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Drop SENSE75 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard
$249
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Drop SENSE75 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard
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$249
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keyboard_arrow_downHoffmanMyster
1658
Community
Oct 12, 2022
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Hey everyone! We're excited to launch the barebones version of our SENSE75 keyboard that debuted a little over a month ago.
In the time since launching the fully-assembled version, we have made a few substantial improvements to the keyboard platform as a whole, including a variety of sound-modifying features in the box (of both the fully-assembled and barebones offerings, including orders placed previously).
The following components will be included:
▪️ 2-millimeter-thick PE force-break points on each corner to absorb sound transfer between the top and bottom case.
▪️ A 3.5-millimeter-thick EVA foam layer between PCBA and switch plate.
▪️ Two layers of dampening between PCBA and bottom case: a 2-millimeter-thick layer and a 3-millimeter-thick layer, both made of polymer foam. This gives you the ability to “fill the space” for maximum dampening, or easily remove either layer for more gasket flex. The foam we’ve chosen is porous for good absorption and soft enough to allow gasket movement that’s even with all layers.
▪️ A pre-cut, fitted sheet of PCB tape in the box for those who want maximum sound dampening.
A full description of the changes can be found in the latest Studio Story.
And cutting to the chase, here are the updated sound test and assembly videos:
▪️ SENSE75 with Aqua King Linear Switches and FR4 plate
▪️ Standard prebuilt SENSE75 with Holy Panda X and Aluminum plate
▪️ New SENSE75 assembly video
(Edited)
GMNat0127
0
Keyboard Club Member
Feb 3, 2023
There is a reason I don't rush to post reviews.
I'm using this keyboard as I type this. "It" being the Polar "colour" barebones Sense75 keyboard. I will throw in a few jokes, I think at the bottom of the post, to get over trying to validate my "validation" of my own claims as to how I feel about this board.
I am using Hagoromo Alphas along with Godspeed (regular) modifiers. That means white or hard white on blue (of a variation). Every switch is lubed. (I figured who cares about wasting lube as I don't pretend to be an expert nor do I have a reason to "skimp" on the board in the future if I would, of course, be looking "backwards" in time.)
I'm using with MoonDrop Lunalight (linear) switches with PandaX switches mixed in at the F row as well as the extra keys around the "75" layout (arrows keys, etc...)
Let's get into "reviews" and comments, shall we?
I come from the land of the Commodore 64. I have ventured far. I know the "hilarity" of comparing "Bing" reviews versus "Google" reviews. I use an analog setup (knobs) for the fans on my dedicated loop. I have never "blown" money on "RGB" setups to the point where meme city starts calling. I would rather talk to you about a '56 Bel Air than RGB. I buy (pretty much only...) deluxe motherboards. I have never (*knock on wood) had a problem with a Drop order. I don't know if a mountain backpack is worth more than 8 custom knives or 20 custom knives. My main gripe with the ENTIRE Drop website is, essentially, a bunch of "loose change" comments about the cables. Tie that comment to the "deluxe motherboard" comment and you get the idea.
I have purchased a bunch of deskmats and mousemats in my time.
....so price in, price out... right?
I made all those comments above for a reason. This keyboard (as "fresh"), for me personally, operates like a dream comparatively against anything else I have used. I have noted that some Youtuber-Keyboarders have a taste in minimal designs. For me, this is relevant from an economic point of view.
That (if) you found a $400, $800 or $1000 or $200 dollar (blah blah) keyboard and made the inducement in your mind that it's "groupbuy world". Bing vs Google reviews. "Lol." That means the money is "up front" on the order for any "number" of keyboards that you might have just thought about or could think about. Let's start there. To tame or not tame the "RGB" comments. I can compare an Idobao id80 that has run a variety of switches. The RGB is done very well on that (crystal gasket) except for (probably) comments that end up moving "RGB" toward meme city.
I'm not against ideas. I'm saying that everyone knows "one half of the conversation". As per the "RGB". The Sense75 is sitting on a very "handsome" deskmat. The RGB is fine, I don't see making too many comments on it, other than improving it via some idea that is not "downtrodden", as a wise idea given that what counts on keyboards like this one tend to move towards points such as the spacing between the keys. How "bad" a keyset a user can choose for a keyboard before the keys don't sit straight or basically look ugly. If that is actually a variation of something "realistic" and so on. For me, the RGB is fine. I have more problems on my 3V rail on my computer than I do on "keyboards".
I start with RGB. Everyone talks about the price. Spectrum stuff. This leads to anything or anyone who wanted to make a comment on the volume knob or the various plates available for this keyboard or keyboards on site or otherwise. I find the volume knob to work "just dandy". As though that's my official response. Meaning I back my own comment off, being "some guy, as oppose to having a token endorsement of "high grade". I got the Polar model. I view the purchase as a (to a "various" degree) as proportionally about presentation.
That would also mean (as to my Bing and Google "comment") that I might be walking backwards into a review or "my" review given that I did mention the keycaps and the switches that I am using. As for the comment on presentation, included in "choicing" for the Polar model, one thing that speaks to me is the "double-staged" stainless steel springs in the MoonDrop switches (nylon switch). The PandaX switches working very well for purposes of sound or ("very well maybe") complimentary notes towards the LunaLight switches.
I'm (maybe) at the complete opposite end of the sound spectrum in relation to any comments in the section. I would consider scaling keyboards out (via affordability and price range) in terms of checking each "scale" or "plateau" of keyboard pricing by checking how cheap an assembly or one or two of them could run. "The cheapest switches and the cheapest keycaps, etc." Duh.
You can see the flex in the Idobao id80 if you were to type and then "push" the keycap down into the board. Meaning that the Idobao has a price point. Everyone has probably covered this but the comment is still meant as to be inclusionary.
White colour? Great. SA profile keycaps on Polar model? Great. Stainless steel springs on this keyboard? Great.
Sound and vibration? I'm hedged out. I have analog knobs for all the fans on my computer and it runs a loop. "Tannoy, lol." "300 Ohms." Super high signal-to-noise ratio on the soundcard. My board is lubed. I don't think I can make any comments that offer validation on the "noise".
I did catch the review saying that the "Sense75" logo is done in black on the Polar editions and their thoughts on that. Cutting that in would have maybe had someone rethink tolerance issues. I don't run equipment, for 1000s of hours, testing checking switches for "50 million presses". Make note of the fact that Drop has, now, black and white paint colours for their barebone cases. Note the application process for the paint as being different between the black and white models of this keyboard. The paint could have been done (on the logo) in an "off-white" or something that worked but perhaps did not break into "colour scheming" by picking something that wasn't a shade. If they felt blue or red had branding value, the "idea" could be extenuated simply by doing an off-black or off-white with a uniform colour tint mixed in. Or a "red for black" and "blue for white" or vice versa. RGB and meme city.
Version 1.1, etc.
Tolerances feel great and it feels great in the hands. I barely looked at the brass plate, so far, except to acknowledge "group buys". I would, at an intermediate level and as an "intermediary" (lol), say that "switch films" is a whole other "can of worms" in terms of the evolution of keyboards. Long term comment, etc.
I can't rate the board 4.2169 or 4.61782. I can only rate it at something like 70, 80, 90%, etc. as to the website. I'll just edit this up and then shove it over into the review section at some point. I would tell the "peeps at Drop" that there are a LOT of switches to choose from "planet wide". "That if we had 1 million switch types and a lot less than 1 million different types of keyboards."
GMNat0127
0
Keyboard Club Member
Feb 3, 2023
GMNat0127I have yet to do VIA/QMK. I also don't have a keyboard that is $50 more than this one that is flawless or 10 models "$50 or $75" cheaper that form their own "identity". Nor do I have a workup on that. lol
I do consider the knob well done. "Can I plug it into my Apple server? I do a lot of video."
beetlejude
3
Jan 23, 2023
So, I was pretty sure I was one of the first 300 to buy the Sense75 barebones, and I received my shipping notice, but haven't seen anything regarding the free set of MT3 keycaps. Any word on that?
Schnibs
38
Keyboard Club Member
Jan 25, 2023
beetlejudeYes, thank you. That's exactly what I was looking for as well.
MO69
12
Jan 5, 2023
Now it's 31 Jan? Thanks again for NO notification Drop! This does say a lot about quality of everything ...
MO69
12
Dec 29, 2022
Delayed from 28.12 to 09.01?!
A bit sneaky as it was pretty clear from very beginning this will not just ship immediately after Christmas.
I can say this delay (or even later date) was well known as Drop changed the delivery dates very close to Christmas.
UNFAIR guys, to delay trying to keep pre-orders. Why not just saying Jan 2023?
Tempted to cancel ...
Do not like cheaters!
(Edited)
Stylux
6
Keyboard Club Member
Jan 2, 2023
MO69And they never email or make any announcement despite it being their "Flagship" keyboard. What a bad move from Drop, how hard it would be to made it within estimated delivery date for a very long pre-order which is longer than some of the GB in custom world.
mdot
386
Keyboard Club Member
Nov 22, 2022
ok.... so.... maybe im reading into this - but is drop intentionally stifling criticism here?
i came back in to see reviews. on paper, this looking 'meh' at best, and i wanted to check back in to see what was being said about it. unless something has changed - this appears to be the only listing on the site without a reviews page. why???
tahoerider
284
Keyboard Club Member
Dec 12, 2022
I ended up canceling my order. Im not paying $200+ for a keyboard that needs to be fixed after i receive it.
TonyWong888
8
Oct 25, 2022
I kinda wish it had a 4th button on the right side like the GMMK Pro. I can see this keyboard is shorter without it, but I don't think it's worth the sacrifice.
GMNat0127
0
Keyboard Club Member
Oct 19, 2022
In my head currently, I have an "indexing" value on any tape mod I might perform during the "life" of this keyboard against the lighting on the bottom. Meaning having ratio for or against certain comments. I prefer, I assume, the Holy Pandas versus the Panda X but I don't think that means that much if taken over a long period of time. I, however, would be manually lubing the switches that go into most keyboards that allow me that opportunity.
I have the following key switches (I do not tend to line up with stuff like Oil Kings):
-Moondrop Tessence
-Aliaz Silent Tactile
-Holy Panda as well as Panda X
-Cherry MX Silent Red
Without listing all the keyboards I have owned, I think it's a "stressor" if I mention that it would be cool to see Ducky work on their foam in their keyboards. Following that with a loose joke about doing things in an environmentally safe way. In terms of Drop keyboards, and without mentioning very, very, very high-end priced keyboards on groupbuy packages, that Drop has a several that stand out among their preassembled keyboards. This being the essential point. That one does not typically question oneself when saying that they want "that" paint colour in particular. Which can potentially trade down to someone not mentioning what their explicit "favourite" is. (lol)
Another "split" might be read from a different margin if one uses the framing of mentioning 75% boards as well as anything closer to that "sizing". As if the keyboard industry has spent decades "innovating" through the use of Logitech volume knobs. Not to eliminate the point, but rather to alleviate it. "Therefore, how many decades must pass before TKL boards are actually 'creative'."
I'll probably run the Panda X for the F-row keys to start. I think there is a trade on the amount of people who would buy optical switches and those who pay attention to things like the Wooting boards. I think that I can hand assemble my own computer cables for my computer if I really wanted to take the time and "veg out on the couch".
Meaning the current traded price is optimized on a relatively small group of selections (which is then probably traded back up against big or much bigger brand names). "I could mention that the Islay board looks great, but I might want it for myself." I would trade that against "Cooler Master actually did a couple of cool boards or maybe more than a couple?" (This does not cover attraction or traffic.)
I have the DCX Genesis and Red Samurai for this board. I'm a huge fan of the Sparta set although I do not have it. I could want a knurl that causes my fingers to bleed because that would be my preference. (lol) It's difficult to trade that "idea" on a custom board that has a volume knob, or two, and "Logitech".
(Edited)
thinkpod17
52
Oct 14, 2022
What makes this different than the GMMK pro? other than the outrageous price, of course. I wish I wasn't that guy on like every one of your keyboards but jesus the Q1 and GMMK pro's are just so much more worth the price. The Q1 not only comes with switches and keycaps, but is STILL cheaper than this kb. The best part is, somehow your white version is $50 MORE?? What gives guys??
AdamNorberg
7
Keyboard Club Member
Oct 31, 2022
thinkpod17Keychron has been good to me, but the GMMK Pro that I have does not in any way feel like a gasket mount, and the factory stabilizer lube job could best be described as "dipped in Vaseline", leaving all keys with stabilizers actively sticking and gooey-feeling. They know this is a problem and they have a blog post about how to fix it -- the first step is "completely disassemble the entire keyboard" -- but it's very optimistic regarding what can actually be fixed. I was unable to get the stabilizers to move tolerably (I managed to make one of them _worse_ somehow) and, ultimately, had to replace them with a new set (Durock) that I lubricated myself.
Definitely more questionable whether this beats the Q1 in quality by $100-$240 (depending on variant, whether the Keychron is on sale, etc.). It's definitely more complicated to the extent that the price difference is easily explained by manufacturing costs, but that doesn't mean the result is "enough better" to really justify it. Ultimately it's just not aimed at price-sensitive people.
thinkpod17
52
Nov 26, 2022
AdamNorbergThanks for the reply and opinion, and thanks also to you Luluna, I wasn't aware of these shortcomings since I never bothered with the pro. I have to agree though that drop's target audience seems to be people who don't mind spending an extra hundred on a nicer keyboard- yet they leave out some of the finer details those people might want to know. From what I've collated over the time I've been following drop's stuff, they seem to want people to buy first, ask questions later- to look at the surface level specs like "great build quality, LED's, hot swappable, cool keycaps!" and to say "shut up and take my 300 bucks!!"
I remember one time on one of their prebuilt keyboards (everything consisting of stuff they sell on the site, plus some 150 extra for building and lubing fees). Someone in the questions was asking some normal questions about the finer things in the keyboard, like why shouldn't I just buy all the parts from the same site and save myself $100, or what lube are you using? What makes it worth that much? And the person received very vague answers like a "proprietary blend" of lube, or "assembly services and labor taxes" from a drop employee.
All in all to anyone reading this, I'm sure you'll get a better response from anyone on reddit about any of these other keyboards, and if you really want to spend this much on a keyboard, do your research first.
Schnibs
38
Keyboard Club Member
Oct 14, 2022
I decided to give it a chance. Order is placed. With the current promo and some drop rewards credit on my account it's not a bad deal for me. I think we need to reward drop for making some moves in the right direction i.e. south facing pcb with 5 pin support, pcb mount stabilizers, a real plate not integrated, etc. etc. Plus it doesn't seem like it will be a super long wait. If it arrives when they say and I don't like it I can always make it a xmas present to someone hehe.
Vannunited
3
Oct 30, 2022
SchnibsSame here, order a black barebone one. Hopefully all the issue is fixed.
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