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Drop ENTR Keyboard Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Nov 03, 2020 at 08:27 am
Latest change: Test bench update Jun 11, 2021 at 10:45 am
Drop ENTR Picture
7.8
Gaming
3.4
Mobile/Tablet
7.6
Office
7.4
Programming
4.4
Entertainment / HTPC

The Drop ENTR keyboard is a decent TenKeyLess mechanical keyboard. It has an excellent build quality, with a solid aluminum case and plastic cover that exhibits minimal flex. It has bright, white backlighting with four brightness levels that you can control directly on the keyboard. The Halo True switches on our unit are quiet to type on and feel responsive, but your fingers might get tired due to the amount of force required to move a key. If you prefer linear switches, it's also available with Gateron Yellow linear switches. The ENTR keyboard is fairly comfortable to type on, although it lacks a wrist rest. Unfortunately, there's no companion software for customization, and you can't set macros to any of the keys.

Our Verdict

7.8 Gaming

The Drop ENTR keyboard is decent for gaming. The Halo True switches on our unit have a short pre-travel distance that should be responsive enough for gaming. The actuation force is higher than most tactile switches and the amount of force required to move a key to begin with may be fatiguing. It's also available in Gateron Yellow linear switches that may feel different. None of the keys are macro-programmable and there's no software to customize the settings.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Bright white backlighting.
  • Also available in linear switches.
Cons
  • Comfort is only okay.
  • No macro-programmable keys.
  • No companion software.
3.4 Mobile/Tablet

The Drop ENTR keyboard isn't designed to be used with mobile devices since it's a wired-only board and has no wireless connectivity options.

7.6 Office

The Drop ENTR keyboard is good for office use. Its Halo True switches are quiet to type on and shouldn't bother any surrounding colleagues. The typing quality is good and it's reasonably comfortable, but the amount of force required to move the keys may be fatiguing after a long day of typing, though it's also available in Gateron Yellow switches which may feel different.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Quiet to type on.
  • Also available in linear switches.
Cons
  • Comfort is only okay.
  • No companion software.
7.4 Programming

The Drop ENTR keyboard is decent for programming. It's very well-built and has good typing quality, although the amount of force required to move the keys may tire your fingers quickly. It's also available in Gateron Yellow linear switches which may have a different feel. There's no wrist rest, but its compact size helps reduce hand movement. Sadly, none of the keys are macro-programmable, and there's no software to customize the settings.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Bright white backlighting.
  • Also available in linear switches.
Cons
  • Comfort is only okay.
  • No macro-programmable keys.
  • No companion software.
4.4 Entertainment / HTPC

Pros
Cons
  • No companion software.
  • 7.8 Gaming
  • 3.4 Mobile/Tablet
  • 7.6 Office
  • 7.4 Programming
  • 4.4 Entertainment / HTPC
  1. Updated Jun 11, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  2. Updated Nov 03, 2020: Review published.
  3. Updated Oct 28, 2020: Early access published.
  4. Updated Oct 23, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  5. Updated Oct 21, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  6. Updated Oct 07, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

Our Drop ENTR keyboard unit is the Green/Gray with Halo True switches. The ENTR keyboard comes in three colors: black chassis with black keycaps (Black/Black), green chassis with two-toned keycaps (Green/Gray), or silver chassis with white keycaps (Silver/White). Each option is available with Halo True or Gateron Yellow mechanical switches. We expect our results to be valid for all colors with the Halo True switch only. You can see the label for our unit here.

Color Switch types
Black/Black  Halo True, Gateron Yellow
Green/Gray  Halo True, Gateron Yellow
Silver/White  Halo True, Gateron Yellow

Compared To Other Keyboards

The Drop ENTR keyboard feels better built than many other mechanical keyboards of its size. However, the Halo True switch actuation force is noticeably high for a tactile switch and may cause some fatigue while using the keyboard over a long period. Disappointingly, it doesn't have any companion software to set macros or reprogram any of the keys, and its backlighting isn't RGB. For other options, check out our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best keyboards for programming.

Drop CTRL

The Drop CTRL and the Drop ENTR are similar TenKeyLess Mechanical Keyboards. The CTRL is available for purchase with a wider range of switch types and is hot-swappable. It also has full RGB backlighting, while the ENTR only has white backlighting. On the other hand, the ENTR has one incline setting and marginally lower latency. Neither keyboard has customization software, but you can adjust settings on the CTRL keyboard via the QMK firmware on the Drop website.

Ducky One 2 RGB TKL

The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is a better keyboard than the Drop ENTR. The Ducky has RGB backlighting, and the Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit are lighter to press. Also, it comes with a companion software for customizations, unlike the Drop, which has none. However, the Drop is better built and is fully compatible with Linux.

Ducky One 2

The Ducky One 2 is a slightly better keyboard than the Drop ENTR. The Ducky has one more incline setting, and all of its keys are macro-programmable. It also has onboard memory, so you can save up to six profiles on the keyboard and access them when you switch computers. However, the Drop feels better-built and has full RGB backlighting.

Drop ALT

The Drop ALT is a better keyboard than the Drop ENTR. The ALT has full RGB lighting, and all of its keys are macro-programmable. Also, the ALT has a higher travel distance and a lower actuation force. Although the ALT has no companion software, all of its settings are customizable via the Drop website, unlike the ENTR.

Keychron K6

The Drop ENTR is a better keyboard than the Keychron K6. The Drop feels better-built, and its Halo True switches have a short pre-travel distance which makes it feel more responsive. You can also lock the Window Key on the ENTR, unlike on the Keychron. However, the Keychron is better for mobile devices thanks to its outstanding wireless versatility and compact size, and it has full RGB backlighting.

Varmilo VA87M

The Varmilo VA87M is a better keyboard than the Drop ENTR. The Varmilo we tested has a better typing quality thanks to its lower actuation force and short pre-travel distance than the Drop's Halo True switches. However, the Drop feels much better built than the Varmilo, and it's fully compatible with Linux, whereas the Varmilo is only partially compatible.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Dimensions
Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
Height
1.2" (3.2 cm)
Width 14.1" (35.8 cm)
Depth
5.1" (13.0 cm)
Depth With Wrist Rest
N/A
Weight
2.19 lbs (0.995 kg)

The Drop ENTR keyboard is a TenKeyLess board with dedicated arrow keys and a function key row. It shouldn't take up too much space on your desk.

9.0
Design
Build Quality
Keycap Material PBT

It has outstanding build quality. It has a solid aluminum case covered by a plastic top cover that feels nice and exhibits almost no flex. The doubleshot PBT keycaps have a slight wobble to them, and there's a small rattle from the spacebar stabilizer, but otherwise, everything feels sturdy. There are two rubber feet on the bottom that are surprisingly great at preventing it from sliding, and the plastic incline feet also hold it in place very well, although they feel cheap compared to the rest of the keyboard.

6.5
Design
Ergonomics
Board Design
Straight
Minimum Incline
Medium Incline
N/A
Maximum Incline
6.5°
Wrist Rest No

The Drop ENTR keyboard has okay ergonomics. Its one incline setting adds only a little height, and sadly, it doesn't come with a wrist rest. However, you shouldn't feel much fatigue in the wrists while typing since its compact size helps reduce hand movement.

8.8
Design
Backlighting
Backlighting Yes
Color
White
Individually Backlit Keys
Yes
Color Mixing
Good
Effects
No
Programmable
No

The white backlighting on the Drop ENTR keyboard is outstanding. There are four brightness settings that can be controlled directly from the keyboard, and if ever you want a break from the backlighting, you also have the option to shut it off.

Design
Cable & Connector
Connectivity Wired
Detachable
Yes (Wired Only Keyboard)
Length 5.2 ft (1.6 m)
Connector (Keyboard side)
USB type-C

It has a good quality rubber cable that's a bit wavy, but it's not too bad. The cable connector wobbles a bit when plugged into the keyboard.

0
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
No
Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
No
Proprietary Receiver
No
Battery Type
No Batteries

This keyboard is wired-only and can't be used wirelessly.

Design
Extra Features
Media Keys
Hot Keys
Macro Programmable Keys
No
Trackpad / Trackball No
Wheel No
USB Passthrough
No
Numpad No
Windows Key Lock
Yes
Lock Indicator Caps & Scroll Lock

The Drop ENTR keyboard doesn't have many extra features, and it lacks macro-programmable keys. On the plus side, it has media hotkeys, and you can lock the Windows key by pressing FN+Windows Key, which prevents you from accidentally minimizing your game. If you want a similar TKL keyboard with macro-programmable keys, check out the ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL.

Design
In The Box

  • Drop ENTR keyboard
  • USB to USB-C cable
  • Keycap puller
  • User manual

Typing Experience
Typing Experience
Keystrokes
Mechanical
Yes
Key Switches
Halo True
Feel
Tactile
Operating Force
58 gf
Actuation Force
60 gf
Pre-Travel
1.9 mm
Total Travel
3.7 mm

Our unit has Halo True switches that provide tactile feedback and feel heavy to type on. Although the force required to actuate a key is somewhat light, it's nearly the same amount of force required to move a key to begin with. This results in quite a heavy-feeling typing experience that may cause more fatigue on the fingers. On the other hand, the pre-travel and total travel distances are short and should provide a fairly responsive typing experience. If you don't like the tactile feel, it also comes in linear Gateron Yellow switches. If you're interested in a similar TenKeyLess keyboard that's also hot-swappable, check out the Drop CTRL.

8.0
Typing Experience
Typing Quality

It has very good typing quality. The doubleshot PBT keys feel nice to type on, and any slight wobbling of the keys isn't noticeable. The force required to actuate a key is somewhat light, but since nearly the same amount of force is required to move a key to begin with it, it results in a heavy-feeling typing experience that may cause more fatigue on the fingers.

Typing Experience
Typing Noise
Noise
Quiet

Our Halo True switch unit is quiet to type on and shouldn't bother those around you.

7.0
Typing Experience
Latency
Latency Wired
14.4 ms
Latency Receiver
N/A
Latency Bluetooth
N/A
Software and Operating System
0
Software and Operating System
Software & Programming
Software Name No Software
Account Required
No Software
Profiles
No Profile
Onboard Memory
No
Cloud Sync
No
Macro Programming
No
Ease Of Use
No Software
Software Windows Compatible
No
Software macOS Compatible
No

It has no companion software, and you can't customize the setting through their website using custom firmware like you can on the Drop ALT.

7.6
Software and Operating System
Keyboard Compatibility
Windows Full
macOS Partial
Linux Full
Android No
iOS No
iPadOS No

The Drop ENTR keyboard is fully compatible with Windows and Linux, but the scroll lock and pause keys don't work on macOS.