Kailh Choc Brown Tactile Switches

The Kailh Choc Brown Tactile switch is a low-profile mechanical keyboard switch designed for users who prefer a tactile typing experience in a slim form factor. It features a distinctive tactile bump, making it suitable for both typing and gaming applications where feedback is important.

Key Features

• Low Profile Design: Engineered for compact keyboards, this switch has a reduced height compared to standard mechanical switches, making it ideal for slim keyboard builds.
• Tactile Feedback: The switch provides a noticeable tactile bump during actuation, offering clear feedback with each keypress.
• Actuation Force: Requires 60 centinewtons (cN) of force to actuate, balancing responsiveness and resistance for comfortable typing.
• Travel Distance: Features a 1.5mm pre-travel and a total travel distance of 3.0mm, enabling quicker key activation and return.
• Durability: Rated for up to 50 million operations, ensuring long-lasting performance even with heavy use.
• Mount Type: Designed for PCB mounting, making it compatible with a wide range of custom keyboard builds.
• LED Support: SMD LED compatible, allowing for backlighting and RGB effects when paired with compatible PCBs.

Construction and Materials

• Stem Type: CHOC stem, specifically designed for low-profile keycaps and not compatible with MX-style keycaps.
• Stem Color: Brown, indicating its tactile nature.
• Top Housing: Made from clear polycarbonate, providing durability and allowing light diffusion for LEDs.
• Bottom Housing: Constructed from black polycarbonate for stability and strength.

Performance Characteristics

• Feel: Tactile, with a distinct bump at the actuation point for feedback without an audible click.
• Silent: No, this switch is not designed to be silent and produces a moderate sound during use.
• Capacitive: No, it uses a traditional mechanical contact mechanism.

Compatibility

• Keycap Compatibility: Only compatible with low-profile keycaps designed for CHOC stems. It is not compatible with MX-style keycaps.
• Mounting: Intended for PCB-mounted keyboards that support the CHOC low-profile switch footprint.

Summary

This switch is an excellent choice for those seeking a tactile, low-profile mechanical switch for custom keyboard projects. Its combination of a satisfying tactile bump, durable construction, and compatibility with SMD LEDs makes it a versatile option for slim and portable keyboards. With a 60g actuation force and a 3.0mm total travel, it strikes a balance between speed and comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences.