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DROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard — 65% (67 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Cherry MX Blue Black)
DROP

DROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard

Bottom line: The DROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard ($209.94 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Hot-swap sockets let you change switches in seconds, no soldering; main trade-off: cherry MX Blues are the loudest switches in the Cherry MX family.

$209.94

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Buy on Amazon — $209.94 Compare to similar gaming peripherals

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For keyboards, mice, headsets and other PC peripherals, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Hot-swap sockets let you change switches in seconds, no soldering
  • ✓ 65% layout keeps arrow keys and number row in just 67 keys
  • ✓ Solid aluminum frame with built-in switch plate and magnetic legs
  • ✓ Per-key RGB backlighting plus under-lighting with custom wave effects
  • ✓ Doubleshot PBT keycaps, programmable macros, and USB-C connection

Cons

  • ✗ Cherry MX Blues are the loudest switches in the Cherry MX family
  • ✗ No dedicated F-key row, a drawback for F-key-heavy apps and games
  • ✗ No numpad, so heavy number entry needs a separate keypad
  • ✗ Clicky Blues can be picked up by open mics during voice chat

Manufacturer description

The DROP ALT mechanical keyboard is a smaller take on Drop's CTRL model. It has 67 keys instead of 87 and fits them into a 65% layout. The function row is gone, but you keep a full set of arrow keys and a number row, so it takes up less desk space without losing navigation keys you use every day. The ALT has a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate and magnetic legs. This version ships with Cherry MX Blue RGB switches. They are the loudest and most tactile switches in the Cherry MX family, with a clear click on every press. If you want a different feel later, the hot-swappable…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored DROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. DROP's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many keys does the DROP ALT have?

The DROP ALT has 67 keys in a 65% layout. That is 20 fewer than the 87-key DROP CTRL. It drops the function row but keeps a full set of arrow keys and a number row.

Are the Cherry MX Blue switches loud?

Yes. According to the listing, Cherry MX Blue switches have a distinct click and are the loudest and most tactile switches in the Cherry MX family. If you share a room or use an open mic, keep the noise in mind.

Can I change the switches on the DROP ALT?

Yes. The ALT has hot-swappable switch sockets, so you can swap switches in seconds with no soldering. Check the product listing for which switch types it supports.

What is the DROP ALT's case made of?

It has a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate and magnetic legs. The keycaps are doubleshot PBT, and the keyboard connects over USB-C.

Key Features

  • A COMPACT LAYOUT: The ALT mechanical keyboard is a smaller take on Drop’s CTRL model. It features 67 keys instead of 87. Absent of function keys, it wastes no space—but it still has a full set of arrows and numerals.
  • A SOLID BUILD: Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate and magnetic legs, the ALT is rock-solid and ready for any setup.
  • CHERRY MX BLUE RGB SWITCHES: This ALT model comes equipped with Cherry MX Blue switches, which have a distinct “click” sound when pressed, making them the loudest and most tactile switches in the Cherry MX family.
  • HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCH FUNCTIONALITY: Want to switch your switches? Customize the ALT 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 ALT 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.

Full Specifications

BrandDROP
ColorBlack
StyleCherry MX Blue RGB
Themegaming
Model NameALT Mechanical Keyboard
Style NameCherry MX Blue RGB
Unit Count1 Count
Switch TypeTactile, Clicky
ConnectivityUSB-C
Model NumberMDX-31827-12
Power SourceCorded Electric
A SOLID BUILDConstructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate and magnetic legs, the ALT is rock-solid and ready for any setup.
CompatibilitySwitch
Built-In Media1-year Drop Warranty, Keycap Puller, USB Cable
Item Type Namecomputer-keyboards
Number of Keys67
Button Quantity67
Mfr Part NumberMDX-31827-12
Special FeatureLighting
Antenna LocationGaming
Full listing titleDROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard — 65% (67 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Cherry MX Blue Black)

Ready to buy?

DROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard — 65% (67 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Cherry MX Blue Black) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $209.94

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

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DROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard — 65% (67 Key) Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swap Switches, Programmable Macros, RGB LED Backlighting, USB-C, Doubleshot PBT, Aluminum Frame (Cherry MX Blue Black)
$209.94
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