“This is exactly the kind of keyboard I’ve been waiting for.”
This is the kind of keyboard that’s likely to draw a lot of comments like that.
NocFree & is a 75% low-profile mechanical keyboard with a split-layout design.
Because it offers not only English layouts but also Japanese layouts, this keyboard has garnered a great deal of attention in Japan.
KawamuraIt also attracted a lot of attention at TKX2026.
This device, which debuted on Kickstarter in August 2025, took some time to ship. In a progress report released in the spring of 2026, the company explained that the shipping delays were due to pending certification for the Japanese market and production issues with accessories.
Once the issues were resolved, shipments began around July 2026.
Some of you may have already received it.
We believe the company has earned a high level of trust regarding its development approach and user support system, as evidenced by its frequent firmware updates based on user feedback.
When I actually tried using it, I was impressed by how user-friendly it was—it features a standard horizontal-shift layout that minimizes switching costs, and since it’s a “Japanese layout,” it’s very easy to use.
In this article, we’ll provide a brief review of NocFree and the Japanese keyboard layout version.
[Product Name] Summary of Short Reviews
Positive Points
- It features an aluminum chassis, low-profile keys, and a Japanese keyboard layout, and its standard 75% split-layout design is a major draw.
- Although the linear switches have a slightly long travel, they offer a comfortable typing experience.
- The quality of the Japanese-layout keyboard is guaranteed.
- The charging dock and tenting leg combo is innovative
Points of Concern and Things to Check Before Purchasing
- Key switch compatibility is somewhat of an issue in Japan
- Currently, there are no domestic distributors.
Disclosure of Content Affiliation
NocFree & were provided for review purposes. No payment was received for the creation of this article. The ratings and content are based on Greenkeys’ editorial judgment. If you make a purchase through the links in this article, GreenEchoes Studio, which operates Greenkeys, may receive compensation.
NocFree &: Overview and Review Environment
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | NocFree & (Japanese Keyboard Layout Model) |
| Price | $269.00 (Pre-order price) *Regular price: $349.00 |
| array (programming, programing) | Japanese Keyboard Layout (JIS) · Split Keyboard |
| Connection methods | USB Type-C Wired / Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz Wireless |
| Number of Bluetooth-Registered Devices | Up to 3 |
| Connections Between Units | Wireless. Even in wired mode, the right unit is wirelessly connected to the left unit. |
| Enclosure and Mounting Structure | Machined aluminum housing, gasket-mounted |
| Standard Switch | NocFree Mist (Low-Profile Silent Linear) |
| keycaps | PBT material |
| Dimensions (Width × Depth × Height) | Left: 147 × 131 × 26 mm / Right: 189 × 131 × 26 mm |
| Weight | Left: 450 g / Right: 583 g / Total (left and right): 1,033 g |
| keymap change | The dedicated web app “NocFree Link.” You can configure key assignments, macros, layers, and more |
| OS Switching | Supports macOS and Windows layouts |
| Battery | 1,100 mAh per side; USB-C charging |
| Where to Buy | NocFree Official Store |
Configuration and Environment Used in This Project
- Keyboard used: NocFree & Japanese Layout Silver
- Switches and Keycaps Used: NocFree Rime (Cherry LP)
- Operating Environment: macOS X
- Main Purpose and Duration of Use: Writing Japanese texts
Note on Key Switch Compatibility
The switches used in the NocFree & series are NocFree’s proprietary low-profile switches, which are compatible with the “CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE” standard.
The compatibility status is as follows.
| Key Switch Standards | compatibility |
|---|---|
| CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE | Included |
| TTC Mini | Included |
| Kailh Choc v1 | None |
| Kailh choc v2 | None |
| Gateron Low Profile 2.0 | None |
| Gateron Low Profile 3.0 | None |
| Keychron Low Profile (Orca Echo Model) | None |
It does not support the “Kailh Choc V2” standard, which offers a relatively wide variety of replacement key switches.
Although it supports hot-swapping, for now, it’s best to purchase NocFree and dedicated replacement key switches.
My Impressions After Actually Using It
After trying out NocFree and the Japanese keyboard layout version, I noticed the following six main points.
My Impressions After Actually Using It
- It features an aluminum chassis, low-profile keys, and a Japanese keyboard layout, and its standard 75% split-layout design is a major draw.
- Although the linear switches have a slightly long travel, they offer a comfortable typing experience.
- The quality of the Japanese-layout keyboard is guaranteed.
- Lighting is beautiful.
- Opinions vary on issues such as misalignment in the “Z” row and the keycap layout specific to individual models.
- Using the charging dock requires a little ingenuity
- Key switch compatibility is somewhat of an issue in Japan
- Currently, there are no domestic distributors.
It features an aluminum chassis, low-profile keys, and a Japanese keyboard layout, and its standard 75% split-layout design is a major draw.
As of October 2026, when this article was written, interest in “split keyboards” is on the rise in the Japanese keyboard scene.
I believe this is largely due to the massive success of the Keychron Orca Echo.
On the other hand, Orca Echo features a 40% layout with significantly fewer keys than usual, and its physical layout—a “column-staggered” arrangement—also differs from the standard layout, which contributes to higher switching costs.
Therefore, I feel that there is growing interest in “split keyboards with a standard layout” as a potential need.
In addition, the most common keyboard layout in Japan is the “Japanese layout.”
Therefore, what is needed is a “keyboard with a standard Japanese layout.”
Although split-style Japanese-layout keyboards have existed in the past, there haven’t been many products that truly met market needs—whether because the connection between the left and right halves was wired or because they featured a standard profile that required a palm rest.
Given this background, the NocFree & Japanese Keyboard Layout model can be described as a configuration that “meets the needs of those seeking a Japanese keyboard layout, a low-profile design, and wireless connectivity between the left and right sides.”
KawamuraGreenkeys has a business partnership with NocFree, and we share purchase data generated through this website.
This sales data also confirms the high level of demand in Japan.
Although the linear switches have a slightly long travel, they offer a comfortable typing experience.
Looking at the overall typing landscape in Japan, I believe that “typing on a low-profile keyboard” remains the most common typing setup.
If you’re using a desktop computer, you’ll type on the included full-size keyboard; if you’re using a laptop, you’ll type on a keyboard with scissor-switch keys.
In other words, I’m currently using a keyboard with a “low” profile—measured from the desk surface to the top of the keys—so I’m looking for a replacement keyboard with a similarly “low” profile.
Given this context, the fact that NocFree & has adopted a low-profile approach aligns with market needs.
Although the key travel varies slightly depending on the key switch you choose, I’m very impressed that the quiet linear switch—which is highly suited for office use—is configured with a short travel distance.
| Item | NocFree Rime | NocFree Mist | NocFree Dew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch type | linear | Silent Linear | tactile |
| Shape | low profile | low profile | low profile |
| pressing pressure | 40 ± 5 gf | 37 ± 5 gf | 40 ± 5 gf |
| Actuation point | 1.2 ± 0.3 mm | 1.3 ± 0.4 mm | 1.5 ± 0.2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.2 ± 0.4 mm | 2.5 ± 0.2 mm | 2.8 ± 0.2 mm |
| Characteristics | Smooth feel when pressing | Quiet operation thanks to an internal damper | A slight tactile sensation |
KawamuraAs for the linear switches, the stroke length is a bit long, but it should be within acceptable limits.
Its quality as a Japanese-layout keyboard is guaranteed.
For international brands, the Japanese keyboard layout is extremely challenging.
Since this is a non-Latin-based language, the input process—which involves “converting” characters using the Romanized script, selecting a candidate, and then “confirming” it—is complex, and the concept of an IME may be difficult to understand without a thorough knowledge of the linguistic background.
Consequently, compared to the English keyboard layout, it has many “Galápagos-like” features—such as the “Half-width/Full-width” key, which is unique to the Japanese layout, and the fact that the Z row has one more key than the English layout.
Even taking those points into account, one of the appealing features of NocFree & is that it offers a Japanese keyboard layout that’s “truly usable.”
Lighting is beautiful.
With NocFree &, even though the keycaps aren’t translucent, you can still enjoy the beautiful backlighting.
The charging dock and tenting leg combo is innovative
The NocFree & offers a “charging dock” as an optional accessory.
NocFree & has obtained technical compliance certification and supports wireless connectivity not only between the left and right units but also with a PC.
Therefore, since it is not powered by the computer, it must be charged regularly.
In that regard, when you use the charging dock, you can charge the device simply by placing it upright.
Not only does it look great as a display, but it can also be used as a tenting leg.
It would not be an exaggeration to call this specification revolutionary.
KawamuraBy tilting it slightly to the left and right, the center of gravity shifts toward the little finger, creating a sensation that gives the index finger more freedom of movement.
Opinions vary on issues such as misalignment in the “Z” row and the keycap layout specific to individual models.
On the other hand, there are some points of concern.
Regarding the misalignment in row Z, it is offset 0.25u to the left compared to normal.
Because the shift is smaller than usual, those who have mastered touch typing may find it feels a bit strange.
In addition, you might find it a bit odd that the “6”—which is typically on the right side when touch-typing—is located on the left side.
Also, since the Backspace key is longer than usual (2u size), some people might find this bothersome.
Using the charging dock requires a little ingenuity
To use the charging dock, you must attach the dedicated magnet to the Type-C port on the inside of each keyboard.
However, when the magnet is attached, it cannot be used as a single unit; to use it as a single unit, you must remove the magnet.
In that case, since the parts are so small, there’s a higher risk of losing them, isn’t there?
Also, while the charging dock is extremely convenient, its design makes it somewhat difficult to keep it upright, and I noticed that there seemed to be some variation in the molding precision of the rubber support parts from unit to unit.
Key switch compatibility is somewhat of an issue in Japan
The key switches used in the NocFree & are of the “CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE” type, which is rarely available in Japan.
Since Kailh Choc V2-spec key switches are relatively common in Japan, the range of customization options—including key switches—is limited, at least within Japan.
Currently, there are no domestic distributors.
As of October 2026, when this was written, the product is available for purchase only through the official website.
If you’re hesitant about shopping online from overseas, you might find it difficult to make a purchase.
KawamuraWe’re looking forward to the contract with the domestic distributor.
- Many of the sites listed on this site are outside of Japan, and all of them are in English.
- If you are unfamiliar with overseas shopping, you may have some resistance to English-language sites, but rest assured that all of the operators are reliable and directly affiliated with our business.
KawamuraWe have business transactions in English with our counterparts and have a business alliance with GreenEchoes Studio, the operating entity of GreenKeys.
- If you are not sure in English, use your browser’s Japanese translation function.
- PayPal and credit card payment are available for payment. Even if you pay by credit card, the risk of information leakage is low as long as you do not apply for the service over public airwaves, since the payment is protected by encrypted communication.
- All information regarding shipping address and name should be written in English.
- Here is a website that converts Japanese addresses to English addresses ▷▷.
- Coupon codes can be entered on the cart screen.
Summary | Who Is NocFree & Best Suited For?
The NocFree & is ideal for users who want to adopt a split keyboard layout while maintaining a typing experience similar to that of a standard Japanese keyboard layout.
Combining a 75% layout with function keys and arrow keys, low-profile switches, and an aluminum chassis, this keyboard offers both the practicality of a work tool and the enjoyment of a hobby.
The fact that no cable is needed between the left and right units is another appealing feature that allows for flexible placement on your desk.
The separately sold charging dock and tenting kit is also a well-designed accessory that serves as a charging and storage solution while allowing you to adjust the angle during use.
On the other hand, some of the key layouts—such as the fact that the Z row is shifted 0.25u to the left compared to the standard layout—take some getting used to.
It’s also important to check the options for replacement switches and the fact that purchases are made through official overseas stores before making a purchase.
“I’m interested in split keyboards, but I’m hesitant to make a major change to the layout.”
For people like that, the NocFree & Japanese Keyboard Layout model seems like a strong option.
- Originally published:
- Last updated:
- Research Method: Hands-on testing and review of the manufacturer’s official website
- Reference/Source: https://www.nocfree.com/products/nocfree-and-reservation
- Conflict of Interest: Product provided: Yes (NocFree) / Article production fee: None / Monetized links in this article: Yes
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