Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Drop SHIFT V1 Mechanical Keyboard

Drop SHIFT V1 Mechanical Keyboard

bookmark_border
Where's the price?
To negotiate the best possible price for our customers, we agree to hide prices prior to logging in.
6.7K requests
·
Free Returns in USA
Product Description
The latest addition to our family of mechanical keyboards, the Drop SHIFT is our largest and most ambitious undertaking yet. Done in the compact 1800 layout, it’s still significantly shorter than a traditional full-size keyboard, which frees up desk space for other gear Read More
Review Highlights:
expand_less
Overview: The Drop Studio SHIFT follows in the footsteps of the CTRL and ALT keyboards, though adds some great quality of life improvements and notable upgrades. Build Quality: Like the CTRL and ALT, the SHIFT has a low profile aluminum case with an acrylic diffuser through the middle of the board. The keyboard is exceptionally sturdy and clean looking without any visible screws on the top or sides of the keyboard. On the bottom, the angled feet have been upgraded with stronger magnets and better design so that they don’t accidentally slide off when moving the keyboard around. After a few days of testing I never had any issue with the feet. Like previous boards in the family, the SHIFT features 2x USB-C connections on the back, one on either side of the keyboard. Overall the SHIFT is a very sturdy board that didn’t leave me with any quality concerns. Features: Lighting: The SHIFT has a few upgrades over the CTRL and ALT hiding beneath its surface. For starters, there are 60 additional LEDs on the underside of the keyboard, making the glow much brighter and more uniform. It is an immediately noticeable upgrade when turning on the keyboard. Furthermore, the SHIFT still has per-key lighting and features PBT caps with shine through legends, letting you fully utilize the RGB lighting. (keycaps may differ in production version) Layout: For me, the 1800 layout is not only a classic with a lot of aesthetic appeal, it also provides quite a bit of improved functionality over a traditional full size keyboard. For starters, the SHIFT is just slightly longer than the CTRL, though provides a full nav cluster and numpad. As someone that uses the numpad a lot in professional software, this layout has become something of a staple for me and one of my favorite layouts of all time. Programmable: I did not have time with my sample to program the board, so I will reserve this section until I have more time with one. That being said it should be the same as the CTRL and ALT, which are both quite easy to program, even for a novice. Additional Features: One of the most notable features of the SHIFT are the Kailh hot swap sockets. These sockets are what allow for switches to be changed without any soldering. Unlike previous methods of hot swappable switches, these seem to be the new industry standard and are very durable and never really give me much issue. If you are careful to check for straight pins on your switches when swapping, you can easily change out the entire board in under 30 minutes. Summary Overall, the SHIFT is the keyboard I’ve wanted to see out of Massdrop for a while now. The board is feature rich and is a layout that I personally adore. For the price the SHIFT offers a tremendous value if the feature set lines up with your personal taste.
Tl;dr: If you’ve seen a Massdrop Ctrl or an Alt, the Shift is pretty much the same thing but BIGGER! OMG. This past week I was given the opportunity to review Massdrop’s new self branded board, the Shift! I see they are continuing their tradition of naming these boards after mods on a typical keyboard. I am really curious to see what the next keyboard’s name is going to be. Let me preface this review that I have no experience with any of Massdrop’s previous boards such as the Ctrl or the Alt, outside of meetups. This is my first Massdrop branded board and any comparisons I make to the rest of the series is done purely on my memories during meetups. Quick Specs The shift is a low profile hotswap 102 key keyboard made popular by the Cherry G80-1800 series. While it has the flat angled aesthetic, the Shift comes with removable magnetic feet giving it a 5 degree angle. It uses 6061 aluminum, dual USB C connectors, and it’s also QMK powered. When fully built, the board weighs 41.7 oz, or 1182 grams. Build Quality The build quality really is no different from Massdrop’s other branded boards. It’s got the same overall design language, and the anodization is consistent across all surfaces. USB ports are not flimsy, and look well supported. No dead underglow or dead backlighting either. Keycaps The keycaps are PBT OEM doubleshot shine through. They are fairly thick measuring around 1.2 mm. If you’re used to GMK or Signature Plastics, this isn’t anything to write home about. The legends really look no different than previous iterations. I appreciate that they don’t look too gamery. However, I did find the legends inconsistent. For example, on your typical board, you’ll find that legends on your num row are stacked one on top of the other. Sometimes the @ is on top of the 2, or the 2 is on top of the @. You’ll find this consistency across GMK, Signature plastics or even your typical rubber dome board. On the Shift you have the @ and 2 side by side and this is pretty much followed across the board for all keys that have double legends. However there are three keys where this “pattern” is disregarded and you have legends stacked vertically. Not really a problem, but it irked me. Hotswap Woes I’m not a fan of hotswap. Hotswap sockets are very finicky and can often pop off when inserting a switch with enough force. I recommend to support the back when installing switches. On this particular board, the bottom of the PCB is screwed in with 13 screws that it is a very tedious process to get the bottom off in order to do what I recommended. Another one of my issues with hotswap is that sometimes switches aren’t installed properly. On my review unit, the F11 key actually was not registering because of an improperly placed switch. I would recommend testing every key on your board when you receive it, in fact this should be a standard practice on any board you get. To fix it, simply pull the switch out, unbend the legs, or replace with a new switch. Circuit Board The Shift has a white PCB and when I first opened this up, I was surprised by the sheer number of LEDs this thing has. Not only does each key have its own LED, there are also LEDs encircling the entire board. That makes a grand total of 160 LEDs. I think this might be the most I’ve ever seen on any keyboard I’ve opened up. Soldering looks your typical factory soldering. Nothing seemed amiss, no burnt joints, no misaligned components. I compared it to other hotswap boards in my possession and if I’m not mistaken, the Shift’s hotswap sockets look like they are affixed with a little more solder. Looks like Massdrop has paid attention to those popping hotswap sockets I mentioned earlier. I am not an electrical engineer and I also have little to no experience designing circuit boards. The one thing that I disliked about this PCB is that it looks like the routing of traces which is basically the connections between each component of the board was done based on what worked rather than on making it look beautiful. This looks like a spider’s nest and having a white PCB makes this very very noticeable. To be fair, routing a board to make it look great is a time consuming process which requires a certain skillset to do right. Letting the PCB designer tool automate the process is just so much simpler, and probably a whole lot cheaper. This won’t make the board operate any less efficiently but is simply an observation. USB C I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Shift supported USB C to C connection for use with my macbook pro. Both USB C ports work great in this regard. It is very unlikely that I will be using this combo very often as the board itself is larger than my laptop. I did notice that that just testing every single key using an online keyboard tester was enough to drain my laptop’s battery by 2%. Having the RGBs at full glow probably doesn’t help either. At this rate, I don’t believe my laptop would survive an hour of regular usage with the Shift plugged in. Programming While this board is QMK compatible, at the time of writing this review, there is no formal QMK contribution. Never fear, Massdrop has consistently contributed QMK support for both their Ctrl and Alt boards and it will happen!  Another side note, up till about a month ago, the Ctrl and Alt used different controls and animations as compared with the rest of QMK. Now customers will have access to all of QMK’s lighting modes and I’m fully expecting the Shift to have this too. The particular unit I received had some strange default keymap formatting. For example, each of the numpad keys were actually mapped to num row keys. The num row keys were as expected until the subtract and addition keys, which were mapped to the numpad’s subtract and addition keys. Please keep in mind that I have a prototype board and this default keymap may very well change with the production units. Aesthetics I have long been a fan of the 1800 layout. In fact one of the very first custom keyboards I built was a modified Dolch Pac 60. Over the years though, I’ve found that the 1800 is too large for me for practical use, but I still love looking at them and have several in my collection. In my opinion, the low profile look does not meld well with the 1800 layout. Perhaps that’s just because every other 1800 layout board is high profile and I’ve been conditioned to view that as the norm. I think that the biggest gotcha for me is the space between the num row and the function row. This space is most often just the width of one key. This is true for the Shift as well, however the low profile look somehow makes that space a lot more apparent. It’s a similar illusion for the space separating the numpad. I think a high profile version of this board would have been the better choice aesthetically, however that definitely would have increased its cost. Judging from what I’ve seen of the Ctrl and the Alt. It seems that Massdrop has a compact keyboard theme going on.I think that rather than using the 1800 layout, the compact 1800 layout should been used instead. I believe that layout is more conducive to a low profile floating key look and will also look great in high profile. Conclusion Overall, this is a great board. My biggest issues were really all just aesthetic. I like how the Shift uses QMK, the fact that USB C to C actually works, and that the build quality is top notch. Despite my distaste for hotswap, I appreciate that the Shift provides a good option for people who want to try out all the new switches. I also like how magnetic feet are included in case you don’t like the flat angle. If you like the look, and are currently looking for a semi full sized hotswap board, I would highly recommend this.
See all 336 reviews
Q&A Highlights:
expand_less
Would the drop shift come in High Profile as well?
They said that they probably would do this eventually. People in the first run are still waiting on their boards.
See all 166 questions

Customer Reviews

4.2
(336 reviews)
5star
(164)
4star
(109)
3star
(34)
2star
(14)
1star
(15)
85% would recommend to a friend
By Feature
Sound
SilentLoud
Feel
StiffFlexible
Build Quality
4.4(7)
ActivitiesPopular among reviewers
Paired SwitchPopular among reviewers
search
close
checkVerified Buyer
Not worth it
This review is long overdue, but I thought I would write something up seeing as how Drop released a V2 of this keyboard. tldr; Pass on this board. There are cheaper and better options literally everywhere else. The keyboard itself is really expensive and for what it is, it honestly doesn't really do anything better than what you could buy with the same amount of money or less. In fact, there are many offerings that cost less in which this keyboard can't even be mentioned or let alone be referenced within the same sentence. Without getting too deep into all the specifics, the main issues with this board is the price point in which they are selling it compared to what's inside the board.
  • The PCB is a hot-swap socket but only allows for 3-pin switches.
  • The stock stabilizers are at best terrible.
  • Case has a lot of hollow/pingy noise when you type.
  • The RGB lights per key are north facing-- which I guess could be seen as fine since the design/marketing choice was to have this primarily as a light up RGB board.
  • The configurator Drop provides to program the board is limiting and doesn't matter since you would need to re-flash every time you disconnected your keyboard.
The list can keep going on (i.e. keycaps but that's hugely subjective) but overall these were some of the issues with it. Since the launch of V2, a couple things have been changed. The hot-swap PCB now allows for 5-pin switches, the stock stabilizers are "upgraded" (more on this later) to their drop phantom stabs. Case noise should be reduced from all the foam they give out now and it only took maybe shy of half a decade but this thing is finally VIA capable. Although these changes are a great step in the right direction a couple of things still don't add up to have this board still be priced at $250. The new stabilizers for V2, look exactly the same as the one found from V1. The only difference is that the housing comes in white now. I can't see any improvements or really anything different from the previous versions stabs and the "new" drop phantom one. Great to see foam, but that isn't really such a huge upgrade, stupid-fish have already been providing great foam for the Shift. The update for Shift finally being VIA capable is something that is long overdue and should have been done years ago. So it's definitely weird seeing that as one of the big marketing points. When the Shift first came out years ago (still a bit pricey) it was almost a good deal and I really had high expectations for it as I am a fan of the 1800 layout and no one was really doing it back then. However, looking at the V2 and all the "updates" that were made, it is easy to say that you can pass on this board and not feel like you are missing out on anything. For the price point, there are boards everywhere that do it better right now. Something else to note, all the additions found in the V2 are 100% compatible with the V1. I was really excited about this prospect because I thought changing out the PCB and checking out the foam set would be something to look forward to. However, to my surprise the PCB and even the foam set were priced extremely high. Considering the biggest changes to the PCB were the addition of 5-pin switches and changing out the chipset (not even a wireless option!), it doesn't warrant that kind of pricing.
(Edited)
AndrewCMc
1
Oct 22, 2023
c--aI totally agree. The v2 board is $75 and not a substantial upgrade. For the foam and pcb you're looking at $100. Thats insane for how little you get. There are $75 options that come with aluminum case and well lubed switches and stailizers. I have a v1 board and the 1/! Failed. Changed out switches with a woking key and the switch is good. No bent pins or bad contacs. Item was a gift and i think it was purchased locally so they won't cover it. And I'm sure not spending that much on a board. I guess it will be desk art. I regret ever even thinking these keyboards are premium options. Definitely better than a big manufacturer product but not considered premium. Just carries a premium price point for a solid midteir keyboard.
axiao123
0
Oct 12, 2023
Activities:Work & Gaming
Paired Switch:Tactile
Keyboards Owned:5
checkVerified Buyer
Excellent keyboard
No complaints, as described. Would recommend.
Recommends this product? Yes
lunabee
0
Oct 11, 2023
Activities:Work & Gaming
Paired Switch:Linear
Keyboards Owned:1
checkVerified Buyer
Luxury Keyboard
Ever since I purchased this to up my ergonomics and web dev output it’s stood the test of time. 3-4 years later and it still works like a dream and is easy to clean. I’ve swapped key caps, cleaned it and it’s moved more times than I can count. As long as you take care of it, prepare to have a lifelong keyboard.
search
search

Recommends this product? Yes
JoshX
12
Jul 18, 2023
Paired Switch:Tactile
Keyboards Owned:5
checkVerified Buyer
Better Options out there
I bought one before I knew more about the hobby, what was available, and I wanted to own a 1800. Build is a case mount and requires plate mounted stabilizers, the assembly doesn't allow almost any modding, but I had some fun with all these restrictions; I placed some foam from stupidfish (https://stupidfish.design/collections/keyboard-foams/products/drop-shift-low-profile-case-and-plate-foam-set) and placed some DSA keycaps on because DSA is a profile that is really sound neutral. All in all I can't recommend unless you want to try and give yourself a challenge modding.
search
search

Recommends this product? No
Ichibrosan
0
Jul 4, 2023
Activities:Work
Paired Switch:Clicky
Keyboards Owned:17
checkVerified Buyer
A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT
i Bought this expensive keyboard (had to wait for it) because I needed buttons with a certain touch to get along with my fingers. The problem is that I am not a touch typest. I am a sight typest. I cheat. I am a very fast sight typest. I type c++ code like lightning, on the right keyboard. But I have to be able to read the key-caps. The default lighting pattern is a slow switch between a rainbow of colors, continuously. But between the colors, there is a space where the keys are unlit. So I am typing along and all of a sudden the key go blank. I do research to see how you change the lights. There is a web page to design a new layout and it spits out a config file. Then you do something with the config file that writes it into the keyboard. But nobody at Drop know what that it. No one could help me. A dozen emails to support and no joy. The buttons are perfect, I love them, but the lighting is toxic top my eyes. another pile of money spent and hours wasted with no resolution. I believe everyone at the company is a marketing person and there are no engineers who know anything. I am completely kerfuddled.
Recommends this product? No
UnkemptCostanza
0
Aug 12, 2023
Ichibrosanyou can hit the right-side Alt+A to cycle through the default color schemes. the layout design is for customizing that setup if you want to change anything
Nagapala
0
Jun 25, 2023
Activities:Work & Gaming
Keyboards Owned:0
checkVerified Buyer
My first keyboard, I love it.
I need a numpad, so this keyboard was perfect for me. I am shocked what a pleasure it is for when I’m writing, and it’s been great when I’m playing games too.
Recommends this product? Yes
fakenews
0
May 13, 2023
Activities:Work & Gaming
Paired Switch:Clicky
Keyboards Owned:4
checkVerified Buyer
Good Keyboard, Bad Cables
Amazing keyboard, but the cable snapped after a few months. I'd recommend buying your own
Recommends this product? Yes
Carlll
0
Apr 27, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Turns Off.
EDIT: It's getting worse! hands down the worse keyboard I've ever owned. I've never had one fail this bad before. The amount of time it waits in between each shut-off is getting worse. Keybaord decided one day to just stop working randomly. The lights stay on but every key is unresponsive, I have to unplug and re-plug to get it going again. Of course, it's out of the 1-year warranty.
(Edited)
bubbaboy
1
Apr 8, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
First Timer In The Hobby. Very Satisfied.
PRODUCT: Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard (1800 Layout) SWITCHES: MX Brown RGB Been looking to jump into the hobby. Not many options for full size (ish) mech keyboards and this one ticks a lot of the boxes the other ones I looked at couldn't. Had it a week and a half so far. Very impressed with the construction, the feel, the aesthetic... Chose MX Brown RGB. It was the only option to have backlighting which was a must for me, not necessarily for color. But more on that later.
  • Despite the low 37g force threshold, the switches feel natural to type on. Using for work and gaming. The keys look and feel of good quality. The shine through is flawless on 99% of the keys. The only one worth commenting on is the numpad enter key. It looks like the shine through (etching?) is done right but could be located more optimally with respect to the switch led.
  • Works out of the box, no setup required if you just want plug and play.
Overall though a very clean and functional keyboard. 1800 layout feels great. I cannot compliment it enough. Hot swappable switches are nice too. As a beginner it makes testing and learning about other switches easier. All that being said, I need more time to understand the QMK software. As of now, coming from 'big brand gaming keyboard' experiences, it does not seem as well polished for end user convenience regarding customizability. It seems everything needs to be preprogrammed and layered to make different effects occur, initiated by macros and required to be flashed onto the board where it stays static until you recompile and flash a different layout. It would be nice to offer something more modern, that can be written to from the desktop live without flashing firmware for each change. Maybe someone can shed some light for me if I am misunderstanding this. The software thing is minimal though and doesn't need to be changed often. Even if it is painful at least there is still a way to do it. 9.5/10 - Doubt you'd be disappointed in this keyboard. edit: added photos
search
search
search
search
search

(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
Snodds
20
Apr 8, 2023
Activities:Work
Paired Switch:Tactile
Keyboards Owned:4
checkVerified Buyer
Good stuff, especially if you need the numpad
Big fan of the Halo Trues, they have great resistance, and great tactile feedback. The construction of this keyboard is great. They did a good job with a smooth anodized aluminum that feels nicer than my GMMK Pro. I'm not too into LEDs, so I just leave it on a static color and turn the brightness all the way down. I use this for work, and I wanted a numpad for that reason. No regrets, very happy with it.
Recommends this product? Yes
AndrewCMc
1
Oct 22, 2023
SnoddsWhat part of this feels nicer than a Gmmk pro? Like the sufrace finish? Or the metal quality? My GMMK pro has a smooth finish and weighs a little more than 3.5 lbs. And came gasket mounted with foam. Not to mention way better keycaps. Yes i know that a $350 keyboard but for as much as this costs it should have at least a little piece of foam. A royal kludge come with foam and their sun $60.
Snodds
20
Oct 22, 2023
AndrewCMcI felt the surface finish of the aluminum was finer. It’s smoother with a bit more gloss from the anodizing. My GMMK Pro is pretty rough and matte. Definitely a personal preference, I could see someone having opposite preferences to mine. I supplied my own keycaps for the GMMK Pro so can’t comment on that.
Showing 14 of 427
keyboard_arrow_up
Newest
427 OF 427 POSTS
keyboard_arrow_down
Oldest
Related Products