Customer Ratings & Reviews

Seen these online for awhile and then they finally started selling them at Best Buy. I walked by this keyboard each time during 3 different visits staring at it. Didn’t need a keyboard as I fell in love with the Corsair K65 plus wireless. But I picked it up anyway and do not regret it. The weight of this keyboard is perfect. The switches are cushion poppy that just sound perfect imo. The only reason why I gave it 4/5 stars is because I think the coiled cable should come with the keyboard, not a separate purchased item. But overall love the sound, the weight, response, customization. Perfect.

Perfect plush snow switches with vibrant lighting! Didn’t have any issues, keyboard is very and not cheaply built!

The keys are quiet and it's two toned. The keys light up and its shorter than other keyboards. Great for gaming. We love the look.

[Employee of bestbuy] Such a good typing experience on this board. Stabilizers feel amazing and the keys themselves feel great. Amazing sound I would recommend checking out BadSeedTech's review on YouTube if you want a good breakdown of the board. Overall well worth the money! Would be great if it came with PBT keycaps or a SKU that came with PBT keycaps the ABS ones feel a little slippery on my copy.

Keyboard thockiness is on point, came from the Corsair K100 which I loved too, but this is a lot more minimal and feels super solid. Looks great with all my other white and black accessories

I love how quite this keyboard is compared to most others.

I love this keyboard it! It has a very pleasant typing experience.

The DROP - CSTM80 is quite simply awesome! I honestly didn't expect much as I waited for this keyboard to arrive. Many keyboard manufacturers claim "quiet" & precision and I've been quite disappointed over the years to be honest, always wanting for more or in some cases - left speechless with quite the opposite experience vs. what had been claimed. The DROP - CSTM80 RGB TKL delivers and I'm truly astounded. The amount of engineering attention to detail on this otherwise 'plain Jane' looking keyboard can't be underestimated. The structural intent to dampen nearly all resonances and clack is readily apparent as soon as you set it up & get to typing. Without naming names, there are a few "players" in the keyboard space that I personally thought did an admirable job of getting dang close to a quiet-as-can-be platform. But now in comparison, I can admit that there was more to be achieved. The multi-plane layering of this keyboard assembly is nothing short of heroic! When you dig into the specs of this thing and realize there are 4 dedicated layers of dissimilar materials in its construction, not to mention the otherwise necessary additional layers of the PCBA; the structure case components and the additional dampening pads - this thing is complex! The result is a rock solid & quiet experience and a real joy to type & game on. Moving on to the keys themselves, the Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellows are phenomenal. I'd not been a huge fan of linear keys over the years but I've reevaluated that position with his keyboard and the Gateron keys. These keys are consistent as all get-up and exacting, especially when one is in a groove and ferociously typing with intent. Now some will complain that the DROP - CSTM80 only comes with ABS caps - but pfft! These don't feel like your run-of-the-mill ABS and I have no complaints. Could they benefit from more texture? Sure, I suppose. But I think they feel just fine - as is. The screw in stabilizers perform like a Boss too and anyone sensitive to key activation inconsistency will recognize straight way that the CSTM80 isn't junk and was engineered properly. Moving to aesthetics, this is my first keyboard experience with front-facing symbol illumination and it does take a little getting get use to - but I'm loving it now. The RGB back lighting on this keyboard is well contained & directed and suits my tastes. Apart from this, the removable and magnetically affixed decorative top plate is a nice first option for personalization and I look forward to adding a different color to the mix - but the standard white plate against the black key caps looks killer - out of the box. For the life of me, I can't imagine why anyone would modify this keyboard mechanically if they prefer linear switches and a minimalist aesthetic, but everyone is different. So I get it. But if the only goal is try to make the CSTM80 even quieter - I'd have to chuckle. Why even bother? It's already there! Apart from all this exuberance, this is after all a platform intent on providing customization and I am convinced a certain portion of the enthusiast crowd is going to totally enjoy stuffing this keyboard with their own preference in switches and key caps - but I would suggest living with it for a spell - however you order it pre-configured - and just let it sink in first. You might not want to change it... In summary, and having thought I had personally reached the pinnacle of key board ecstasy with various Glorious offerings, the DROP - CSTM80 RGB TKL Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a finely engineered, well crafted & precisely assembled tenkeyless offering - at an amazing list price. Pros: Removable USB-A (host side) to USB-C (keyboard port) cable Outstanding noise abatement and consistent dampened sound character across the entire platform =- due to no-holds-barred engineering across all the internal layering Compatible across the QMK, Via & Vial ecosystems Beautiful front-facing shine through via the standard ABS key caps that feel great Removable decorative, magnetic top-plate that lends itself to further personalization & ease of cleaning Hands-down, THE BEST typing experience I've experience on a mechanical keyboard with linear switches Cons: You've got to be kidding, right?

This is my first Drop keyboard and it’s honestly amazing! Right out of the box I was immediately impressed by the switches and just how smooth and “thocky” everything felt. This keyboard is more aimed at enthusiasts, but I highly urge you to try it even if you aren’t all that into mechanical keyboards. It’s been really great for typing and plenty responsive in my usual FPS games. Inside the box: Keyboard itself, a rather short USB-C cable, and both a keycap and switch puller. Highlight features: TKL form factor Magnetic removable top case (change your color and design!) Gateron milky yellow KS-3 switches Hot-swappable (5-pin) if you want to try something different Gasket mounted Screw-in stabilizers Unique keycaps Design: The one word I’d use to describe the design of this board is = classy. Black/white just goes so well together, and the letters on the keycaps are printed on the side. Everything is still easy to make out so don’t worry about any typos. The USB-C plug is located on the left side of the board where it should be so it’s nice and out of the way. If you for whatever reason don’t like the design of this keyboard you can easily swap out the top case which is held in by magnets. Go wild with it! Speaking of customization since the LEDs are south-facing it will make any future keycaps you might use very easy to swap into. The RGB is still plenty bright even during the day so that’s a big plus as well. Lastly I wanted to mention that there are no pop-up feet on this board so you will have to make due with the stock 6 degree typing angle. Performance: Never have I ever got used to a keyboard this fast! I was extremely accurate and satisfied with the typing experience as soon as I plugged it in. The Gateron milky yellow switches are by far the best linear switch I’ve tried and I don’t miss anything else I’ve used in the past whether it was a tactile or linear switch. In-game everything felt great as well - while the travel distance (4mm) and actuation force of 50 g is nothing special for gaming I found it plenty good enough for me. In addition to the switches being so good there’s also a lot under the hood that adds to the experience - mainly the gasket mount and foam. This makes the keyboard sound really good. Lastly the switches are fairly quiet (besides the spacebar) and I had no noise complaints when using this board. Build/QC: The build is great, but I do have a minor complaint when it comes to the magnetic top case. It’s VERY easy to accidentally remove when lifting the keyboard up… so be careful when you’re moving it around or you might accidentally drop it! Lastly for QC I don’t have any problems with my particular unit. Other notes: You might run into problems plugging in different USB-C cables as the entrance is rather small and recessed, so I had to use the stock cable which came in the box which is also very short. Also you will have to rely on a lot of FN+ commands for your basic controls like adjusting the RGB and media playback. You could also get the software to adjust everything that way, but sadly I could not get it to work. This keyboard is an easy recommendation and totally my new main! It’s a great value and being readily available at Best Buy is a huge plus. Pros: * Easy customizability * Switches * Performance * South-facing LEDs * Build quality Cons: * USB-C port and cable * Software

I recently got my hands on the DROP CSTM80 RGB TKL Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in white, and let me tell you, this thing is serious. DROP pulled out all the stops with design, feel, and customization. For anyone who loves a good keyboard as much as they love a good game (or just want a fantastic typing experience), this board definitely makes an impression. -- Build Quality and Weight -- First thing I noticed? The weight! This keyboard clocks in at 2.6 pounds. Now, that’s perfect for a setup that stays in one place, but it might be a bit much if you're used to lugging your keyboard around. But honestly, the weight makes it feel premium—solid and well-built, like it's going to hold up through years of serious use. It’s kind of like buying a tank when you were just looking for a car; sure, it’s more than you need, but you won’t regret it! -- Smooth and Quiet Switches -- This keyboard comes with Gateron Yellow KS3 switches, which I can only describe as buttery. They’re linear and sit perfectly between too-light and too-heavy, making them great for both gaming and long typing sessions. And thanks to the gasket mount system and those extra foam inserts, it’s shockingly quiet—no metallic ping or echo here. It’s honestly a dream to type on, especially if you love a soft, cushioned keystroke. For people who like the idea of a satisfying “thock” sound instead of a sharp click, this is the board for you. -- Customization Galore -- DROP really went all-in on customization options with this keyboard. The switches are hotswappable, meaning you can try out different switches without breaking out a soldering kit, which is a huge plus for keyboard tinkerers. And the gasket system itself is modular, so if you want a different feel under your fingers, you can control the level of cushioning. The keycaps are shine-through and front-facing, so the RGB lighting really pops without looking too overwhelming. They’re subtle enough for a sleek, clean look from above, but still clear and easy to read from your natural seated position. -- Modular Cable Design -- One of my favorite things about this keyboard is the detachable cable. The USB Type-A to Type-C cable it comes with is fine, but since it’s removable, you have the option to get a cool coiled cable or swap in any other Type-C cable you like. This is also super convenient if your original cable goes bad—no more throwing out the whole keyboard just because of a faulty wire. It’s a small touch, but it shows that DROP knows its audience. -- Final Thoughts -- For anyone who’s into mechanical keyboards, especially if you’re just getting into the hobby, this is a fantastic choice. The CSTM80 is solid, smooth, and incredibly customizable without feeling like you’re entering DIY territory. And if you’re already a keyboard enthusiast, you’ll probably appreciate the quality of the build and the little extras like the gasket mount, detachable cable, and dampening foam. Yes, it’s heavy, but if you’re after a stationary, high-quality keyboard that combines great typing feel with a sleek, minimalist look, this keyboard should be on your radar. Just be ready to defend your purchase when someone sees the price tag—it’s worth every penny, in my opinion.

This is positively one of the most encouraging mechanical keyboards I have ever encountered when it comes to supporting a DIY mentality and egging its users on to take it apart and explore what makes the essence of a great keyboard. The price, the quality, the sound, the unique aesthetics, and the performance of this keyboard in composite launch it into what I believe is one of the, “best of the best” for the price in the home customizable keyboard category. When I say the keyboard is built well, I mean it. This is a hefty, solid keyboard with factory characteristics that make messing with it a dream come true for those who are hesitant or new to custom keyboard tinkering. The top white plate is magnetically attached, similar to the magnetic shells of the Scuf gaming controllers, and pops right off with some strategic finger pressure and light prying with the other hand. Underneath the shell, you are welcomed with a landscape of user-serviceable features, including high quality Philips head screws to disassemble the body of the keyboard. The key caps and switches pull up easily with the included puller tool in the box. I can imagine people are going to have a field day getting to know these keyboards and playing with them. Speaking of playing with this keyboard, I love its feel for gaming. Out of the box, this keyboard utilizes Gateron Ks-3 Milky Yellow Linear Mechanical Switches. I am very impressed with these. I have always preferred linear switches for gaming, particularly in FPS games where I am prone to mashing keys a lot and find that the smooth action and rebound of linear switches is more in line with my style. I far prefer clicky type switches for typing, so it is great to know that if I ever retire this keyboard from gaming, I can easily swap out the switches for some clicky ones and take it to work to type on. The ergonomics of the keyboard as a whole are fantastic! I usually don’t like taller keyboards like this but Drop managed to perfectly angle and stratify the keys to where I feel like both my typing and gaming experiences are comfortable on it without a wrist rest! While no wrist rest is included, a beautiful variety of custom wrist wrests are available from the Drop website; it does not appear that Best Buy has them for sale on their website at this time. I am really into the aesthetics of this keyboard. It stands out in the best way on a desk. My wife was super confused at first when she saw me typing on it and she asked, “Where are the letters?” She laughed when I showed her where they were and she confessed that she finds that pretty unique and nifty, even if she does think it makes me even more of a nerd than I already am. The keycaps themselves are nice to type on and seem relatively resistant to staining from the oils of my fingertips, which is great because I am quite the sweat when I game on a keyboard, haha! Altogether, this keyboard EASILY gets 5 stars. I can’t imagine that anyone who is into customizing keyboards or wants to give it a try would be unhappy with this keyboard. It is an unbelievable price an is packed with features you are going to want to play with both on the work bench and in your gaming setup! Thanks for reading and I hope this review helps encourage you to pick up this awesome keyboard.

The Drop CSTM80 has by far been the best experience to type on. The feel of the keys is like no other. The crispness and glass like break upon each press. But before I jump into the amazing typing experience. Let me talk about the feel and quality first. The Drop CSTM80 feels solid, premium, and minimal. It gives you the basics for keyboard layout. You get no extra keys or knobs. There is no number pad. It's a sleek feeling keyboard. The white faceplate looks good with the black keys. Alongside the RGB which looks perfect. Out of the box, it looks good. The RGB isn't too bright or too dim. Even if you want to replace a few keycaps or switches it's an easy process. I had no problem popping some keycaps off to look under them or to clean or maintenance. It does come with some keyboard key functions. Simple basic commands with the use of FN. Which can be great for on the go keyboard function. All worked for simple basic checking. There is an app you can download. I wasn't a fan of the process of configuring the keyboard. It was the typing experience that got me. The typing experience for me felt buttery smooth. Each time I pressed on the keycaps it felt like glass breaking. It was a smoothness to each press. A very consistent press. While gaming it also offered a better experience. The keys registered when I pressed them every time. There was never any lag or delay with the key presses. Lastly, the keyboard and keycaps aren't that loud. This is a great Keyboard for anyone who wants an exquisite typing experience.

TLDR - Top tier wired keyboard, with understated looks, no application needed. If you want a slick 75% black/white keyboard, look no further! The CSTM80 75% keyboard from Drop is the best keyboard I have ever used. I have used more expensive keyboards, but they did not measure up to the understated class of this Drop. The front facing keys with fairly bright RGB does give it some flair if you want. The keys are very smooth, soft, and quiet. I personally usually perfect a clacky keyboard, but this is a great change of pace. The solid heft, the soft/smooth feel of the keys and body, all add up to making this keyboard feel as premium as it should. One of my favorite things about the CSTM80, is zero need for an app. All RGB lighting is controlled with keyboard shortcuts! I don’t need macros, I don’t need a keyboard app that controls my games, or changing controls depending on the game. (If you need these things, there are plenty of others to look at) I have zero cons for this keyboard, I cannot find a specific issue I have with it. Easily a top tier keyboard, if you need a wired 75%, you won’t be disappointed!

The DROP - CSTM80 is a wonderful Ten-Keyless keyboard with heavy customization and comfortable keys. This DROP keyboard is masterfully built and feels solid when you're unpacking it. It comes with a key cap puller and switch puller as well as a USB-C cable and alternative MAC OS keys and features Gateron Yellow KS3 Switches. It was a joy to type and game on this keyboard as it has N-key rollover and it is extremely padded for comfort and noise reduction. I have to say this is the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used and I like it so much I wish there were a full 10 key version so I could use it in the office! You have to download the DROP software that allows for extreme customization such as layering and firmware editing, when you first view all the options you may feel overwhelmed but it doesn't take long to get used to it. My only gripe about the software is that the lighting controls are not in the forefront of the settings as that is one of the things most people change right away. Lighting controls however can be cycled through on the keyboard, that includes animations, color, brightness and speed. The top plate of the keyboard can be replaced which is an welcome feature for customization either aftermarket or DIY. This is an extreme keyboard that is geared towards the enthusiast crowd but I have to say that anyone would find this keyboard as a joy to type and game on. You won't feel disappointed with the DROP - CSTM80.

TLDR: Corsair has purchased boutique keyboard maker Drop. As of now, it feels like a Beta endeavor. The CSTM80 lacks iCue support, is quirky to program, and requires too much effort to update firmware or other basic functions. SET-UP The new CSTM80 is not fully integrated into Corsair’s ecosystem. Therefore, anyone who currently owns and games with Corsair products will not be able to update their new keyboard without downloading Drop’s proprietary programming software. I have keyboards and mice from every major vendor in the market. While I don’t love Corsair’s iCue software, it isn’t the worst. But the new Drop configurator is on a whole other level. First, it is incredibly difficult to find. You can’t go to the website and intuitively find it. You must dig into the manual to find the address and then, the actual download triggers warnings with Windows Defender. Not a big issue, but that is how rare the Drop products are software are. It would go a long way if Drop would provide easy to find links to their software on the product’s website. Once I downloaded the new Drop Configurator, I honestly thought about sending Corsair an apology letter for having knocked their iCue software over the years. iCue software looks like a polished masterpiece compared to the Drop offering. The Drop Configurator is spartan and minimalistic. So much so, that there are functions and features it lists as available but gives no reference to what they do and why you need them. In this day and age, that is unacceptable. To further complicate the whole process, you can’t update the keyboard like EVERY other gaming keyboard. You must put it into a special bootloader mode and make changes, reboot, etc. The whole process is time consuming and very cumbersome. I’m still not sure my keyboard is using the latest available firmware or even if there is a new firmware update available. The software doesn’t tell you what version you are using or what version is available. TYPING EXPERIENCE This is the area where the Drop keyboard shines brightly. The “Milky Yellow” Gateron mechanical keys are amazing. They have the feel of a mechanical key, but the smoothness and ease of depression like a membrane key. Silky and smooth without the loud clicky clacks of traditional mechanical switches. Drop sound dampening is good. The RGB backlighting is superb. Even if it isn’t your thing, the color saturation is great. Colors are bright and vibrant. Some lighting looks washed out and bland, not the Drop. The colors are rich and bold. The keyboard has an amazing heft to it. Nearly 4 pounds, the best I can tell. It feels far more substantial than any other keyboard offering I’ve used to date. One thing that I do find quite surprising is the absence of a tilt mechanism. EVERY other keyboard I own has the ability to adjust the tilt. Not the Drop. The typing angle is fixed and non-adjustable. The CSTM80 is one of the new additions on the market that allows the buyer to customize the keyboard to their liking. Gone are the boring, black appliances of yester-year. The CSTM80 is part of the new generation of keyboards that allow you to change both the keys and the cover plate. The Drop website has a large selection of key colors and configurations, as well as many different options for cover plates. FINAL THOUGHTS In my opinion, the CSTM80 supports an extremely narrow target audience. I think very few people outside the Linux community that require QMK, VIA, or Vial support will have any real desire or necessity for this product. Corsair is billing this as a new mechanical gaming keyboard. While it is, I don’t think it is ready for primetime release. Looking at Steam, most gamers are Windows users. Because the CSTM80 doesn’t support Corsair’s Windows iCue software, it just adds another layer of complexity and frustration to something that doesn’t need it. Even as cumbersome as I find the iCue software can be, I can easily and quickly remap buttons or change profiles. I would choose one of Corsair’s other excellent mechanical keyboards over this keyboard any day. There is no need for additional software. I can fully program any one of my iCue keyboards in 1/10th the time and effort it takes me to configure this keyboard. Should the Drop keyboards finally add iCue support, then I might change my mind. Unless you are a Linux gamer or specifically require VIA, Vial, or QMK support, there are as good or better options available with less hassle and frustration. Corsair has many other options that are equally as good as the Drop, but also fit into their already established iCue ecosystem. This product just doesn’t fit in. NOT RECOMMENDED

Drop, now part of Corsair, recently released this new keyboard. It’s an excellent step up from the keyboard I was using previously, and a good foray into the world of customizable keyboards. PROS: This keyboard appears to be made with quality components. The Gateron Yellow switches are very nice. The plastic feels like it is high quality (but see below). I personally like the look of the key caps with illuminated symbols on the front rather than the top. The magnetic decorative top case is a nice feature, and I think the white plastic will be perfect for a custom paint job (although I have not painted mine yet). My personal favorite feature is the foam and gaskets that absorb a lot of the sound from the keys, making this keyboard pleasantly quiet out of the box. And I appreciate the 2-year warranty in case anything goes wrong. CONS: There’s not a lot not to like about this product. But I definitely am a little disappointed with the function of the LEDs. They look really great out of the box, and there’s a lot of pattern, function, and brightness options, but the one thing that is lacking is integration with the Corsair lighting system software controls. I have several Corsair fans and case LEDs, and it would be wonderful to have this product integrated into the rest of my lighting. I almost wanted to take a start off my overall review because of this, but I’m holding out hope that Corsair will update this in the future: I’ve read that there is a way to put in a custom firmware already, so it should be possible for Corsair to provide a firmware that integrates with their software, now that they’re the same company. And one point that could go either way: the keycaps that came with this are ABS, which to me feels soft and like a premium material… but my roommate says that they feel too slippery. So it must be a personal preference. Of course you can put your own key caps on if you want. OVERALL: Great setup for a good price. It’s a nice starting point for some customizations, or get the features you want already assembled.

I personally don't like really long reviews, but there is quite a bit to talk about with this keyboard, so I will try to keep things short but not leave out some important information. The conclusion is, get the keyboard, but there are a few details to be aware of. First, the big one, is these are not just "keyboards", they are "mechanical" keyboards. They are several classes above of what you would get in a typical keyboard you get when you buy a computer. Depending on the type of "mechanical switch" you have in them, they are most often considered a gaming keyboard or a typist keyboard. I don't think you can easily find what type of switches are in these keyboards at first glance, but these are "Gateron Yellow KS3 Switches" , or just "yellow switches" or "linear switches." This is important because the reason you buy these fancy keyboards are for their specific switches, and in this case this is yellow. Which is easier to experience than it is to describe. It is a smooth 'up down linear soft' type of feeling. However that's not all. On the advertisement it says "never before seen" feature, this is a cosmetic case that slips over the keyboard. You can go on their website and find various outer casing to fit your liking. In fact the whole concept of this keyboard is customization. You can customize the inner board, the weight, the outer shell, to really fine tune a keyboard that makes it YOURS. AMAZING. Once you start investing into the keyboard, you'll really feel like it's an extension of your personality and really satisfying to type and work on knowing it was tailored to you. The keyboard itself feels great, smooth, and the weight of the base is heavy, will not slip all over your desk when you type or are in an extreme situation; gaming or tying rapidly for whatever reason. So where's the problem. I had some small issues that I think were important to address. The first issue is the included instructions on hotkeys. I didn't realize how important this little book was, because you always get a little handout like this for all gaming keyboards but usually they are intuitive things, increasing volume, media keys, etc. However for this keyboard, it addresses some fancy LED lights, which was great. You don't need the software and you can change the LED settings that are in the hardware itself. The PROBLEM is you can't change the color for some of these presets. For example you can do the breathing mode but by default it's red, and you can't change that color easily with the hotkey. You have to dig around. The second important thing on this handout is it tells you how you can swap out MacOS keys to Windows keys. The keyboard comes with MacOs keys so you can popout the key and put in MacOs keys to make this a Mac keyboard, but you have to press the hotkey to 'change it's mode'. The final problem with this is the software did not detect my keyboard. You can see in my screen shot I have the color/LED set up, it's connected, but the software just does not detect my keyboard. I'm sure it's a small bug where you have to clear the ROM (clear the memory on the keyboard) but it just wasn't straight forward in detecting my keyboard, which was a bummer. Overall, these small software nit picks I'm sure will be addressed over time, so I don't think they are deal breakers. However opening a high end keyboard out of the box, people should be aware the software has some catching up to do. But otherwise, the physical keyboard itself is beautiful and feels great, typing or gaming. Just know this is a YELLOW switch keyboard before diving in. Cheers!

I have a bit of a problem with keyboards. I can’t stop buying them. That being said, I’m also no stranger to Drop and some of the incredible products they ship. The Drop CSTM80 RGB TKL keyboard delivers hard in the quality department. TLDR: If you want a no nonsense, high quality, wired, mechanical keyboard, look no further! The keyboard feels sturdy and well made, with no noticeable flex even during intense typing or gaming. The replaceable top plate is a cool feature and connects magnetically. The included stabilizers are fantastic and add a noticeable balance that is clear in larger keys like the spacebar. I went with the Gateron Yellow linear switches, a personal favorite of mine for gaming and typing alike. Out of the box, it’s plug and play, although there some features to be aware of. The keyboard works with Windows, Linux, and MacOS, and you can swap out the OS specific keys as needed. A USB C to USB A cable is included, along with a key and switch puller since you’ll be able to hot swap with other switches/keys. Make sure to keep the manual around too – you’ll want to take a look at the hotkeys for controlling LED backlights. Also note that the CSTM80 supports a customizable firmware that’s definitely worth checking out. The Drop CSTM80 RGB TKL keyboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a durable, easy-to-use, and comfortable mechanical keyboard. Its quality is top notch and it’s a pleasure to use. I think I just found my end game… for now.

I’ve used Corsair keyboards, and the drop version was a little confusing to start. Beyond the name, you don’t use the Corsair software but instead you use the drop one. This takes a little more setup to understand, and it took me a while to figure out how to get into flash mode to be able to modify setting as the quick start guide is lacking. I would say that if you’ve used any other gaming keyboard the software to set it up tends to be pretty easy but limited, while the drop version is very complex and gives you lots of options on how you want things setup including a few “over lays” that you can change what input keys are and loaded right on the keyboard. For most people, just plugging in and gaming, you’re getting way more then you’d ever need. On top of the software side, you also can do customization on the actual keyboard itself. The magnetic case is easy to get off and get a new one if you want to change the color. You also get a tool to take keys out if you want to go and change them. But like the software, it’s a lot of options if you use it but if you’re just plugging in to use a keyboard its more then you’ll ever need. So the how it is using the keyboard? Once I got the software updated, it works awesome. The keys are nice and like mechanical keys but are quite, so you can use them in a room with other people. They keyboard is also very heavy, so its not going to be moving easily on your desk. It doesn’t have a number pad so if you need that you’d need another version. Overall it’s a solid keyboard with more features then I’ll ever need.

📦 UNBOXING: Inside the box, you’ll find the keyboard itself, a Type A to Type C USB cable, alternative keycaps for macOS, a keycap puller, a key switch puller, and some basic documentation. The packaging is otherwise pretty barebones; but in my opinion, Drop really focused on putting cost towards making a great keyboard instead of making the best packaging. 💪 BUILD: I don’t consider myself to be a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, so for a normie like myself who has bought numerous pre-built mechanical keyboards between $60 and $220, I do think the build of the CSTM80 is among the best I’ve personally tried. The case is rigid and has minimal flex. While I do have keyboards that have even less flex due to an aluminum chassis, the CSTM80 uses polycarbonate, but uses layers of foam and a silicone dampening pad to reduce unwanted vibrations and pinging noises. And then it also uses a solid aluminum case weight and rubber feet to prevent sliding and deliver a more pleasant typing experience. One innovative feature is the magnetic decorative case. You can purchase different color decorative cases from Drop to customize the aesthetic to your delight. And since it attaches magnetically, it only takes mere seconds to change out the look. There’s also an additional F13 key for extra programmability and it’s separate from the rest of the Function keys should you be interested in adding an accent keycap. This is a small detail that certainly makes this keyboard stand out. It also uses south-facing per-key RGB LEDs on its hot-swappable PCBA, so you can change out the switches and keycaps. The included keycaps are ABS with laser-etched front-facing shine-through legends. I typically prefer dye sublimated double-shot PBT keycaps, but these keycaps do feel high quality, and the RGB does shine through with ease. ⌨️ SWITCHES: This is my first time using the Gateron Milky Yellow KS3 switches, and there’s no doubt that I already love these switches, and I think Drop made a good choice to include them in the CSTM80. As someone who does a lot of typing for reviews or for software development, I find that I do lean towards preferring quieter key switches. If you work in an open office environment or simply need to limit typing noise, I think these key switches are far more reasonable than many other options on pre-built keyboards. While I normally use Cherry Silent Red switches in an office environment, I do feel like these Gateron Milky Yellow KS3 switches would be more pleasant to type on while also being on the quieter spectrum of keyswitches. 🧠 SOFTWARE: In terms of software, this is an area that I probably won’t explore nearly as much, but I really appreciate that the CSTM80 is highly configurable for those who want to leverage its firmware programming. Out of the box, there are a number of hotkeys that are available to you to control macOS/Windows layouts, change RGB lighting and animations, toggle between 6 Key and N Key rollover, and some other features listed in the quick start guide. However, the included quick start guide doesn’t include the hotkeys for media playback which I instead found on their website. Coming from a keyboard that had a knob and button, the ability to control my media playback was very important for me, so I’m glad it’s still a native feature on the CSTM80. The CSTM80 supports 3 major firmware options—QMK, VIA and Vial. Using these firmwares, you can program macros to your heart’s content. So whether you’re a programmer, a gamer, a spreadsheet enthusiast or a journalist, these firmwares should help you dial in your keyboard needs. Moreover, if you happen to use an alternative keyboard layout, programming the keyboard via firmware will ensure that it always stays in that layout instead of having to change keyboard settings in your host operating system. 🧐 CONCLUSION: Overall, typing on the Drop CSTM80 has been a very pleasant experience for me. Right off the bat, I was able to reach my typical typing accuracy and speed without issue. I enjoy the way the keyboard sounds, and I love that it’s so configurable. I’d love to see Drop make a tri-mode version of this keyboard, but as it is, they really seem to be doing a lot right by making a pre-built keyboard easy to use out of the box, but also easy to configure should you want to customize it to your delight.