On October 16, 2026, NocFree published an update on its official blog detailing user feedback from the first batch of its split low-profile keyboard, “NocFree &,” along with the improvements currently underway.
The update outlines issues identified in the first batch across several areas, including input, wireless communication, keycaps, key switches, and the “Tenting, Charge & Stand Kit,” as well as NocFree’s improvement plans for the second batch.
NocFree said it had developed the keyboard with comfortable everyday use in mind, but apologized that the first batch had not met that standard for some users.
NocFree is now working on improvements to both the hardware and firmware based on user feedback.
Greenkeys published a hands-on review of the Japanese-layout NocFree & on October 12, 2026. Among the issues now disclosed by the manufacturer, we had also identified problems with keycap printing and the charging dock’s ability to hold the keyboard securely during our review.
The fact that NocFree has publicly detailed the issues affecting the first batch and its plans for improvement is important information for evaluating how the product develops from here.
Issues in the First Batch and Planned Fixes for the Second Batch
The summary in the released materials is as follows:
Issues in the First Batch and Planned Fixes for the Second Batch
- Prioritizing fixes for input latency, missed keystrokes, and communication between the two halves
- Addressing keycap printing and assembly issues
- Key switches to be improved in the second batch
- Charging may be removed from the dock in the second batch
Prioritizing Fixes for Input Latency, Missed Keystrokes, and Communication Between the Two Halves
According to NocFree, some users reported the following issues with the first batch:
User Reports
- Input latency
- Missed keystrokes
- Repeated input continuing after a key is released
- The right-hand unit becoming unresponsive
- Issues with Bluetooth pairing and reconnecting after waking from sleep
NocFree says it has identified several issues related to firmware communication and key-state handling. It is working to improve communication reliability between the left and right halves, recovery after interruptions, and background processing so that it does not interfere with typing.
Improvements are also underway for the battery-level display and lighting synchronization.
As of October 16, 2026, the official firmware is “2.4.5.”
Even when NocFree & is connected to a PC via USB, the left and right halves still communicate with each other wirelessly.
Therefore, the stability of communication between the two halves is a crucial factor affecting the product’s overall input reliability.
However, Greenkeys did not encounter any of these input issues during normal use of our review unit.
Keycap Printing and Assembly Issues Identified
The following keycap issues were identified in some first-batch units.
Keycap Issues
- Printing errors
- Uneven color
- Misplaced keycaps
- Incorrect keycap orientation
- Insufficient surface cleaning
The company explained that these were issues that should have been caught before shipment.
Our Japanese-layout review unit also had printing errors on the “6,” “7,” “8,” and “9” keys.
NocFree is also sending replacement keycaps to early buyers of the Japanese-layout model, and the issue is expected to be corrected in the second batch.
For the second batch, NocFree plans to develop its own molds and revise the keycap shape, surface texture, underside structure, and printing process.
NocFree also plans to strengthen final checks for keycap placement, orientation, layout, and cleanliness.
Key Switches to Be Improved in the Second Batch
Some users have also reported the following key switch issues.
Reported Key Switch Issues
- Keys sticking
- Slow return
- Unusual noises
- Key presses not registering
NocFree plans to revise not only the keycaps but also the key switches for the second batch.
The first batch uses low-profile switches based on the CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE format, selected to provide a light typing feel and short key travel.
NocFree is currently examining the switches themselves, lubrication, and stabilizers separately to identify the cause of each issue.
NocFree says it will publish the revised specifications and test results in a future update.
Greenkeys did not encounter issues such as keys failing to return or key presses not registering on our review unit, and we found the typing feel comfortable in normal use.
Greenkeys Would Also Like to See the Switch Standard Reconsidered
From Greenkeys’ perspective, if NocFree is revising the switches for the second batch, we believe there is an opportunity not only to improve the quality of the current switches, but also to reconsider the switch standard itself.
The switch currently used by NocFree & is a proprietary low-profile switch compatible with the “CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE” series.
While the current design is compatible with CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE and TTC Mini switches, it is not compatible with several low-profile mechanical switch standards that are more readily available in Japan.
Low-profile mechanical switch standards that are relatively easy to obtain in Japan
- Kailh Choc v1
- Kailh Choc v2
- Gateron Low Profile 2.0
- Gateron Low Profile 3.0
- Keychron Low Profile series (used in the Orca Echo)
In Japan in particular, replacement switches in the CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE format are less widely available than options such as Kailh Choc v2, making it harder to take full advantage of the NocFree &’s hot-swappable design.
Of course, changing the switch standard would affect the overall design, including the PCB, plate, and keycaps.
Still, if NocFree is redesigning the switch-related components for the second batch, we believe it would be worthwhile to reconsider the standard not only in terms of quality, but also the availability of replacement switches and future customization options.
Because the NocFree & is hot-swappable, the availability of replacement switches is also relevant to the product’s long-term maintainability and usable lifespan.
Charging May Be Removed from the Dock in the Second Batch
Among the changes announced this time, the most significant concerns the “Tenting, Charge & Stand Kit.”
The following issues were identified in the first batch.
Issues with the charging dock
- Silicone pieces coming loose
- Unstable keyboard retention
- Unreliable charging contact
In our hands-on review, Greenkeys also found that the keyboard was not held securely when placed vertically and that part of the rubber section on the base could lift away from the surface.
For the second batch, NocFree plans to increase the silicone coverage and add locating features and clips to hold the parts more securely.
An even more significant change concerns the charging function.
In the second-batch design preview released by NocFree, the charging function has currently been removed.
The current plan is to retain angle adjustment, magnetic attachment, and storage while removing charging from the base.
NocFree says it will provide further information on the final specifications and support for existing owners once the details are confirmed.
Greenkeys still considers the concept of combining charging, a stand, and tenting into a single accessory to be highly distinctive.
At the same time, our hands-on review identified difficulty holding the keyboard securely in a vertical position and lifting of the rubber section, and NocFree has now acknowledged similar issues.
In our view, the first batch fell short in the level of refinement needed to make that concept work reliably in everyday use.
Support for First-Batch Owners Will Continue
NocFree says it will continue to support first-batch owners.
Users experiencing problems are asked to contact NocFree with their order number, a description of the issue, and photos or video if possible.
NocFree also offers one-on-one video troubleshooting and has local repair service locations in the United States and South Korea.
NocFree plans to publish further updates on second-batch design changes and testing progress based on feedback from the first batch.
Summary
That concludes our overview of the issues reported with the first batch of the NocFree &.
The NocFree & offers an unusually rare combination for the Japanese market: a Japanese layout, low-profile design, 75% form factor, split construction, and wireless communication between the two halves.
In our hands-on review, we highlighted its ability to introduce a split keyboard while retaining a typing experience close to a familiar Japanese layout as one of its biggest strengths.
At the same time, NocFree’s latest announcement confirms that the first batch faced issues across several areas, including input and wireless communication, keycaps, key switches, and the charging dock.
NocFree has disclosed the specific issues and is addressing the second batch not only through firmware fixes, but also through hardware-level changes such as new keycap molds and revisions to the accessory structure. These are developments worth watching as potential improvements to the product.
Greenkeys would like to see NocFree go a step further with the switches: not only improving the quality of the current specification, but also reconsidering the switch standard itself with replacement-switch availability and future customization in mind.
The NocFree & has a combination of features that is likely to appeal strongly to users in the Japanese market.
That is precisely why, with the second batch, we will be watching not only whether the concept remains compelling, but whether the product can be refined to a level where it can be relied on as an everyday input device.
Greenkeys will continue to report on the design changes planned for the upcoming second batch.
Conflicts of Interest
Greenkeys has an affiliate partnership with NocFree, and GreenEchoes Studio, the operator of Greenkeys, may receive a commission when products are purchased through links on this site.
The content and evaluations in this article are based on Greenkeys’ independent editorial judgment.
- Originally published:
- Last updated:
- Research method: Manufacturer’s official blog
- References/Citations:
- Conflict of Interest: Product provided: Yes | Affiliate links: Yes
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