Intro: Drop ALT Barebones Keyboard Kit, Gaming Keyboard is highly-customizable. It’s available in different mechanical switches and is hot-swappable, so you can easily change the key switches without any fastening. The drop also sells various keycap sets to provide it with a unique aesthetic. It’s well-made with an aluminium frame, and the RGB lighting gets very bright and looks brilliant. Its latency is very nice, it will be best for gamers. Every key is macro-programmable and performs many functions, but there isn’t dedicated software and setting macros through the QMK software on the website isn’t user-friendly. It has excellent ergonomics, but it doesn’t come with a wrist rest, which means that some people may feel fatigued after long periods of use.
What is Drop ALT Barebones Mechanical Keyboard?
The Drop ALT Barebones Mechanical Keyboard kit is a 65% layout keyboard kit that comes assembled but without switches or keycaps.
Kit Includes
- Two-piece aluminium case with diffuser
- PCB compatible
- Plate-mount stabilizers
- 56-inch reliable USB cable
- Also a Keycap puller
- With Switch puller
Design and features
The DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit is a do-it-yourself keyboard kit that allows users to assemble their own keyboard from scratch. The kit includes the case, PCB (printed circuit board), and necessary components to build a functioning keyboard. The design of the DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit is minimalistic, with a focus on durability, versatility, and customization.
It is compatible with Cherry MX, ALPS, and other switch types, giving users the ability to choose their preferred typing experience. The design also allows for easy access to the PCB for modifications and custom programming. The barebone design also allows for additional components, such as OLED screens and rotary encoders, to be added to the keyboard.
The DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit has several notable features, including:
- Compatibility with multiple switch types: The DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit is compatible with Cherry MX, ALPS, and other switch types, giving users the ability to choose their preferred typing experience.
- Minimalistic design: The DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit has a minimalist design, with a focus on durability, versatility, and customization.
- Easy access to the PCB: The design of the DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit allows for easy access to the PCB, making it easy to make modifications and custom programming.
- Customizable: The barebone design of the DROP ALT keyboard kit allows for additional components, such as OLED screens and rotary encoders, to be added to the keyboard, giving users the ability to fully customize their keyboard to their needs.
- High-quality components: The DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit is made with high-quality components, ensuring a durable and long-lasting build.
- DIY assembly: The DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit is a do-it-yourself kit that allows users to assemble their own keyboard from scratch, giving them a sense of ownership and satisfaction with their finished product.
Setup:
Setting up the DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit involves several steps, including
- Assembling the case: The case of the DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit is made up of multiple pieces that must be assembled together. This can typically be done with screws or other fasteners.
- Installing the switches: The switches are the key components that allow the keyboard to register key presses. They are inserted into the case and then soldered to the PCB.
- Connecting the PCB: The PCB is the heart of the keyboard and contains the circuits that control its functions. It is connected to the case and the switches.
- Testing the keyboard: Once the keyboard has been assembled, it should be tested to ensure that all switches are functioning properly. Any issues can be addressed by troubleshooting or making adjustments to the wiring.
- Customizing the keyboard: The DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit allows for customization through custom programming and the addition of additional components, such as OLED screens and rotary encoders.
Performance:
The performance of the DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit will depend on several factors, including the type of switches used, the quality of the components, and the user’s preferences.
- Switch type: The DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit is compatible with multiple switch types, including Cherry MX, ALPS, and others. The type of switch used will have a significant impact on the keyboard’s performance, as different switch types have different characteristics, such as actuation force, tactile feedback, and noise level.
- Quality of components: The DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit is made with high-quality components, which will contribute to its overall performance. The PCB, case, and other components should be well-made and free of defects.
- Customization: The barebone design of the DROP ALT keyboard kit allows for customization, which can greatly enhance the keyboard’s performance. Adding components such as OLED screens and rotary encoders can improve the user experience and increase efficiency.
- User preferences: Ultimately, the performance of the DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit will depend on the user’s preferences. The type of switches used, the layout, and other customization options will all impact the keyboard’s performance and user experience.
In general, the DROP ALT barebone keyboard kit is designed to be a high-quality and versatile keyboard, offering users a wide range of options for customization and performance.
Specifications:
The following are some specifications of the Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard:
- Mounted: PCB compatible with plate-mount switches
- Layout: 65%
- Keys Number: 67
- Backlight: RGB
- LED: South faced
- Connectivity: Dual USB-C connections
- Switch Sockets: Plate mount (3-pin) with Hot-Swappable
- Anti-ghosting: 100% Key Anti-ghosting
- Dampening: Sound-absorbing, Aluminium Pad
- System Support: Windows NT, DOS, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 8, Windows 7, MacOS, Windows 95, Windows 10, Windows 98
- Weight: 24.54 oz (698 g)
- Size (L x W x H): 12.7 x 4.4 x 1.25 in (32.2 x 11.3 x 3.2 cm)
- Warranty: 1 Year full warranty
Build Quality
The Drop ALT has very good build quality. It has a really cool and solid aluminium frame that doesn’t flex at all. The double-shot PBT keycaps feel very great, but the switch keys wobble just a bit. The incline feet join the board magnetically. There’s rubber underneath the feet and, joined with the weight of the aluminium frame, it doesn’t slide around simply and easily.
Dimensions
The Drop ALT mechanical keyboard is a 65% model with 67 dedicated arrow keys. It doesn’t take up much room on your desk, and it’s about a similar size as the Ducky One 2 SF. If you prefer a larger model with a numpad, see the Drop SHIFT instead.
Ergonomics
This keyboard has excellent ergonomics. It comes with incline feet that join magnetically, so you can easily remove them, and they stay in place well while you’re utilising them. You can also change them around to have them on a negative incline. Sadly, it doesn’t present with a wrist rest, which is a bit disappointing considering the profile of the keys.
Backlighting
The Drop ALT keyboard has incredible RGB backlighting. It’s very bright and looks beautiful even in a well-lit area. There’s an RGB strip that goes around the pad, which is a very good touch. You can also control the brightness and effects directly with hotkeys, but you require the user manual to learn the complete list of hotkeys.
You can also customize the RGB lighting brightness through Drop’s interface on their website and flash the settings onto your keyboard. However, it’s not audience-friendly and isn’t considered dedicated software.
Cable & Connector
The included USB-C cable is the most basic, and the connector wobbles a bit when plugged into it. There’s a USB-C cable on both sides of the keyboard, and you can utilize either one to connect to your computer.
Typing Quality
It has brilliant typing quality. The double-shot PBT keycaps feel good, and the Cherry MX Brown switches give the best tactile feedback, but you can gain the board in several switches. You may feel fatigued after typing for long periods because of the high profile of the keys and the lack of wrist rest of this keyboard.
Latency
The Drop ALT keyboard has somehow low latency. It’s fine for most gamers and daily tasks, but competitive gamers may notice some delays.
Software & Programming
The Drop ALT doesn’t have committed software. However, there’s a QMK firmware also available on their website, but we don’t count it as committed software. Unfortunately, it isn’t user-friendly. It lets you set macros and customize the RGB lighting brightness, but you require to download the profile and flash it onto your keyboard.
Switch Sockets
DROP ALT barebone keyboards are designed without a case, allowing users to build their own custom keyboards with their preferred switches and keycaps. The switch sockets on the DROP ALT barebone keyboard are compatible with Cherry MX-style mechanical switches, which are commonly used in mechanical keyboards. The switch sockets provide a secure and stable connection for the switches, allowing users to replace or switch out the switches easily.
Anti-ghosting
The DROP ALT barebone keyboard has N-key rollover (NKRO) anti-ghosting, which means it can register multiple keys being pressed simultaneously without any keys being blocked or “ghosted.” This feature allows for fast and accurate typing and gaming, as all key presses are registered correctly, even when multiple keys are pressed at the same time.
Dampening
The DROP ALT barebone keyboard does not come with built-in dampening, but users can add dampening material, such as O-rings or foam, to the bottom of the keycaps to reduce the sound of the switches. This customization can be done by the user, depending on their preference for sound and typing feel.
Item Price:
Conclusion:
This is one of the best gaming keyboards which is used professionally by professional gamers. There is RGB gaming lightning, excellent layout, ergonomics and PCB compatibility making it easy and simple to use and excellent for all types of users.
FAQS
Is Drop ALT A good keyboard?
The Drop ALT is the best gaming keyboard. It’s available in a large variety of switches, so you can gain the ones you prefer.
What does Barebone mean in the keyboard?
Barebone is a keyboard without switches or keycaps. Barebone mechanical keyboards give users to build their own unique mechanical keyboard with less effort and soldering techniques.
Is Drop ALT hot-swappable?
Constructed with a solid hard aluminium frame with a built-in switch plate, the ALT is rock solid. And thanks to the hot-swap switch sockets, it grants you to swap switches whenever you want with no soldering required.
