Hello. If I’m building an alt from scratch, I’ll need this case, a PCBA, the stabilizers, switches, and keycaps, correct? Do I need the LED diffuser? Am I missing anything? Thank you!
JohnAconThis is not consistent with the info provided on the page:
“If you own an original Massdrop ALT or ALT High-Profile keyboard, you’ll need to purchase a plastic LED diffuser (available as an add-on here) to ensure that your new ALT High-Profile case fits properly. Owners of the newer Drop ALT or ALT High-Profile keyboard do not need to purchase this diffuser, though you can add it to your order if you want an extra.”
The language around the diffusers is extremely confusing. I think what I've determined is that if you're building an ALT from scratch, you need to buy a diffuser no matter what. Since this product listing is for an aluminum case by itself and no other materials, I feel like Drop should mention this explicitly.
However, the "Owners of the newer Drop ALT or ALT High-Profile keyboard do not need to purchase this diffuser" quote is only referring to people who already own a fully built ALT keyboard and are looking to use their current diffuser with this new case case. This product listing is for a single case with no other materials, so it seems like they're saying you don't need to buy a diffuser at all because the older Drop ALT case is the only one that needs a diffuser, but they are actually saying you can reuse your diffuser if you already bought one of the newer Drop ALT keyboards in the past...
This was not obvious to me at all bc I don't already own a drop alt and the diffuser is not mentioned anywhere on the fully built listings.
This post clarifies the difference between the older and newer drop alt cases, but fails to mention that if you're building an alt from scratch and don't own any drop alt keyboard materials yet, then you do need a diffuser
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but based on my research you definitely need a diffuser (if you don't already have one) otherwise the case won't fit properly.
I'm sure it's just me, but can someone please tell me whether or not this item (ALT Case in Bronze) does or does NOT ship with the PCB? I really want to make a Space Race board and have the keycaps and switches.. just need the Bronze ALT (and PCB?), stabs and foams.
A community member
Mar 17, 2022
It's just an empty case, it doesn't come with a PCB. The idea is you buy a regular Alt (which comes with everything) and then move it into this case later on if you want.
No these are plate mounted so you can only use plate mounted stabs.
These are compatible:
https://drop.com/buy/everglide-panda-gold-plate-mounted-stabilizer-set
The stock stabs that come with the original drop alt are pretty bs coming from a $200+ keyboard. So recommend those stabs.