Drop ENTR Keyboard Review

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Welcome to the world of mechanical keyboards, where the sound of each keystroke can be music to your ears and the feel of every keypress can make or break your typing or gaming experience. Today, we’re diving deep into the Drop ENTR Keyboard, a solid contender in the TenKeyLess (TKL) category that’s making waves among enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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A First Look at the Drop ENTR Keyboard

When you first unbox the Drop ENTR keyboard, you’ll notice its sleek and minimalistic design. The keyboard has an excellent build quality, boasting a robust aluminum case with a plastic cover that shows minimal flex. This combination not only gives it a premium feel but also ensures durability. It’s the kind of keyboard that feels like it can take a beating and still come out unscathed—perfect for those intense typing marathons or gaming sessions.

Illuminating Your Workspace: Backlighting

One of the standout features of the Drop ENTR keyboard is its bright, white backlighting. It’s not RGB, but let’s be honest, not everyone needs a disco on their desk. The white backlighting is elegant and functional, offering four brightness levels that can be adjusted directly on the keyboard. Whether you’re typing in a well-lit office or a darkened gaming den, this feature ensures you won’t be squinting to find the right keys.

Switch It Up: Halo True and Gateron Yellow

The Drop ENTR keyboard comes with two switch options: the Halo True switches and the Gateron Yellow linear switches. Let’s break down what each offers.

Halo True Switches

The Halo True switches are tactile and quiet. They’re designed to be responsive, making them a solid choice for both typing and gaming. However, they require a bit more force to actuate than some other tactile switches. This can lead to finger fatigue during long typing sessions, but on the upside, it helps prevent accidental key presses. The heavy spring and light preload of the Halo True switches aim to reduce the jarring impact and discourage bottoming out, providing a smooth typing experience.

Gateron Yellow Switches

If you prefer linear switches, the Gateron Yellow option might be more up your alley. These switches are known for their smooth keystrokes and lower actuation force. They’re generally favored by gamers who need quick, repeated key presses without the tactile bump. The choice between Halo True and Gateron Yellow comes down to personal preference, but it’s nice to have options to tailor the keyboard to your specific needs.

Typing Comfort: Ergonomics and Layout

The Drop ENTR keyboard is comfortable to type on, though it lacks a wrist rest, which might be a dealbreaker for some. The TenKeyLess design is compact, saving desk space and allowing for a more ergonomic typing position. This is especially beneficial if you use your mouse frequently, as it reduces the distance your hand needs to travel.

The keycaps are made from durable doubleshot PBT, which means they won’t fade or shine over time. This adds to the longevity of the keyboard, ensuring that it looks as good as new even after extended use.

Customization: A Missed Opportunity?

One area where the Drop ENTR keyboard falls short is customization. There’s no companion software, which means you can’t set macros or customize key functions. For some, this might not be a big deal, but for power users who rely on macros for productivity or gaming, this could be a significant drawback. The lack of customization options might leave you feeling like you’re driving a sports car with a speed limiter.

Office Use: Quiet and Efficient

For office use, the Drop ENTR keyboard shines, particularly with the Halo True switches. They’re quiet enough to avoid annoying your coworkers while providing a satisfying typing experience. The solid build quality and comfortable layout make it a reliable choice for long days at the desk. However, the higher actuation force required might become tiresome after prolonged use, so it’s worth considering the Gateron Yellow switches if you expect to type for hours on end.

Gaming Performance: Ready for Action

When it comes to gaming, the Drop ENTR keyboard holds its own. The Halo True switches, with their short pre-travel distance, are responsive enough for most gaming needs. However, the higher actuation force might be a bit much for rapid, repeated key presses. This is where the Gateron Yellow switches could offer an advantage, providing a smoother and quicker response.

The absence of macro programmability and customization software is more noticeable in a gaming context, where fine-tuning your setup can be critical. Nonetheless, the keyboard’s overall build quality and responsive switches make it a viable option for gamers.

Connectivity: Modern and Reliable

The Drop ENTR keyboard features a USB-C connection, which is the latest standard in connectivity. This ensures a reliable and fast connection to your computer, with no lag or dropped inputs. The N-key rollover feature means every keystroke is registered, no matter how fast you type, making it ideal for both fast typists and gamers.

The Final Verdict: Is the Drop ENTR Keyboard for You?

So, after all that, what’s the final verdict on the Drop ENTR keyboard? It’s a mixed bag, but mostly in a good way.

Pros:

  • Excellent Build Quality: The aluminum case and plastic cover ensure durability and a premium feel.
  • Bright, White Backlighting: Offers four brightness levels for any lighting condition.
  • Switch Options: Choose between Halo True tactile switches and Gateron Yellow linear switches.
  • Comfortable Layout: Compact TenKeyLess design saves desk space and promotes ergonomic typing.

Cons:

  • No Wrist Rest: May affect typing comfort during long sessions.
  • Limited Customization: No companion software for setting macros or customizing key functions.
  • Higher Actuation Force: Halo True switches might cause finger fatigue over extended use.

Recommendations

If you’re someone who values build quality and a minimalist design, the Drop ENTR keyboard is a great choice. Its durability and premium feel make it a worthwhile investment for both work and play. The bright backlighting is functional and adds a touch of elegance without being flashy.

For office use, the Halo True switches are quiet and efficient, though you might want to consider the Gateron Yellow switches if you’re concerned about finger fatigue. The lack of a wrist rest could be a downside, but this can be easily remedied with a separate accessory.

Gamers will appreciate the keyboard’s responsiveness, though the higher actuation force of the Halo True switches might be a consideration. The Gateron Yellow switches offer a smoother, quicker response for those intense gaming sessions. However, the lack of macro programmability might be a dealbreaker for some.

In summary, the Drop ENTR keyboard is a solid choice for anyone looking to enter the world of mechanical keyboards or upgrade their current setup. Its blend of quality, performance, and design makes it a versatile option that’s hard to beat. Just be prepared for some minor compromises, and you’ll find it to be a reliable companion for all your typing and gaming needs.

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