Drop + OLKB Preonic Mechanical Keyboard Kit V3
- Designed by OLKB
- Produced by Drop
- Anodized CNC aluminum case
- PBT keycaps
- ARM STM32 processor
- Reprogrammable Matias / MX-compatible PCBA
- 304 brushed stainless steel top plate
- Rubber feet
Price Comparison
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Key Features
The Drop + OLKB Preonic Keyboard MX Kit V3 builds on the popular original, enhancing its compact, efficient design with several exciting upgrades. Crafted with a sturdy CNC-aluminum case, the latest Preonic is available in five colors, including a bold new purple. Equipped with an upgraded ARM STM32 processor and a USB-C connector, this version offers improved performance and connectivity. The addition of Kaihua hotswap sockets allows for effortless switch swapping without soldering, supporting multiple bottom-row layouts (grid 2x1u, 1x2u, and 2x2u), making it easy for both beginners and enthusiasts to customize their setup.
Designed by OLKB’s Jack Humbert, the Preonic is known for its efficient layout, similar to the Planck but with an extra row for easy access to numbers or function keys. Its compact form factor makes it highly portable, while the small space bar and customizable “raise” and “lower” keys enable thumb access to extra layers, maximizing productivity in a small footprint.
The keyboard comes with a robust 304 stainless steel plate, which supports multiple layouts and is designed for seamless hot-swapping. The plate’s durable design ensures stability, and mounting is made simple with five mounting holes for included M2 screws.
Another standout feature is the PCBA’s built-in speaker, which provides audio feedback with customizable sounds for actions like startup, entering Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) mode, and layout changes. Users can disable sounds or update them via firmware, and the board also includes bottom-lit LEDs and expanded connectivity options for added functionality. The Drop + OLKB Preonic V3 is ideal for users seeking a powerful, customizable, and compact keyboard kit.
Switches
Not included
Specifications
| Model | Preonic Kit V3 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Drop |
| Switch Type | Plate mount |
| Hot-Swap Sockets | No |
| Keycaps | PBT |
| Keycap Color | |
| Size | |
| Key Count | |
| Frame Color | |
| Backlight | 60% |
| Connection | USB |
| Response Rate | 1 ms / 1000 Hz |
| N-Key Rollover | Full Key (NKRO) |
| Anti-Ghosting | 100% |
| Compatibility | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Physical Layout | ANSI |
| Regional Layout | US English |
| Dimensions | 9.1 x 4.1 x 0.9 in (23.1 x 10.4 x 2.3 cm) |
| Weight | |
| Warranty | 1 Year |