I really like this keyboard. Great build quality, good feeling switches, and the fact that you don't need extra software to adjust the rgb lighting is awesome. However, the base modifier keycaps like shift and caps lock have issues shining though consistently. Additionally when it comes to rgb I wish there was more customization, something that should be able to be done through the optional app. Otherwise a very nice keyboard which I would definitely recommend.
I really like my Drop ALT. It feels super solid, and has the perfect physical switch layout (for me, anyway). It is Linux compatible (a must-have), and VIA compatible (after downloading the correct firmware). The stock keycaps look and feel great, but I had to switch them because I prefer my PgUp/PgDn keys on R2 and R3, an R1 mute key on level 0, and a 1U Fn key, none of which are available in the stock Drop Skylight Series - not even the full replacement set. That's a minor point, but I do wish Drop would offer a more versatile supplementary keycap set, with the extra caps found in most 136 or 140 key sets. I also wish it came with a decent manual - all the documentation is available, somewhere, spread out over the net, if you know how to find it and know how to understand it once you do find it, but a decent User Guide would save newbies a lot of frustration. I wish the keyboard came with VIAL (which is open source). I wish it came with Cherry's latest German-made switches (I use MX2A RGB Browns on alphanumerics, Silent Reds on Modifiers, and a stiff clicky Green on CapsLk). Most of all, I wish it was made in the USA. So there is room for improvement, but it is still an excellent piece of hardware.
DerYidUpdate: After additional honest comparison, I have to admit that the Holy Panda X are clearly superior to the MX Browns, even hand lubed and filmed MX2A's. So I will switch (pun intended) the alphas to Holy Panda X. I still like the MX Silent Reds though, and the MX Green on CapsLk.
I prefer the high profile version of this keyboard to this one but regardless they are both great keyboards especially if you're someone that doesn't mod or hasn't taken the stop to start modding.
Per Key Lighting Not Available in Drop Configurator
Solid keyboard, small and sturdy. Holy Panda X Clear Switches have a great feel.
Overall an upgrade from my old Das Keyboard w/ Cherry MX Browns, but I am quite disappointed the Drop Configurator doesn't have Per-Key lighting (ideally on separate layers). This is something that was available for ALT V1, and support said they have no info on when/if this feature would be added.
Tried Vial, but it doesn't appear to have per-key yet either. Tried manually compiling QMK, but the QMK web configurator doesn't have an ALT V2 map, so I'm at lost.
KallenI agree with this review. I got the v1 keyboards because of the custom lighting capability. I recently bought the ALT V2 thinking it was still a thing. Nope. Fingers crossed they will add it in the future, or at least release the source code for the new configurator so someone can add the capability.
KallenHow can you not recommend the product when you write: “Solid keyboard, small and sturdy. Holy Panda X Clear Switches have a great feel. Overall an upgrade…”???
Are RGBs THAT important? (Hint: no)