Ambients Silent Kailh Low Profile Choc Switches
Designed by LowproKB and manufactured by Kailh, the Ambients series of switches bring some much-desired improvements to chocs. The Nocturnal, Twilight are the first to bring truly silent, low actuation force linears, while Sunrise switches do the same for the tactile experience.
Based on the Kailh Choc v1 form-factor, these switches were engineered from the ground up to accommodate the components needed to quieten typical switch noise. Strategically placed silicone bumpers dampen the sounds made by both the down- and upstrokes. Stem, case and spring modifications to allow for a more consistent movement. Even the contact spring ramp's design was revisited. All this to accomplish a silent switch which feels smooth and crisp, without any mushiness.
Because of the Kailh Choc v1 form-factor, these switches are perfect alternatives for existing kits and keycaps which support Kailh v1 switches.
Coming later this year: the Sunrise switch, a 40gf tactile switch using the same silencing technology. Where the Sunset switches brought a breath of fresh air for tactile switches, the Sunrise will do the same, but silent.
Specifications
Nocturnal
- Model number: CPG1350501D01-1
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Model name: Nocturnal
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Type: Linear
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Colour: Black POM stem, smoked translucent polycarbonate top, black nylon bottom
- Operation force: 20gf±10gf
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Conduction travel: 1.5mm±0.5mm
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Total travel: 3mm+0/-0.5mm
- Operating life: 50,000,000 cycles
Twilight
- Model number: CPG1350501D01
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Model name: Twilight
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Type: Linear
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Colour: Sage (light green) POM stem, smoked translucent polycarbonate top, nylon grey bottom
- Operation force: 35gf±10gf
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Conduction travel: 1.5mm±0.5mm
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Total travel: 3mm+0/-0.5mm
- Operating life: 50,000,000 cycles
Sunrise
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Model name: Sunrise
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Type: Tactile
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Colour: Peach POM stem, rose translucent polycarbonate top, eggplant (deep purple) nylon bottom
- Operation force: 40gf±10gf
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Conduction travel: 1.5mm±0.5mm
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Total travel: 3mm+0/-0.5mm
- Operating life: 50,000,000 cycles
Remarks
- Kailh Low Profile switches are only compatible with keycaps that are made for them. They are not compatible with other keycaps, for example those for MX switches.
- The Ambients Silent Kailh Low Profile switches have five pins: two metal switch pins, a center post and two side posts which are part of the bottom housing.
- Side posts can be clipped using flush cutters if the keyboard doesn't support side posts. These days, most keyboards do support side posts.
- Side posts give some extra stability and alignment to switches, which is useful when hot swapping switches and when using a keyboard without a case.