The Trendy Type’s Take on the Drop Sense75 Keyboard
A Disappointing Debut for a Promising Design
Table of Contents
- A Disappointing Debut for a Promising Design
- Early Reviews Raise Concerns
- A Mixed Bag: Sound Quality Still a Problem
- The Verdict: Potential Unfulfilled
- Aesthetics and Build Quality
- Typing Experience and Performance
- Customization Options
- Conclusion
- The Price of Perfection: Is the Drop Sense Worth It?
- A Premium Price Tag Without a Premium Experience
- Room for Improvement: A Potential V2?
Drop’s foray into the mechanical keyboard market with their new Sense75 was met with both anticipation and skepticism. The $349 gasket-mount keyboard boasted an understated yet stylish design, Drop’s own DCX keycaps, in-house stabilizers, and the coveted Holy Panda X tactile switches. On paper, it seemed like a winner. However, early reviews of pre-release prototypes painted a less rosy picture.
Early Reviews Raise Concerns
Initial impressions from reviewers who received prototype units were far from positive. Reports highlighted issues with case ping, rattling stabilizers, and unwanted noise from both the switches and the keyboard itself. Drop acknowledged these concerns and made adjustments before releasing the final product.
A Mixed Bag: Sound Quality Still a Problem
I recently received a pre-built review unit of the Sense75 (a bare-bones option is also available for $249). While I didn’t encounter any case ping, the keyboard still exhibits a hollow sound. Drop has implemented a second layer of thin foam to address this issue, but it seems insufficient. The most perplexing aspect is that even in 2022, a pre-built keyboard at this price point would require extensive disassembly, lubrication of stabilizers, and reassembly to achieve an acceptable sound profile. This begs the question: who is this keyboard truly intended for?
The Verdict: Potential Unfulfilled
While the Drop Sense75 boasts a compelling design and desirable features, its sound quality issues cast a shadow over its overall appeal. For enthusiasts seeking a plug-and-play experience with minimal tinkering, this keyboard falls short. Perhaps future iterations will address these concerns and deliver on the promise of a truly exceptional mechanical keyboard.
The Drop Sense75: A Stylish Keyboard with Room for Improvement
The Drop Sense75 is a 75% mechanical keyboard that aims to deliver both style and functionality. While it boasts a sleek aluminum design and customizable RGB lighting, some aspects of its performance and build quality leave room for improvement.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
Visually, the Sense75 makes a strong impression. The pre-built model features an aluminum plate and weight beneath the keycaps, giving it a premium feel. The addition of a diffuser layer to the RGB lighting creates a pleasant underglow effect. However, the diffuser itself feels somewhat flimsy and prone to breakage.
Picture Credit: Drop
Typing Experience and Performance
The Sense75 utilizes the popular Holy Panda switches, known for their tactile bump and smooth typing experience. However, some users may find them too heavy or noisy for extended use. The keyboard’s layout is standard for a 75% model, offering a good balance between compactness and functionality.
The addition of south-facing sockets allows for easy access to the RGB lighting, but the diffuser layer itself feels somewhat flimsy and prone to breakage.
Customization Options
The Sense75 offers several customization options, including per-key RGB lighting, different switch types, and keycap sets. This allows users to personalize their keyboard to their liking.
Conclusion
The Drop Sense75 is a stylish keyboard with a solid typing experience. However, its build quality could be improved, particularly the diffuser layer. If you’re looking for a customizable 75% keyboard with a premium aesthetic, the Sense75 is worth considering. But be aware of its potential weaknesses before making a purchase.
The Price of Perfection: Is the Drop Sense Worth It?
Building a custom keyboard can be an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing you to personalize every aspect from keycaps to switches. However, sometimes pre-built options offer convenience and a streamlined approach. The Drop Sense, with its sleek design and promise of premium typing, certainly aims for that latter category. But does it deliver on its lofty expectations? While the keyboard boasts an attractive aesthetic and solid build quality, several factors leave it falling short of its potential.
The Drop Sense comes with a hefty price tag, significantly higher than many comparable options on the market. For instance, the Keychron Q1, a highly regarded pre-built keyboard, offers exceptional value for under $200. Even bare-bones kits like the Akko Mod 007 can be assembled for under $150, leaving you with ample room in your budget for customization. While the Sense75’s price point starts at $350 and climbs to $400 for the white variant, a bare-bones version costs $100 less. However, this premium pricing doesn’t necessarily translate into a superior typing experience.
Room for Improvement: A Potential V2?
Drop has been actively engaging with its community, and it’s clear they are receptive to feedback. The Sense keyboard, despite its shortcomings, possesses the potential to be truly exceptional with some refinements. Perhaps a future iteration, the Drop Sense v2, could address these issues and deliver on the promise of a premium typing experience.
Ultimately, while the Drop Sense presents an attractive design and solid construction, its high price point coupled with certain performance limitations make it a less compelling choice compared to other available options. For those seeking a truly exceptional typing experience without breaking the bank, exploring alternatives like the Keychron Q1 or even building your own custom keyboard might be more rewarding.
