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Drop CTRL V1 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

Drop CTRL V1 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

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Product Description
To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, it’s stable and fortified Read More
Review Highlights:
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The keyboard you need to buy!
Buy a bare bones keyboard and buy your own switches! Totally recommend that, it's cheaper and you'll end up with backup switches just in case one or two get funny years later into use! This keyboard is absolutely stunning in its machined aluminum frame. Everything is sturdy, build quality is astounding. The finish everywhere is pleasing to the touch. The keyboard has QMK firmware which makes it more or less fully customizable! Switches can easily be hotswapped which is awesome if you want to buy different switches or replace them. FYI most switches can be bought for pretty cheap. I love the caliber of RGB brightness, diffusion, and customization on this board. Overall one of my favorite purchases I've made beside buying shares of TSLA!
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Would recommend to a friend.
Decent quality for the price - Space Grey
This is a great starter board with hot-swap. Great accessories kit including: Keycap puller, magnetic back stands, USB-C cable. Will grab another unit again given the chance.
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Would recommend to a friend.
See all 291 reviews
Q&A Highlights:
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What kind of switches can I use with this - PCB mount or plate mount?
They are Plate mounted, but if you get PCB mounted switches you can just cut off the two extra thingys, i forget the words for them
Is there a full sized version in the works?
There is the Drop SHIFT which is a full sized keyboard, but the only barabones version of the SHIFT available as of now is the high profile version.
See all 53 questions

The Most Advanced Tenkeyless Keyboard Ever

To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, it’s stable and fortified. And thanks to the Kaihua switch sockets, it allows you to change 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 if you like. With dual USB-C connectors, the CTRL is outfitted with the fastest available connections. Aesthetically, the CTRL impresses, too. Featuring customizable RGB backlighting and underlighting, it puts on a show in myriad colors; or you can set it to a single color for a more subtle look.

Note: This is for the CTRL barebones - which ships without keycaps or switches. 

Drop CTRL V1 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

Optimized Per-Key Lighting With Millions of Colors

The switches on the CTRL feature light pipes that are optimized to deliver the most light possible through the keycaps. No matter what tone you want, it’s got you covered: You’ll have your choice from millions of different colors for every single key. Feel free to program the lighting to cycle through the entire spectrum, or set it to a two-toned look to match your setup. Don’t worry about flickering, either: The backlighting displays at a super-high frame rate, so it’s clear as day even at night.

Drop CTRL V1 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard
Drop CTRL V1 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard
Drop CTRL V1 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

Fully Programmable Via QMK

Customizing your keyboard is a lot of fun. That’s why the CTRL features a fully programmable PCB, 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 transfer data and charge devices at USB 2.0 speeds.

Drop CTRL V1 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

Hefty Aluminum Frame & Hot-Swappable Switches

Known for its toughness and ability to hold a quality surface finish, anodized aluminum plays the starring role in the CTRL’s frame. Heavy enough to stay put when you're cranking out an email or locked into an intense FPS match, the frame also has a low profile to complement your desktop. Thanks to the built-in switch plate and hot-swappable PCB, the CTRL 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.

Case Colors

Specs

  • 87 keys
  • Anodized CNC machined aluminum frame
  • Custom PCB 
  • Hot-swap switch sockets 
  • QMK firmware
  • Plate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizers
  • Floating key design
  • Dual USB-C connectors
  • PCB compatible with plate-mount switches and stabilizers only
  • Dimensions: 14.5 x 5.5 x 1.4 in (36.8 x 14 x 3.6 cm)
  • Weight: 34 oz (964 g)
  • Keyboard Configurator

Included

  • 56-inch USB cable
  • Keycap puller
  • Switch puller
  • Plate-mount stabilizers
  • 1-year Drop Warranty

RETURNS—NO QUESTIONS ASKED

We get it. Sometimes what you ordered just doesn’t work out. If that’s the case for you, don’t fret! All customers (both US and international) may return this item in new, unused condition within 30 days of delivery.

Shipping

Estimated ship date is Aug 30, 2023 PT.

Payment will be collected at checkout. Cancellations are accepted up to 2 hours after checkout for in-stock items, or up until pre-order ships.

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Top Customer Questions53
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Question
What kind of switches can I use with this - PCB mount or plate mount?
Jan 21, 2021
Top Answer
fatmansmemes
2
They are Plate mounted, but if you get PCB mounted switches you can just cut off the two extra thingys, i forget the words for themRead More
Feb 16, 2021
Question
How well does this work out of the box with Mac?
Jan 21, 2021
Top Answer
fatmansmemes
2
It should work with Mac just fineRead More
Feb 16, 2021
Question
Is there a full sized version in the works?
Apr 1, 2021
Top Answer
RandyMcChicken
2
There is the Drop SHIFT which is a full sized keyboard, but the only barabones version of the SHIFT available as of now is the high profile version.Read More
May 2, 2021
See 1 More
Showing 3 of 53 questions
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User Photos200

Customer Reviews

4.4
(291 reviews)
5star
(166)
4star
(87)
3star
(25)
2star
(6)
1star
(7)
89% would recommend to a friend
By Feature
Sound
SilentLoud
Feel
StiffFlexible
Build Quality
4.3(18)
ActivitiesPopular among reviewers
Paired SwitchPopular among reviewers
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