---
product_id: 253744372
title: "DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard — Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray)"
brand: "drop"
price: "R24"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 5
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/253744372-drop-ctrl-mechanical-keyboard-tenkeyless-tkl-87-key-gaming-keyboard
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Per-key RGB lighting Hot-swappable switches 87-key Tenkeyless layout DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard — Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray)

**Brand:** drop
**Price:** R24
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> ⌨️ Own your desk, command your workflow.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard — Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray) by drop
- **How much does it cost?** R24 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/253744372-drop-ctrl-mechanical-keyboard-tenkeyless-tkl-87-key-gaming-keyboard)

## Best For

- drop enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted drop brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Rock-Solid Build:** Premium CNC aluminum frame with magnetic legs ensures stability and durability for intense sessions.
- • **Pro-Level Control:** Fully programmable macros and USB-C connectivity deliver seamless performance for work and play.
- • **Compact Powerhouse:** Tenkeyless design maximizes desk space without sacrificing functionality.
- • **Vibrant Personalization:** Millions of RGB colors with per-key lighting create a unique, immersive workspace vibe.
- • **Effortless Customization:** Hot-swappable Halo Clear switches let you tailor your typing feel in seconds—no soldering needed.

## Overview

The DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard is a premium tenkeyless (87-key) mechanical keyboard featuring hot-swappable Halo Clear tactile switches, a durable CNC-machined aluminum frame, and fully customizable per-key RGB backlighting. Designed for professionals and gamers alike, it offers programmable macros and USB-C connectivity, combining robust build quality with versatile customization to elevate both productivity and gaming experiences.

## Description

From the manufacturer A KEYBOARD THAT PUTS YOU IN CONTROL To put it simply, the CTRL mechanical keyboard has it all. Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate, it’s stable and fortified. And thanks to the hot-swap switch sockets, it allows you to change switches whenever you want with no soldering required. It’s also fully programmable via QMK, meaning you can assign macros or custom keybinds to every key. With dual USB-C connectors, the CTRL is outfitted with the fastest available connections. Aesthetically, the keyboard is equally impressive. Featuring customizable RGB backlighting and underlighting, it puts on a colorful show; or you can set it to a single color for a more subtle look. The shine-through PBT keycaps only enhance the performance. What’s more, the keyboard comes with your choice of switches, so you can get just the feel you like—whether you prefer something heavy and tactile or lightweight and linear. OPTIMIZED PER-KEY LIGHTING WITH MILLIONS OF COLORS The switches on the CTRL feature light pipes that are optimized to deliver the most light possible through the keycaps. No matter what tone you want, you’ll have your choice from millions of colors for every single key. Feel free to program the lighting to cycle through the entire spectrum, or set it to a two-toned look to match your setup. There’s also a built-in translucent LED diffuser to minimize hotspots found in many other keyboards. Worried about flick'ering? Don’t be. The LEDs operate at a frequency of 100 Hz, so there won't be any visible flick'er. FULLY PROGRAMMABLE VIA QMK Customizing your keyboard is a lot of fun. That’s why the CTRL features a fully programmable layout, designed for modification. Using QMK firmware, you have total control over every key. Plus, the configurator allows you to program macros and customized keymapping, so you can easily fine-tune your keyboard for gaming, work, or play. It’s also outfitted with two USB type-C connectors (one on each side), allowing you to transfer data and charge devices at USB 2.0 speeds.

Review: Solid, Highly Customizable Mechanical Keyboard - I've been using the DROP CTRL as my daily driver for over a year now and I'm very satisfied with it. It's pricey for sure, but I have some very specific asks from a keyboard and this nailed all of them perfectly and I've had no quality issues to speak of with it. Probably the major reason I wanted this model is the hot-swap keycaps. It's not exactly "easy" to remove the key switches, but after you do it several times, you can get the hang of doing it with the included tool. The Halo True keyswitches I received weren't really my thing, and I suspected that when I ordered. Personally I like linear quiet keyswitches like the Cherry MX silent. I bought some Gateron silent switches of various types off Ebay and swapped out all the switches with those, using lighter keyswitches for modifiers. For me, it's perfect, and the CTRL's hot-swap sockets made this easy. The included keycaps are lovely and a great design, I really like them. The one qualm I have about them is that I keep the lights off on the upper function row because otherwise they'd reflect off my monitor, and with lights off, the stock keycaps can be quite hard to read. This is a very minor nitpick, though, and is probably true for any dark keys with shine-through keycaps. I also love that you can easily customize the keyboard layout, using QMK to do this was fairly easy. I'm a developer so I even coded some specific tweaks I wanted. For example, I have the keyboard start up with a mid-brightness warm-white glow on all keys except the top row and spacebar (to avoid seeing the light from the edges reflecting off my screen). I also customized the Fn layer keys quite a lot and made Caps Lock an Fn key. I turned the "Ins" key into a Media Play/Pause key. I digress but the point is that if you want this sort of extreme customization, you've got it with the CTRL and I'd never buy another keyboard that doesn't have this sort of flexibility because now I'm hooked on my obscure, personalized keyboard layout.
Review: Endgame? - It looks great. It feels great. It IS great. I originally bought it with the Halo clears thinking they would be good quiet tactile switches, but really didn't like them and swapped them with gateron blue switches. Obviously not quiet but they feel fantastic. When picking which one you want in this keyboard I highly recommend that you feel that switch in person whether it be on a friend's keyboard or a small sampler. The software for this keyboard could be more user friendly especially for how expensive it is. If it's important to you you should watch a video on how to configure it before buying it, but if you even know what QMK is you're more than likely qualified to configure it pretty easily. There are cheaper alternatives for hotswappable mechanical keyboards that are still very nice like the Tecware Phantom, but nothing that is this good. This keyboard sits at the top of if not out of the price range for most gamers but is more than reasonable for keyboard enthusiasts. This keyboard is not for everyone. You are buying a whole experience not just a hotswappable keyboard. You're paying for the sleek aluminum base, the keycaps, the hotswappability, the RGB, and the reliability since this thing is YouTubes golden child. My favorite part about this design is you can put it in just about any setup. It looks clean and professional but also can match an aggressive gamer setup just by adjusting the lights. A potential downside that I noticed is the keycaps are unreadable without some light under them. I actually like it because it makes any RGB effects where the lights go out more fun but see how it could get annoying. A tip if you've already bought it and are trying to change out the switches with the given tool, wedge in the tool under one of the grabbable sides of it and turn it to loosen the switch before trying to pull it out. Those contact points squeeze on the pins surprisingly hard.

## Features

- PUT YOURSELF IN CONTROL: Our flagship, the CTRL combines quality construction with feature-loaded functionality. A versatile tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard designed with input from the Drop community, it raises the bar for mechanical keyboards.
- PREMIUM ENGINEERING: Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate and magnetic legs, the CTRL is rock-solid and ready for any setup.
- HALO CLEAR SWITCHES: This CTRL model comes equipped with Halo Clear switches, which have a slight preload and a light-yet-sharp tactile bump. Primarily used for typing, Halo Clear switches gently discourage bottoming out with each keystroke.
- HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCH FUNCTIONALITY. Want to switch your switches? Customize the CTRL with ease thanks to hot-swappable switch sockets, which allow you to swap switches in seconds—no soldering required.
- OPTIMIZED PER-KEY LIGHTING WITH MILLIONS OF COLORS: The CTRL is illuminated with fully customizable RGB backlighting and under-lighting. Set your millions of LEDs to a single color or light them up with custom rainbow wave patterns.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B07WC5BM9V |
| Additional Features | Backlit, Lighting |
| Antenna Location | Business, Education, Everyday Use, Gaming, Multimedia |
| Best Sellers Rank | #14,660 in Videogames ( See Top 100 in Videogames ) #743 in PC Gaming Keyboards #2,267 in Computer Keyboards |
| Brand | DROP |
| Built-In Media | 1-Year Drop Warranty, Keycap Puller, USB Cable |
| Button Quantity | 87 |
| Color | Space Gray |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, PC |
| Compatible devices | Laptop, PC |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, USB-C |
| Connectivity technology | USB, USB-C |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 40 Reviews |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00810027780379 |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Is Electric | No |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 36.8L x 14W x 3.6H centimeters |
| Item Type Name | computer-keyboards |
| Item Weight | 34 Ounces |
| Keyboard Backlighting Color Support | RGB |
| Keyboard Description | Mechanical |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Keyboard description | Mechanical |
| Manufacturer | DROP |
| Mechanical Keyboard Switch Model | drop_halo_clear |
| Mfr Part Number | MDX-21292-19 |
| Model Name | CTRL Mechanical Keyboard |
| Model Number | MDX-21292-19 |
| Number of Keys | 87 |
| Recommended uses for product | Business, Education, Everyday Use, Gaming, Multimedia |
| Special features | Backlit, Lighting |
| Style Name | contemporary |
| Switch Type | Tactile |
| Theme | Rainbow |
| UPC | 810027780379 |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** DROP
- **Compatible devices:** Laptop, PC
- **Connectivity technology:** USB, USB-C
- **Keyboard description:** Mechanical
- **Recommended uses for product:** Business, Education, Everyday Use, Gaming, Multimedia

## Images

![DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard — Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Odk1kcWXL.jpg)
![DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard — Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray) - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71b9WwUZkGL.jpg)
![DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard — Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray) - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71F2CuuRq8L.jpg)
![DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard — Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray) - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61+L5ZKaAcL.jpg)
![DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard — Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray) - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81E9dWXk-fL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color, Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Does this keyboard work with mac?**
A: I like the way this keyboard looks, but I'm still reluctant to buy it.
I can't seem to be able to ask a question (the maximum characters limit for a question is ridiculously small, you can't properly ask the question). I see an answer saying it works on Macs, so I'm asking here... Because that answer doesn't mention 2 important things (without those 2 things, it's really not usable on Macs... otherwise we can say that all Windows keyboards in the world are compatible with Macs)
So... "working" with Macs means two things:
1. Find keycaps labeled for Macs (Command, Option, Control, F keys with the proper icons)
2. Be able to customise the keys location. For example, on the left of the space bar, the first key should be the "Command" key. Then, to the left of the "Command" key we must have the "Option" key. And then, to the left of the "Option" key we should have the "Control" key. And then, mirror those on the right of the space bar (plus the "fn" key).

@Nymix Could you tell us where you've manage to find Mac labeled keycaps? And if the keys order/position is as mentioned above? (as it should be on Macs)
Thanks!

**Q: Are the switches 3 pin?**
A: Yes

**Q: I found that Drop updated the design especially the magnetic raiser/feet.  Is this the latest version what Amazon is selling?**
A: My CTRL, ordered end of December '19, does have the updated feel. They are definitely stronger than the older versions.

**Q: Hi, is the outside of the packaging box printed Massdrop or Drop?**
A: Yes, all keyboards are Drop branded.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Solid, Highly Customizable Mechanical Keyboard
*by J***N on 12 November 2021*

I've been using the DROP CTRL as my daily driver for over a year now and I'm very satisfied with it. It's pricey for sure, but I have some very specific asks from a keyboard and this nailed all of them perfectly and I've had no quality issues to speak of with it. Probably the major reason I wanted this model is the hot-swap keycaps. It's not exactly "easy" to remove the key switches, but after you do it several times, you can get the hang of doing it with the included tool. The Halo True keyswitches I received weren't really my thing, and I suspected that when I ordered. Personally I like linear quiet keyswitches like the Cherry MX silent. I bought some Gateron silent switches of various types off Ebay and swapped out all the switches with those, using lighter keyswitches for modifiers. For me, it's perfect, and the CTRL's hot-swap sockets made this easy. The included keycaps are lovely and a great design, I really like them. The one qualm I have about them is that I keep the lights off on the upper function row because otherwise they'd reflect off my monitor, and with lights off, the stock keycaps can be quite hard to read. This is a very minor nitpick, though, and is probably true for any dark keys with shine-through keycaps. I also love that you can easily customize the keyboard layout, using QMK to do this was fairly easy. I'm a developer so I even coded some specific tweaks I wanted. For example, I have the keyboard start up with a mid-brightness warm-white glow on all keys except the top row and spacebar (to avoid seeing the light from the edges reflecting off my screen). I also customized the Fn layer keys quite a lot and made Caps Lock an Fn key. I turned the "Ins" key into a Media Play/Pause key. I digress but the point is that if you want this sort of extreme customization, you've got it with the CTRL and I'd never buy another keyboard that doesn't have this sort of flexibility because now I'm hooked on my obscure, personalized keyboard layout.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Endgame?
*by J***P on 28 March 2020*

It looks great. It feels great. It IS great. I originally bought it with the Halo clears thinking they would be good quiet tactile switches, but really didn't like them and swapped them with gateron blue switches. Obviously not quiet but they feel fantastic. When picking which one you want in this keyboard I highly recommend that you feel that switch in person whether it be on a friend's keyboard or a small sampler. The software for this keyboard could be more user friendly especially for how expensive it is. If it's important to you you should watch a video on how to configure it before buying it, but if you even know what QMK is you're more than likely qualified to configure it pretty easily. There are cheaper alternatives for hotswappable mechanical keyboards that are still very nice like the Tecware Phantom, but nothing that is this good. This keyboard sits at the top of if not out of the price range for most gamers but is more than reasonable for keyboard enthusiasts. This keyboard is not for everyone. You are buying a whole experience not just a hotswappable keyboard. You're paying for the sleek aluminum base, the keycaps, the hotswappability, the RGB, and the reliability since this thing is YouTubes golden child. My favorite part about this design is you can put it in just about any setup. It looks clean and professional but also can match an aggressive gamer setup just by adjusting the lights. A potential downside that I noticed is the keycaps are unreadable without some light under them. I actually like it because it makes any RGB effects where the lights go out more fun but see how it could get annoying. A tip if you've already bought it and are trying to change out the switches with the given tool, wedge in the tool under one of the grabbable sides of it and turn it to loosen the switch before trying to pull it out. Those contact points squeeze on the pins surprisingly hard.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing keyboard and Switch combo
*by E***C on 8 January 2020*

Having been a longtime Cherry MX Brown user, I was a bit hesitant to switch over to the Halo Clear switches. After using the keyboard for about 2 weeks now, I can say that I am very impressed. Easily the highest quality keyboard and the best switch combo I've ever used. I love having the ability to switch out and try a new switch type, or even mix and match switches. While the price may seem a bit high, I can say it's worth the money. This is a very premium keyboard that feels more solid and premium than my previous Corsair or Razer high end keyboards. Switching to a TKL size over those was a bit of an adjustment, but overall was a nice switch for me. My only slight con would be the RGB control. They have a nice amount of control built in, but having the ability to specify specific colors without having to reprogram the keyboard would be nice. Something similar to Cooler Master's onboard RGB control. That said though, it's only a very slight con to me and not even worth of dropping a star over. I'm definitely impressed with this keyboard and glad I pulled the trigger on it.

## Frequently Bought Together

- DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard — Tenkeyless TKL (87 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Halo Clear, Gray)
- NB North Bayou Dual Monitor Desk Mount Stand Full Motion Swivel Computer Monitor Arm for Two Screens 17-27 Inch with 4.4~19.8lbs Load Capacity for Each Display F160

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-07-17*