Massdrop x OLKB Preonic Mechanical Keyboard Kit, V3

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 case in your choice of seven styles, including the new transparent acrylic and red colorways. What's more, this version has a new ARM STM32 processor that provides more power to the PCB and the USB-C connector. Another upgrade? The new Preonic has Kaihua hotswap sockets (which support grid 2x1u, 1x2u, and 2x2u bottom row layouts), so you can swap out your switches whenever you want without even picking up a soldering iron. Plus, If you’re new to keyboard kits, the compact Preonic is a great way to learn about keyboard programming.

Designed by Jack Humbert at OLKB, the Preonic is made for efficiency. The layout is very similar to the Planck (also by OLKB), but with an additional row for easier access to numbers, function keys, or whatever else you’d like to program. The smaller space bar makes it easier to use your thumbs to access additional layers via the “raise” and “lower” keys. And even with the extra row, the keyboard still maintains a very compact form factor for portability.

Also notable, the PCB is outfitted with a small speaker, which is driven by the MCU. In the default firmware this will make a few different noises—like a short series of beeps on startup, notifications when you put the board into Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) mode, plus noises when you change the default layout to prevent mishaps when typing quickly. The speaker can be disabled by a keyboard shortcut or by flashing new firmware. This version also allows for expanded functionality with footprints for things like LEDs, DIP switches, power adapter plugs, Qwiic connectors, and more. For more information, check out the QMK documentation and the specs section below.

Give your keyboard a tactile feel like never before with the Massdrop Halo Switch Pack. Developed by Jacob Alexander, these custom switches combine the best attributes of quiet and clicky switches, which results in near perfect consistency and smoothness with each keypress. The switches come preloaded and offer an interesting pop during activation—similar to the force curve found in Topres. And because heavy tactile switches have been a huge hit over the years, both the Halo Trues and Clears are nice and heavy. The Halo Clears emulate Cherry MX Clear switches, while the Halo Trues better match the original vision of mechanical Topre switches.