Usage & Final Thoughts
I’ve been using the ALT V2 as my main keyboard for a couple of weeks now and I’ve really been enjoying it. My main keyboard previously was an 80% keyboard, so moving down to a 65% keyboard as not all the big of a change. Essentially I was just losing the function row, which for me was not that big of a deal. And remember so still can access your function row keys by using the Fn key on the keyboard.
The typing experience overall was really good. I’ve written this entire review as well as multiple others, e-mails, etc using the ALT V2. My version of the keyboard has Drop’s own Holy Panda X Clear linear switches. These do feel really good, especially if you are a fan of linear switches. This wouldn’t be a keyboard review without a sound test, so here is what it sounds like to type on the ALT V2 with the Drop Holy Panda X Clear switches…
It would have been nice to have more than just two switch offerings. Your only current options are the Holy Panda X Clear and Gateron Yellows. As I did mention this keyboard is hot-swappable so you can swap the switches out if you like, and you can get the ALT V2 are a barebones unit without any switches.
Another big change with the V2 versions of Drop’s new keyboards is the addition of PORON top case foam between the top case and the PCBA, IXPE switch foam between the top case foam the PCBA, PORON socket foam directly under the PCBA, and PORON bottom case foam. Adding these sound dampening elements was a much needed upgrade as with previous Drop keyboards “pinging” was very apparent and could get annoying over time. So on this keyboard there is no pinging or hollowness sound at all and the overall sound experience is what you would expect from a nice mechanical keyboard.
When it comes to customization Drop allows you to fully reprogram the keyboard using their Keyboard Configurator application (PC & Mac compatible) as well as their online Keyboard Configurator. Both of these are very easy to understand and give you pretty much any option you would want. Also when it comes to changing the lighting there are so many built-in effects you really won’t get bored at all! Drop has also added a built-in EEPROM which allows the ALT V2 to keep its current lighting setting even if its disconnected and connected to another device. I also really like the LED ring around the chassis of the keyboard, but it would have been nice if it had a more opaque diffuser so it would look more like a single light bar.
This iconic keyboard from Drop was in the need of some upgrades and it is nice to see Drop bring it up to date. The new improvements make the keyboard more comfortable, sound better, and give a better user experience overall. Right now you can buy the ALT V2 directly from Drop for $149, with a barebone unit being $129. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Drop ALT V2 Mechanical Keyboard a 9 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Small and compact
– Very comfortable
– Double-shot PBT keycaps
– CNC machined aluminum chassis
– Foam added
– Hot-swappable switches
– Fully reprogrammable
– Great lighting
Cons:
– Only two switch types available directly from Drop
– Light bar around the keyboard could be more opaque
– Pretty basic rubber cable
