Drop Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit V6 — DIY Compact 40% Ortholinear Layout, Kaihua Hotswap Sockets, Programmable PCB, USB-C, and Aluminum Case (High-Pro, Black)

It may seem small, but it is just enough and way more functional and comfortable than staggered keyboards. For those who are worry about the learning curve for typing on ortholinear layout or the usage of multilayers, it took me almost an hour of practice to reach the my regular speed on staggered layout, which is around 70 wpm and a day to get used to multiple layers and it even feels more comfortable. This led me to make it daily driver and not just for trips as I was planning initially. I seriously don't know why are we still using staggered layout. I recommend this keyboard for all programmers like me out there. The only one thing bad I can mention the stabilizer was little rattly and the case sounded little bit hollow. But I fixed it with some lube and band aid and also put some foam under the pcb and all the noize from the stabilizer and from the case was all gone forever and it became perfect.

This is my first ortho keyboard....and now I don't think I want to go back to the standard staggered keys. It's not going to be for everyone, but I think it's worth exploring if you're interested in trying something different. Like what everyone else says, it does take some time and practice to get used to the setup. The distance between keys is of course much closer together, and the brain and fingers will resist. But for some people, it'll feel amazing after a few days of practice. I've had it for three days now, and it already feels great. I'm using MT3 keycap profiles on mine, and I absolutely love it. A lot of people gravitate toward the flatter, uniform profiles, but I prefer something taller. The kit is very easy to put together. If you're unsure about it, just follow the video tutorials that Drop provides. It's really a breeze to figure it out. Using QMK to remap some keys is also fairly straightforward, if you stay within a basic setup. This keyboard really is tiny, and I love that too. I'm primarily using it for writing, so I can't say whether or not it works well with gaming. But the small size makes it that much easier to travel with.

Best 40% ortho I've tried so far

Seriously its like the opposite of once you go black. Once you go planck its hard to go back to a different board for the same purposes. The ortholinear layout feels natural and the depth takes some getting used to but its highly usable and incredibly customizable. I'm talking you got 16 layers you can tap into using QMK configuration. Definitely suggest for someone looking for a new experience or a neat keyboard or honestly someone looking for optimizing their desk space. If you still want a numberpad, you can actually make a whole layer just for a number pad. Want a specific key that isn't on there already? Add it using the QMK config. Its great. Warning, this keyboard may make you want to make your own keyboard.

I purchased the first board around mid Nov. I assembled the set with switches I had also purchased for this and then, not hours later, the board simply died. It lost power and there was nothing I could do to get it to work again. Ok, no problem, tech happens. So I quickly put in for a replacement board, which arrived within a few days (this part was excellent on the part of Amazon). Upon receiving the new board, I watched it a lot closer, waiting for what felt like the inevitable. It actually worked great! Completed the build, flashed the new layout, loved it and used it for about a week. Until this one died too. For no apparent reason, this one suffered the same fate as the previous: sudden loss of power to the board and no signs of life. After two boards, I've learned my lesson and will be going to a different retailer for this product. As should you. Good luck! :)

Originally got this product due to its aesthetic rather than function. However, Once I started using it, I feel this is my preferred layout as oppose to a more standard keyboard. It took some time to learn, but I am now just as, if not more, efficient with this layout. Only downside are gamers that requires the number row. I am not one of them, so this is also my main keyboard for the games I play. Even if I requires extra keys, the programable PCB makes it easy to reassign surrounding buttons for respective games.

The keyboard has amazing compact profile making it great for small desks. Additionally, the weight and feel of the keyboard is great (surprisingly heavy for its size). The one issue that could become a problem is the type c connection. Although I have not had a problem, the type c port looks like it could become easily damaged over time. Overall I really like how the keyboard is working for me now.

Great keeb. You have to get used to ortholinear. My problem is I could not adjust to the ortho layout while using other staggered boards. The 40% is not that hard to get used to. Just make some layers you're comfortable with. A lot of people emulate a 10-key layer on their right hand. Materials are good. Assembly is easy. Good value.