Check out my review of the CTRL - this review is more than just obnoxiously yelling about the lights for 4 minutes and calling it “the most insane keyboard yet...”
PBT keycaps are known for their grainy texture which prevents shining on use, it also can change the sound profile of the switch which is cool and is generally the best quality plastic you can get. They're also better for dyeing if you're into that.
Best review yet about the Ctrl. Thks for addressing the problem with the renders and make everything clear. I was in the first batch too and didn't like the color at first glance but... It's a really nice keyboard after all.
Probably the best video about the new CTRL keyboard out now. You are the only youtuber that actually showcases the full features of this keyboard that also includes a typing test... It really goes to show that out of all the mass tech content youtubers out there, the only one that actually understands the potential of this keyboard is you frank. Great job.
Hey randomfrankp, I was confused on which switches you have on the keyboard during this video. At first you said "halo true" but later said "halo clear". If you don't mind clarifying it, it would be greatly appreciated so I know what switch to get. Thanks!
Those hot swappable switches isn't just saving time. Most people I think won't solder their switches out. They just buy new keyboards. I am one of those people. When a piece of debris got under one of my switches and broke it, I was disappointed to find out although the switch was just a couple dollars, the work to put into it was above my wheelhouse. This could be the last keyboard anyone would need to buy. $200 might be steep to some people, but realizing the lifespan this keyboard can have makes it seem like a bargain.
@@Matthigast didn't say it's for everyone. But again, the modularity of the keyboard makes it both interesting and compelling for anyone who wants the form factor and a metal chassis keyboard. Personally, I use me 10 keys but hot swappable switches and that sexy RGB strip makes me think about dropping my keyboard for this one. If only I hadn't just bought a huntsman elite
Oh man! I was so close to buying this keyboard. I would've been so conflicted when I saw the true color. I specifically asked them if it was dark or light gray on the massdrop page before thinking about buying it :/
In your keyboard, the first time you say what switches you use, you say 'halo true' and the second time, you say 'halo clear'. Just to clarify, which switch are you using in your keyboard at the time of the review?
In your unit does it have Halo Clear, or Halo True switches? You said that they were Halo true switches but then said they were Halo Clear right after that. Can someone please answer this? I like the sound of those switches and I have no idea which ones they are.
With hot swappable key switches and an aluminum chassis, it could the last keyboard anyone needs to buy. If a key switch breaks, it's ten minutes and 7 dollars to replace it. Try replacing a membrane key or or a key switch on a Corsair or Razer keyboard. It's possible but takes more than a general knowledge of soldering.
I was not impressed with the keyboard but I thought if its cheap then maybe I would pick one up for a spare but when I saw that it was $200 I just laughed, but then again I am still very happy with my Ducky keyboard.
I really wish this was black anodized and came in a full size version. The $200 price tag is alot, but I wouldn't mind if it was exactly the way I wanted it. It's so close to perfect that it hurts.
I prefer the lighter silver, but understand why some are annoyed at not getting what was at first shown. I'm gonna have to wait til next time because I wanted the barebones (no keycaps, switches) set so I could add my own. Hopefully they'll do another drop around christmas.
Awesome review as always. Will the CRTL take the Kailh Choc low profile switches? Any chance I can get a pic comparing the color of the K-type with the CRTL?
Hey Frank, Should I get the Massdrop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard or Razor Huntsmen Elite? Also which switches should I go for? (first mechanical keyboard)
Probably a dumb question and I also don't know if you no the answer, but does the bare Bones version of this keyboard come with the software allowing for programmable buttons? Literally, all I want to program is a volume up and down
You can choose between Halo True, Halo Clear, or Cherry MX switches at checkout. However, the keyboard has hot swappable sockets, meaning you could switch between any of the switches mentioned, not to mention a couple of others like the Kaihua Box White switches. All you do is take out the old switch and push in the new one. You can buy your own switches from other places too.
@@olixiar8848 I'm already tracking that. In the video, he says that the keyboard comes with Halo True and few seconds later he says Halo Clear. Trying to figure out which one is better one, I can't do so since I can't tell whether he is using true or clear.
It bugs me that the gaps between the keygroups are so big and same for the wasted space at the very edge. The keyboard could be more than 1 cm smaller in every direction.
It's a great board. simple and functional. I put some rev 2 Tangerine switches in it and haven't looked back. My K95 Platnium with its mx speed switches is collecting dust.
The board for everyone (especially on a budget) is the cooler master ck552. For 80$ it has RGB, a num pad, gateron red switches which many consider to be better than cherry, its made of aluminum and plastic so it feels like good quality, and it has minimal branding on it. If you’re on a budget, this is the best keyboard for the price, especially when its on sale. I got mine for 65$.
The most appealing point of this keyboard for me is that it has a large righthand shift key. Most keyboards are not and they are therefore basura. But most reviewers don't even mention this very important function!
@randomfrankp Do you only review heavily marketed boards? Been looking at Filco, Leopold and iKBC, etc. and as much as you pop up on top for searches for the usual suspects, I don't find any of your reviews on boards not produced by marketing juggernauts.
The customization is spot on, but the price is less than stellar. I wish this model was more around the $150 mark, and a full keyboard would be $200. Then I would be tempted to buy it.
You should take a look at the armageddon mka3c keyboard... sadly it's only available for a few Asian countries. The keyboard is as good as the Ctrl keyboard but for about $30
I've been saving for this keyboard for a long time and... Now that I could buy it, I went for K2 honestly, it's too much money for me, why you never covered the K2 M8?
At $200.00 I went for it... against my better judgement. The main thing that sold it to me was the keycaps. I've been looking for a dark "dolch" shine through set for what feels like years. I'm half expecting to keep the keycaps and just re-sell the board. I'll give it a shot and see how it is. Maybe I'll keep it.
@@Nobody90019 Yeah it works fine. It's a solid board. Just not my thing looks wise. Surface mount is easy to clean though and the hotswap is cool when you want to try different switches. I did use the caps elsewhere for quite a while though. Still have them. Still my favorite shine through set. I think the caps actually feel pretty nice. Not as nice as GMK but they're good. I still have the board too.... It's a spare at the moment. Spends most of its time on a shelf. I'm using the GMMK Pro now which I''d say is the better board of the two. It might also be worth pointing out that Drop sells the keycaps separately from the board now. Which wasn't the case when I bought mine.
if i were to get a blank one and supply my own cherry mx blue switches, would they have to have a clear housing like the ones shown in this video for the lights to work?
Nice keyboard. There are some things I don't like.. but it seems nice. Love the rgbs around the keyboard! But for the price I'd probably get a Corsair keyboard.
Yeah but Corsair and Logitech have way more features and better RGB Software. The price adds up for me. Sold my Ducky after the K70 MK.2 came out way more features and was the same price
Check out my review of the CTRL - this review is more than just obnoxiously yelling about the lights for 4 minutes and calling it “the most insane keyboard yet...”
holy shit lmao
dude can you review the zephr that zealpc is running?
with all the darker keyboards out there, I kinda prefer the metallic space gray
Kinda wondering who he's inferring to..
Stfu dumbass
beastly keyboard
kodak wk what are you doing here?
Lol what are you doing here
people watch videos dipshit are they not allowed
I am sad because no itemshop video yesterday
oh hello Kodak wK Lol
Just a heads up that a TH-cam user "Ayanna Sayra
" has re-uploaded your video. Same length, same title, same everything.
Yup, just saw it.
report it please
@@randomfrankp definitely did! Keep up the good work, love your stuff.
snitch
snitch cmonBruh
PBT keycaps are known for their grainy texture which prevents shining on use, it also can change the sound profile of the switch which is cool and is generally the best quality plastic you can get. They're also better for dyeing if you're into that.
randomfrankp: this is just $200 which isn't really that bad
me: what?
randomfrankp: what?
me:
randomfrankp:
my keyboard:
my wallet:
a fucking dissapointment Michel joined the chat; Your name works with this chat. Michel left the chat
randomfrankp: this is just $200 which isn't really that bad
me: excuse me what the hEcK
edit: edit
Dude 😂
you can buy the board its self online for 140$ + khail box jade 17$ + really good keys caps are like 50$
we should start a go fund me to get you a kick ass keyboard lol
I appreciate the ghost cube that was in video at 2:49
Huh mass drop needs a mothafucking pricedrop foh
lol why can't poor people just buy more money.
jeleopard just go to the atm!!!/s
@@spenduh9866 that's not buying more money dummy.
4:48 for those of you that like the typing sounds
Bro thank u so much!!
FRANK... BLACKWIDOW ELITE... WHEN??
aa
Best review yet about the Ctrl. Thks for addressing the problem with the renders and make everything clear. I was in the first batch too and didn't like the color at first glance but... It's a really nice keyboard after all.
The rbg looks better than my ornata
a2a
Because Razer
Probably the best video about the new CTRL keyboard out now. You are the only youtuber that actually showcases the full features of this keyboard that also includes a typing test... It really goes to show that out of all the mass tech content youtubers out there, the only one that actually understands the potential of this keyboard is you frank. Great job.
I'm in love with the keyboard!
Hey randomfrankp, I was confused on which switches you have on the keyboard during this video. At first you said "halo true" but later said "halo clear". If you don't mind clarifying it, it would be greatly appreciated so I know what switch to get. Thanks!
This is the "jack of all trades" of keyboards. It can the work you want it to, gaming, typing, coding, etc..
Nice looking keyboard should have had different color options though
That would be awesome to justify the price
It has qmk for more options tho
Same, that is like gaming keyboards 101
i think it look EPIC in this dark grey nad Silver
@@Hiiipowerdanni it's pretty cheap lol, have u ever build a keeb lmoa
For those interested, they now have both grey AND black versions.
I think grey is cleaner
@@sydney4704 I ended up getting black. No regrets. It looks better on my dark wood desk, but it's all preference.
@Bryan it is all preference there is no performance enhancement
They made a massdrop alt, which is just this with a 65% layout.
Those hot swappable switches isn't just saving time. Most people I think won't solder their switches out. They just buy new keyboards. I am one of those people. When a piece of debris got under one of my switches and broke it, I was disappointed to find out although the switch was just a couple dollars, the work to put into it was above my wheelhouse. This could be the last keyboard anyone would need to buy. $200 might be steep to some people, but realizing the lifespan this keyboard can have makes it seem like a bargain.
My 100% Mechanical that cost me €45 disagrees...
@@Matthigast didn't say it's for everyone. But again, the modularity of the keyboard makes it both interesting and compelling for anyone who wants the form factor and a metal chassis keyboard. Personally, I use me 10 keys but hot swappable switches and that sexy RGB strip makes me think about dropping my keyboard for this one. If only I hadn't just bought a huntsman elite
There's much cheaper hotswappable keyboards so I wouldn't buy it just for its hot swapping capabilities.
Your setup is the best
I ordered the ALT version. Will be here in a little over a month ^^
This channel is underrated, really close to 1 mil tho
Darker grey would have been a lot nicer looking, but this is a very dope keyboard especially due to the programmable buttons and replaceable switches!
Frank please do a vid about using different kinds of switches on this keyboard
My thoughts exactly.
Oh man! I was so close to buying this keyboard. I would've been so conflicted when I saw the true color. I specifically asked them if it was dark or light gray on the massdrop page before thinking about buying it :/
Mine should be here today! Super pumped!
In your keyboard, the first time you say what switches you use, you say 'halo true' and the second time, you say 'halo clear'. Just to clarify, which switch are you using in your keyboard at the time of the review?
President Duckling they are the halo clears
Its 200$ folks, for the people who dont feel like signing up just to see the effing price
literally shown in the video. and he says the price.... guess you didn't watch the video
Clearly didn't watch the video
Youtan Poluo there are people like myself who want to know the price first.
@@wiltchamberlain6869 me too
Or just use your eyes and ears because I not only tell you the price, but show you the drop page and check out 😂
I like that you know a good amount about keyboards and switches :)
I think it looks great
In your unit does it have Halo Clear, or Halo True switches? You said that they were Halo true switches but then said they were Halo Clear right after that. Can someone please answer this? I like the sound of those switches and I have no idea which ones they are.
Holy shit its awesome and all but $200? Damn.
welcome to the world of boutique keyboards...
With hot swappable key switches and an aluminum chassis, it could the last keyboard anyone needs to buy. If a key switch breaks, it's ten minutes and 7 dollars to replace it. Try replacing a membrane key or or a key switch on a Corsair or Razer keyboard. It's possible but takes more than a general knowledge of soldering.
I was not impressed with the keyboard but I thought if its cheap then maybe I would pick one up for a spare but when I saw that it was $200 I just laughed, but then again I am still very happy with my Ducky keyboard.
Brik Haus u are right, ill probs just buy a corsair tho.
Brik Haus I myself think it’s very worth it even for 200, but of course I can’t afford it
Thank you for typing on it.
lol
Lol ur the person who complained in David Lee's video
Oh yeah ive seen u b4 lmao
Great video as always Frank!
I really wish this was black anodized and came in a full size version. The $200 price tag is alot, but I wouldn't mind if it was exactly the way I wanted it. It's so close to perfect that it hurts.
This is the dyson all over again
I prefer the lighter silver, but understand why some are annoyed at not getting what was at first shown. I'm gonna have to wait til next time because I wanted the barebones (no keycaps, switches) set so I could add my own. Hopefully they'll do another drop around christmas.
The keyboard looks amazing!
Awesome video Frank!
Awesome review as always. Will the CRTL take the Kailh Choc low profile switches? Any chance I can get a pic comparing the color of the K-type with the CRTL?
Hey Frank,
Should I get the Massdrop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard or Razor Huntsmen Elite?
Also which switches should I go for? (first mechanical keyboard)
Probably a dumb question and I also don't know if you no the answer, but does the bare Bones version of this keyboard come with the software allowing for programmable buttons? Literally, all I want to program is a volume up and down
Need clarification/correction. First you said that it's Halo True, and later said Halo Clear (starting 4:26)
You can choose between Halo True, Halo Clear, or Cherry MX switches at checkout. However, the keyboard has hot swappable sockets, meaning you could switch between any of the switches mentioned, not to mention a couple of others like the Kaihua Box White switches. All you do is take out the old switch and push in the new one. You can buy your own switches from other places too.
@@olixiar8848 I'm already tracking that. In the video, he says that the keyboard comes with Halo True and few seconds later he says Halo Clear. Trying to figure out which one is better one, I can't do so since I can't tell whether he is using true or clear.
What switches can be put on here? Any or it the keyboard limited to certain switches/brands? Could you swap the switches for Cherry MX switches??
Can't afford one so I bought gray budget pbt keycaps that looks similar, now my layout resembles the ctrl design
This keyboard looks awesome!
Damn that dark grey would have been sick.
Great video as always
It bugs me that the gaps between the keygroups are so big and same for the wasted space at the very edge. The keyboard could be more than 1 cm smaller in every direction.
So how do you know if the key caps and switches you are buying is compatible with the massdrop keyboard
6:58-7:02 you blinded me with the white lights i was sitting in the dark while watching this
Is this a gaming keyboard or like a lifestyle keyboard
It's a great board. simple and functional. I put some rev 2 Tangerine switches in it and haven't looked back. My K95 Platnium with its mx speed switches is collecting dust.
Welp, add this to my christmas list.
Another great vid keep it up my guy
The board for everyone (especially on a budget) is the cooler master ck552. For 80$ it has RGB, a num pad, gateron red switches which many consider to be better than cherry, its made of aluminum and plastic so it feels like good quality, and it has minimal branding on it. If you’re on a budget, this is the best keyboard for the price, especially when its on sale. I got mine for 65$.
nobody likes a numpad for gaming tho
Great and all, but when is Massdrop coming to Europe?
Kweeni man
Ze bezorgen gewoon naar Nederland toch
The most appealing point of this keyboard for me is that it has a large righthand shift key. Most keyboards are not and they are therefore basura. But most reviewers don't even mention this very important function!
Very slick keyboard!!
Where did you get that escape keycap. I really like it
@randomfrankp Do you only review heavily marketed boards? Been looking at Filco, Leopold and iKBC, etc. and as much as you pop up on top for searches for the usual suspects, I don't find any of your reviews on boards not produced by marketing juggernauts.
thanks for the nice review 👍👍👍
@4:23 u say these are halo true switches then 3sec later u call them halo clears, so which are they??
read the reviews. Looks like quite some people got their keyboard with defective leds or leds not being the same color.
can you set this to a constant color, like white or blue?
Yes
If this could be wireless like the G915 it would honestly I would buy this in a heartbeat
So this keyboard can be customized?
1:22 there’s a black version on Amazon
I would look at the keyboard and consider it if I didnt have to login with my soul on their website...
Cogency same lol
W a t
Its $200
You can login with Google and revoke their rights afterwards
That part is soo annoying. It also opens up a new tab everytime you click on the drop home page logo. Pretty shit
Honestly I'd buy it
The customization is spot on, but the price is less than stellar. I wish this model was more around the $150 mark, and a full keyboard would be $200. Then I would be tempted to buy it.
I don't think these can house the new novel key creams since it doesn't have the hole for the stabilisers?
That's a unique sound
that is a nice sound indeed
Did they release the custom lighting software?
You should take a look at the armageddon mka3c keyboard... sadly it's only available for a few Asian countries. The keyboard is as good as the Ctrl keyboard but for about $30
Review the Tesoro Gram Spectrum! Espessially the white one!
do you know the difference between the oldver version of ctrl and the new one? v1 or v2.
anyone know if you can power the keyboard with the left side usb instead of the right?
When choosing which switches which one do u recommend
i recoomend the kaihua speed silvers.
If I could get this keyboard in the actual darker color, I'd pick this up!
There’s a black color
I've been saving for this keyboard for a long time and... Now that I could buy it, I went for K2 honestly, it's too much money for me, why you never covered the K2 M8?
At $200.00 I went for it... against my better judgement. The main thing that sold it to me was the keycaps. I've been looking for a dark "dolch" shine through set for what feels like years. I'm half expecting to keep the keycaps and just re-sell the board. I'll give it a shot and see how it is. Maybe I'll keep it.
Is it still working for you? What happened?
@@Nobody90019 Yeah it works fine. It's a solid board. Just not my thing looks wise. Surface mount is easy to clean though and the hotswap is cool when you want to try different switches. I did use the caps elsewhere for quite a while though. Still have them. Still my favorite shine through set. I think the caps actually feel pretty nice. Not as nice as GMK but they're good. I still have the board too.... It's a spare at the moment. Spends most of its time on a shelf. I'm using the GMMK Pro now which I''d say is the better board of the two.
It might also be worth pointing out that Drop sells the keycaps separately from the board now. Which wasn't the case when I bought mine.
if i were to get a blank one and supply my own cherry mx blue switches, would they have to have a clear housing like the ones shown in this video for the lights to work?
I'm pretty sure rgb mx switches are clear but you check that when you buy the switch
The space gray is now more darker, but just a little bit.
I'd get it but I really don't like the floating keyswitch style.
wait can you put in cherry switches
I think the chrome type color looks firr
But the question is Frank: Is it better than my Vortex pok3r 3 RGB? Should i sell my pok3r to buy this one?
no
Double no.
It is more of a board to test switches on.
@K M Cheap abs is worthless and hot swappable keyboards will not outlast well built ones.
Can you put an European ISO layout (with the different stabilizers on enter key) on this?
What is the difference between the CTRL and the ALT?
I not a fan of the keyboard but I am a fan of the key cap 😊
Pardon, are these Halo Clear or Halo True?
does OSA profile keycaps work with this keyboard?
This very much reminds me of the Ktype keyboard. It looks like it but the usb connection is on the different side.
Is the colors brighter then the razer keyboard?
Nice keyboard. There are some things I don't like.. but it seems nice. Love the rgbs around the keyboard! But for the price I'd probably get a Corsair keyboard.
Corsair? The only good keyboard they have is the k95 platinum and that's coming from a Strafe and a K70.
@K M I would disagree with shit. They have good offerings but at a higher price than other brands. Examples like the g513 or the K95 platinum
@K M yepp
Yeah but Corsair and Logitech have way more features and better RGB Software. The price adds up for me. Sold my Ducky after the K70 MK.2 came out way more features and was the same price
i wouldnt swap keyboards just for pretty colors
I think i'd like this more if there was an option for a fullsize version with a numpad. I use it a lot for discord and OBS keybinds.
Anyone know where to get the ESC keycap?
If at all possible at this point
where can i find the better switch to buy