On October 10, 2026, NocFree revealed new features planned for its in-development split keyboard, the “NocFree Lite V2.”
The biggest change is a built-in trackball positioned near the spacebar on the right-hand side.
Other planned updates include three-mode connectivity with Bluetooth added, a revised key layout, a redesigned kickstand, and support for NocFree’s proprietary software, “NocFree Link.”
Shipping is expected to begin between December 2026 and January 2027, although development and testing are still ongoing and the schedule may change.
Five Planned Changes for the NocFree Lite V2
The main changes revealed in the official announcement are as follows.
| Item | What’s Changing on the NocFree Lite V2 |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB wired / 2.4 GHz / Bluetooth |
| Key Layout | Positions of the “?” key, left Shift, bottom row, and other keys to be adjusted |
| Kickstand | Redesigned structure for improved durability |
| Keymap Customization | Support for the proprietary “NocFree Link” software |
| Pointing Device | Built-in trackball on the right-hand side |
| Estimated Shipping | December 2026–January 2027 |
| Price | Not yet announced |
The original NocFree Lite supported USB wired and 2.4 GHz connections, while the Lite V2 will add Bluetooth.
NocFree also plans to update the hardware responsible for wireless communication and control in order to improve connection stability and reliability. However, additional hardware testing and firmware development are still required before release.
Built-In Trackball on the Right-Hand Side
The change I’m most interested in on the Lite V2 is the trackball positioned near the spacebar on the right-hand side.
NocFree says the goal is to let users control the cursor without moving their hands far from the keyboard, making it easier to transition between typing and pointer control.
This is not simply an optional accessory or a feature planned for some point in the future. NocFree explicitly describes it as a “Built-In Trackball” in its official announcement.
In other words, the Lite V2 appears to be designed with the trackball as an integral part of the product.
Based on the concept images released so far, the trackball appears to be positioned near the thumb area of the right-hand unit.
DIY keyboards with integrated trackballs already exist, but there are still relatively few commercially available row-staggered split keyboards with an integrated trackball.
In that sense, this feature could significantly change the Lite V2’s position in the market.
Judging from the images, the ball appears to occupy roughly a 1u area, suggesting that it could be around 14 mm in diameter.
However, the images released so far are still concept-stage renderings, so the final shape and placement may change.
Key Placement Changes Based on User Feedback
In late August 2026, NocFree conducted a user survey covering ANSI, ISO, JIS, and KR layouts as part of its work on the final Lite V2 layout.
Previous article: NocFree Lite V2 layout survey begins
In the latest announcement, NocFree says it plans to change the positions of the following keys based on feedback from Lite V1 users:
- “?” key
- Left Shift key
- Bottom-row keys
The aim is to make frequently used keys easier to reach while reducing accidental key presses.
The layout proposals reviewed by Greenkeys when the survey was conducted also included a Japanese-layout option.
However, the latest official announcement does not specify which layouts will be available in the production model.
We will have to wait for future updates to see whether a JIS-layout version will be officially released.
KawamuraFor the Japanese-layout version, I’ll be paying particular attention to the offset of the Z row and the relationship between the right arrow key and right Shift.
Reinforced Kickstand and a Slimmer-Looking Body
According to NocFree, some users reported issues with the kickstand on the original Lite after extended use.
For the Lite V2, NocFree is redesigning the structure to improve durability.
At the same time, the overall body shape is also being refined to give the keyboard a thinner and lighter appearance.
Support for NocFree’s Proprietary “NocFree Link” Software
The Lite V2 will support NocFree’s proprietary software, “NocFree Link.”
NocFree Link allows users to remap keys and customize shortcuts.
NocFree also says it will continue providing firmware updates after the Lite V2 launches, addressing bugs and improving features over time.
The original Lite supported keymap customization through Vial, while NocFree is directing Lite V2 users toward NocFree Link.
The announcement does not clarify whether Vial will remain usable alongside NocFree Link, or whether trackball-related settings will be added to the software.
Shipping Planned Between December 2026 and January 2027
The NocFree Lite V2 is currently expected to begin shipping sometime between December 2026 and January 2027.
NocFree says this is later than originally planned. As the scope of the design changes expanded during development, additional hardware testing and firmware development became necessary.
As of now, the following sales details have not yet been announced:
- Pre-order start date
- Price
- Color lineup
- Supported layouts
- Key switches
- Battery capacity
- Status of Japanese radio certification (Giteki)
- Plans for sales in Japan
The shipping window is not a fixed date and may change depending on development progress.
At the same time, considering the manufacturing process, aiming to begin shipping as soon as roughly two months from now does raise some questions about whether that schedule can realistically be met.
Summary
That concludes our latest update on NocFree’s upcoming “NocFree Lite V2.”
I did not expect NocFree to add a trackball, but it may be another sign that the idea of a new typing experience that incorporates cursor control—something that has attracted growing attention in Japan—is also gaining traction internationally.
There are still relatively few commercially available keyboards that combine a conventional row-staggered layout with a trackball positioned for thumb operation.
Personally, I think this configuration has a strong chance of addressing a real gap in the market.
Greenkeys will continue to follow developments surrounding the NocFree Lite V2.
- Originally published:
- Last updated:
- Research method: Manufacturer’s official release and official social media posts
- References/Citations:
- Conflicts of Interest: Product provided: None | Monetized links in this article: None
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