Drop, recently acquired by Corsair, is overhauling its internal line of mechanical keyboards with the new Alt V2, Ctrl V2, and Shift V2. Like its 2018-era predecessors, the Alt V2 is a compact keyboard with a 65 percent layout, the Ctrl V2 has no number keys (so no numeric keypad), and the Shift V2 has all number keys. a full size keyboard. but squashed into a more compact 1800 design. There are also upgrade kits that allow existing Ctrl, Alt, and Shift owners to convert their keyboards to V2 models.
Combined, the improvements should help bring the keyboards up to date with respect to their modern competitors. Their PCBs now offer support for five-pin switches instead of three-pin, meaning they are now compatible with the vast majority of aftermarket switches out of the box, and are also officially compatible with the powerful VIA customization software.
To improve the keyboards’ acoustics, Drop also added a few extra layers of foam to its construction and says its stabilizers (which prevent larger keys like the space bar from wobbling) have been updated to sound better.
The keyboards are still made of aluminum and their switches are still oriented in the so-called “north-facing” direction, which is better for allowing lighting to shine through the key letters at the expense of after-market key compatibility. accessories slightly worse. Each keyboard is equipped with a pair of USB-C ports: one for connecting to a computer and another for connecting an additional USB accessory.
Keyboards are available in pre-built or basic configurations, the latter being for anyone who wants to use their own switches and keys. For switches, you can choose between linear Gateron Yellow KS3 or tactile Drop Holy Panda X Clears, and the keycaps are durable double-shot PBT. Alt V2 and Ctrl V2 are also available with a low or high profile case, depending on whether you want to be able to see the spaces under the keys. (See the difference below.)
Interestingly, Drop is actually selling the updated keyboard components as an aftermarket upgrade for existing Ctrl, Alt, and Shift owners who want the new settings but don’t want to buy a completely new keyboard. You can get a kit that includes the upgraded PCB, stabilizers, and foam for $105 for the Alt, $119 for the Ctrl, and $135 for the Shift.
For everyone else, prices for the line start at $140 for a basic, low-profile Alt V2. The fully built Alt V2 (including switches and keycaps) costs $180, while the high-profile version costs $190 for the base model and $230 for the fully built version. Meanwhile, the Ctrl V2 costs $150 for a low and basic profile, rising to $200 for a fully built low profile or a high and basic profile. A fully built high-profile Ctrl V2 costs $250. And finally, the Shift V2 costs $190 for its base model or $250 fully built, with no option for a high-profile model.
