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COMPACT LAYOUT, COMPREHENSIVE FEATURES The Drop ALT mechanical keyboard is just like the CTRL, but with 67 keys instead of 87. Absent of function keys, it wastes no space—but it still has a full set of arrows and numerals. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, the ALT is rock solid. And thanks to the hot-swap switch sockets, it allows you to swap switches whenever you want with no soldering required. It’s also fully programmable via QMK, meaning you can assign macros or custom keybinds to every key. With dual USB-C connectors, the ALT is outfitted with the latest connections. What’s more, it has customizable RGB backlighting and underlighting. Set it to a single color or light it up with a rainbow wave pattern. To enhance the backlighting, there are shine-through doubleshot PBT keycaps, too. Grab it with your choice of switches to get just the feel you want. STREAMLINED ALUMINUM BUILD Heavy enough to stay put no matter how hard you type, the ALT features a solid aluminum frame with a low profile for a streamlined look that complements any setup. RGB BACKLIGHTING Bring a colorful lightshow straight to your fingertips with customizable RGB backlighting and shine-through PBT keycaps. DOUBLESHOT SHINE-THROUGH PBT KEYCAPS Known for their durability, PBT keycaps are built for the long haul—and because the legends are shine-through, not printed, they never fade. REMOVABLE MAGNETIC FEET Type at an ergonomic angle or lay your keyboard flat. Fitted with removable magnetic feet, the ALT seamlessly adjusts to fit your needs. HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCHES Ready to switch up your switches? Thanks to the ALT’s hot-swappable PCBA, you can swap in new switches on the fly—no soldering required. CUSTOMIZABLE LED LIGHTING Keep the lights off, dial in one of our presets, or customize each key color for a spectacular light show. Our keyboard case features a built-in diffuser to spread light evenly across the board. PROGRAM WITH QMK FIRMWARE Programming our keyboards is easy with QMK firmware. Whether you’re creating macros or altering the keymap, use the Drop online configurator to fine-tune your board for gaming, work, or play. FIND YOUR TYPE Each keyboard comes with your choice of switches, so you can get just the feel you like—whether you prefer something heavy and tactile, or lightweight and linear. FULLY PROGRAMMABLE VIA QMK Customizing your keyboard is a lot of fun. That’s why the ALT features a fully programmable layout, designed for modification. Using QMK firmware, you have total control over every key. Plus, the configurator allows you to program macros and customized keymapping so you can easily fine-tune your keyboard for gaming, work, or play. It’s also outfitted with two USB type-C connectors (one on each side), allowing you to use the spare connector to transfer data and charge devices at USB 2.0 speeds. OPTIMIZED PER-KEY LIGHTING WITH MILLIONS OF COLORS The ALT features light pipes built into the switches that are optimized to deliver the most light possible through the keycaps. You’ll also have your choice from millions of different colors for every single key. So if you want the lighting to cycle through the entire spectrum, you’ve got it; if you prefer a two-toned look to match your setup, consider it done. There’s also a built-in translucent LED diffuser to minimize hotspots found in many other keyboards. Worried about flickering? Don’t be. The LEDs operate at a frequency of 100 Hz, so there won't be any visible flicker. HEFTY ALUMINUM FRAME & HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCHES The ALT is made from a solid block of anodized aluminum, which is known for its toughness and ability to hold a quality surface finish. Heavy enough to stay put when you're locked into an intense FPS match or hammering out an essay, the frame also has a low profile to complement your desktop. Thanks to the built-in switch plate and hot-swappable PCB, the ALT gives you the freedom to change out your switches whenever you like. Best of all? You don’t need to solder each switch. Just pop them in and they’re ready to go. SPECIFICATIONS 67 keysAnodized CNC machined aluminum frameCustom PCBHot-swap switch socketsQMK firmware & Keyboard ConfiguratorPlate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizersCherry MX, Kaihua, or Halo switchesDoubleshot PBT shine-through keycapsFloating key designDual USB-C connectorsPCB compatible with plate-mount switches onlyWeight: 24.5 oz (696 g)Dimensions: 12.7 x 4.4 x 1.25 in (32.2 x 11.2 x 3.2 cm) INCLUDED 56-inch USB cable and Keycap puller and Switch Cherry MX Blue RGB Cherry MX Brown RGB Drop Halo Clear Drop Halo True Kaihua Speed Silver Kaihua Box White Add to Cart Buying Options Add to Cart Add to Cart Buying Options Buying Options Customer Reviews 4.3 out of 5 stars 809 4.3 out of 5 stars 809 4.3 out of 5 stars 809 4.3 out of 5 stars 809 4.3 out of 5 stars 809 4.3 out of 5 stars 809 Price $109.00$109.00 — no data $98.46$98.46 $128.01$128.01 — no data — no data Switch Behavior: Tactile & Clicky (Provide feedback in the form of a tactile “bump” and audible “click” each time a switch is actuated.) Tactile (Provide tactile feedback without the "Clicky" noise) Tactile (Provide tactile feedback without the "Clicky" noise) Tactile (Provide tactile feedback without the "Clicky" noise) Linear (Quiet and smooth free of any tactility) Clicky (Provides an audible “click” each time a switch is actuated.) Switch Feel / Actuation: Medium / 50g Medium / 45g Medium-Heavy / 65g Medium-Heavy / 60g Extremely Light / 40g Medium / 55g Actuation Point / Total Travel Distance: 2.2mm / 4mm 2mm / 4mm 1.9mm / 4mm 1.9mm / 4mm 1.3mm / 3.5mm 1.8mm / 3.6mm Keystroke Lifespan: 50 Million 50 Million 80 Million 80 Million 70 Million 80 Million Switch Recommendation: Primarily typing. The Cherry MX Blue has a distinct “click” sound when depressed beyond the tactile point, making it the loudest switch in the Cherry MX family. The separated slider construction also provides the highest tactile feedback. A good blend of typing and gaming. Cherry MX Brown is widely considered to be the best “middle-ground” switch. Its tactile bump, silent travel, and medium actuation force makes it a versatile switch. Primarily typing. The Halo Clear being with a slight preload and a lighter, sharper tactile bump than the Halo True. Halo Clears discourage bottom out, but not as strongly as the Halo True. A good blend of typing and gaming. Medium weight, smooth tactile action, and a purposefully light preload are intended to reduce jarring fingertip impacts during rapid typing. Moderately heavy spring to discourage bottom out. Intended for gaming. Essentially a shortened version of existing MX-style switches allowing for faster actuation. A good blend of typing and gaming. Kaihua Box White switches are IP56 waterproof and dust resistant switches. Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard Drop ALT High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Drop CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard Drop SHIFT Mechanical Keyboard Buying Options Buying Options Buying Options Buying Options Buying Options Buying Options Customer Reviews 4.3 out of 5 stars 809 4.2 out of 5 stars 354 4.4 out of 5 stars 635 4.2 out of 5 stars 225 4.5 out of 5 stars 366 4.0 out of 5 stars 103 Price — no data — no data — no data — no data — no data — no data Keys 67 Keys / PBT Doubleshot Shine-through 67 Keys / PBT Doubleshot Shine-through 87 Keys / PBT Doubleshot Shine-through 87 Keys / PBT Doubleshot Shine-through 87 Keys / PBT Doubleshot Shine-through 99 Keys / PBT Doubleshot Shine-through Dimensions / Weight 12.7 x 4.4 x 1.25" / 24.5 oz (696 g) 12.6 x 4.4 x 1.7" / 43 oz (1,219 g) 14.5 x 5.5 x 1.4" / 34 oz (964 g) 14.5 x 5.5 x 1.75" / 68 oz (1,928 g) 14.2 x 5 x 1.25" / 32.8 oz (929 g) 5.2 x 5.5 x 1.7" / 34.2 oz (970g) Additional Features Anodized CNC machined aluminum frame, Hot-Swappable plate-mount switches, QMK Programming, Dual USB-C, Plate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizers, N-key rollover, and light customization. Anodized CNC machined aluminum frame, Hot-Swappable plate-mount switches, QMK Programming, Dual USB-C, Plate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizers, N-key rollover, and light customization. Anodized CNC machined aluminum frame, Hot-Swappable plate-mount switches, QMK Programming, Dual USB-C, Plate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizers, N-key rollover, and light customization. Anodized CNC machined aluminum frame, Hot-Swappable plate-mount switches, QMK Programming, Dual USB-C, Plate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizers, N-key rollover, and light customization. Anodized Aluminum case, Plate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizers, N-key rollover, USB-C, White LED Backlit keys, and Adjustable legs. Anodized CNC machined aluminum frame, Hot-Swappable plate-mount switches, QMK Programming, Dual USB-C, Plate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizers, N-key rollover, and light customization. Switch Options: Barebones, Cherry MX Brown or Blue RGB, Halo True or Clear, and Kaihua Speed Silver or Box White Barebones, Cherry MX Brown or Blue RGB, Halo True or Clear, and Kaihua Speed Silver or Box White Barebones, Cherry MX Brown or Blue RGB, Halo True or Clear, and Kaihua Speed Silver or Box White Barebones, Cherry MX Brown or Blue RGB, Halo True or Clear, and Kaihua Speed Silver or Box White Halo True or Gateron Yellow Barebones, Cherry MX Brown or Blue RGB, Halo True or Clear, and Kaihua Speed Silver or Box White
A COMPACT LAYOUT The ALT mechanical keyboard is a smaller take on Drop’s CTRL model. It features 67 keys instead of 87. Absent of function keys, it wastes no space—but it still has a full set of arrows and numerals.
A SOLID BUILD Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate and magnetic legs, the ALT is rock-solid and ready for any setup.
KAIHU BOX WHITE SWITCHES Created with a box around the cross stem, these IP56 waterproof switches are built to keep dust and moisture out. They feature an audible, satisfying click on the downstroke and upstroke.
HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCH FUNCTIONALITY Want to switch your switches? Customize the ALT with ease thanks to hot-swappable switch sockets, which allow you to swap switches in seconds—no soldering required.
OPTIMIZED PER-KEY LIGHTING WITH MILLIONS OF COLORS The ALT is illuminated with fully customizable RGB backlighting and under-lighting. Set your millions of LEDs to a single color or light them up with custom rainbow wave patterns.
Before I get into this, I have to mention that the first ALT I received had a broken stabilizer. I've seen this mentioned a few times, so it seems like a common problem. I have dampener rings, so I removed all the keycaps and one of the stabilizer stems came off with the spacebar, but I contacted customer service and had a new ALT less than 24 hours later. Anyway, now for the review:I've used quite a few mechanical keyboards, but this is only the second one that I've owned. My first was a Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro S RGB. I love that keyboard. I went with blue switches, and my year with it has convinced me to never use a non-mechanical keyboard ever again. I began looking for a new one. Not that the Cooler Master needs to be replaced (honestly, I have had zero issues with it, and I'm sure I'll have it around for many years), I just wanted a better-looking keyboard.I spent a lot of time researching DIY boards, trying to find something that looked great, had solid construction, and had the potential for customization. I kept coming across this keyboard as a good balance between hobby and consumer. I knew I wanted blue switches again, so the typing experience itself wasn't something I was worried about, as I already know I love these switches.What sold me on this keyboard is the aesthetic, construction, and customization. Low-profile, RGB backlight and border, aluminum (I bought the black) case, hot-swappable switches (if I ever decide I'm being too noisy with the blues), and FULLY programmable via QMK.I've been using this keyboard for less than a full day and it's basically the perfect mechanical keyboard (probably way too early to say this, but I can also edit this review later). I flashed my customizations. LED colors, added a few key changes (like swapping esc with fn+esc, for easier access to ` and ~). I really like the textured keycaps, which I've read that some people consider "cheap feeling". I disagree.A few more things:Anyone hesitating because of the duplicate keystroke issue should stay away from the cheaper switches. This issue is almost certainly caused by the switches, not the board. I haven't read of anyone having this issue with the MX switches. That's what I wanted anyway, so, yeah, it hasn't been an issue for me. I believe the Halo switches are the ones that this is happening with. If you already own this board and you're having this issue, CHANGE YOUR SWITCHES.Anyone worried about any of the scary information online about having to learn to code to use QMK for this board, ignore it. I am a programmer, so I kept seeing those comments in reviews and forums and didn't think anything of it, just figuring I'd have to read some documentation to do what I wanted. Not at all. It's very simple. If you can follow about 4 instructions, you'll be fine. You use the configurator on Drop's website to customize, you download the configuration file, you download the 2 or 3 other files the site tells you to, and then you have to type a command or two in a terminal or CMD, but there is no actual programming required. This might be a small challenge for people that have absolutely NO experience with computers, but I'm confident that basically anyone capable of reading and copying/pasting can figure it out.That's it. If it's not the aesthetic, construction, or customization you're looking for, you probably don't need this keyboard. If you're just looking for a decent mechanical keyboard, you can get some great boards under $100 (or a Cooler Master for a little over $100) with the same switches, and some with RGB. For me, this purchase is more than worth it for what it offers.