storing settings like RGB lighting, but this isn't a gaming keyboard. MASSDROP CTRL KEYBOARD - TIGHT PLATE Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it. 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. Options are quite limited compared to other keyboards, even at significantly less cost.