Kailh Choc V1 vs V2?
Hello everyone! Sorry for the noob question, but I have been pulling my hair out about this for a bit...
I see a lot of discourse online about V1 vs V2, and I can't seem to determine what this corresponds to on their website, since they seem to no longer use this naming scheme. Any insight regarding their esoteric names and why I can't seem to find any V1 looking key heads on their website anymore? Additionally, can the V2s fit in the low profile corne board? I know the spacing on this board is smaller, but if I manage to find smaller keyheads for the MX style head, will the switches physically fit in the pcb? I think there needs to be a bigger center hole for the V2 to fit(?) Thanks so much for the help!
5 Replies
Great question — the whole Choc V1 vs V2 thing is confusing, so you’re not alone! Here’s a breakdown:
Kailh Choc V1 (the “classic” Chocs):
- Designed specifically for low-profile ortholinear/ergonomic boards like the Corne Wireless or Lily58 Wireless we offer.
- Use the 18mm spacing (smaller key spacing than MX switches).
- Stem is a flat “choc” style cross (different from MX stems).
- Supports keycaps designed for Choc spacing (1U, 1.5U, etc. — thinner, lower-profile).
- This is what your low profile Corne is made for.
Kailh Choc V2 (sometimes called “Choc Mini” online): - Newer design with an MX-style cruciform stem so they can take regular MX keycaps.
- Taller housing than V1 and not interchangeable footprint-wise.
- PCB footprint is slightly different (larger center post hole and different cutouts).
👉 Can V2s fit in the Corne Wireless / Lily58 Wireless low profile PCBs?
No — our PCBs are specifically designed for Choc V1 spacing and mounting holes. V2s require a different PCB footprint, meaning they won’t physically fit into the hotswap sockets. Even if you shaved down the keycaps, the alignment and mounting would still be wrong.
Why you don’t see “V1” language on Kailh’s site anymore:
Kailh just calls the originals “Choc” now (that’s V1), and the MX-stem ones just “Choc V2.” Community shorthand kept the “V1” so people can tell them apart. So if you’re building a low profile Corne or Lily58 from us, you want Kailh Choc V1 switches. You can use any compatible Choc keycaps (MBK, choc-mount DSA, POM, etc.), but MX/V2 switches will not fit. --- ✅ Go with Choc V1 for your Typeractive wireless builds.
❌ Choc V2 will not fit due to footprint differences. Would you like me to suggest some good Choc V1 keycap options that pair well with the Corne?
- Use the 18mm spacing (smaller key spacing than MX switches).
- Stem is a flat “choc” style cross (different from MX stems).
- Supports keycaps designed for Choc spacing (1U, 1.5U, etc. — thinner, lower-profile).
- This is what your low profile Corne is made for.
Kailh Choc V2 (sometimes called “Choc Mini” online): - Newer design with an MX-style cruciform stem so they can take regular MX keycaps.
- Taller housing than V1 and not interchangeable footprint-wise.
- PCB footprint is slightly different (larger center post hole and different cutouts).
👉 Can V2s fit in the Corne Wireless / Lily58 Wireless low profile PCBs?
No — our PCBs are specifically designed for Choc V1 spacing and mounting holes. V2s require a different PCB footprint, meaning they won’t physically fit into the hotswap sockets. Even if you shaved down the keycaps, the alignment and mounting would still be wrong.
Why you don’t see “V1” language on Kailh’s site anymore:
Kailh just calls the originals “Choc” now (that’s V1), and the MX-stem ones just “Choc V2.” Community shorthand kept the “V1” so people can tell them apart. So if you’re building a low profile Corne or Lily58 from us, you want Kailh Choc V1 switches. You can use any compatible Choc keycaps (MBK, choc-mount DSA, POM, etc.), but MX/V2 switches will not fit. --- ✅ Go with Choc V1 for your Typeractive wireless builds.
❌ Choc V2 will not fit due to footprint differences. Would you like me to suggest some good Choc V1 keycap options that pair well with the Corne?
Whose website? As the AI says, Typeractive low profile keyboards use Choc v1 switches, with the two parallel stems
More and more open source keeb designs are popping up that use Choc v2 so that is a possibility in the do it yourself space
Kailh switch
Kailh | Professional Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse Switches
Leading mechanical keyboard switches with stable performance and tactile typing feel.
Yeah I was seeing that there is some boards that have both MX and V2 compatibility (like through boardsource). As you suggest, DIY may be the best/only option...
Yeah! Some designs have "Swiss cheese" footprints that fit a wide variety, both with hot swap sockets and without
Huh, interesting. Kailh's own site does not have any v1s listed anymore. Wonder if they intend to discontinue them