Chosfox “Init40” launches at 10:00 PM on August 25 | First 300 units are ready to ship, starting at $89 for a limited time
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The details have finally been revealed.
On August 19, 2026, Chosfox announced via its official X account the full specifications and sales schedule for the Init40, a 40% low-profile keyboard.
The story, the design, and the details behind init40 are now here.
The launch date and time is August 25, 2026, at 10:00 PM Japan Standard Time.
It comes in two versions: the fully assembled “Init40 Keyboard,” and the “Init40 Keyboard Kit,” which does not include switches or keycaps.
Three color options are available: White, Black, and Silver.
Immediately after launch, the assembled keyboard will be priced at $99 and the keyboard kit at $89, with a complimentary carrying case included.
Additionally, the first batch of 300 units is ready to ship.
The keyboard supports tri-mode connectivity and allows keymap customization via Vial, offering portability comparable to the Geonix Rev.2.5.
While fragmentary teasers have been released up to now, this announcement reveals everything from product specifications to discounted pricing and the exact launch date.
Pricing differs between the assembled keyboard and the keyboard kit, where you provide your own switches and keycaps.
Official Listing Period
Fully Assembled
keyboard kit
Bonus
August 25–27
$99 (regular $112)
$89 (regular $99)
Complimentary carrying case
August 28–September 1
$105 (regular $112)
$94 (regular $99)
None stated
Regular Price
$112
$99
—
※ According to the official announcement, each period switches at 10:00 PM Japan Standard Time. ※ Prices are in US dollars. The amount charged in Japanese yen will vary depending on the exchange rate.
From August 25 to 27, immediately after launch, the assembled keyboard will be $99 ($13 off the regular price) and the keyboard kit will be $89 ($10 off).
During this period, a complimentary carrying bag is also included.
From August 28 to September 1, the discount will be reduced, with the assembled keyboard priced at $105 and the keyboard kit at $94.
First 300 Units Ready to Ship
According to Chosfox, the first 300 units are ready to ship for the launch.
At least the initial batch appears to be prepared with early shipping in mind.
However, the specific shipping start date, delivery time to Japan, and lead times after the first 300 units have not been disclosed at this time.
Also, note that this does not mean “limited to 300 units”—it means the first batch of stock that’s already ready to ship is 300 units.
In other words, the first 300 units are likely to arrive shortly after ordering.
Assembled Keyboard and Keyboard Kit Available
Init40 will be available in two versions: the fully assembled “Init40 Keyboard” and the “Init40 Keyboard Kit.”
Immediately after launch, the assembled keyboard is priced at $99 and the keyboard kit at $89.
In the official sales images, the assembled keyboard is shown with keycaps installed, while the kit is shown with the internals visible.
However, the exact contents of the kit are not listed on the current product page.
It is unclear whether the keyboard kit includes key switches or keycaps, and the specific differences from the assembled version cannot be confirmed.
If you’re considering a purchase, be sure to check the included contents on the sales page that goes live on August 25.
The price difference between the assembled keyboard and the kit is $13 at regular price and $10 immediately after launch.
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At that price difference, choosing the assembled version seems like a solid option.
Available in White, Black, and Silver
The keyboard is available in three colors: White, Black, and Silver.
The keycap combinations are as follows:
White: White case with white keycaps and orange legends
Black: Black case with gray-based keycaps and black legends
Silver: Silver case with white keycaps and orange legends
All versions feature a CNC-machined all-aluminum case with a 200-mesh anodized finish.
The design appears to use a tray-mount structure without sound-dampening foam.
Assembled Keyboard Contents
The official page lists the following items included with the assembled keyboard package:
Init40 keyboard unit
Exclusive carrying case
USB Type-C Cable
2.4GHz USB receiver
Replacement keycap
handling instructions
Keyboard strap
The complimentary carrying case, offered as a launch purchase bonus, is also shown in the official contents image.
On the other hand, the contents list for the keyboard kit has not been published at this time, so confirmation before purchase is necessary.
Choose from Four Kailh Choc V2 Switches
For the assembled keyboard, you can choose from a total of four key switches: two linear and two tactile options.
switch
type
Actuation Force
Actuation point
Total travel
Deep Sea Silent White
linear
53±10gf
1.3±0.3 mm
2.8±0.25 mm
Deep Sea Silent Brown
tactile
45±10gf
1.3±0.3 mm
2.8±0.25 mm
Black Clouds
tactile
45±10gf
1.6±0.3mm
2.8±0.25 mm
White Rain
linear
50±10gf
1.2±0.3mm
2.8±0.25 mm
If you prioritize quietness, the Deep Sea Silent options are good candidates; if you prefer a clacky linear switch, White Rain stands out.
It’s also nice that tactile switches are available in both silent and non-silent versions.
The PCB supports Kailh Choc V2 hot-swap sockets.
LAK Keycaps Included
The assembled keyboard comes with Chosfox’s LAK profile keycaps.
These keycaps feature a wide top surface with a gentle cylindrical scoop toward the center, naturally guiding your fingers to the center of each key during typing, making it easier to hit the key center accurately.
Layer Indicator Included
Init40 is equipped with a layer indicator that lights up according to the active layer.
40% keyboards lack dedicated number rows and function keys, so switching between multiple layers is essential for input.
Therefore, a feature that visually confirms which layer is currently selected is highly practical for reducing input errors.
Rather than purely decorative lighting, this is a feature worth noting as a solution to challenges specific to 40% keyboards.
5-Degree Typing Angle and 5-Layer Sound-Dampening Structure
The keyboard uses an aluminum boat-style case with a typing angle set at 5 degrees.
According to the official explanation, 5 degrees was chosen for the following reason:
Not too steep, yet not completely flat. Just right. A 5° ergonomic tilt that promotes a more natural typing posture. The slim design keeps your hands close to the desk. Balanced comfort ideal for everyday typing tasks. Designed to deliver a smoother, more relaxed feel.
Where the name “Init40” comes from
The “Init” in “Init40” comes from “Initialization” and “Initial Attempt.”
Chosfox says it began developing Init40 after a question that came up while working on the Geonix series: “What would this be like with a row-staggered layout?”
Unlike the Geonix series, which has used a grid layout, Init40 can be seen as a product designed with “your first board” in mind when moving from a typical keyboard to a 40% layout.
Compact Size Close to Geonix Rev.2.5
Init40 measures approximately 240×87mm and weighs about 490g.
Compared to the Geonix Rev.2.5 at approximately 235×83mm, Init40 is 5mm wider and 4mm deeper, but the footprint is nearly identical.
Both products weigh approximately 490g.
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Product
range (e.g. of voice)
depth
Height
Weight
Init40
240mm
87mm
Front 17mm / Rear 20mm
490g
Geonix Rev.2.5
235mm
83mm
16mm
490g
Difference
+5mm
+4mm
Init40 is thicker
Same
However, the cases are not identical.
Init40 has been slightly widened to accommodate the row-staggered layout, with a height difference of 17mm at the front and 20mm at the rear to create the 5-degree typing angle.
In other words, it can be viewed as a model that maintains portability close to the Geonix Rev.2.5 while switching to a row-staggered layout closer to standard keyboards.
Above, we’ve covered the launch date, detailed specs, and campaign information for Init40.
Init40 is not simply a layout variation of the Geonix series.
By adopting a row-staggered layout closer to standard keyboards and combining it with a layer indicator and Vial support, it stands out as a product designed to lower the barrier to entry for first-time 40% keyboard users.
The combination of a row-staggered layout, layer indicator, Vial, and tri-mode connectivity makes this an attractive option for anyone looking to try a 40% keyboard for the first time.
If price is a priority, the launch period offers the deepest discount and includes the complimentary carrying bag—making it the best time to buy.
If you’re interested in taking on the challenge of a 40% keyboard, this is definitely worth considering.
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