In the world of keyboards, there’s a special place reserved for mechanical ones. The tactile feedback, the satisfying clickety-clack, and the customizable features make them a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike. Several weeks ago, I made the switch to my brother’s Drop Alt mechanical keyboard, and while the experience has been largely positive, there are some quirks that have become apparent over time.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — the “Y” key. It’s been my biggest bone of contention with the Drop Alt. There are moments when it decides to be unresponsive, leaving me frustrated as I hammer away at it, hoping for a response. On other occasions, it surprises me with its over-enthusiastic repetition, doubling or even tripling the characters I intended to type. It’s a dance of inconsistency that disrupts the flow of my typing experience.
The “Y” key isn’t alone in its rebellion. In fact, using the Drop Alt has led me to make more errors overall compared to my previous keyboard. It’s a curious phenomenon considering that the keys my brother warned me about — “Ctrl,” “E,” and “3” — haven’t caused me as much trouble. It’s as though the keyboard has its own personality, with some keys misbehaving more than others.
Despite these frustrations, I’ve found myself reluctant to switch back to my trusty Logitech K380. Sure, the Drop Alt has its flaws, but there’s something undeniably satisfying about typing on it. The tactile response and the solid build make each keystroke feel deliberate and precise. It’s a sensation that’s hard to replicate with a standard membrane keyboard.
There’s also a small matter of convenience. Unlike the Drop Alt, which is connected via USB, the K380 relies on Bluetooth connectivity. This means that each time I switch between my work Chromebook and personal Lenovo, I’d have to fiddle with Bluetooth channels, adding yet another step to my workflow. It’s a small inconvenience, but one that adds up over time, especially when compounded with the adjustments I already have to make for my Logitech Anywhere 2s mouse.
In the end, the Drop Alt remains a mixed bag — a flawed gem in the world of mechanical keyboards. Despite its imperfections, it has a certain allure that keeps me coming back for more.
PS: as for buying a new keyboard, I’ve given that possibility some thought, but haven’t done any serious shopping yet.
