Massdrop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard - Unboxing & Review

Today we check out the CTRL keyboard by Massdrop! It packs a lot of features, including RGB lighting, hotswappable keyswitches, programmability, and much more!
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Official website : www.taekeyboards.com/
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[@TaeKeyboards]

The drop is inactive at the moment. ETA from Massdrop : Alt: Late April / Early May Ctrl: End April / Early May. Also, thanks for 50k subs! Video on that coming soon ❤

[@Mr.Hans17]

Can't wait!!

[@AvsDude19]

THE CTRL IS ACTIVE!!!

[@jerwinsalonga4600]

How much is this kb?

[@zachhixon5497]

@@jerwinsalonga4600 200

[@edwardelric8966]

can u mod the plastic strip to make the lights look more dense or spread out ?

[@lucabaldassi6024]

RGB SMD LEDs? _Did you mean: _*_Red Green Blue Surface-Mount Device Light Emitting Diodes_* EDIT: Corrected a fatal mistake

[@julian23561]

*SURFACE MOUNT DEVICE* fixed that for you. lol

[@duerocovena946]

SMD = surface mount device but in this case because of clearance for the switch they have to make a hole in the PCB and have the led connected & held by the gullwing.

[@TaeKeyboards]

You know what. Whatever board that has them next, I'll say this.

[@transgrl]

WS2812B LED's to be specific

[@bluefy5831]

When you are missing few words in essay

[@viktr2071]

this keyboard sounds like you're putting something together in a lego game

[@camacakegd3714]

ツViktør underrated comment, you’re exactly right

[@pidguit]

was thinking about what switches to get, now I need to get the clears

[@gaydubbbz8148]

Wich isn t a bad thing

[@ryanxu9983]

Holy shi you descrived it perfectly

[@TheLostStream]

9:00 The keycap puller can unscrew revealing a hex head to use to unscrew the bolts too.

[@jheymann69]

just finding your channel, its been a goldmine of knowledge for me on my quest for my first purchase, thanks man

[@jasong.145]

Best typing test I've heard in a while 7:01

[@kimchunglee2528]

Best asmr ever

[@azeriusfrost]

Here’s more godly asmr

[@azeriusfrost]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5bUn3iApbWNjLs

[@asaptherm]

I mean he does have the microphone right in front of it

[@Snoigel]

Twister_T _35 Taeha is great

[@Keyboomph_]

awesome review mate! I just got my Massdrop Alt Keyboard its pretty much the same as the Ctrl but 65%. Im lovin it!

[@fatmouth007]

Hotswapping is the future!

[@fatmouth007]

@August Canaille I really hope Cherry profile takes off. OEM is a little too high for my tastes

[@hrjmwwkwerniejejejjw5011]

Honestly I enjoy soldering. Most of the time I put in hotswap sockets if I want to

[@lizardofoz8289]

Update: can confirm, hot swapping is present.

[@danieldamexican6142]

Oh how right you were

[@udaychawla2236]

Guess someone was right all along

[@RE4PER]

I have the smaller ALT, and absolutely love it. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes the 65% form factor.

[@AlphaMachina]

This board would look really great with low profile switches and keys. And, I mean, perfect for that application.

[@kinsondigital]

I just ordered this keyboard this morning!! I am so excited. It will be my first custom mechanical keyboard.

[@soperpokebrat]

That picture of Tzuyu at the end. Great video as always!

[@toorimakun]

Didn't know who that was.... but she is cute af!

[@nightsoflilith]

toorimakun she's Tzuyu from kpop girl group TWICE

[@toorimakun]

@@nightsoflilith Kpop, so in theory she IS single!!

[@stohess]

toorimakun she’s the tallest in her group lol

[@knguyen284]

he probably a fan of kpop... been seeing he typing about psycho's lyrics of red velvet

[@andrwwz6351]

Just recently got the Alt keyboard, and I flipping love this thing.

[@frito0101]

Just ordered the alt. Been eying it for a minute. Currently have a one 2 mini. Hyped!

[@dhoffnun]

Protip about this keyboard: don't use USB 2.0 ports or extension cables if you want reliable RGB.

[@gravesitee]

So, if I wanted to use a coiled Type-C it won’t effect the RGB, right?

[@-1nfinite]

@@yttrxstein4192 i dont get the last part of what you said

[@plainee6183]

So usb 3.2?

[@f3nrir_]

For a store bought keyboard, this one probably has the best typing sound experience in my opinion.

[@DygmaLab]

This keyboard looks good. Simple but looks premium. RGB lights from below seems rare too. Would want to check one. Thanks for the review!

[@Blodwynnn]

Greatly enjoy your channel!

[@SnowyNowak]

Been typing on this keyboard with Kailh Box Royals for a while now. Pretty impressed by it.

[@joeyb1123]

Great vid!

[@PHOBIAx57x]

Reminds me of the old Corsair k65. Which I still have and love!

[@israel6704]

Would like it if you picked up the hexgear dusk when it comes out and do a comparison of both since the hexgear is a bit cheaper, would like to see what they may have sacrificed

[@MrMirofl]

Great video, thank you. :)

[@cabra9630]

Epic video! Can you please review the ducky shine 7 please. Been wanting it for a while but want to be 100%

[@arctyze]

I am actually in love...

[@julian23561]

It's a beautiful board but the side glow definitely needs more diffusing.

[@AustinMichael]

That can be easily fixed with a new piece of acrylic or plastic.

[@zanzoy]

Halo clears sound so good but were so fatiguing to type on, I caved and switched out for Zealios after just a month.

[@microdev12]

Congratz 50k!

[@PinePizza]

i ordered for the next drop coming in september.. can't wait to mod the hell out of it

[@westwest5244]

On my way! To get it 😎

[@black_heart_gaming583]

I have this keyboard, I love it.

[@egbt2147]

Two thumbs up! Also love your accent m8.

[@TaeKeyboards]

1 curved, 1 straight 😘

[@AIRFORCEFREAK1]

I got the ALT while it was on drop and will get to use it in May when I get home. Hopefully you get your hands on the ALT by then and I can know your opinions!

[@idroppedmypocket]

My buddy sent me custom firmware for mine. It now has extra features, including different scrolling options and multiple modes for how it lights up.

[@abdomination]

I was considering the keyboard for a bit even though I have the kinda messed up K-Type. I think the Re:Type when it comes out by Input Club will be much better.

[@BorisA32]

I see Red Velvet Russian Roulette in the background 🤔. Why does post concert depression gotta catch me here 😭

[@DaftFanPunk]

Lmfao great now everyone's lowkey sharing they went to an RV concert

[@Dutchgamey]

WUT? where!!!

[@eziet_]

omg a kpop comment under a tech video

[@eziet_]

WAIT WHAT IS TZUYU DOING HERE

[@jamesle7237]

Pi-pi-pi

[@ShadwTrooper]

I just got the May Drop version of the CTRL. It looks like they addressed the issue with the feet. Mine has 2 magnets on each foot and they are stuck on there pretty good. I tried to get them to come off by sliding it and it was pretty hard. This is a REALLY nice keyboard! Got mine with Halo Trues. Feels good.

[@young6speed22]

how are the halo trues as far as typing feel?

[@dreamstate01]

Are you going to do a review on the high profile one? Or at least a video covering the differences? I'm hoping to pick one up on r/mechmarket after the drop ships out.

[@nonickname2372]

Hey Taekeyboards...I love your content and you have inspired me to build my own keyboard from the ground up... Thank you for that....I have a question and I think your expertise will come in handy. I have a keyboard currently by a company that is called pawhits. It was a keyboard that was bought for my girlfriend, but she did not like the keyboard, so I kept it and am currently using it. It uses a blue switch called Jixian. What do you know about these particular switches and are they very similar to cherry MX. ( possibly a clone or lower grade perhaps ) I want to add some key caps to them to change the look up a little until I get the parts for my new keyboard that I plan on building. I just want to know what key caps should be compatible with them. Thank you and cheers.

[@Brizizaz]

TaeKeyboards.... i love you

[@jordanfish]

They must have improved their stabs. My stock laser ALT had awful rattle, though it was easy to fix since they pop right out.

[@marka.200]

I should've gotten one of these instead of the Alt, it's just a little too cramped, but the Ctrl wasn't available and I was in a hurry. Amazing workmanship and design, I love being able to program the lights myself too.

[@JTab2funny]

I love keyboards

[@a55tech]

They need a kailh choc version. Also Razer does it nicely with the cover so that light doesn't blow out of the front, below the spacebar.

[@samwitte7672]

I got serial number 000004 on mine. I was so hyped when it came in.

[@rapstninja]

First time i saw this i thought u stole 000004

[@Photosbybb]

Who gives a fuck loser you didnt get #1?

[@kaizaqu6018]

Haven’t seen the vid yet but it looks good!

[@be3963]

The caps are Tai-Hao, that's what was on the K-Type too. The texture that you are describing is how they feel. I guess that it's also inconsistent, with some keys feeling smoother than others, just like on the K-Type or on sets like Tai-Hao Miami or Sunshine. At least they are PBT with POM inserts.

[@zack_szh6769]

PLZ do a review of the upcoming Varmilo Sword 87!

[@tingmann]

Anyone know type of the screws they use? I overtightened one and it broke, i need a replacement one. But i dont know what screw to look for.

[@vampickle4694]

@TaeKeyboards Does the setting of the RGB reset to default when you unplug it?

[@zetterberg9738]

Hi does anyone of you has any idea on where to buy that specific RGB SMD led as my broke lol.

[@Unovic]

I've had this keyboard for around a year now and I've enjoyed it very much but there are some problems I feel like you didn't go over. So, the stabilizers are good but ONLY for the stock keycaps. I don't know how but while I was replacing keycaps, the stabilizers just made so much rattle and I couldn't even replace the switch for spacebar because the stabilizers with the new space keycap kept the switch slightly actuated at all times which is incredibly annoying. You have to go out and get new stabilizers if you would like to have the same experience with the stock stabilizers and keycaps. Another thing is how on some of the CTRLs, one or both of the magnet holes are not properly cut. This makes the magnets on the feet not flush with the magnet holes and they become even less stable than they already are. I cannot move my keyboard the slightest or else the feet comes off. Just my problems though so it may be different for everyone else, but I still love the keyboard. EDIT: forgot to talk about the price, the stock version for $150 is still very steep for a keyboard with these features, you can probably make the same keyboard with the same features and such for cheaper but it's still daunting for beginners. the overall quality of the ctrl is still very good though.

[@UnluckyOctopus]

Hi beginner here. The most daunting part is what site to use? What do you recommend?

[@zack_szh6769]

You should really review the high profile one... :d

[@scharkalvin]

My ALT, and I suspect current issue CTRL keyboards have TWO magnets in the feet now, so they don't slide off if you push the keyboard sideways. However, it is now possible to mount the feet bassackwards, which doesn't work as the keyboard won't lie stable and will rock forward and backwards. Still better with two magnets though!

[@KingofHearts67]

I have the CTRL high profile coming in May but the wait is excruciating, I got the barebones version because I'm going to be using maxkey portland keycaps and khail box navy switches.

[@militia257]

Same, im going for the lo pro, with box jades tho. :)

[@ornn6177]

3D print your own defuser or wrap something inside it to make the lights more event

[@Camrographer]

How does one determine if the parts used are of quality? Does serviceability come in to play with these types keyboards? Lastly, because these are not made by a major brand does that leave little recourse should they have issues?

[@greyareaRK1]

I didn't know the case was available in high profile. If you can plug Alps in, I'm sold.

[@urbn9t]

Wish more KB makers put an extra USB port like that.

[@campingdoesntpay5235]

Can I buy just the keycaps ? Id like to order a barebone Alt keyboard but also want the keycaps!

[@claydrogen2478]

0:00 That video of Red Velvet Russian Roulette on that monitor :)

[@ilaserbia]

Do you know if there is a 75% board on the market with per key RGB and running QMK? I've looked at KBD75, and so far, this is the best I can find for myself as it supports split space bar. Any recommendations for any other 75% board?

[@elijahkeovorabouth6420]

when are u dropping the gk61 custom build vid

[@nanoreeffreak5064]

Review the GMMK Compact keyboard from Glorious PC gaming race please, $59.99 hot swappable switches too

[@deathfromthekrypt]

not 60$. You still need to choose switches and keycaps. Or you can just buy the keyboard for 60 and add your own.

[@josephvasquez3396]

So this PCB wont support 5 pin switches? or could you just clip the two plastic pins?

[@saltystorm8806]

the caps are liek super fine sandpaper

[@ph-zt4xz]

yesss

[@avalerionxiv5623]

Review the Rakk Sinag!

[@dankest5148]

I am new to keyboards and my birthday is coming up, which keyboard should I get (mechanical) I like the brown switches now but they're not as impactful as your ones are, please recommend me a keyboard with the stuff I've given you.

[@Mattixi]

Tzuyu approves

[@masonc533]

Why would you want to toggle between 6-key rollover and n-key rollover?

[@Skeggi]

If you want to use the feet and are willing to have them permanently in place, what would be a good way to fixaxte them?

[@irgendsoeinkek]

7:04: Gamers ASMR

[@2vgod460]

I really like this keyboard!!! I wanna order this board but want to know if you could hot swap to holy panda switches

[@justinnguyen602]

Yes i have them, they fit tight and removing them kinda messes them up a little because they're so tight. But other than, it works fine with RGB not shining through the sides but the key's font still. If you're going to lube the switches i recommend doing it before putting them in because, like I said, removing them kinda ruins them. The keyboard itself has a lot of pinging noise with the pandas too, so foam was necessary as well as lubing the springs.

[@josephhong3406]

@@justinnguyen602 Did you use YOK holy pandas which I hear won't come out of the board? How'd you fit foam in there?

[@justinnguyen602]

@@josephhong3406 I ended up returning it and dropping more money on a custom actually haha

[@antoniostroman4450]

Damn, typing this on my Massdrop Ctrl keyboard while watching a video about the Massdrop Ctrl keyboard

[@eukka]

damn, nobody cares

[@user-uc5xo7yu7n]

I hope they make a wireless version...

[@Diamondstar1ify]

Is there ever a reason to use 6 key rollover vs n key rollover?

[@mohamaditani6160]

could you review the GK707 fom hexgears?

[@mykaru3553]

Does anybody know why the shift, tab, and arrow keys are different from what I normally see online for this board? I really like the stylized keycaps but I can't ever seem to find this "version"

[@Tx66]

Jesus christ that thing PINGS SO HARD

[@spawnandbatman6975]

This keyboard vs the gmmk pro? The gmmk pro has a very good price tag and build quality

[@calebchang7811]

How does this keyboard sound so good in the video? I recently got a DROP CTRL keyboard, and it's pingy and rattly.

[@PizzaOMC]

check out the massdrop alt too. i prefer the alt as its closer to a 60% layout

[@0name933]

It's 65% you know

[@Derfinater]

yeah i just got the alt man I love it.

[@rousseau327]

@@0name933 Hence, "closer to a 60% layout"

[@Shahzad-Khan]

I really want some nice keycaps to compliment this board. I have puddings for the top row, but I need something fancier!

[@Gouldylocksxxo]

How is the keyboard? And what keys are you using? I'm planning to get the Alt high profile.

[@2vgod460]

Nice keyboard but has way to much of a hallow sound to the board, any way to muffle that?

[@lcsiew8875]

can u recommend similar clean legend keycaps for 104 keys keyboard? and i need them in black

[@VoY46eR]

LC Siew www.massdrop.com/buy/gmk-white-on-black-custom-keycap-set?referer=FCRP25 Depends on your layout but these are the best keycaps in the market rn

[@indra3721]

I wonder if this is better than my Logitech gt512 carbon keyboard

[@andylee3609]

Does it fit the NK creams and holy panda switches?

[@the.alexkim]

Does high profile and low profile effect the thocc?

[@ricmuch]

I like everything about this besides how it looks. I wish I had a different taste

[@ollyss8933]

You might like the high profile version

[@B0Sajwah]

can you use the second usb c port for a mouse?

[@Chokkan]

Mate, if your keycaps aren't actively exfoliating your skin as you type, what are you even typing for? I'm having some keycaps made of pumice so I can keep my finger tips nice and smooth. That config software looks very slick. I've never actually seen that before. I wish more keyboards could have something like that. It's even better than the official QMK one in terms of looks anyway. Cool to be able to do your RGBs in there too. 50K!!! That's amazing. Congrats! You have to do a 'Reacting to my First Video - OMG 😱'

[@TaeKeyboards]

Yeh the config is pretty nice, well, QMK toolbox ain't that much different. And thanks mate! heh, I don't think that'll be happening

[@XileBlue]

Waiting for the other, cheaper options from Hexgear to launch.

[@shilo.5087]

XileTommy Will Hexgears be releasing some new models soon? I might pick a 60% from them if it will be like the GK705 but 60%.

[@dillston4016]

I got the GK707, 87 key hot swap for 34 GBP. actually real good for the money

[@shilo.5087]

@@dillston4016 I would like to see a 60% version, its really nice for the price.

[@dillston4016]

@@shilo.5087 id love a 65% myself as that's my fave

[@shilo.5087]

@@dillston4016 65% is also cool but you pretty much have everything in 60% too.

[@KeyT3ch]

Who's that cutie at the end? 😍😍

[@eziet_]

its tzuyu from the kpop group twice

[@muCephei_]

I really want to a hot swappable keyboard so I was considering the CTRL but should I wait for GMMK Pro instead?

[@ryanxu9983]

I dont know really because it depends on you, but i went with the gmmk pro

[@ryanxu9983]

@@yttrxstein4192 hmm, what happened to your drop keyb?

[@ryancalderon2839]

do you have to build the keyboard when you order it

[@LightPackage]

Have you faced the double tap issue?

[@illumy5678]

Are there any keyboards similar to this?

[@Tom-sd2vi]

I like my usb cable in the middle :p

[@rylinheppner6834]

What kind of switches does it come with?

[@KangoV]

A pity there's no ISO format. I'd have one otherwise.