Lofree x Kailh low-profile key switch used in Lofree FLOW.
We are sure that many people were surprised by the smooth keystroke feel that defies the conventional wisdom of low profile.
It is also one of the key switches that have attracted a great deal of attention in the Japanese homebrew keyboard community, partly because it is compatible with the Choc V2 that was released in the past.
Lofree has released such a shocking keyswitch, but we were able to obtain information from their PR person that they are developing a new keyswitch.
This time, we received permission to publish the product under the conditions that it is a prototype, not a mass-produced product, and that there is a good possibility that the specifications may be changed in the future.
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
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Lofree x Kailh “Ghost 40gf / Silent Linear” Review
The following two items were provided for this project.
Ghost (linear) 40gf
Silent linear 40-45gf (sensory value)
Let’s compare the structure with the existing Ghost (55gf).
Difference in appearance
Let’s start with the differences in appearance.
Thus, as far as Ghost is concerned, it looks exactly the same.
There are holes as well, presumably to facilitate the transmission of LEDs.
The Silent Linear, on the other hand, has a clear top housing and a black bottom housing with no holes for LEDs.
Instead, the top housing material is fitted in the form of a lid.
Kawamura
The contents of the case seemed to be hermetically sealed.
With the clear case, I thought it would be easier to see the gap between the stem and the case, but it is quite tight and the gap is not visible to the naked eye.
As with Ghost, I had the impression that there was little axis blurring on all switches.
Note: I am posting this because I have obtained a view on the exterior part of the building that I was not confident enough to mention.
As you pointed out, the top housing of the Silent Linear has a different shape, similar to the Choc v2.
Kawamura
So from a design perspective, it is easier to match the Shadow series? However, it is possible that they could not be aligned due to the silicon placement.
There is no difference with respect to height.
I measured the stroke distance with a digital caliper and recorded 2.8 mm for all switches.
Disassembly – Internal Structure Differences
Kawamura
I’m going to be a little offended, but I’ll take it apart.
Bottom: Ghost 50gf Top: Ghost 40gf
First, we disassembled from Ghost.
At first glance, there is no significant difference in content.
The number of spring coils is slightly different; 50 gf appears to have 10 coils and 40 gf appears to have 9 coils.
Although very difficult to see with the naked eye, the lengths were also slightly different, with the 40gf being about 0.5mm shorter.
Ghost 40gfGhost 55gf
Next, let’s disassemble the silent linear one.
Kawamura
I hope you can understand.
Zoom in a little.
Silicone rubber is attached to both sides of the stem of such a small switch.
Ghost and other Lofree x Kailh keyswitches are designed to “tap” the bottom housing with the bottom of the stem, and the bottoming sound is quite noticeable on the switch by itself.
The stem and the bottom housing are protected from direct contact by silicone rubber, and this structure is what makes the “Silent Linear”.
As for the spring length and number of spring windings, they were the same as Ghost 40gf, so the pushing pressure is probably around 40-45gf.
Kawamura
I think the reason FLOW has such a good cotation feeling is because the compatibility with the keyswitch is very well thought out. The Ghost by itself makes a rather loud bottoming sound and is “petty”, so sound-absorbing foam is definitely required to achieve the “kotokoto” sound.
Difference in keystroke sound (video available)
I think the most important thing for everyone is the sound of keystrokes.
We verified the difference in keystroke sound by arranging the three A rows of FLOW in order from left to right, Ghost 50gf/ Silent Linear /Ghost 40gf.
Kawamura
The reason for using the same row is to account for the fact that different locations have different percussion sounds.
So let’s hear it now.
Thus, with respect to the quiet linear, almost no bottoming sound is perceived.
There is a slight stem and top housing sloshing sound, but it is quite quiet.
Kawamura
Even in the quiet, the bass sound is still there when you hit it, and it is able to spoil the high frequencies beautifully.
On the other hand, the Ghost 40gf, despite having “just a shortened spring,” had a very high hitting sound.
Kawamura
I was a bit shocked, because I had thought that the good thing about Ghost was the strong low, rattling sound of the keystrokes.
About keystroke feeling
This one is a sensory one that is difficult to express in video or text, so it is for reference only.
Compared to the regular Ghost, both were still “light” in key feel.
Especially with the current Ghost, my fingers were tired after long hours of typing, so this level of weight gives me the impression that it is difficult to get tired even after long hours of typing.
As for the feeling when typing on the bottom of the silent linear, the “squishy” feeling characteristic of silicon was not felt that much, and typing was quite comfortable.
Summary｜Quiet Linear is a Revolutionary Child in the Low-Profile World
This has been a review of the Lofree x Kailh low-profile key switch prototype.
Frankly speaking, we feel that there is still room for improvement regarding Ghost 40gf in terms of keystroke sound.
On the other hand, as for Silent Linear, I strongly felt that it has enough potential to dominate the Japanese low-profile keyboard market if released as is.
Recently, Lowprokb.ca is planning to release Ambients Silent Choc Switches, but again, in terms of keycap compatibility, the Choc V2 is superior to the Choc V1.
However, there are still a few keyboards that are compatible with Lofree x Kailh low-profile key switches (and even fewer keyboards that can use Choc V2 to begin with), and there are still issues with the use of the commonly used Cherry Profile keycaps, such as interference between the switch plate and the There are still some issues to be solved, such as interference between the switch plate and the skirt of the key switch when using the popular Cherry Profile keycaps.
Since this is still a “prototype,” let us communicate the results of this review and hope that further improved products will be released.
I am also wondering what will happen to the coloring.
I have the impression that the coloring will be based on some concept.
Nevertheless, Lofree, it is becoming quite well accepted in the Japanese market.
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Kawamura
