DROP + OLKB Preonic Keyboard MX Kit V3 — Compact Ortholinear Form Factor, Programmable QMK PCBA, Kaihua Hotswap Sockets…

A MECH KEYS FAVORITE, NOW EVEN BETTER

The original Preonic keyboard was praised for its build quality, compact form factor, and intuitive layout—and the new version is no different. However, this time around we’re offering the CNC-aluminum case in your choice of five colors, including the striking new purple colorway. What’s more, this version has a new ARM STM32 processor that provides more power to the PCBA and the USB-C connector. Another upgrade? The new Preonic has Kaihua hotswap sockets (which support grid 2x1u, 1x2u, and 2x2u bottom row layouts) so you can swap out your switches whenever you want without even picking up a soldering iron. Plus, If you’re new to keyboard kits, the compact Preonic is a great way to learn about keyboard programming.

THE THEORY BEHIND IT

Designed by Jack Humbert at OLKB, the Preonic is made for efficiency. The layout is very similar to the Planck (also by OLKB), but with an additional row for easier access to numbers, function keys, or whatever else you’d like to program. The smaller space bar makes it easier to use your thumbs to access additional layers via the “raise” and “lower” keys. And even with the extra row, the keyboard still maintains a very compact form factor for portability.

NEW PLATE, NO PROBLEM

Now we’re offering an MX plate which supports the 1 x 2u, 2 x 2u, and Grid layout. The plate design even allows you to swap out switches on the fly. Thanks to the Kaihua hotswap sockets, replacing switches is completely plug and play, so you never need to worry about tedious soldering—not to mention all layouts are fully supported. Made from 304 stainless steel, the plate is heavy and stable, with five holes for mounting the included M2 screws.

BEEPS & BOOPS

Also notable, the PCBA is outfitted with a small speaker, which is driven by the MCU. In the default firmware this will make a few different noises—like a short series of beeps on startup, notifications when you put the board into Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) mode, plus noises when you change the default layout to prevent mishaps when typing quickly. The speaker can be disabled by a keyboard shortcut or by flashing new firmware. This version also has pre-populated bottom-lit LEDs and allows for expanded functionality with footprints for things like DIP switches, power adapter plugs, Qwiic connectors, and more. For more information, check out the specs section below.

• Anodized CNC aluminum case
• ARM STM32 processor
• Reprogrammable Matias / MX-compatible PCBA
• 304 brushed stainless steel top plate
• Dimensions, assembled: 9.1 x 4.1 x 0.9 in (23.1 x 10.4 x 2.3 cm)
• 9x bottom-lit RGB LEDs: RGB LEDs that glow through the bottom of the case (acrylic cases would be preferred)
• Standard layout
• Cherry MX and Matias/ALPS switch footprints
• LED ready
• Built-in speaker

INCLUDED: CNC Aluminum Case, V3 PCBA, Stainless Steel Switch Plate, Screws, spacers, nuts, assembly tool, four rubber feet, and USB-A to USB-C cable.

NOTE: Preonic Keyboard kit does not include keycaps or switches. Acute Keycaps (pictured) are sold separately.