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Drop + OLKB Preonic Keyboard MX Kit V3

Drop + OLKB Preonic Keyboard MX Kit V3

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Product Description
The original Preonic keyboard was praised for its build quality, compact form factor, and intuitive layout—and the new version is no different. However, this time around we're offering the CNC-aluminum case in your choice of five colors, including the striking new purple colorway Read More
Review Highlights:
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My absolute favorite
Easily my favorite keyboard form factor of all time. It has everything I need and nothing I don't use (and layers for things I want but don't use often). It's small enough to slip into my carry-on bag for work trips, or just in my backpack for when I'm going to chill at a coffee shop. Construction-wise, the Preonic Rev. 3 is built like a tank. Make sure you save the tiny pamphlet in the box, it has the assembly instructions. Personally, I go for the ultra-secure plate method. This uses the provided bolts and spacers to make the plate firm within the case. The plate is a hefty stainless steel plate with a tight tolerance. It will take some force to push the switches in. BE WARNED! The hotswap brackets for the switches can come off if you push too hard. I have made 4 of these model and have never had the issue, but it has been known to happen. The recommended method is to put a few switches in the plate, then line them up with the PCB, then place the remaining switches in place by putting your finger on the back of the PCB to hold the black hotswap in place while you use medium force to push the switch into the plate. This reduces the risk of popping off a hotswap. The board is programmed with QMK, but make sure when flashing it that you use the Rev 3 firmware. Rev 2 used a different micro controller and the firmware and layouts aren't compatible. I would love to do a write-up on QMK, but it's a bit complicated to set up and there are a million different things you can do with it. If you have questions, you can always ask on the OLKB subreddit (reddit/r/OLKB). Search first! Your question has probably already been asked and answered, but if you're really not sure just make a new post. People will usually help, but it's not super active so it may take a day or two to get a response. Included is a picture of my collection, which is just about a year old. I have quite a few more now...
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Would recommend to a friend.
This is my first orhtolinear, and three days in I'm really liking it. I'm still in the process of figuring out where I want keys to be, and am _really_ liking the MOD_T setup (i.e. left-shift on hold, enter on tap, etc). From what I can see, it looks like there is a little solder on the USB-C connector, though that piece still makes me a little nervous. I got a magnetic cable set ( https://amzn.to/2Eup4dR ) so there isn't any strain on the connector. Since I pack this from work to home and back, it's great for the convenience factor alone.
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Q&A Highlights:
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Do I need to assemble this myself?
Yes, but no soldering required to get a basic keyboard with switches.
LED ready--meaning LEDs need to be soldered to the board (yes/no)?
The board comes with presoldered addressable LEDs around the edge of the board, other than that there is a cutout under each switch where you could put LEDs but there is nothing else other than the hole. If you wanted per switch LEDs you'd have to wire them separately.
See all 135 questions

Customer Reviews

4.7
(735 reviews)
5star
(554)
4star
(138)
3star
(22)
2star
(12)
1star
(9)
95% would recommend to a friend
By Feature
Build Quality
4.6(12)
ActivitiesPopular among reviewers
Paired SwitchPopular among reviewers
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MrIgmo
2
Mar 10, 2024
Activities:Work & Gaming
Paired Switch:Tactile
Keyboards Owned:7
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I loved this keyboard
But it stopped working right at 3 years old. I can't type on a normal keyboard anymore. It's driving me crazy. It still powers up, it even makes the little musical notes when plugged in. But I think there is something wrong in the USB C jack, I want to reflow the soldlier as a last attempt to get it working again. I'm just afraid I'll ruin the hotswap sockets in the process. But it's trash anyways how it is. Might as well try it. I bought a new USB C cord, I also think I will try it on another computer because maybe it's a driver issue. Never know. Oh yea, finding out that I can't find a replacement board anywhere is a real bummer. What's up with that? You think they'd have them in stock somewhere if they sell good enough to sell out everywhere.
Recommends this product? Yes
Hoonigan
5
Feb 22, 2024
Paired Switch:Tactile
Keyboards Owned:8
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Ortho ain't for everyone
Couldn't get used to the layout including planck.
Recommends this product? Yes
meen
0
Jan 15, 2024
Keyboards Owned:2
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Compact and easy to build
I like that it’s small, has num row and easy to build. The plate is too hard for my taste and I stopped using it coz I prefer wider one and now I prefer split keyboards. It’s good in general
Recommends this product? Yes
RAOEUS
0
Oct 17, 2023
Activities:Work & Gaming
Paired Switch:Linear
Keyboards Owned:10
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Easily my favorite keyboard
I have bought many, many keyboards in my time, but this one is my absolute favorite of all time. The QMK firmware is easy to change, the LEDs are really great, and it just feels like a good and simple ortholinear board. I use it for both stenography using Plover and for QWERTY typing.
Recommends this product? Yes
Activities:Work
Paired Switch:Tactile
Keyboards Owned:4
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Great ortho to get a foot into orthos
I loved the simplicity of it, you get a unique typing experience and can put the joy in getting down a new learning curve, I daily drove it for a while and it still is in a rotation of keebs I have and its always really fun to get back into ortholinear in a complete small package
Recommends this product? No
AlarmingPhysics
2
Aug 18, 2023
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Pretty Good.
This was decent. Case is super heavy which could be a plus or a minus. The plate will borderline destroy your switches if you need to pull them out though, it's insanely tight. I bought two of these and one died, which Drop accepted back no problem.
Recommends this product? Yes
Nangesh
3
Jul 11, 2023
Activities:Work
Paired Switch:Linear
Keyboards Owned:10
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Good practice for building and flashing built keebs
Not exactly what I'd use normally but hey, why not try it and add it to the collection.
Recommends this product? Yes
VsMyself
3
Jun 17, 2023
Paired Switch:Tactile
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great little keyboard
I am loving the Ortho layout and this is a higher quality starter keyboard.
Recommends this product? Yes
llondono
1
May 27, 2023
Activities:Work
Paired Switch:Tactile
Keyboards Owned:10
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An Exceptional Typing Experience with the Preonic MX Kit V3
I had the pleasure of acquiring the DROP + OLKB Preonic Keyboard MX Kit V3, and I must say that it has exceeded my expectations in every way. This keyboard has truly elevated my typing experience and provided me with a level of customization that is simply unparalleled. First and foremost, the build quality of the Preonic. The compact design and solid construction make it a joy to use. The aluminum case not only gives it a premium look but also adds a satisfying heft to the keyboard, providing a stable typing platform. The highlight of this keyboard, however, lies in its programmability and customization options. With the QMK firmware, I was able to customize every key to my liking, assigning various functions, macros, and even complex layers. The configurability is a dream for those who seek personalized shortcuts and optimizations for their workflow. Typing on the Preonic is an absolute pleasure. The MX switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, and the ortholinear layout has improved my typing accuracy and speed. The keycaps, which are DSA profile and made of high-quality PBT, feel great to the touch and have a pleasant texture. In terms of compatibility, the keyboard offers versatility with its USB-C connection and the ability to work seamlessly across different operating systems. Whether I'm using it with my Windows PC or my macOS laptop, it functions flawlessly without any compatibility issues. Additionally, I must mention the excellent customer support and community surrounding the Preonic. The OLKB community is incredibly helpful and provides a wealth of resources, making it easy to get started and explore further customization options. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend the Preonic to anyone who appreciates a premium, customizable typing experience. Its build quality, programmability, and exceptional typing performance make it a standout choice among mechanical keyboards. Prepare to be delighted by the Preonic Keyboard's superb craftsmanship and the endless possibilities it offers for tailoring your typing experience to perfection.
Recommends this product? Yes
goranb
0
May 26, 2023
Paired Switch:Tactile
Keyboards Owned:8
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Daily driver
I use this for work, daily, and I love it. The dedicated numeric keys are great, and don't add much to the footprint compared to Planck. And I was able to flash this one to use VIA, unlike Planck/Drop. Excellent, though not cheap keyboard. Worth it, though.
Recommends this product? Yes
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