The Massdrop CTRL mechanical keyboard is here! 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. All Digital Download sales are final and are not eligible for return or refund under the Micro Center Return Policy. For a look on the different RGB lighting, I recommend checking out my wifes Youtube video review for this keyboard. Measuring 14.5 x 5.5 x 1.75 inches, its very close in size to other tenkeyless keyboards like the Corsair K70 RGB TKL but will still take up more space than even more compact keyboards like the Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini. Bug tracker, The shortcuts above was basic hotkeys for the keyboard. Default Hot Keys. 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. You have a rainbow wave and breathe effect, a scrolling red line, and six static colors. 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. Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. I knew I wanted something quieter, but I didnt know the difference between tactile and clicky switches even. It has a bunch of RGB lighting features built-in. It's well-built, and you can change the position of the feet to create a negative incline. The Drop is a 65% size compact board that has a better build quality, more incline settings for better ergonomics, and significantly better latency. *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. Missing 5, 8, +=, O, {[, }], L, Z, |\\, J, enter key, shift key, 2 control keys, and right arrow key. You can pair the Obinslab with up to four devices via Bluetooth, but you can also use it wired. The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more. 3/5/2021 8:56:46 PM Added some shortcuts. 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. 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). $54.95. Theres no flex or bounce to the typing experience like the Keychron Q1 or even the already fairly stiff Glorious GMMK Pro. 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. It happens most often with the space bar. 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. Chris is a regular contributor for Toms Hardware, covering mechanical keyboards, peripherals, and content creation gear. Search the Micro Center Job Access site to review our latest Openings. Compare. It comes in a variety of switches, including clicky and linear ones, meaning you can get the ones you prefer. One of its best features is that it is hot-swappable. The ENTR is a simple, wired keyboard. Amazon is currently offering the ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for $89.99 shipped. It does have volume up and down, pause and play, but only if you memorize the keys. . 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. The Drop CTRL was originally released with a low-profile case and floating key design to show off the RGB. Overall, this keyboard is great, but I have 3 main issues. The Drop ALT keyboard has incredible backlighting. Model: Drop Alt Switches: Halo True, with o-rings installed Programmable: Yes, QMK Great! It lacks the software of the best gaming keyboards. 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. For software, the Drop CTRL supports QMK and the company's own suite that lets you customize every inch of the keyboard. 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. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The Drop ALT keyboard has low latency. The K100 AIR includes RGB backlighting and onboard storage to save profiles for preset macros and lighting effects. You must enter 10 digits for phone number. Shortcut lists can be shared as long as you don't create a database. The Drop ALT is very good for office use. The first few months after I bought this keyboard, I did experience keyboard chatter and double typing. Its been about 5 months since then. Like I said, I got the Halo Clears, which are a 65g tactile switch. The keycaps are shine-through PBT keycaps with a slightly rough feel to them. You also cannot swap out the plate, and there's no gasket mounting for a softer typing feel. The pre-travel and total travel distance are in line with Cherry MX's advertised 2mm pre-travel and 4mm travel distance, but these may change per unit due to manufacturing tolerances. You may have read or seen his tech and gaming coverage at IGN, Lifehacker, Gizmodo, Variety, Digital Trends, and, of course, PCMag. With dual USB-C connectors, the CTRL is outfitted with the fastest available connections. There is backlighting all through the outer rim as well as under each key. 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. Its a tenkeyless keyboard, which means it lacks a dedicated number pad. 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. Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Its always nice to have such a diverse selection of switches, because most product offerings make you pick between one or two switch types. In the work-from-home era, you can use it across many workspaces, such as your desk, coffee table, or kitchen table. They also share the same customization options through Drop's website and the QMK toolbox, which aren't very user-friendly. How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard. You can find him on Twitter @Bombur. I think that its Fn+PgUp or Fn+PgDn for the volume features. Partnering with global cooling component manufacturer Noctua, the new DROP + MiTo MT3 keycaps set has the colors and quality of build from both companies. 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 also showing its age slightly with the use of three-pin sockets. Instructions for loading compiled firmware onto your keyboard: Welcome! 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. When youre done, clicking Compile and Download will download a firmware file thats ready to be loaded onto your keyboard. 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. How to quickly & easily fix coil-whine(coil choke noise). 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. (COVID-19 Safety Measure). Heres how it works. There is also an option to pair it with different keycap sets, get an optional extended warranty, or . When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Its also fully programmable via QMK, meaning you can assign macros or custom keybindings to every key. Know more about our affliate disclosure terms. On the other hand, the Razer has much lower latency, and it has customization software to set macros, reprogram keys, and create profiles. The ALT also has lower latency, better RGB color mixing for its backlighting, and it has an additional incline setting. The CTRL is Ready for Action The day has finally come. Free shipping. I looked up multiple sound tests on Youtube. 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. Please temporarily enable JavaScript in your browser to post text. The trend in custom keyboards today is a softer typing experience, usually created from flexible plate materials (like polycarbonate) or foam gaskets. You can remap this key anywhere and have it function in a multitude of ways. While you can reprogram keys by flashing the board with QMK, it isn't native software, so Macro Programmable Keys should say 'No.' As a tenkeyless keyboard, the form factor is very traditional. 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. Also see our recommendations for the best keyboards, thebest mechanical keyboards, and thebest keyboards for programming. All other products may be returned within 30 days of purchase. To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. The doubleshot PBT keycaps feel great, but the keys wobble just a bit. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. 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. 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. Something went wrong. When hes not playing video games or checking out new gear, he is probably asleep. Videos for related products. But it lacks per-key RGB and programmability. It is also expensive for a keyboard that might not behave the way its supposed to, which is unfortunate. Priced at $90, the Drop ENTR is far and away the best pure typing experience you'll find for less than $100. So I went with the Halo Clears, and trust me, I Googled the heck out of this thing. Intel to Go Ahead with "Meteor Lake" 6P+16E Processor on the Desktop Platform? It offers excellent typing quality with the Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit, and you can get it with a variety of switches. the FAA to be registered for outdoor use. 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. The choice of switches available from Drop includes Halo Clear, Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Cherry MX Blue RGB, and Cherry MX Brown RGB. The backlight can also be customized for brightness and speed. 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