Drop ALT vs Qwertykeys QK65 V2

The Drop ALT and the Qwertykeys QK65 V2 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Qwertykeys QK65 V2 is the cheaper of the two at $175 versus $180; the Qwertykeys QK65 V2 runs wireless where the Drop ALT is wired-only; stock, the Drop ALT sounds aluminum 65% stock and the Qwertykeys QK65 V2 clean, poppy; depends on build.

Drop ALT 65% · $180
Qwertykeys QK65 V2 65% · $175

Choose the Drop ALT if

  • you mainly want it for programming.

Choose the Qwertykeys QK65 V2 if

  • you want to spend less ($175).
  • you need wireless.

Drop ALT vs Qwertykeys QK65 V2, spec by spec

Drop ALTQwertykeys QK65 V2
Layout 65% 65%
Height Standard Standard
Connectivity Wired Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz (stronger spec)
Hot-swap Yes Yes
Keycaps doubleshot ABS / PBT variants n/a
Case aluminum spray-coated aluminum with stainless steel weight
Mount Plate Gasket (dual gasket / top mount)
Backlight RGB White / none
QMK / VIA Yes Yes
Battery n/a 4400 mAh
Typical price $180 $175 (stronger spec)
Sound (stock) aluminum 65% stock clean, poppy; depends on build
Released 2018 2024

Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.

Where they sit among all 509 boards we track

Price cheapest priciest
Drop ALT $180
Qwertykeys QK65 V2 $175

75% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Drop ALT; 72% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Qwertykeys QK65 V2.

Battery smallest biggest
Qwertykeys QK65 V2 4400 mAh

87% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Qwertykeys QK65 V2.

Where to buy the Drop ALT

Where to buy the Qwertykeys QK65 V2

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