Disappointed, the tolerances on this board are too tight
Really disappointed in this case. This case will not accept Drop-compatible plate-mounted stabilizers. I even lubed and replaced the stabilizers twice. I had to resort to filing down the plate mounts slightly so that the stabilizers would work properly, and I’m still workshopping this issue. This is the third CTRL I have built out, and I can say for certain to avoid this case. The paint on the aluminum feels cheap and scratches off easily. Support was completely unhelpful. Really disappointed in how DROP has faired after the Corsair acquisition.
You also still cannot buy the diffuser, which I have been keeping my eye on for months.
this case is no joke. I could kill someone with the sheer weight of this thing. it's heavy so it doesn't move around at all. but it's HEAVY in that it's pure metal. overall good case, came with screws to match and has a nice finish. Silicone bumpers on the bottom are the only thing that keep it from scratching the desk.
This is the same case used in Drop's high-end, pre-assembled Icon Collection. (See the "Paragon Series Snowboard" at https://drop.com/buy/drop-paragon-series-snoboard)
Despite the fancy billing, I find the case's finish rather disappointing. Up close, the surface has a fine orange peel texture which is rather uneven across all sides. Also, my pictures may not show it well, but in some areas the ceramic coat is thinner so you can see a tint of the aluminum show through. When I read ceramic, I was hoping to get a something with a smooth, opaque, and even finish. This case falls significantly short of that.
I have been using the Low-Profile CTRL Keeb for the past 4 years and have been looking to buy a High-Profile case to swap to. As such, when the ceramic coated case was announced, I could not pass up this opportunity and Pre-Ordered the case on Dec 9th, 2022.
Pros:
High-Profile, so able to isolate and accentuate switch sounds
Ceramic Coating allows for a very deep and heavy sound (have not tried a clacky build)
Dense with no need to add foam unless you really want to dampen or change sound profile
Cons:
Ceramic Coating is susceptible to blemishes and scratches (Had some on the top right side near "Pause" and "Page Up"
Underside of case has MASSIVE holes to show where the screws are located
Requires separate LED Diffusor (+$10 added if not owned already)
Requires separate PCB (+$70 added if not owned already)
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a unique TKL or 65% keyboard, then this might be the option for you. However, it is very pricey for only being Ceramic Coated, and I would much rather invest in a Zoom75 or ZoomTKL with the amount that I have spent to make this board.
I want to say it is is a nice creamy white. I find it really makes the colors around it pop. I wish the white paint on my car looked this nice. Maybe my car needs keycaps… or drop needs to start making hubcaps. I hope they don’t or we’re all gonna go broke.