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Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7

Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7

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Product Description
With an ortholinear 40% layout and excellent all-around build quality, our ergonomic Planck Mechanical Keyboard has been a perennial community favorite for quite some time. Now in its 7th iteration, it’s still packing a punch Read More
Review Highlights:
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Solid, Powerful Compact Keyboard
I've had my Planck v6 for two months now and overall, it is a joy to type on. Pros: +The QMK firmware offers a level of customization beyond what any sane person could want. c-coded macros with states and timers can be triggered by assigning custom internal keycodes to keys or by entering a sequence of keys with leader-key functionality. Up to 32 stackable (and conditional) layers can be programmed, so that multiple layers triggered at once causes expected behavior, and switching base layers allows for a variety of "modes". +The keyboard is lightweight, compact, and portable, but it is also solidly built. It can easily fit on top a laptop without hitting keys or triggering the touch pad. (You will want to use an L-shaped cable if you use the keyboard with a laptop.) +The keyboard is easily powered by and functions with all of the android devices I have tested, (both those with USB-micro and USB-C ports), which I cannot say of other, more power-hungry keyboards I have owned. (Both C-to-C and A-to-C with a micro (or C) adapter on the A work, as long as the adapter-side isn't the one plugging into the keyboard.) +The hot-swappable switches on the keyboard really are hot-swappable. (I did not like having some of the keys clicky that I thought I would like clicky, and was able to remove and replace the switches without any problem.) Cons (most are minor firmware related gripes): +There is a steep learning curve, both for learning how to customize it properly (by cross-compiling c-code), and for learning how to type on it in a way that is effective and does not cause strain to your hands. Prepare to modify your keymap several times before you find what works best for you. You may have to change compiler flags just to get the firmware to compile. ('make CFLAGS+="-Wno-error -Os" planck/rev6:keymap-name:dfu-util' works for me.) + There is no easy way to switch between mouse settings on the keyboard (because they are hard-coded), and the speed of the mouse can vary from operating system to operating system. You may have to select values that are a compromise. There is a mouse mode that allows selectable speeds, but enabling this disables the more intuitive acceleration mode. (Update: a new mouse mode in QMK fixes this!) + The keyboard does not seem able to trigger a wake from sleep (with at least one of my laptops), and can sometimes take a while to respond after a wake from sleep. (This may not be the fault of the keyboard (it might have something to do with USB-C and windows), but my other keyboards do not have this problem.) (Update: It was a problem with the USB port on that computer, not the keyboard.) + The Alt+Tab macro (w/timers) feels a little bit like a compromise compared to other less-customizable keyboards with a better behaving app-switching keys. (Update: If you get creative with the coding and make the alt-hold dependent on which layers are active, it works much more smoothly.) + There seems to be no way to end a leader-key sequence without having to wait for it to time out. I would like to be able to choose whether hitting the leader-key again pre-timeout confirms/ends, cancels, or restarts a sequence. (Currently it does nothing.) Recommendations: +Use the 48 key layout. The extra keys at the thumbs are useful for extra layer switching. (Flipping the keycaps so that they angle downward will reduce thumb fatigue and help you feel the center.) +The default keymap isn't spectacular, but it does include a lot of functions w/intelligent comments and can be used as a reference for making your own. +Buy a couple of L-shaped USB-C cables. Because USB-C is flippable, you can insert them so that the cable runs either left or right along the keyboard. This puts less stress on the USB-C port (which has been identified as a structural weak point) and lowers the space footprint of the keyboard considerably. +Using taller SA-profile (or similar) keys for the top left and right corners may help your fingers navigate.
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Would recommend to a friend.
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Q&A Highlights:
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are stabilizers included?
Yep! The kit comes with two 2-u stabilizers.
Can I put rotary encoder on this?
Yes! The left side of the board has positions for a Rotary Encoder. You can solder one in in either of the four positions. (Or all, but you can only have one programmed function active at a time, not make each RE do something different.)
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Planck Reaches 7th Heaven

With an ortholinear 40% layout and excellent all-around build quality, our ergonomic Planck Mechanical Keyboard has been a perennial community favorite for quite some time. Now in its 7th iteration, it’s still packing a punch. Like all previous generations, V7 is laid out so that every key is within two units of your fingers on the home row, minimizing finger travel. (Its “raise” and “lower” spacebar keys also make it easy to access additional layers for extra functionality.) It also comes with the same high-performing ARM STM32 processor for plenty of power and lag-free typing. In this generation, we’re unveiling an updated PCBA with both north-facing and south-facing switch positions, a sturdier USB port, and eight new encoder slots (four on the left and four on the right) for even more functional fun. Plus, for the first time in Planck history, users can choose between a traditional steel plate and a lighter POM plate for a different typing feel. Also available are four CNC’d aluminum case colors—black, green, and red—as well as a new polycarbonate case. 

Note: This kit comes disassembled and does not include a switch plate, keycaps, or switches. Use the add-on feature to order your Planck switch plate

Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7

8 New Encoder Slots

Functional and satisfyingly tactile, rotary knobs have been nothing short of a revolution in the Mech Keys community over the past few years. So, to give the people what they want, we gave the Planck V7 not just one rotary encoder slot—but eight. Arrayed symmetrically in vertical columns of four at the far ends of the board, these slots give you more than enough space for your rotary knob needs. It’s the Planck, plus some.

Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7

2 Switch Positions, 2 Plates

Like several Plancks before it, V7 comes with an MX plate (for MX switches and clones), which supports 1 x 2u, 2 x 2u, and Grid layouts. However, in V7, this plate is available in either heavy 304 stainless steel or lighter, less-rigid POM (in both black and white) to change up the typing feel. Together with the new PCBA—armed with a powerful ARM/STM32 chip—these plates are configured to accommodate both north-facing and south-facing switches, as well as LEDs. (Note: only the north-facing configuration is hot-swappable. To install and change south-facing switches, soldering is required.) 

Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7

A Strong, Anodized Aluminum Case

On Plancks past, you could see the plate atop the milled aluminum body. On V7 (like its most recent ancestor, V6), we’ve tucked the plate into the case for a more streamlined look—one you can get two different ways, depending on your preference. The milled bottom is made from a single piece of aluminum with thick 3.1-millimeter walls. It’s anodized with a smooth finish in your choice of three colors—plus a new polycarbonate case option for a more transparent look. A hole near the USB port allows easy access to the reset button on the PCB. For V7, we’ve also made that USB port stronger than ever to ensure a solid connection that lasts—no matter where you place your Planck. The kit has all the hardware you need to assemble the keyboard, plus four 3M rubber feet so it won’t slide around on your desktop.

Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7

Not Just Your Standard Typing Sounds

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 turning off the audio via a keycode or by flashing new firmware.

Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7
Drop + OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V7

Color Options

Plate Options

Build Guide Made by a Community Member

Specs

  • Drop + OLKB
  • 48 keys 
  • Layout: Ortholinear
  • Case: CNC anodized aluminum or polycarbonate case
  • RGB bottom lighting
  • Connectivity: USB-C

Included

  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • Screws and other accessories for assembly
  • PCBA-mounted stabilizers
  • CNC aluminum or polycarbonate case
  • PCBA

RETURNS—NO QUESTIONS ASKED

We get it. Sometimes what you ordered just doesn’t work out. If that’s the case for you, don’t fret! All customers (both US and international) may return this item in new, unused condition within 30 days of delivery.

Shipping

Estimated ship date is Mar 28, 2024 PT.

Payment will be collected at checkout. Cancellations are accepted up to 2 hours after checkout for in-stock items, or up until pre-order ships.

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Top Customer Questions291
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Is anyone able to confirm where these are made? I contacted Drop support to ask where these are manufactured and the reply was: "Hello There, This is xxxxx with Drop Community Support. Thank you for contacting us!  Unfortunately we do not have that kind of technical knowledge of where the DROP + OLKB PLANCK MECHANICAL KEYBOARD KIT V6 is manufactured. I do apologize for that. If you have any other questions or concerns please reach out to us. Best Wishes, xxxxx"
Aug 15, 2020
Top Answer
jaxtrauma
2103
yikes, technicalRead More
Aug 15, 2020
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Question
Can I put rotary encoder on this?
Apr 26, 2020
Top Answer
MinaDarsh
334
Yes! The left side of the board has positions for a Rotary Encoder. You can solder one in in either of the four positions. (Or all, but you can only have one programmed function active at a time...Read More
May 22, 2020
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Question
Is it possible to split the Space bar into 2 separate keys on the PCB?
May 22, 2020
Top Answer
enferex
55
Yes, this comes with two 2u stabilizers and two 2u spaces bars. You can also use four 1u keys as well; however, I haven't completed my assembly, and I'm not sure if there are extra keycaps in the...Read More
May 22, 2020
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