Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard - Product Review 2021

Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard 65% (67 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Double shot PBT, Aluminum Frame, Cherry MX Blue RGB

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

CHERRY MX BLUE RGB SWITCHES This ALT model comes equipped with Cherry MX Blue switches which have a distinct “click” sound when pressed making them the loudest and most tactile switches in the Cherry MX family

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.

FULLY PROGRAMMABLE VIA QMK The ALT features the latest QMK firmware which allows you to program your keys and create custom macros and key mappings—an essential feature for gamers and programmers

COMPACT LAYOUT, COMPREHENSIVE FEATURES

The Massdrop 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 key binds to every key. With dual USB-C connectors, the ALT gadget is outfitted with the latest connections. What’s more, it has customizable RGB backlighting and under lighting. 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.

FULLY PROGRAMMABLE VIA QMK

Customizing your keyboard is a lot of fun. That’s why the ALT gadget 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 key mapping 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 gadget features light pipes built into the switches that are optimized to deliver the lightest 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 Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard 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.

Cherry MX Blue RGB: 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.