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Drop CTRL vs Keydous NJ80: Comparison
Drop CTRL vs Keydous NJ80: the layout difference
Layout is the dividing line, Drop CTRL TKL against Keydous NJ80 75%. Switch type is not the same on both, User-Selected on the Drop CTRL versus Gateron Pro / TTC Hot-Swap Mechanical on the Keydous NJ80. Connectivity is not the same on both, USB-C Wired on the Drop CTRL versus Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired on the Keydous NJ80. There is a split on backlighting as well, Per-Key RGB on the Drop CTRL versus South-Facing RGB on the Keydous NJ80.
Which should you buy, Drop CTRL or Keydous NJ80?
Take the Drop CTRL for DIY enthusiasts who want fully open QMK/VIA firmware customization in a TKL aluminum board. This board's open-source approach is a genuine differentiator over manufacturer-locked competitors. It is not the one for buyers who want a compact 75% layout instead of TKL. The Glorious GMMK Pro, covered elsewhere on this site, offers that smaller footprint. The Keydous NJ80 is the one to take for budget custom-keyboard entrants and QMK/VIA wireless seekers, though it is not built for premium aluminum-case purists and full-size numpad users. Our rating of the Drop CTRL (8/10): A DIY-focused premium board whose fully open QMK/VIA firmware gives enthusiasts genuine deep customization beyond manufacturer-locked alternatives. Our rating of the Keydous NJ80 (8/10): one of the best value entries into gasket-mounted, QMK/VIA wireless custom keyboards.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Drop CTRL
- Drop
- Keydous NJ80
- Keydous
Layout
- Drop CTRL
- TKL
- Keydous NJ80
- 75%
Model
- Drop CTRL
- CTRL
- Keydous NJ80
- NJ80
Switch Type
- Drop CTRL
- User-Selected (Hot-Swappable)
- Keydous NJ80
- Gateron Pro / TTC Hot-Swap Mechanical
Connectivity
- Drop CTRL
- USB-C Wired
- Keydous NJ80
- Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired
Backlighting
- Drop CTRL
- Per-Key RGB
- Keydous NJ80
- South-Facing RGB
Which one should you pick?
Choose Drop CTRL if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Keydous NJ80 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Drop CTRL | Keydous NJ80 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Keydous | View on Keydous |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Drop CTRL
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A DIY-focused premium board whose fully open QMK/VIA firmware gives enthusiasts genuine deep customization beyond manufacturer-locked alternatives.
Keydous NJ80
8 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the best value entries into gasket-mounted, QMK/VIA wireless custom keyboards.