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The mechanical keyboard I’ve been using for a few weeks now is the DROP CTRL high-profile. This keyboard boasts a number of impressive features, including hot-swappable switches, customizable RGB backlighting, and a solid CNC-aluminum frame.
Overall, I have been extremely satisfied with my purchase. The Cherry MX Brown switches provide a satisfying tactile bump and the medium actuation force is perfect for both typing and gaming. The keycaps are double-shot PBT with a nice matte finish and the RGB backlighting is fully customizable with millions of color options. Additionally, the hot-swappable switches allow for easy customization and experimentation without the need for any soldering.
A Versatile Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard
Designed with input from the Drop community, the DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard is a versatile tenkeyless keyboard. It is a game-changing keyboard that raises the bar for mechanical keyboards. With a sleek and stylish design, the high-profile aluminum case that covers the switches gives it a sophisticated look. The keyboard is designed to cater to both gamers and typists with its Cherry MX Brown RGB switches. The hot-swappable switch sockets of the DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard make it easy to customize the keyboard with ease. You can swap switches in seconds without the need for any soldering. The keyboard is also optimized with per-key lighting with millions of colors. You can fully customize the RGB backlighting and under-lighting according to your preference.
Mechanical Keyboard: Premium Engineering
Constructed with a tall CNC-aluminum frame, the DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard is built to last. The keyboard is rock-solid and ready for any setup. The keyboard is designed with magnetic legs that provide extra stability. The frame also has a built-in switch plate that makes it sturdy and durable. The Cherry MX Brown RGB switches of the DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard have a tactile bump, silent travel, and medium actuation force. They are great for both typing and gaming. The switches are also designed to last long, ensuring that you get your money’s worth.
Mechanical Keyboard: Customizable RGB Backlighting
Illuminated with fully customizable RGB backlighting and under-lighting, the DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard is a sight to behold. The keyboard has millions of colors to choose from, allowing you to set a single color or light them up with custom rainbow wave patterns. The keyboard is designed with optimized per-key lighting that ensures that each key is evenly lit. The lighting effects are mesmerizing and can be customized to match your gaming setup or workspace.
Mechanical Keyboard: A Tinkerer’s Dream
Enthusiasts will find the DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard to be an excellent keyboard. The keyboard has hot-swappable switch sockets that allow you to customize the keyboard with ease. The keyboard also comes with a keycap remover and switch remover that makes it easy to swap switches and keycaps. The keyboard is designed with dual USB-C ports that are a welcome modernization. The included keycaps are double-shot PBT with a matte finish. The surface anodization is a gray, darker than MacBook silver, and with a more aggressive bead blasting that leaves it more textured. The keyboard is a solid base to customize, and with mechanical and software mods, this keyboard easily gets 7 stars out of 5.
Mechanical Keyboard: A Solid Buy
Anyone looking for a fully customizable mechanical keyboard will find the DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard to be a solid buy. The keyboard is constructed with a premium aluminum frame that is rock-solid and ready for any setup. The keyboard is illuminated with fully customizable RGB backlighting and under-lighting, making it a great addition to your gaming setup or workspace. The keyboard has hot-swappable switch sockets that allow you to customize the keyboard with ease. The Cherry MX Brown RGB switches are designed to last long, ensuring that you get your money’s worth. If you are looking for a solid base to customize, the DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard is worth the price.
Not Worth the Price
While the DROP CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard is a step up from plastic keyboards, there are better options at this price range for custom mechanical keyboards. The orientation of the switches is a negative, and the keyboard is power-hungry. The QMK profile is limited to mapping your board on Drop’s own website, and the stock stabilizers rattle very badly, ruining the sound of your switches. While the keyboard is a solid base to customize, it needs work to be great. The typing on the stock case is pingy, and the keyboard is expensive. The stock firmware is incomplete, and it doesn’t remember your settings when it’s unplugged. The machining quality is good, but there are noticeable mill marks in the key well. If you want an amazing keyboard out of the box, you might be disappointed by the tasks left up to you.
Pros:
- The CTRL High-Profile is made with premium engineering, constructed with a tall CNC-aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate and magnetic legs, making it rock-solid and ready for any setup.
- This keyboard has hot-swappable switch functionality, allowing you to swap switches in seconds without soldering, making customizing the CTRL High-Profile a breeze.
- The CTRL High-Profile is illuminated with customizable RGB backlighting and under-lighting, with millions of colors to choose from, allowing you to set the perfect mood for your gaming experience.
Cons:
- The price point of $295.00 may be too expensive for some consumers, especially those who are new to mechanical keyboards.
- The stock stabilizers rattle very badly, which can ruin the sound of your switches, and may require additional purchases to improve the sound quality.
- The keyboard’s firmware is incomplete and does not remember your settings when unplugged, which may require additional customization to get the most out of the CTRL High-Profile.
Conclusion
While the price point may be a bit steep for some, I believe the DROP CTRL high-profile mechanical keyboard is well worth the investment for anyone in need of a high-quality, customizable keyboard. The only downside I have experienced thus far is that the stock stabilizers can be a bit rattly, but this can easily be remedied with some lubrication or replacement stabilizers. Overall, I highly recommend this keyboard to anyone in search of a top-notch mechanical keyboard.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Does the CTRL High-Profile come with Cherry MX Brown RGB switches?
Answer: Yes, this CTRL model comes equipped with Cherry MX Brown switches, which have a tactile bump, silent travel, and medium actuation force, making them great for both typing and gaming.
Question: Is the CTRL High-Profile easy to customize?
Answer: Yes, the CTRL High-Profile has hot-swappable switch sockets, which allow you to swap switches in seconds without soldering, making customization a breeze.
Question: Does the CTRL High-Profile have customizable RGB backlighting?
Answer: Yes, the CTRL High-Profile has fully customizable RGB backlighting and under-lighting, with millions of colors to choose from, allowing you to set the perfect mood for your gaming experience.
