Drop ALT Keyboard Review: My Custom Build Journey
As someone who loves diving into customization, the Drop ALT keyboard offered the perfect canvas for creating a truly personalized typing and gaming experience. Here's a look at my journey and thoughts on this versatile mechanical keyboard.
The Starting Point
The Drop ALT impressed me right out of the box with its compact and sturdy 65% aluminum frame. Its sleek design and vibrant RGB lighting were already great, but I knew this keyboard had the potential to be so much more. That's what drew me to it—it’s designed to be customized, making it the ultimate playground for keyboard enthusiasts.
Switching It Up
The ALT's hot-swappable PCB made the first step in my customization process a breeze. I swapped out the stock switches for CHERRY MX CLEAR, and the difference was incredible. The new switches gave me the tactile feedback I was looking for, enhancing both my gaming sessions and my everyday typing experience.
Keycap Bliss
Next came the keycaps. The stock PBT doubleshot keycaps were good, but I wanted a set that reflected my style and setup. I opted for the CHERRY MX CLEAR, and the transformation was stunning. Not only did the new keycaps bring a fresh aesthetic to my desk, but their feel and texture also elevated the typing experience to a new level.
Lighting It Up
The RGB backlighting on the Drop ALT is one of its standout features, and I took full advantage of it. Using Drop’s configurator, I created a custom lighting scheme that syncs perfectly with my gaming rig. The vibrant underglow combined with the per-key lighting allowed me to showcase both functionality and flair.
A Few Tweaks Along the Way
To fine-tune the experience, I made a few additional tweaks. I added dampeners under the switches to reduce bottom-out noise and installed a custom foam layer to enhance sound dampening. These small adjustments made a big impact on the feel and acoustics of the keyboard.
Final Thoughts
The Drop ALT isn’t just a keyboard—it’s a foundation for endless possibilities. My custom build has turned it into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that perfectly complements my setup and needs. Whether you’re a gamer, a writer, or simply someone who enjoys building things your way, the ALT is a great investment. It’s not just about owning a keyboard; it’s about the satisfaction of making it truly yours.
