A Personal Journey to Ergonomic Comfort: NocFree Lite Keyboard Review

Over the past few years, I’ve struggled with wrist and shoulder pain, which led me to pay closer attention to the ergonomics of my work setup. I won’t lie — this has turned into a costly habit, especially for someone as picky as I am. Recently, I came across an intriguing split keyboard, the NocFree Lite, from an emerging brand called NocFree. Their product deserves more recognition, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with fellow ergo enthusiasts. I’m not gonna talk about why I use two trackball mouse here, maybe another blog:)

First Impressions

The NocFree Lite is a minimalist split keyboard with a compact 60% layout. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable; it boasts a sleek and simplistic design that sets it apart from most split keyboards on the market (they all look bucky and old-school). Priced just under $200, this keyboard offers premium packaging, impressive build quality, and a solid structure. Although it’s made of plastic instead of aluminum, the keyboard feels sturdy. My desk is slightly bent but NocFree Lite sits firmly on it without wobbling or moving around — a testament to its solid construction.

Smooth transition

Switching to a new keyboard often feels like a huge commitment, as it typically slows down typing speed and increases typos during the adjustment period. Surprisingly, transitioning to the NocFree Lite was seamless for me, thanks to its common layout. Unlike some ergonomic keyboards with columnar layouts, thumb clusters, or curved surfaces, the NocFree Lite keeps things functional and straightforward. These design choices avoid the overly engineered look that can intimidate newcomers to ergonomic keyboard.

True wireless

While most tech products have embraced wireless functionality, many split keyboards still rely on a cable connecting the two halves. The NocFree Lite, however, offers true wireless connectivity through a 2.4 GHz receiver, with a low latency that’s perfect for work. I just like how clean my desk is, honestly I don’t like cables unless it’s coiled. You know what I’m talking about. See how neat it is with the E-ink reader sitting in front of me. Although it lacks Bluetooth, this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me since I already use a USB receiver for my Logitech trackball mouse.

Optional Upgrades

I opted for the sound-absorbing foam and the Palm rest, and I highly recommend both for a complete experience. The foam enhances the acoustics of the keyboard, giving it a satisfying sound profile, while the wrist rest fits perfectly and feels premium. Together, they add comfort and refinement to the typing experience.

After replacing the switches with TTC Gold Pink Switch V2, I was delighted with the keyboard’s overall feel and sound. It’s clear that these optional features are worth considering for anyone seeking a more polished experience.

Room for Improvement

While the NocFree Lite shines in many areas, a few aspects could be refined to enhance its usability and modern appeal. One of the biggest challenges is the keyboard layout. While the overall design is functional, some key placements feel unconventional. For instance, the left Ctrl, Alt, Cmd/Win, and Fn keys all share the same width. As a Mac user, I find this less than ideal since I prefer the first key closest to the space bar to be wider for better accessibility. Similarly, the placement of the right Shift key between the “.” and “/” keys feels unusual and takes some time getting used to, even with remapping options available via Vial.

While the transparent case is visually appealing (remind me of the Nothing Phone), the tenting feet and rubber feet could have used more premium materials for better durability. The included keycap puller is just flimsy and unpleasant to use. It really hurt my fingers when I replaced the switches. I’d also appreciate if they would include a coiled cable to further enhance the aethestics of the keyboard, or as an add-on.

Final Thoughts

The NocFree Lite is an impressive product, especially for a crowdfunded project. It’s affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and well-built, ticking many boxes for anyone interested in trying an ergonomic split keyboard without diving into something overly complex or expensive.

However, for seasoned users of specialised ergonomic keyboards like the Microsoft Sculpt, Logitech K860, or Kinesis Advantage, the NocFree Lite may feel underwhelming. It’s best suited for newcomers or those seeking a balance of simplicity, functionality, and affordability.

For me, it’s a fantastic addition to my workspace, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone curious about ergonomic split keyboards. With a few updates — like USB-C, Bluetooth, and improved materials — this keyboard could set a new standard in its category. Well done NocFree!