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Customer Ratings & Reviews

Customer reviews

Rating 4.3 out of 5 stars with 40 reviews

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  • Value

    Rating 3.9 out of 5 stars

  • Quality

    Rating 4.9 out of 5 stars

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    Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars

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83%would recommend to a friend

Customers are saying

Customers express satisfaction with the unique keycap design and the feel of the keys, frequently praising the typing experience and the high-quality mechanical switches. Many appreciate the attention to detail in the key design and the responsiveness of the switches for gaming. However, some customers wish for improved backlighting, noting difficulty seeing the keys in low-light conditions.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 40 reviews
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Very gut

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Product excellent and very good for you guys and your team

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Key feel, Keycap design, Switches
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Great TLOTR collector's keyboard.

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This TKL keyboard certainly delivers on the TLOTR feels. I have an all-black setup (desk, mouse pad, speaker set, and monitor) so this Black Speech edition is right at home. The keyboard feels premium and due to its anodized aluminum case is quite heavy. I appreciate the adjustable height back feet. The Training Black Speech kit printing is very clear, although the common writing is very tiny, and in some cases, such as with CAPS, ctrl, Alt, functions, etc., the description is at the bottom which is almost impossible to see. I love all the references, especially the Eye of Sauron on the board, the red Shards of Narsil enter keycap, and the One Ring inscription on the spacebar keycap. I wish they would have included a translation for the other keys. Hopefully the printing will last for a long time. While this is not marketed as a gaming keyboard, I would’ve liked to have a different set of WASD keycaps included. The great thing is that there are custom sets available out there (I am looking at those beautiful artisan keycaps!). The MT3 Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps seem to be well made and feel good to the touch. The keys are concave which is great for people who have trimmed nails, but not so much for long nails. Originally, I was confused as to why there were no f and j markers, but soon realized that these keys are much deeper than the others, which I ended appreciating. This concave design is taking me some time to get used to, as I noticed my accuracy and speed have suffered, but somehow still enjoy the typing experience. The typing experience is highly subjective. This keyboard features yellow Holy Panda X Switches, which are very linear with no “bump”. While this is not my preference (I prefer brown linear), I am warming up to them. They have a more “bassy” thud sound. The Drop Phantom Stabilizers work well, as I noticed no wobble at all. They also feel well-lubed. I would have liked a bit more dampening and a softer feel, though. While the typing experience is decent, it is unfortunate that the switches are soldered, which takes away from it being an enthusiast's keyboard. It is worth mentioning that there are no media controls, such as a volume rocker. My main complaint is that the LED backlight is terrible. It is weak, north-facing, and is obstructed by the caps. It would have been nice if the light would come through the lettering. It is also disappointing that the white lighting cannot be changed to say, red, as this would have immensely added to the Mordor aesthetic. Overall, this is a plain mechanical keyboard with minimal features that performs well. However, as a LOTR collector item, it is gorgeous and any enthusiast would certainly be proud to have it on display.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Key feel, Keycap design, Switches
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Drop it like a it's the one ring

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    You have probably never heard of Drop. But if you examine the box a little closer you'll discover the mention of Corsair being the manufacturer behind these highly customizable keyboards. This should inspire confidence in these products as the company has been creating gaming components and accessories for a long, long time. The DROP + The Lord of the Rings TKL Wired Black Speech Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a fascinating piece of hardware whether you're a LOTR fan or not. Let's have a look at what's good and what could've been better. This Drop keyboard comes with a custom paint job reminiscent of Sauron. The caps are printed in elvish (there are tiny little letters for those who still need to look at the keyboard to type) and it really looks gorgeous. It comes with additional key caps (red) which can replace the keys that are pre-installed. There are some more keys and accessories available to purchase, but in my humble opinion, it's pretty cool looking as it is. The box also contains a USB cable (Type C to USB-A) and a keycap puller. I would have loved a braided cable instead of the regular cable, but you have to buy it separately. If you've been around long enough, you'll realize that the keys feel more like an old-school keyboard from the '90s, which is very cool. I really like the circular indentation which helps to keep your little fingers on the right keys. The keyboard is mechanical and it sounds fairly well. I find it a bit loud but I'm also using opto-mechanical switches on my other keyboards. Now, the box says that the switches are Holy Panda X Tactile and respond without any lag at all. The housing of the Drop is aluminum, which spells quality and sturdiness. It's got a nice weight to it. After a week of using this keyboard, I found it to be very comfortable to type and game with and it gives off a lot of flair. But not everything is fine in the Shire and Drop has (and I apologize for this pun in advance) dropped the ring. The biggest issue comes in form of the app used to control most features. It wouldn't detect the keyboard no matter how or which USB port I plugged it in to. This led to hunting down tutorials and videos explaining how to flash the firmware. This is a problem and I hope that Drop will fix their app soon. It simply isn't great. You can use the function key to adjust many settings, but a software option is always the better choice. The next one is more of a personal gripe. The keyboard features lighting, but the keycaps are opaque. It would have been so much better to see the elvish light up. I game a lot at night and I rely a lot on the keyboard to offer enough light to see the keys. As I mentioned before, it's just a minor thing but if you're like me, you kind of expected to see the elvish symbols light up in a classy, shimmery style. All in all, the DROP + The Lord of the Rings TKL Wired Black Speech Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a hit and miss. It is great looking, it works and feels great. The price is justified by the quality of the build and the content of the box. Alright, now back to play Return to Moria.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Keycap design, Switches
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Beautiful to look at and a joy to type with

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This is my first keyboard (or keycaps) from DROP and I was pretty excited when I got the chance to review it. I'm happy to say that my expectations have been perfectly met and this is a really exciting keyboard to get to use and show off to friends. DROP also have perfect timing (for me anyway) with the release of this Lord of the Rings themed keyboard as I was just finishing Rings of Power season 2 when this arrived. #Unboxing and first impressions# The DROP keyboard arrived in a pretty standard retail keyboard box, with a keycap puller tool and the extra highlight/red keycaps in the box. I was a little disappointed that the keyboard includes only a standard non-braided cable in the box. Fortunately I have plenty of nice looking USB-C cables, so I don't really mind and didn't feel compelled to spend the extra money to order a DROP branded coiled braided cable that they offer on their website. But it's something to keep in mind if you are getting this as a gift for a non-keyboard afficionado. The base and deck of this keyboard are metal and the overall product has a very solid, weighty feel to it. The keyboard deck does have soft, warm white LED lighting, but the keycaps themselves are not illuminated. The artwork on the metal top of the keyboard is beautiful and seems to be annodized or applied in such a way that I don't feel that it's at risk of scraping or flaking off, but time may tell there. #Typing experience# The keycaps and switches for this LOTR black speech keyboard are phenomenal. The keycaps are PBT with an MT3 profile which differs somewhat from a traditional keyboard. Rather than having uniformly flat tops on the keys, with little bumps for finding your F and J keys, the MT3 profiles are scooped or cupped slightly. The F and J keys are scooped a little deeper so it's easy to find your home keys. That can be important when the keycaps are all inscribed with the black speech of Mordor with just tiny inscriptions in the bottom right for the English letters. If you're not an avid touch typist this might not be the best keyboard for you. The Holy Panda X tactile switches on the DROP LOTR keyboard are hands down the best tactile switches I've used. There is a noticeable bump as you press the keys but the actuation force and activation distance are very easy to adjust to for gaming reaction times, and still provide wonderful feedback and travel distance when typing. Combined with the solid feeling metal base of the keyboard and PBT keycaps, the feel and SOUND of this keyboard is just amazing. It sounds wonderful but not so loud that I have been worried about bringing it in with me to the office to show off to my coworkers and still work during the day. You can easily get full functionality out of the keyboard using just the Fn key for hotkeys, without needing any special software. #Conclusion# The DROP Lord of the Rings TKL keyboard is a fantastic keyboard for LOTR and fantasy fans that can make a great center piece to a themed desk setup, while still being one of the best keyboards I've ever used. The combination of the MT3 profile, PBT keycaps and Holy Panda X switches provides a wonderful typing and gaming experience. If it weren't for the cheap, afterthought cable included in the box and the weak LED lighting, this would be a near perfect retail keyboard. For a lighting minimalist the backlighting probably isn't a concern, and the cable is easily replaceable. While I was a little disappointed with those features out of the box, after using the keyboard for a week now I can say that I am in love with it.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Keycap design
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great gaming keyboard, switches a bit stiff

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Being a fan of LOTR and mechanical keyboards, I felt this Drop + was a sure winner for me. What I found was that the keys are a little too stiff for me to enjoy fully. It’s a very unique keyboard. Right from taking it out of the box, you feel the influence of LOTR. I love the little details, such as the ‘one ring’ as the FN key on the right side of the spacebar and the ESC key. Since I don’t speak ‘black speech,’ I have no idea if the characters provided correspond in any fashion to the American-English alphabet. And, even though I have a lot of muscle memory built up from years of typing experience, it’s helpful that the English alphabet is included on the keys as well. There is a unique curve to the keys that almost makes them feel concave. I rather like it, and instead of a little carat on the F and J keys, the dip in the key is larger and more noticeable than the other surrounding keys. I thought this was another nice touch. Pros Unique design Nice curve to keys The keyboard is responsive overall The 75% layout has all the main keys in a layout that I like. Cons It’s not directly compatible with macOS The switches have stiffer actuation than I am used to. Not wireless One thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was that it wasn’t directly compatible with macOS since I use both systems. I was, however, able to change the modifier keys in the macOS System software. This made it much closer to the layout I’m familiar with on that system. The DROP keyboard is very heavy. I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. To mean, that means ‘quality’ with a keyboard like this. The aluminum body is solid, and it, combined with the Holy Panda X Tactile switches and MT3 keycaps, is a great combination. The lighting of the keyboard left something to be desired. It doesn’t get very bright, and there are no options for changing to a different color. Another downside to this particular keyboard is that it is not wireless. Even though the Holy Panda switches are supposed to be good for typing, I found them to be quite stiff, and they actually hindered me from being as accurate as I normally am. As a gaming keyboard, it’s fantastic. I didn’t have any issues with finding the keys I wanted, but for long-form typing, it’s just not the best companion. All in all, I think this keyboard is fantastic, and for LOTR fans, it’s a great piece of memorabilia for the franchise.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Keycap design, Switches
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Stylish keyboard for LOTR fans

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The DROP + The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) TKL Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a fun product for any Middle-earth enthusiast who's also serious about their typing experience. The keyboard's design is what stands out, obviously drawing inspiration from Mordor with the black color and Eye of Sauron on it. The keycaps are decorated with Tengwar script to make the design pop, but also have standard lettering on it so you can easily know what you are typing. The mechanical switches provide a tactile and responsive typing experience. Each keystroke is satisfying. The TKL layout is a great choice if you like the minimalist and space saving aesthetic and don’t do a lot of data entry that a normal keypad would be useful for. The wired connection from the keyboard to the PC/Mac is USB-C to USB-A. I would have preferred USB-C to USB-C since USB-A is being phased out and its easier to buy a 3rd party port expander for USB-C without having to worry about USB-A based peripherals. The keyboard has all the standard features one would expect from a premium TKL keyboard such as programmable keys and LED backlighting. The only thing some people might not like about the keyboard is that the themed keycaps could hinder touch typing. Then again, most people are probably going to be using this keyboard as part of their gaming rigs and are not going to be doing a lot of typing and data entry with it. DROP is known for its quality peripherals, and this keyboard is no exception. This is solidly built, with a satisfying heft that keeps it firmly in place during intense gaming sessions. I was playing COD MW3 and was bumping the keyboard with my mouse a few times while in some intense shootouts and the keyboard hardly moved. This DROP + The Lord of the Rings Gaming Keyboard is an excellent choice for those looking to display their passion for LOTR on their desktop and also have a high-quality gaming keyboard. I’m tempted to build a desktop tower PC with a custom LOTR skin to match this keyboard design as it is so striking!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Key feel
    Cons mentioned:
    Back lighting
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Interesting bit of kit.

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    You really have to be a fan of the movies to get this keyboard. It looks stunning. The only thing I would have liked to have incorporated into it would have been a backlight to the eye on the side. It comes with everything you need to service it. Keys feel good. I am not a keyboard connoisseur so I can't speak on too much as far as specs and anything else keyboard junkies like to wax poetic about. It is a bit lighter than my other keyboard which you will be able to see in the pic attached to this review. I was told by someone that happened to be next to me while I was using this keyboard that it was quieter than my other keyboard. It feels a bit smoother and I like the old school feel of the clickity clack 😉 Good construction and if you are into the Lord of the Rings and want to build a theme rig than I most definitely recommend picking up this one. I am thinking about doing it myself at this point. I would recommend this if you are in need of a new keyboard of are a fan of the books and movies. It would make a great starting point and conversation starter on your desk.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Keycap design
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    A must add to LOTR Collection Setup

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I was excited to get my hands on Drop's Lord of the Rings TKL Black Speech Mechanical Keyboard. The LOTR franchise is my all-time favorite, so having this keyboard is icing on the cake. I have a all black gaming setup, so I thought this would be the perfect addition to my setup. When opening the box the first thing that sticks out is that the mechanical keyboard is beautifully crafted. The Black Speech transcript keycaps are awesome, and the artwork on the keyboard case really gives it a premium look. In the box, Drop included additional red key caps, USB-C cable and a key cap puller. I expected to see the coiled Black Speech keyboard cable, but a standard USB-A to USB-C was included. The second thing I noticed was the overall heftiness of the keyboard too. Since this is my first experience using a mechanical keyboard, it was a pleasant surprise of the level of detail of the little things that makes this keyboard stand out. Using the LOTR Black Speech keyboard really took some time getting used to. After unboxing I wanted to get a good feel of actually typing on the keyboard. Honestly, I had no clue what the shift keys were. I had to go through trial and error and make little notes of which keys were which. Would have been nice if this info was accessible on the website, or in the manual. This may be telling my age, but typing on the mechanical keyboard takes me back to the typewriter days. There is a noticeable sound when typing, but it not overly loud. Drop also included a pretty dim white backlit behind the keys. I wish this lighting was a bit brighter and had the ability to change colors. Pretty neat that a backlight is included at all. After using the LOTR Black Speech Mechanical keyboard for awhile now, I've grown to really like this mechanical keyboard, even with the few short-comings it has. Its truly plug and play. No special software needed to work. There is a host of customizable options that Drop offers for this mechanical keyboard as well. The Eye of Sauron artwork is a nice touch to a beautifully crafted keyboard. All in all, I really like this keyboard, and I think you will too.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Keycap design
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Embrace Mordor with Black Speech

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The DROP + The Lord of the Rings Black Speech Keyboard bring Mordor to the home. This LOTR inspired keyboard is one of the few versions DROP currently has available from the series and both this and the elvish keyboard spoke to me with Black Speech taking the lead. Initial impression out of the box is a sturdy, strong presentation. The keyboard comes with an all grey-tone keycap set along with the red accent keycaps that may be interchanged. There is a tool to assist in keycap removal which was a little flimsy overall but did the job to allow for quick swapping of the keycaps. The keys themselves are brilliantly labeled with Black Speech and having small denotations of the actual key if one is not fluent in Black Speech yet (or at least knowing the alphabet). This denoted key is either in the bottom right corner of the top of the keycap or the anterior surface of the keycap that is easily seen. I love the letters being in the LOTR language, and it is slowly letting me learn it casually. Also, the inscription of the one ring as the space key is a prime touch for a LOTR fan! The biggest flaw to overall presentation in my opinion is that the backlight is only white. This is not an RBG keyboard, which I have grown accustomed to, but that is OK. However; I feel not having red as a backlight color option is a missed opportunity. Otherwise, a beautifully presented keyboard design. The keyboard itself has a aluminum case that is quite sturdy. The keyboard is powered with USB-C to USB-A (computer connection) which does not take up a USB-C computer connection, appreciated. The Holy Panda X Tactile Mechanical Switches are quiet, making a slightly audible sound with a keystroke, requiring mild/moderate pressure to press and a clear tactile response. The switches are soldered on, which is another aspect of the keyboard that is clearly stated but sad to me, decreasing the ease of changing mechanical switches out if desired. They are a solid mechanical switch though and I expect to get fantastic use out of them. Swapping out the accent keys took about 2-minutes, a quick an easy process. There is no specific software to be added to use this keyboard which is nice and otherwise, the biggest thing to note is Fn+Up/Down arrow adjusts LED brightness. Overall, this keyboard has a sturdy feel, good tactile response and a collectors presentation with a couple details that I believed were overlooked; however, when thinking about DROP, these keycaps themselves are available as a set outside of a keyboard. So, ultimately if one desired to have certain switches, backlighting, etc, then this is not necessarily the correct product for you. This is the product for someone who wants a higher quality, custom keyboard completed and ready for use out of the box.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Keycap design
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    one for the ages

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This is a very niche gaming keyboard but yet a really cool niche keyboard at that. Being a LOTR fan makes this keyboard that much cooler for me.... Out of the box, this keyboard is hefty in weight, moreso then I was expecting, but in a good way. The keycaps are very elegantly done in black speech type and the aluminum case everything is housed in, also features a raised (textured) eye of sauron image which adds to the uniqueness of this keyboard. This keyboard was easy to setup as no software was needed, the usual gamer keyboard quick commands exist built in (ie. turn off windows key etc). Other quick keys do exist (volume up down etc but no customization of any keys outside of that exist, that i am aware of. but thats okay) The keys themselves feel really good, from the texture of the keys to the actual switch presses, everything feels really smooth and precise. The unit houses Holy Panda X switches, that are soldered in. Pros: beautifully unique keyboard that will draw attention really good gaming switches that have a good tension heavy weight to help keep the unit in place during gaming sessions Cons: for me the white backlighting seems too bland, it doesnt really add to the keyboard and provides nothing of value/use in a dark room (my opinion) soldered switches, leaves heavy tasks later if any upgrades are warranted Overall this keyboard is solid, graphically visually its very nice, if you are a LOTR fan you will enjoy this keyboard, from the very fine details of the keycap art to the eye of sauron will keep you satisfied. The functionality of this keyboard is good too, playing games of cod feel good, with solid key presses as i would expect for this caliber of keyboard. If you are a fan of LOTR and looking for a unique gaming keyboard i would definitly give this a look.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Incredible typing action

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This is likely the most unique keyboard I’ve ever seen. It’s a physical work of art, making me a bit hesitant to use it. I love that this board includes additional keys to swap out, such as the return key with the daggers. It also comes with a key puller, making it very easy to remove the keys once you learn how to use it. I’ll admit, I find this keyboard a bit difficult to use because of the black speech on the keys. I don’t look at the keyboard often, but when I do, it’s to make sure I’m in the correct position. While this keyboard does have the actual letters written below the black speech, they aren’t easy to see, and I find myself getting confused when I look down. Typing-wise, it’s probably the most pleasing keyboard I’ve ever used. The key action is incredible, as is the sound this board makes. I’m a very fast typist, and incredibly picky about my keyboards and the feedback they provide. If not for the black speech, I would use this as my main board. I’m likely to order some replacement letter keycaps so I can make this my primary board. The DROP website also offers some beautiful LOTR escape keys that are unlike anything I’ve seen before. I’m really surprised this board doesn’t have the option to work wirelessly. While I typically use wired keyboards, I would love to see a wireless version so you can display your board when not in use. The thing that stands out to me the most is how heavy and solid this board is. It’s shockingly heavy when you pick it up, and likely the heaviest board I’ve ever used. It’s a tank, and I imagine it’ll withstand quite a bit of punishment. Overall, I love the keyboard, but I’m not entirely sold on the black speech. I would have loved to see a set of basic letter keycaps included, as the actual letters are so small and barely visible.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    DROP+ LotR = Happy Nerd

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I wanted to get the perfect surprise gift for a Lord of the Rings fan friend, who also just recently built their first PC and has yet to take the jump into the endless void that is mechanical keyboards. The DROP + The Lord of the Rings mechanical gaming keyboard was a must try for them. Pros: - Unique Lord of the Ring keys. - Feels good to type on. - No Software Needed. Cons: - Backlight Brightness & Non-Transparent Key Caps. - No key mapping or macro ability. Out of the Box: As soon as you take the keyboard out of the box, you can feel the heft and quality of the keyboard. DROP made sure this keyboard felt solid and good on the hands. With the Aluminum bottom and detailed cover, the keyboard just feels good. Included in the box with the keyboard are some alternative keys, which are different colors for customization, along with a key extractor tool and cable. One of my favorite features about the DROP + The Lord of the Rings keyboard is the complete lack of software. There is nothing that is needed to be using the keyboard. Though, at the same time, this is a bit of a drawback as there is no customization, lighting controls besides brightness, or key mapping. Though, for my target gift receiver, this is perfect as they are a simple type of user. Typing On It: Initially, I was a little worried about this keyboard for a few reasons, which was why I “tested” it out beforehand to ensure it wasn’t a dud. One was the ability to read the keys, as the script is easy to see, but not many can read this except for the hard core LotR fans. The little English text in the bottom of the key is so small, that reading it is basically impossible unless you have perfect vision. But honestly, I found out very quickly that the other ergonomic features were more than made up for this and I rarely if ever needed to look at the keyboard to hit the right key. This might be due to my constant use of a keyboard, but anyone looking at a keyboard like this will probably have more than enough practice typing. Another odd thing I wanted to test out was the curvature of the keyboard and keys themselves. The keys are aligned in a way that creates a small curve from the bottom keys to the top ones, like a stretched out “U”. This made typing more comfortable and accurate, but you do need wrist rest to set your hands at the optimum angle. Unfortunately, DROP did not include an arm rest, but you will need one for any long duration of use. The other odd curvy thing DROP did was the tops of the keys, they are domed down, which kind of catches your finger and makes typing easier. I’m not quite sure how to best describe it but I easily found my typing speed and accuracy improved greatly on this keyboard compared to a standard flat keyboard. The switches on this keyboard are the Holy Panda X, which feel amazing though I’m disappointed that they are not swap-able. Though, I doubt the intended recipient will be messing with any switches at this point so I’m not holding that against DROP. The Holy Panda X keys are perfect for typing, with more tactile than speed switches but almost no noise that is found with many of the clicky types. This is preferable in this case as well, as the space this will be used in is shared with a partner and I don’t want to start any fights over clicky noise. Lighting: Honestly, this is where the keyboard fails the hardest, no it is not because it doesn’t do RBG or add additional lighting options. I’m happy with the simple white lighting. The failure is that even at the brightest level the backlighting is just visible in a darker room, if you have any amount of light coming down on to the keyboard you will only see a faint glow at the highest level of brightness. Additionally, the key caps are not transparent, or at least the script should be transparent, so it shines like it was magic! That would have been so cool and given off LotR vibes, but nope. DROP missed out here. Conclusion: DROP did a great collab with Lord of the Rings with this keyboard, creating a simple solid keyboard that is feels amazing too type on. You won’t want to let go of it once you touch it! But sadly, DROP did miss out on some possibly cool and useability features by their choice of maximum brightness and key cap material. Any hard-core Lord of the Rings Nerd will appreciate this keyboard, but they will need to use it in a well lit room.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Epic Keyboard for LoTR Fans

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    While I cannot make the claim that this officially licensed DROP Lord of the Rings Black Speech keyboard is the "One keyboard to rule them all," it is still a pretty remarkable device. This DROP LoTR keyboard is hefty! Very solid. Overall exceptionally constructed. The annodized aluminum chassis seems as heavy duty as it looks. Key presses are sharp, fluid, and precise. There is a 'clacky' sound, but not overly loud like you'd find on other mechanical type gaming keyboards. That's the beauty of the Holy Panda X tactile mechanical switches. Switching out the keycaps which came pre-installed for the more colorful "reddish" ones, was a bit of a challenge, as I'd never really done this before. But the handy keycap removal tool proved most useful. I was patient, took my time, and got it done. The keyboard is backlit with white light; no RGB. There's no PC software for DROP devices that I could find, either. But that's fine. The Tengwar Legends style alphabet, symbols, and phrases on the keycaps is very, very cool. But if you don't have the standard key placements memorized, this could be an issue for ease of typing. My most favorite aspect of this DROP LoTR keyboard is easily the Eye of Sauron painted symbology just above the arrow keys. It's simply awesome! That said, if you are a true fan of Lord of the Rings, and want to make an investment in a very well-made device that speaks to your fandom, then this keyboard may be for you. While pricey, the build quality is there, and this keyboard should serve you well for many years to come.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    A Collectors Item, but not a Daily Driver

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    DROP + The Lord of The Rings Black Speech TKL Mechanical Keyboard As a long time fan of Lord of The Rings and someone who loves mechanical keyboards, I couldn’t resist picking up the DROP + The Lord of The Rings Black Speech TKL Mechanical Keyboard. From the moment I unboxed it, I was impressed with the attention to detail DROP put in, but once I started using it, I realized that the features and craftsmanship were a little underwhelming for the price to performance. The look and design of the Black Speech theme is instantly striking. The keycaps feature Elvish inscriptions with the accent keys that pay homage to the world of Lord of The Rings. The entire aesthetic has a dark, mysterious vibe, perfectly matching the essence of Sauron. It also comes with red accent replacement keys for the space bar, the arrow keys, enter key and the ESC key. The Red keycaps give it that extra sinister vibe with the Eye of Sauron on the Esc key, and the broken Narsil sword on the enter key. The profile of the keycaps are MT3 and are in such a way that it feels comfortable under your fingers and also gives the keyboard a distinct, old school look. The keycap shape of the MT3 profile did take some getting used to, as it's taller and more curved than traditional keycaps. But after a few days, my fingers naturally adjusted, and the keys started to feel incredibly comfortable for typing and long gaming sessions. The PBT keycaps feel incredibly durable and resistant to shine, which is a plus for long-term use. The LED backlighting is south facing and is subtle. The brightness can be controlled while holding down the function key and pressing the up and down arrow keys to increase or decrease it. Though I wish it was full RGB, so you could change the lighting to red or orange to really give it that Sauron vibe. The Holy Panda X tactile switches offer a satisfying and precise typing experience, with a good balance of tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. Every press feels intentional, that confirms the actuation. These switches are ideal for both typing and gaming, as they provide that tactile response. Unfortunately, the switches are not hot swappable and you can not switch them out for other switches. Which in my opinion is an awful decision seeing as this is a special edition keyboard and if a switch wears out or breaks down the road, you are kind of out of luck, unless you learn how to solder the switch off and solder a new one on. This keyboard is a TKL (Ten keyless) layout which means that the keyboard is all the standard keys but without a number pad. This is ideal for those wanting to save desk space while still providing all the keys I need for my daily tasks. The reduced footprint makes it easier to position my mouse for gaming, giving me more room to move. DROP is known for its premium builds, but I was a little let down on the overall quality of this board. The case enclosure is solid and feels durable and weighing in at around 2.1lbs it has a reassuring weight to it. The stabilizers on the larger keys, like the spacebar and shift key in my opinion feel and sound awful. I think this is due to the stabilizers not being factory lube or any sort of sound dampening materials like silicone dampers or foam inside the board. I had an issue when I would press the “8” key, I noticed a significant rattle on the board anytime when pressing that key. This could easily be a one off issue that I experienced and might not be the case for you. At this price I would have liked to see it have a wireless option along with including a nicer braided cable included would have been appreciated. Pros: 1.Stunning design: The Black Speech theme is unique and beautifully executed, with attention to detail that will delight any Lord of the Rings fan. 2.Holy Panda X switches: These switches provide a premium typing experience with a good balance of tactile feedback and smoothness. 3.Durable PBT keycaps: These keycaps are built to last and feel great under the fingers, with no shine even after extended use. 4.Compact TKL layout: Saves desk space without sacrificing key functionality. Cons: 1.MT3 profile learning curve: The taller more sculpted keycaps can take some time to adjust to if you’re used to flatter profile keys. 2.Price: As with most DROP keyboards, the cost is on the higher side, so it may not fit every budget, and you are paying a premium for the Lord of the Rings branding. 3.Lack of wireless: For a premium keyboard, it would have been nice to have a wireless option. 4.Lack of Software : Not having a dedicated software for easy macros set up and having to remember key combinations is a tad annoying. 5.Sound: I found the stabilizers to sound awful and some damping foam or silicon would have been nice. 6.Not Hot swappable: Switches are not able to be replaced unless you desolder them from the board. Overall the DROP + The Lord of The Rings Black Speech TKL Mechanical Keyboard is a functional keyboard but also a collector’s piece that brings together typing and the lore of Middle-earth. While it has several drawbacks, this is made for those who are the biggest Lord of the Ring enthusiasts, who truly want to show off their fandom with this keyboard. Other than this being a show piece for huge Lord of The Rings fans, I find it very hard to recommend this keyboard as a daily driver, due to its lack of features and the switches not being hot swappable.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Cons mentioned:
    Back lighting

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    The Dark Lord Sauron Would Approve

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This was a great keyboard, I did however return the purchase. I didn't return for anything other than I had seen that DROP has other versions of this keyboard. I decided to return this one and wait to get their Dwarven design if it comes to Best Buy or catch it on a sale through DROPs website. My one hiccup for this product is the lighting on the keyboard. Even with the brightness at max, the keys could still be hard to see.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Do you like lord of the rings?

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Ive been using it for a few months now and it is an excellent keyboard. Great action on the keys and the removable cord makes for easy maintenance. My only complaint is that i wish the backlight actually shone through the keys so i could see what im doing but its a minor complaint.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Cons mentioned:
    Back lighting
    Best Buy Employee

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    The Keyboard to Rule Them All

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    Best Buy Employee
    Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Beautfully designed keyboard, perfect for any LOTR fan that happens to be in search of new peripherals. The only wish I had for this keyboard would be transparent keys/more prominent back lighting. Only coming in white borders around each key, it definitely dampens the mood of Mordor.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    LoTR!!!!

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I love everything about this keyboard! The looks, the feel, the creamy clicks! When i first saw it i knew it was coming home with me and oh my im so happy! Its one of the best keyboards! 10/10 reccomend this beaut!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Fantastic, high quality keyboard

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Fantastic design and feel! Beautiful image on the keyboard itself. Weighty and substantial. Only gripe, no number pad but I can work around that with no issue

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    High quality, looks amazing. But expensive.

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    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    My precious… looks amazing, feels high quality, if you know the key placement without having to look at a tiny little letter in the corner it’s great.

    I would recommend this to a friend
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