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CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard
$150

CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

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$150
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Frequently bought together:
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Keycap Set
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Drop Holy Panda X Mechanical Switches
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Drop Phantom Plate-Mounted Stabilizer Pack

The New CTRL, Now in Barebones

What does it take to take a bestselling board to the next level? A long list of community-inspired updates, with build quality that’s better than ever before. That’s the baseline set for the CTRL V2—and now, we’re giving you your very own baseline to work from. Meet the CTRL V2 Barebones: the long-awaited, Drop-created successor to the tenkeyless throne—with just the essentials. Taking input from over five years of reviews, we made several key changes to this second-generation standout—including an upgraded PCBA with 5-pin switch support, a new STM32 chipset with better QMK performance, a range of RGB LED improvements, and an updated configurator for on-the-fly keymapping. On this barebones offering, you’ll also find an array of PORON foam and IXPE foam for a refined typing sound and feel, new to V2. Of course, we also kept the things our community loved—like the CNC-machined aluminum case, magnetic feet for an adjustable typing angle and dual USB-C ports. It’s the streamlined, highly anticipated sequel—with all the greatest hits. It’s the CTRL V2 Barebones.

CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard
CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

An Unrivaled RGB Experience

Like the original CTRL, the CTRL V2 Barebones is first and foremost an RGB keyboard. That’s why, like its predecessor, it features north-facing switch sockets: to shine the most light from its LEDs through its onboard switches and keycaps. But with the CTRL V2 Barebones’ RGB LEDs, there’s so much more to love. For starters, we’ve incorporated all QMK LED modes into V2’s PCBA—a major upgrade from the limited number of options available on the first-generation CTRL. With the addition of these modes, you can now adjust the hue and saturation of mono color and animation presets right on the keyboard, allowing for more flexibility without the need to flash new firmware and settings. Also now included is built-in EEPROM, which eliminates the need for EEPROM emulation. This means that CTRL V2 Barebones will keep its current lighting setting, even if it’s disconnected and reconnected to a separate device. Even better: this functionality happens out of the box—no extra setup required.

CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard
CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

A Refined PCBA With Upgraded QMK, VIA & Configurator Performance

Alongside the lighting, nearly all of the electronics in the CTRL V2 Barebones have undergone their own enthusiast evolutions. Take the new PCBA, which features reworked traces for a neater aesthetic, plus support for 5-pin switches to accommodate a much wider range of typing hardware. There’s also the new STM32 chipset—a major upgrade from the original CTRL’s Microchip chipset, allowing for quicker implementation of new QMK features and updates. (VIA support is also included, with Vial support coming soon.) Finally, unveiled for the first time on the CTRL V2 Barebones is our revamped Keyboard Configurator, which now allows for on-the-fly keymapping without the need for separate flashing or other setup steps. (This latest version of our Keyboard Configurator is similar to the VIA configurator, but it offers additional security checks in order to ensure higher protection against malicious actors.) It’s the finishing touch to an attentive electronics refresh—all to optimize personalization and performance, from hardware to software.

CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard
CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard
CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

A Foam Foundation

Following community input, we placed special types of foam in select areas of the CTRL V2 Barebones to refine its sound and soften its feel. This includes: PORON top case foam between the top case and the PCBA for a more plush and muted impact, IXPE switch foam between the top case foam the PCBA to act as a force break and modify switch sound, PORON socket foam directly under the PCBA to envelop the sockets and other key components, and PORON bottom case foam to eliminate any lingering hollowness. Add your favorite switches, stabilizers, and keycaps to build the perfect typing experience atop your new foam foundation.

CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

Fan-Favorite CTRL Features

Our original CTRL Keyboard is a community mainstay for more than a few good reasons. The sturdy and substantial CNC-machined aluminum case. The detachable magnetic feet that can be reverse-mounted for negative tilt. The ultra-convenient dual USB-C ports and hot-swappable switch sockets. It’s nearly an entire spec sheet’s worth of exceptional features—and it’s all on the CTRL V2 Barebones, too. After all, what’s a great sequel without a few great callbacks?

CTRL V2 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard

Case Color

Specs

  • Drop 
  • Layout: Tenkeyless (TKL)
  • 87 keys
  • Case material: Anodized, CNC-machined aluminum
  • Top case foam: PORON
  • Socket foam: PORON
  • Bottom case foam: PE
  • Switch foam: IXPE
  • Hot-swappable switch sockets
  • 3-pin and 5-pin switch support
  • Plate-mounted stabilizer support
  • Per-key RGB LED lighting and ring
  • North-facing RGB LEDs 
  • Dual USB-C ports
  • QMK and VIA programmable (Vial coming soon)
  • Dimensions: 14.50 x 5.49 x 0.61 in (36.83 x 13.95 x 1.54 cm)
  • Weight: 28.16 oz (798 g)
  • Keyboard Configurator

Included

  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • Switch puller
  • Keycap puller
  • Drop 2-year 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 Nov 4, 2024 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.

As Seen In
Top Customer Questions6
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Question
Is there a version with the board and foams only? I do want to keep my existing case.
Sep 15, 2023
Top Answer
mattris
1299
The V2 PCBAs, Foam Kits, and Stabilizer Packs are available separately. Add all three to your cart, and use code "UPGRADEV1" to get the stabs for free.Read More
Sep 15, 2023
See 1 More
Question
Does the Barebones kit come with stabilizers, or do they have to be purchased seperately?
Oct 1, 2023
Top Answer
LukasM
1695
Stabilizers are not included.Read More
Oct 7, 2023
See 2 More
Question
Are there onboard lighting profiles like solid colors?
Oct 4, 2023
Top Answer
A-Rock
0
According to the info on the Keyboard Configurer page, there are controls to set all sorts of lighting options, solid color among them: https://drop.com/talk/9382/how-to-configure-your-ctrl-keyboardRead More
Oct 6, 2023
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