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 near the spacebar on the right-hand side.
Other planned updates include 3-mode connectivity with Bluetooth added, a revised key layout, a reinforced kickstand, and support for the proprietary software “NocFree Link.”
Shipping is expected between December 2026 and January 2027, but development and testing are still ongoing, so 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 |
|---|---|
| Connection methods | USB wired / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth |
| key layout | Adjust the positions of the “?” key, left Shift, the bottom row, and more |
| Kickstand | Redesigned structure for improved durability |
| keymap change | Supports the proprietary software “NocFree Link” |
| Pointing Device | Built-in trackball on the right-hand side |
| Estimated Shipping | December 2026–January 2027 |
| selling price | unpublished |
The original NocFree Lite supported USB wired and 2.4GHz connections, but the Lite V2 adds Bluetooth.
They also plan to update the hardware related to wireless communication and control to improve connection stability and reliability. That said, additional hardware testing and firmware development are still needed ahead of release.
Built-in trackball on the right-hand side
The change I’m most excited about on the Lite V2 is the trackball placed near the spacebar on the right-hand side.
NocFree says the goal is to let you control the cursor without moving your hands far from the keyboard, making it smoother to switch between typing and pointer control.
This isn’t just an add-on accessory or a “maybe someday” feature—on the official page it’s described as “Built-In Trackball.”
In other words, you can read this as a design being developed with implementation as a given.
From the concept images available so far, the trackball looks to be positioned near the thumb area on the right unit.
DIY keyboards with integrated trackballs already exist, but there aren’t many examples of a low-stagger split keyboard that you can buy as a finished product coming with one.
In that sense, it’s fair to say this is an added feature that significantly changes the Lite V2’s positioning as a product.
As for ball size, the images suggest a 1u size, which could mean 14mm.
That said, the images shown are still at the concept stage, so the shape and placement could change in the final product.
Key placement changes based on a user survey
In late August 2026, NocFree ran a user survey covering ANSI, ISO, JIS, and KR layouts to evaluate the final layout for the Lite V2.
Previous article: NocFree Lite V2 layout survey begins
In this announcement, they say they’ll 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 and reduce mis-presses.
The layout proposals we checked when the survey was running on Greenkeys also included a Japanese layout.
However, this official announcement doesn’t specify which layouts the production model will support.
We’ll have to wait for future updates to see whether a JIS-layout model will be sold officially.
KawamuraFor a Japanese layout, what I’ll be watching most closely is the Z-row offset and the relationship between the right arrow key and right Shift.
Reinforced kickstand, with a thinner and lighter-looking body
According to NocFree, some users reported kickstand issues on the original Lite after long-term use.
With the Lite V2, they’re redesigning the structure to improve durability.
At the same time, they’re also refining the overall body shape to look thinner and lighter.
Supports the proprietary software “NocFree Link”
The Lite V2 will support NocFree’s proprietary software, “NocFree Link.”
With NocFree Link, you can remap keys and customize shortcuts.
They also say they’ll continue providing firmware updates after the Lite V2 launches, addressing bugs and improving features over time.
The original Lite supported keymap changes via Vial, but for the Lite V2 they’re pointing users to NocFree Link.
This announcement doesn’t clarify whether it can be used alongside Vial, or whether trackball-related settings will be added to NocFree Link.
Shipping planned from December 2026 to January 2027
The NocFree Lite V2 is scheduled to start shipping between December 2026 and January 2027.
They say it’s later than originally planned, and that as the scope of design changes expanded during development, additional hardware testing and firmware development became necessary.
As of now, the following sales details are also unannounced:
- Pre-order start date
- selling price
- Color Lineup
- Supported Layouts
- Key switch
- Battery capacity
- Status of Japan’s technical conformity certification (Giteki)
- Plans for sales in Japan
The shipping window isn’t a fixed date either, and it may change depending on development progress.
On the other hand, thinking about manufacturing, a schedule that aims to “ship” as soon as two months from now does feel a bit worrying in terms of whether they can actually make it.
Summary
That’s the latest on NocFree’s new model, the “NocFree Lite V2.”
I really didn’t expect them to go with a trackball… but maybe the “new typing experience that includes cursor control,” which has been getting attention in Japan, is now catching on globally too.
Also, there still aren’t many finished keyboards that use a standard staggered layout and also place a trackball in a thumb-operated position.
Personally, I think this spec has a strong chance of being exactly what the market has been asking for.
Greenkeys will continue to follow updates on the NocFree Lite V2.
- Originally published:
- Last updated:
- Method of coverage: See official manufacturer release and official SNS postings
- References/Citations:
- Conflicts of Interest: Product provided: None Monetized links in this article: None
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