Drop CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard

The Drop CTRL High-Profile is just like the original CTRL, but now it comes with a tall CNC-aluminum case that covers the switches. Machined to be 6-degrees, the case is ergonomically crafted for a natural feel—and it’s quite a bit heavier than before. Thanks to the hot-swap switch sockets, the keyboard 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 keybinds to every key. With dual USB-C connectors, the CTRL High-Profile is outfitted with the latest connections. What’s more, it has customizable RGB backlighting and underlighting, so you can set it to a single color or light it up with a rainbow wave. To enhance the backlighting, there are shine-through doubleshot PBT keycaps, too.

The CTRL High-Profile is optimized to deliver the most light 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 LED diffuser with light-blocking material 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.

Customizing your keyboard is a lot of fun. That’s why the CTRL High-Profile features a fully programmable layout, designed for modification. Using the Drop QMK firmware configurator, you have total control over every key. Plus, the configurator allows you to program 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 use the spare connector to transfer data and charge devices at USB 2.0 speeds.

The CTRL High-Profile is made from a large block of anodized aluminum (in two finishes), which is known for its toughness and ability to hold a quality surface finish. About twice as heavy as the original CTRL, the keyboard won’t budge when you're locked into an intense FPS match or hammering out an essay. Thanks to the built-in switch plate and hot-swappable PCB, the keyboard gives you the freedom to change out switches whenever you like. In fact, the gaps on the sides of the case are specifically designed for the included switch-removal tool. Best of all? You don’t need to solder each switch. Just pop them in and they’re ready to go.

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, half the fun is swapping switches, keycaps, and components. Hotswappable keyboards are convenient ways to audition new switch types without the need to solder, but some PCBs have really stiff sockets and pins—so having a high-quality switch puller can save you a lot of time and effort. This high-quality puller from LOOP has a rubber coating for grippability and comfort, meaning you won’t have to worry about stiffness when pulling lots of switches. And the hooked, inward-curving claws reach safely and snugly around your hot-swappable or desoldered switches to give you leverage without doing damage.