Drop Introduces Innovative CSTM80 Series: Personalizable Mechanical Keyboards

Drop's CSTM80 keyboard is the first in their series of highly customizable mechanical keyboards, offering users the freedom to express their personal style and preferences with a magnetic top case, ABS keycaps, LED lighting, and more.

Unique magnetic top case that can be easily switched out
Wide range of technical customization options
Collaborations with OSHETART and Chasing Artworks to introduce two artwork cases

Drop, the community-driven e-commerce brand, has just introduced its latest offering in the form of the CSTM80 keyboard. This mechanical keyboard is the first in Drop’s CSTM series, which focuses on delivering highly customizable keyboards to its enthusiast community. With its design-forward approach, Drop aims to redefine keyboard customization and provide users with a platform to express their personal style and preferences.

The CSTM80 is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard that boasts a unique feature – a magnetic top case that can be easily switched out. Users have the freedom to pair the top case with matching cables and keycaps to reflect their individual aesthetic. Unlike other “customizable” keyboards in the market, where only the top cover can be interchanged, the magnetic case of the CSTM80 encompasses almost the entire keyboard. This allows for greater customization among users and provides designers with a larger canvas to create intricate designs.

Jef Holove, CEO of Drop, expressed his excitement about expanding personalization options for their enthusiast community. He stated, “As we continue to explore new horizons in personal expression, we were inspired to expand how our enthusiast community can further personalize their keyboards beyond just keycap modifications. With our innovative CSTM series, we are redefining keyboard customization, allowing users to tailor their keyboards to meet both their design preferences and performance expectations. We’re excited to expand our CSTM product range and look forward to introducing new innovations in the future.”

The CSTM80 offers a wide range of technical customization options. The fully-built keyboard features a gasket-mounted design, custom ABS keycaps with shine-through side legends optimized for south-facing switches, PCBA mounted stabilizers, 5-pin switch support, vibrant LED lighting, and a customizable weight with four switch plate options. Premium foam layers are incorporated throughout the keyboard to provide superior sound and a more satisfying typing experience. Users can also choose between two switch options – Gateron Brown Pro 3.0 or Gateron Yellow KS3 – to further personalize their typing experience.

The CSTM80 keyboard is now available on the Drop website in both barebones and fully assembled configurations. The barebones version is priced at $99, while the fully assembled version, which includes the keyboard, keycaps, switches, stabilizers, and a black polycarbonate case, is priced at $149. Customers can also purchase polycarbonate color cases separately in white, black, Laser Purple, Skiidata orange, and Jasmine Green for $25 each. For those looking for a premium upgrade, forged aluminum cases in anodized silver or black are available for $59 each. Drop has also collaborated with OSHETART and Chasing Artworks to introduce two artwork cases priced at $39 each, with more collaborations and designed cases to come.

Drop plans to expand its CSTM line of products by introducing additional keyboard sizes in the coming months. With its commitment to pushing the boundaries of personal expression and delivering innovative products, Drop continues to establish itself as a brand in the enthusiast community.

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Background Information

About Gateron: Gateron's story began in 2008, blossoming from a small factory in Guangdong, China. Founded by Zhu Haiwen, the company initially focused solely on producing mechanical keyboard switches, aiming to offer high-quality and affordable alternatives to established brands. Over time, Gateron carved its niche, known for its exceptionally smooth and innovative switches, catering to the growing demand for customization within the mechanical keyboard community. Today, Gateron boasts a diverse lineup of switches catering to various preferences, ranging from classic linears and clicky blues to unique products like silent switches and custom lubed options. Their dedication to quality and innovation has solidified their position as a leading force in the mechanical keyboard switch market.

Technology Explained

TKL: TKL (Ten Key Less) keyboard is a type of keyboard that does not have a numeric keypad, which is usually found on the right side of a standard keyboard. This type of keyboard is often used in laptops, as it is more compact and takes up less space. It is also used in gaming keyboards, as it allows for more space for additional keys and features. TKL keyboards are also popular for their ergonomic design, as they are more comfortable to use for long periods of time. They are also more affordable than full-sized keyboards, making them a great choice for budget-conscious users.