CTRL V2 Mechanical Keyboard

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. Meet the CTRL V2: the long-awaited, Drop-created successor to the tenkeyless throne. 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. Beyond the electronics, we also outfitted the CTRL V2 with some new, top-tier enthusiast components—including our Phantom Stabilizers and an array of PORON foam and IXPE foam for a refined typing sound and feel. Of course, we also kept the things our community loved—like the CNC-machined aluminum case, magnetic feet for an adjustable typing angle, doubleshot PBT shine-through keycaps, and dual USB-C ports. It’s the highly anticipated sequel, with all the greatest hits. It’s the CTRL V2.

Like the original CTRL, the CTRL V2 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’s 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 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.

Alongside the lighting, nearly all of the electronics in the CTRL V2 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 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.

Elsewhere under the hood, the CTRL V2 showcases several high-quality components to deliver exceptional typing that earns its second-generation status. Minimizing both noise and friction, our plate-mounted Phantom Stabilizers feature abrasion-resistant, low-friction UHMWPE stems and exceptionally strong, non-resonant PA12 housings for a refined keystroke that holds up session after session. Pair yours with linear Gateron Yellow KS3 Switches or tactile Drop Holy Panda X Clear Switches to create your ideal typing sound and feel. And speaking of sound and feel, the CTRL V2 refines both with an influx of something new: foam. Following community input, we placed special types of foam in select areas of the CTRL V2 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. It’s foam-tuned typing—finished with a Phantom touch.

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 high-quality, PBT doubleshot keycaps with shine-through legends. 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, too. After all, what’s a great sequel without a few great callbacks?