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Low-Profile Switches Sound Tests

Low-profile switches are designed for compact keyboards, offering a thinner build while maintaining the feel of a mechanical switch. Whether you're looking for a sleek travel-friendly setup or a faster actuation for gaming, low-profile switches can be a great choice. I’ve tested various low-profile switches under identical conditions so you can hear and compare their true sound profiles. 

But note that not every low-profile switch is compatible with your keyboard; you have to check the pin pattern under the switches. That's why I test some switches with one keyboard and others with a different keyboard. I show the pin pattern of each switch in the videos.

Header Low-Profile Keyboards

Why My Low-Profile Switches Sound Tests Are Reliable

I keep all my sound tests consistent by using the same keyboard, case, plate, and keycaps (within compatible categories). Many sound tests online mix different setups, making it hard to compare results. My method ensures that the only changing factor is the switch itself—so you get an accurate, fair sound comparison.

Low-Profile Switches Sound Tests & Comparisons

Here, you can listen to sound tests of different low-profile switches, from tactile and clicky to smooth linear options. Some of the switches I’ve tested include:

  • Kailh Black Cloud

  • Kailh Choc V2 Blue

  • Gateron Low-Profile switches

  • Lofree Hades

  • NuPhy Wisteria

Each test includes:
✔ Typing sound tests with three different keycap sets (Cherry, MT3, and SA profiles)
✔ Slow bottom-out test (conducted with and without a keycap)
✔ Decibel meter reading for sound level comparison (measured with and without a keycap)

Are Low-Profile Switches Right for You?

Low-profile switches are great if you:
- Want a thinner keyboard for travel or aesthetics
- Prefer a faster keypress with lower actuation force
- Need a mechanical feel in a compact form factor
- Like a unique typing experience different from standard MX switches

FAQ: Low-Profile Switches

Are low-profile switches good for gaming?

Yes! Many low-profile switches, especially magnetic ones, have faster actuation, making them ideal for gaming.

Are low-profile switches quieter than regular mechanical switches?

Not always! Some low-profile switches have a sharper sound due to the shorter travel distance, but the overall noise level depends on the switch type and keycaps used.

What’s the best low-profile switch?

If you like linear switches, the Lofree Ghost or Kailh Choc V2 Reds are smooth and satisfying. If you prefer tactile switches, the Kailh Choc V2 Browns or Kailh Black Cloud are great options.

Can I use low-profile switches in a regular mechanical keyboard?

No, low-profile switches have a different mounting style and stem height. You’ll need a keyboard designed specifically for low-profile switches.

Kailh Black Cloud

Type: Tactile

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 45g

Actuation point: 1.6mm

Bottom-out travel: 2.8mm

Spring lenght: 15.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.7mm

Material: POM + [ POM ]

Lubed: ---

Compatibility: Lofree Flow

My personal review:

Smoothness: 8.5/10

Tactility: 7.5/10

Noise level (no keycap): 79.9dBA

-Product link :

https://kailhswitch.net/products/all-pom-low-profile-switch?variant=43845611487418&sca_ref=6621948.Iigsx6ET0A

Kailh Choc V2 Brown

Type: Tactile

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 45g

Actuation point: 1.3mm

Bottom-out travel: 3.2mm

Spring lenght: 11.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.2mm

Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]

Lubed: No

Compatibility: Lofree Flow

My personal review:

Smoothness: 7.5/10

Tactility: 7.5/10

Noise level (no keycap): 75.3dBA

-Product link :

https://www.kailh.net/products/kailh-choc-v2-low-profile-switch-set?variant=43775877972210&sca_ref=6621948.Iigsx6ET0A

Kailh Hide Mountain

Type: Clicky

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 50g

Actuation point: 1.2mm

Bottom-out travel: 2.8mm

Spring lenght: 15.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.7mm

Material: POM + [ POM ]

Lubed: ---

Compatibility: Lofree Flow

My personal review:

Smoothness: ---

Tactility: 6.8/10

Noise level (no keycap): 77.5dBA

-Product link :

https://kailhswitch.net/products/all-pom-low-profile-switch?variant=43845611520186&sca_ref=6621948.Iigsx6ET0A&sca_ref=6621948.Iigsx6ET0A

Kailh White Rain

Type: Linear

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 50g

Actuation point: 1.2mm

Bottom-out travel: 2.8mm

Spring lenght: 15.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.7mm

Material: POM + [ POM ]

Lubed: ---

Compatibility: Lofree Flow

My personal review:

Smoothness: 8.5/10

Tactility: ---

Noise level (no keycap): 78.5dBA

-Product link :

https://kailhswitch.net/products/all-pom-low-profile-switch?srsltid=AfmBOoqW6jBD1T0HAlADJS7_a8K0hdZd1phVN62MXffeqsYlMCDbEJic&sca_ref=6621948.Iigsx6ET0A

Lofree x Kailh Ghost

Type: Linear

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 50g

Actuation point: 1.2mm

Bottom-out travel: 2.8mm

Spring lenght: 15.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.7mm

Material: POM + [ POM ]

Lubed: Yes

Compatibility: Lofree Flow

My personal review:

Smoothness: 8.5/10

Tactility: ---

Noise level (no keycap): 77.1dBA

-Product link :

http://shrsl.com/4pl2l

Lofree x Kailh Hades

Type: Silent Linear

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 40g

Actuation point: 1.2mm

Bottom-out travel: 2.8mm

Spring lenght: 15.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.2mm

Material: POM + [ PC + POM ]

Lubed: ---

Compatibility: Lofree Flow

My personal review:

Smoothness: 8/10

Tactility: ---

Noise level (no keycap): 68.8dBA

Product link : https://shrsl.com/4tkjl

Lofree x Kailh Phantom

Type: Tactile

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 45g

Actuation point: 1.6mm

Bottom-out travel: 2.8mm

Spring lenght: 15.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.7mm

Material: POM + [ POM ]

Lubed: Yes

Compatibility: Lofree Flow

My personal review:

Smoothness: 8.5/10

Tactility: 7/10

Noise level (no keycap): 77.2dBA

-Product link :

https://shrsl.com/4q8jc

Lofree x Kailh Specter

Type: Linear

Bottom-out: 50g

Activation force: 40g

Actuation point: 1.3mm

Bottom-out travel: 2.8mm

Spring lenght: 15.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.5mm

Material: POM + [ POM ]

Lubed: Yes

Compatibility: Lofree Flow

My personal review:

Smoothness: 8.5/10

Tactility: ---

Noise level (no keycap): 76.6dBA

Product link : https://shrsl.com/4tkjo

Lofree x Kailh Wizard

Type: Clicky

Bottom-out: 55g

Activation force: 50g

Actuation point: 1.2mm

Bottom-out travel: 2.8mm

Spring lenght: 15.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.7mm

Material: POM + [ POM ]

Lubed: Yes

Compatibility: Lofree Flow

My personal review:

Smoothness: ---

Tactility: 7/10

Noise level (no keycap): 77.6dBA

-Product link :

http://shrsl.com/4q56x

Gateron x NuPhy Moss

Type: Tactile

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 60g

Actuation point: 1.7mm

Bottom-out travel: 3mm

Spring lenght: 16mm

Pole lenght: 8.7mm

Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]

Lubed: Yes

Compatibility: NuPhy Air60-75-96

My personal review:

Smoothness: 8.5/10

Tactility: 9/10

Noise level (no keycap): 81.7dBA

-Product link :

https://nuphy.com/collections/switches/products/nuphy-moss-t60-low-profile-switches?sca_ref=5170034.Kzn1JEbRoe

Gateron x NuPhy Wisteria

Type: Tactile

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 55g

Actuation point: 1.7mm

Bottom-out travel: 3.2mm

Spring lenght: 16mm

Pole lenght: 8.6mm

Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]

Lubed: Yes

Compatibility: NuPhy Air60-75-96

My personal review:

Smoothness: 7.5/10

Tactility: 8.5/10

Noise level (no keycap): 81.4dBA

-Product link :

https://nuphy.com?sca_ref=5170034.Kzn1JEbRoe&sca_source=https://nuphy.com/collections/switches/products/nuphy-wisteria-t55-low-profile-switches

Kailh Choc V2 Blue

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 48g

Actuation point: 1.3mm

Bottom-out travel: 3.2mm

Spring lenght: 11.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.2mm

Material: PC + PA66

Lubed: No

Kailh Choc V2 Red

Bottom-out: ---

Activation force: 43g

Actuation point: 1.3mm

Bottom-out travel: 3.2mm

Spring lenght: 11.5mm

Pole lenght: 8.3mm

Material: PC + PA66

Lubed: No

My personal review:

Smoothness: 7.5/10

Tactility: ---

Noise level (with keycap): 76.5dBA

Product link :

https://amzn.to/40I3Kf4

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