Hi all. I need to buy some Kailh Choc V1 switches for my upcoming 3w6 build, which unfortunately does not allow for switch swapping. I've never used a mechanical keyboard before, and a switch sampler is not easy to obtain in Australia, so far as I know. So I'm wondering if you can share some advice on which variety to get.
I think clicky would be too noisy for use at work. I get the impression that the tactile ones in this range are a bit disappointing. And I don't know which of (clicky, tactile, linear) would be my preference in general anyway.
I currently use a Microsoft Sculpt. The RTINGS review [0] quotes an operating force of 57g and an actuation force of 36g. Given that most mechanical switches seem to be close to 50g, I guess I'd be "used to" the feeling of a typical switch. But should I consider ultralight, like the purple ones (purpz) [1]? There is some claim that ultralight switches are more ergonomic, and that is my greatest priority, even if it is not really what I am used to.
I find myself bashing my current keys to some extent, certainly "bottoming out", as the mechanical keyboard literature puts it. Does that mean I want something with a bit of resistance? I'm not sure.
I don't know what other information to offer, so feel free to ask questions that would help me to make a good decision. Thanks!
[0] https://www.rtings.com/keyboard/reviews/microsoft/sculpt-ergonomic-keyboard
[1] https://boardsource.xyz/store/5fff705f03db380da20f1014
The Choc tactiles are indeed pretty disappointing, the clicky ones are just as good as MX-style ones since they use click bars (which is what Kailh uses in White/Jade&Co aswell). If you like the sound they are pretty great.
I've personally used Reds for a long while, then tried Pro Reds (35g) for fun, stuck with them and eventually settled with gChoc (20g).
Got some Purpz on a Technik aswell, but can't really tell a difference between gChocs and them.
The thing with those light chocs is that you need to "float" your hands above the keys, if you rest your fingers on the keys you'll likely press them unintentionally.
You'll get the hang of that fairly quickly, imo not a big deal with low profile boards.
Biggest gamechanger for me with light switches were o-rings.
Always bottomed out aswell, just a habit I can't get rid of. Initially wanted them just to reduce the sound a bit, but the reduced travel distance really did it for me.
60g or 20g is really a moot point if you press the whole 3mm anyways with full force, but with 20g and reduced travel I got to the point where I don't "press" but just "tap" the switch.
I think that was the moment where I really learnt to appreciate light switches, with the hand floating above the keys and actuating with little force and reduced total travel it just made everything feel lighter and quicker.
Also like combos more with ligher switches.
With light springs you just need to hit anywhere between both switches and you'll hit the combo. With heavier ones it always felt like I have to hit them just right to actuate both switches (MX spacing with choc exaggerated this certainly).
But I had the luxury of choc hotswap, so I could always move bit by bit to lighter switches.
I think its a habbit thing in the beginning, but once you got used to light switches they feel like less of a hassle.
There is lots of good information about choc switches in the low profile keyboards Discord server, if you care to go down that rabbit hole. Also has a dedicated channel on making mods to the switches to improve different aspects of them. The suggestion to get a tester is a good one. Also, I have designed a new choc tactile switch that is actually tactile, and will be going to GB in the next couple of months. If you can wait that long, they will be the closest thing to rubberdome you can get in choc-land. I have samples in hand from Kailh already, and they are sweet. They are called Choc Sunsets, and you can watch this subreddit for the announcement, or check out my Discord. Invite can be found at lowprokb.ca.
Videos
Hey all,
Just completed my first build, a sweep v2.2 with navy choc v1s.
Still getting used to typing. Up to 25 wpm from 120 😅
However this is my first foray away from Cherry MX and I’m a little unimpressed. The navy is a heavy clicky switch, and it activates the switch before the click has occurred. This has led me to many typos. I’m also getting semi-frequent double presses, I’m guessing by accidentally passing the switch through the activation point by accident.
I’ve never experienced this with my Cherry MX blues. Anyone else experienced this or just me?
I’m sort of hoping when my typing style gets a bit more confident it’ll avoid this as I’ll be more directly hammering the keys. It’s worrying me a little right now though.
Thanks
I'm working on a new low profile keeb PCB and have Kailh Choc V1 switches in mind, but I’m still undecided on which switch to actually commit to.
I'm sticking to the base Kailh Chocs (sadly can't get the specials or group buy switches like Sunsets, Purpz, etc). That said, if the Choc V2s are genuinely worth it, I can easily add v2 support, so I also want to know if theres any notable v2 chocs...
So I’m asking: What are your favorite Kailh choc switches and why? Whether it's Whites, Browns, Reds, Blacks, Jades, Navies, etc., I’d love to hear your experience and any insight into their real-world feel beyond spec sheets.
Scrolling around, I've read that Robin, White, and Red are the most popular choices, and I have been leaning towards Robins (not that fond of linears, ehe).
This will be my first time using chocs, so any input before I finalize my switch order would be greatly appreciated!! ;D
EDIT: I added both V2 and MX support. I gave in to the linear switch propaganda and bought a set of Choc V2 Deep Sea Mini Islet. Fingers crossed 🤞.
In my research quest on building a super slim keyboard, I realized there are not many first hand accounts for each of the Choc switch lineup. I caved in and bought the EXCEEDINGLY expensive 8 pack sampler ($7) from Novelkeys and thought I would share my impressions. I normally use Zealios, and these switches are unlubed and unmodified. I'll list them from least to best (in my opinion). I'll leave technical details to the store pages.
Brown - The color is telling on this one. Hardly tactile, more like a scratchy linear. I suppose this is normal for Browns in general from my previous experience and other's anecdotes.
Burnt Orange - Like Brown, but heavier which makes it slightly more tactile somehow. Too bad the tactility feels like a loose linear catching on something. Coming from Zealios, I am most disappointed in these two.
Dark Yellow - I was originally just going to order these on pure logic, but I am glad I didn't. Smooth linear action, but the added weight makes it feel a little mushy. My assumption was a heavy linear would give the most feedback. I was wrong.
Red - Nice action, but a bit boring. I am too used to the tactility afforded by Zealios to enjoy these I think. Would otherwise say this is a nice switch and would recommend for linear fans.
Navy - Normally I am not a fan of clickies, usually for the sound. It surprises no one more than me that my top 4 are all the clicky varients. Navys are probably the most tactile of the 8. Crisp in feel, the thicker click bar is deeper and louder than the rest. It is just a titch more resistance than I think I want though.
Jade - See navy, but that extra titch lighter. Not by much, but noticeable.
Pale Blue - Same spring as the navy, but with a smaller click bar. I definitely prefer the lessor resistance and lighter sound of the smaller bar.
White - My favorite of the 8, completely subverted my expectations. My common sense told me heavy and linear would be best for a short switch. Turns out a light spring and a click bar feels awesome to my fingers. Having only previous experience with click jackets, I thought I would hate these last four, but I would use any of them on a board and enjoy it.
This leads me to my only remaining question. As someone who has never used a lubed switch, would lubing a click bar reduce sound without destroying feel? And for those Choc-ing it up already, please use this thread as an opportunity to share your experience as well!
In reply to my last post a couple of people recommended Kailh choc switches.
I've been researching them since and ordering samples (which haven't arrived yet - and only v1 in stock) but haven't found a guide saying why they're a good idea. Is it something to do with having a thinner keyboard?
I use the "floating hand" posture[†] when typing with only the fingertips touching and can adjust the height of my desk, so I don't think a thin keyboard would improve my ergonomics?
Just curious if I'm missing something, as the range of keycaps and switches available in 'normal' heights is appealing - but comfort, ease of typing and healing my body are more important.
†: For better or worse. Recently developed elbow pain, now trying to identify the cause.
Wanted to pool information about the awesome low profile Kailh Choc switches
Types of switches:
| Color | Type | Tactile/Activation Force | Link to Spec PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | Clicky & Tactile | 60N Tactile | SPEC PDF |
| Brown | Tactile | 60N Tactile | SPEC PDF |
| Red | Linear | 50N Activation | SPEC PDF |
| Pale Blue | Clicky & Tactile (Heavy) | 70N Tactile | SPEC PDF |
| Burnt Orange | Tactile (Heavy) | 70N Tactile | SPEC PDF |
| Dark Yellow | Linear (Heavy) | 70N Activation | SPEC PDF |
| Jade | extra tactile (white spring) | 60N Tactile | SPEC PDF |
| Navy | extra tactile (pale Blue) | 70N Tactile | SPEC PDF |
| Blue (OEM) | Clicky & Tactile | ? | stem not compatible w/ non-OEM |
| Fraly (Choc Clone?) | tactile | ? | ? |
Switches can generally be purchased from novelkeys or aliexpress from Kaihua/Kailh directly
Pre-built keyboards:
| Brand | Switch types | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DareU EK820087/820-104 | Blue or Red | $80~$120 | 87 key / 104 key (with bluetooth) |
| Havit 390L/395L (based on DareU) | Custom clickly (blue) | $60 / $73 | 87 key / 104 key |
| RK Royal Kludge (link here) | White/Brown/Red | $51 (converted from Yuan) | 96 key (with bluetooth) |
| Bazalias 8839 | White | ? | 67 key (RGB, double shot keys??) |
| Anidees Prismatic (based on Bazalias) | Fraly Blue | $70 | different keycaps (with bluetooth & RGB) |
| Keytron (based on Bazalias?) | Fraly Blue? | ||
| Tesoro Gram XS | Custom Choc | $100 | Blue and Red, but different key travel compared to regular choc |
| Hexgears X-1 | White/Brown/Red | $120 | 96 key (with bluetooth & RGB) |
Kits & PCBs:
Kailh Choc Lets Split Kit
Dilly
Helix
Chocpad
Meira
Zygomorph
Keycaps:
With legends
Blanks
Layout Footprints:
https://github.com/daprice/keyswitches.pretty
https://github.com/keebio/Keebio-Parts.pretty
Final thoughts:
The Kailh switches are unfortunately hampered at this point in time by the lack of keycaps and consequently PCB options. Hopefully we will see more support down the line.