Amazon.com: Customer reviews: DROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard — 65% (67 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Cherry MX Blue RGB, Gray)

Everything I want from a mechanical keyboard

Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2020

Style: Cherry MX Blue RGBColor: BlackVerified Purchase

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.

2 people found this helpful

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Ben Morgan

Best keyboard I've ever had hands down

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2022

Style: Cherry MX Brown RGBColor: Space GrayVerified Purchase

This is a solid keyboard that works wonderfully, the brown switches I got are as smooth as butter, and they have a beautiful sound. The keyboard as a whole is basically just a massive block of aluminum that was machined, so its as durable as a tank. The RGB setting are absolutely fantastic. It has several modes ranging from scrolling effects to beautiful and vibrant solid colors. The hot swapping ability is just perfect, the switches slide in and out easily and fluently. Though you need to be careful when swapping switches, because if you accidentally come in at the wrong angle you risk damaging the switches and PCB, make sure you know what you're doing before pulling a mortal combat finisher on the keyboard. The keyboard itself is very heavy, so if you're a key smasher like I am, I can guarantee it wont be sliding, unless of course you're The Hulk. The rubber pads on the bottom, and on the angle pieces, definitely help it stay in place. The only grievance I have is that the USB-C cable that it comes with isn't very long or high quality and that it doesn't come factory lubed, but the rest of the keyboard more than makes up for the extra 10-15 dollars you will have to spend at Best Buy and on Amazon to get a better cable and some lube. All in all this is a 9.5-10/10 keyboard that is more than worth the buy and I am more than satisfied with it. I have a feeling this bad boy is going to be a 4Lifer.

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Mike

A thoughtfull, well-designed, great looking keyboard

Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2019

Style: Halo ClearColor: Space GrayVerified Purchase

I’ve been on an endless quest for that perfect keyboard, and I’d been eyeing these for a while, but It’s not everyday you want to spend $200+ on a keyboard. That said, when they popped up on Amazon for quick delivery I really couldn’t resist.

First off, I love the way this keyboard looks and feels. It’s a really nice design, super clean, and it feels so well built. On top of that, there is zero visible branding when it’s on your desk -- it’s all on the back. No giant logo, just a clean simple slab of metal. I absolutely love the aesthetic.

There are a few little details I appreciate too. The cable can be used on either side of the keyboard, and you can plug other things in the unused port, which is pretty handy and unexpected. The little magnetic feet are kind of clever, you can swap them around to change the angle of the keyboard. I was sort of worried they’d come out or wobble, but they are surprisingly rock solid. You will want a wrist wrest though!

All that said, the rim lighting is a bit much for me, especially at the office, but luckily you can easily turn it off and on with a simple fn+z or fn+x press. I tend to leave it just with the key lighting on.

As for the switches, I use this exclusively for typing, so I ended up getting the Halo Clears and I have no regrets. I think if I were using this for gaming I’d probably want the MX Browns. The switches feel great, and while I’ve already swapped out some keycaps for a few fun things, I haven’t tried hot swapping switches yet, but I’m glad it's an option in case I ever change my mind in the future.

Anyway, this thing definitely feels like a $200 keyboard and I have zero regrets. If you’re like me and want a buy-it-for-life (or at least until I get the itch again) keyboard, this is definitely an easy recommendation.

UPDATE: After using this keyboard for about 3 months, there are a few things I feel I should add. First, I noticed I was getting a lot of double characters while typing. Letters would be registered twice, and it was really irritating. I thought this was just me adjusting to the switches, but it turns out it was an actual issue and was luckily mostly resolved by updating the firmware. Second, you can change the brightness of the LEDs by using FN+S and F+W. Turns out this was in the manual, but was really helpful for keeping the lighting on but at a more reasonable level. Over-all, I'm still happy with the keyboard, but if I were to buy now, I'd probably get it direct from drop.

30 people found this helpful

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Kien

Sturdy and Well Built.

Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2021

Style: Cherry MX Brown RGBColor: Space GrayVerified Purchase

I bought this keyboard due to on-going virtual work. This review is based off a direct comparison to the Apple Magic keyboard, which I love (but driver issues have forced me into using a different keyboard).

In terms of style. I love it. It's sleek, sturdy, and well-built. The Drop ALT exudes quality with a premium aluminum chassis and premium-feeling keys. The keyboard itself is not only quite a bit heavier than the Apple Magic keyboard, but the overall thickness of the Drop ALT makes it considerably larger. The chassis itself is thin, but the keys are really big and chunky.

I got the keyboard based on numerous reviews online about why we all should be using a mechanical keyboard and I guess I got swayed into buying a premium piece of equipment.

I have been using this for the last day or so and I must say that it feels quite different from the Apple keyboard. Maybe I am not used to how much travel the switches are, or the force that needs to be applied but it does take a bit of getting used to. The chuckiness of the keycaps also means that I have to stretch my tiny fingers a bit more than I am used to. If you are coming from the Apple keyboard to this, I think the Kaihua Speed Silver switches may be better for you (I may end up swapping to these). Additionally because of the thickness, I will probably have to buy a palm rest.

To be honest, the feel of the Apple keyboard is better (to me). I guess it may be sacrilegious to mechanical keyboard lovers but I ain't going to be swayed.

Despite that, I do think it is a quality keyboard with infinite customizability due to being able to configure the LEDs, the hotswappable switches, and keycaps. It adds a bit of fun to my mundane work at an engineering company.

I do wonder how reliable these mechanical keyboards are. I have used the Apple keyboard for about 10 years and it hasn't failed me.

2 people found this helpful

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Jordan

The best keyboard I've ever used

Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2022

Style: Kaihua Box WhiteColor: BlackVerified Purchase

I have owned several mechanical keyboards over the years, and this is by far the best I have ever used.

Here's why:

- EXCELLENT LAYOUT: Most 65% keyboards do not include any separation between the arrow keys and the alt/function keys. THIS IS A BIG DEAL and was one of my main reasons for purchasing the Drop ALT. That little bit of separation makes it so easy to "feel" your way over to the arrow keys without having to look at them. I cannot understate how important this is. Also, I prefer NOT having a row of dedicated function keys above the number keys. I have used other "65%-ish" keyboards with this layout, but the problem was that the extra row of keys all packed together make it harder to find the key you need.

- GREAT LOOKS: To me, this is what a modern mechanical keyboard should look like. The LED strip around the outside is a nice look, but if you don't want that, you can turn it off and leave the keys illuminated (or vice versa). I didn't know that before purchasing but it was a pleasant surprise.

- EASY PROGRAMMING: Drop has a configurator on their website that you can use to reprogram your keys or LED colors. Then you download the file they provide you and follow the instructions to upload the new firmware to the board. It worked great for me and they even support macOS, which I wasn't expecting. This is a MUCH better experience than what I've had with other keyboards, which required downloading their janky software onto a Windows PC and then trying to figure out how to work it. Drop's site was easy and intuitive. The Drop software also makes it easy to program volume, play/pause, and skip buttons wherever you want them, even on macOS.

- FEELS GREAT: I got the "kaihua box white" (these are also known as "kaihl box white", it's the same thing) switches and they are incredible. They make the old Cherry (and Gateron) Brown switches I used previously feel so dead and mushy, and they are not as loud and "rickety" as my older Cherry Blues. I encourage you to research these switches more to see why people like them so much. I feel like a more accurate typist, and I find myself going out of my way to type stuff just to use these switches and this keyboard (like this review).

2 people found this helpful

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Ted

it's a keyboard

Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2021

Style: Halo TrueColor: Space GrayVerified Purchase

really easy to take apart and put back together if you ever want to put foam inserts or new pcbs in it (dunno why you'd need to change the pcb out unless you change switches about weekly, it works fine).

lighting effects aren't anything special, haven't tried the software to customize it but if the lighting is the most important thing in a keyboard for you, skip this one I guess. It's a keyboard not a rave.

swapping switches is relatively easy. Included switch puller sucks but luckily I didn't spend near $200 expecting one anyways. If the quality of the included switch puller is a big factor in your purchase decision, skip this.

the halo true switches in my kit were a nice change from the gateron browns I was using. Might commit to something more tactile down the road, but for now I'm happy with wearing these out.

keycap set included were a nice compliment to the keyboard. Not the highest quality. They worked. I did switch them out to something nicer because I'm not personally a fan of the profile. They'll get you by while you look for a set you really want.

The finish is really great in my opinion. Never expected liking whatever gray color this is, but the longer I have it the more I like it. Plus, I wanted a change from always getting black peripherals.

Micro usb isn't fancy or braided or anything, for the basic kit it's like everything else: it works.

So why the 5 stars if this review reads as if this board is just "adequate"? Because all in all, for a board that's hot swappable, looks great (if you like floating switches), is pretty dang solid, and ready to use out of the box, I think it's worth it. If you're hesitant just go with something else.

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duskmoonflow

Dope 65%

Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2019

Style: Cherry MX Brown RGBColor: Space GrayVerified Purchase

This keyboard may be the last one you ever need... if you know exactly what you want: aka a dope AF 65% keyboard. If you are looking for dedicated function keys, consider the CTRL keyboard.

PROS:
-This keyboard is literally and figuratively very solid. The construction and build quality is superb and has significant weight to it.
-Hotswappable plate switches. Nice feature to have, but at $200+ it better be hotswappable. I bought the Cherry-MX Browns but plan on switching to Aqua Zilents in the near future. The switches themselves are good. Not gonna really comment on them cause we all know switch feel is subjective and you either you know what you want or you don't.
-RGB is vibrant and downright beautiful to look at, especially the LED ring around the board.
-Connects via USB-C (USB-A to USB-C) and has 2 ports so you can connect to either side of the board OR connect another device at the same time but at USB-2 speeds.
-Includes keycap puller, switch remover, and adjustable feet that are magnetic.
-65% keyboard so dedicated arrow keys.
-Can fully program this board via QMK software.
-Comes with a piece of paper that explains basic functions

INBETWEENS:
-Stabilizers are meh
-Keycaps have a grainy/rough texture to them. While I love the feel of them, it may be off putting to some.
-Magnetic adjustable feet positions may not be steep enough for some.
-You can clearly make out distinct LED diodes around the board, so if you care about extreme uniformity in your RGB this won't be the board for you.

CONS:
-Lackluster amount of RGB profiles/effects straight out of the box.
-Using and flashing QMK software to change minor things (like say the color of just one key) can become annoying very quickly.
-Expensive (high in price for what it is, even if it is one of the higher-end quality boards).

****Please note if you want to get it as cheap as possible you can buy it on Drop at for ($180 + price of specific switches + price of shipping). Buying it here on amazon is essentially just paying for quick shipping on Drop.****

70 people found this helpful

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-milk_

Okay, but not good enough

Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2023

Style: Cherry MX Brown RGBColor: Space GrayVerified Purchase

It's a fine keyboard if that's all you care about. But at this price point it shouldn't be. The main issue with this board is the pcb it uses. It's doesn't have the 3 holes for the extra stabilizers some switches come with, meaning you either need to clip the poles from those switches, or look for ones that don't come with them. The stabs are clip on instead of screw on, so they're not very secure and make is very hard to work with. The case is very solid and feels nice, but you only have one mount option for the switches and the plate is very stiff. If that's your thing then it's alright, but if you want softer typing then you're out of luck. At this price point there are lots of other keyboards you can get that will work just as if not much better for cheaper or equal to this one. The extra usb c pass through is nice though

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Kristie

It’s aight, but not for $200

Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2022

Style: Halo TrueColor: BlackVerified Purchase

I have recently gotten into mechanical keyboards, so when I saw one of these on Warehouse for $88 I had to jump on it. If it were $88 new I still feel like I’d give it a 4/5, and here’s a few reasons why.

The Good - It’s construction is solid. It’s very high quality (in build-quality) and that is the best thing it has going for it.

The meh - This one is more of a personal preference, but I absolutely hated the Halo True switches unlubed. I feel like they’re polarizing though, so another person may absolutely love them; I like to bottom out when I type, and those switches are definitely for typists who glide from key to key with little taps. The bottom out force is wicked, which is why I had issues with enjoying it. The sound was also very springy and I hated that.

The Worst - by far the worst part of this keyboard were the stabilizers. They’re rattly and sound worse than a $20 mechanical keyboard. It’s impossible to over-state how awful they are when considering it has a MSRP of $200 and is from a major brand. They’re not salvageable in my opinion.

The glimmer of hope - After lubing the halo trues I actually enjoyed them and they had a really nice sound. I could have just had a batch of switches with terrible spring ping, but after lubing them they were perfectly fine. I still liked the keyboard the best with Gateron KS-3 Yellows. After a new set of stabs from EpoMaker the keyboard sounded pretty amazing. I also added some neoprene foam in the case, but for anyone else looking to do that mod buy the thinnest option. The foam I have is not very thick, but with such a thin keyboard it was a pain to close back up.

Overall if you like to mess with keebs and want a good little project, buy one off Warehouse. DO NOT buy this keyboard for $200 expecting a finished product

5 people found this helpful

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Human Person

Complicated combo of Pros and Cons

Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2020

Style: Halo ClearColor: Space GrayVerified Purchase

If you are considering this thing, you likely already know what it is and are already so so into mechanical keyboards, but not yet enthusiast enough to join a group buy for a DIY kit that is somehow more expensive. If you are new to mech boards and don't understand what is up with this thing, watch some YouTube reviews.

If you are still here, you are likely less patient than waiting for Drop to ship you one of these for $15 less much more slowly. Here are the issues with this board, having used it for a good few months:

The usb c ports are bizarre- they are very finicky about what usb type c to type c cables you use. If you are using a type A to type c, like what comes in the box, you're likely fine. But getting this thing to initialize is weirdly inconsistent, even with the same plug in the same position. Sometimes it wants some magic words said or something. Don't plug it in with something in the passthrough slot either, that always seems to prevent it from working.

If you haven't spent a lot of time with a 65% board, then I want to warn you about one thing. You are likely going with 65 or 68% in order to get the arrow keys that you don't get on a 60%. However, with no separation between the other keys and the arrow cluster, it's hard to operate them without many accidental hits on the pgdn, shift, and enter. I'd recommend finding a varmilo 68 style keyboard that puts in a little gap around the arrow keys to fix it. I randomly accidentally delete text all the time and have to ctrl z when these false positives go off.

Otherwise, the software to customize lighting effects and key settings does work, though tutorials for Mac that are adequate are hard to come by. Still much better than having to use software remappers that have to be open to work and configured on a computer by computer basis.

Worth noting, if you are an RGB fiend, this is by far the brightest keyboard RGB I have ever seen. It's almost obscene.

Never personally had the issue where the feet roll around with side to side, but I use this for typing with lubed Halo Clears and Tug Gear T1s (for the non alpha keys for some contrast).

10 people found this helpful

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