Kailh Choc Low Profile Red 1350 Chocolate Linear 5-Pin 50gf (Red 45pcs) Review (2026)

Who should consider low profile Choc switches

These switches are built for the growing category of slim, low profile mechanical keyboards, including many popular split ergonomic builds that favor a flatter, less bulky typing angle than a standard MX-height board. Builders who already own or are planning a Choc-compatible PCB, rather than a standard MX board, are the target audience here, since the Choc footprint is a different size and shape from MX and is not a drop-in replacement. The 50gf actuation weight sits firmer than the lightest Choc options on the market, which suits typists who want a bit more resistance under their fingers to avoid accidental presses, while still staying linear rather than tactile. Anyone assembling a compact travel keyboard or a slim split board where case height matters will find the low profile design solves a real physical constraint that standard height switches cannot.

The mechanics behind the low profile design

Kailh's Choc 1350 platform uses a smaller footprint than MX switches at roughly 15 by 15 millimeters with an 8 millimeter shaft height, which is what allows the whole keyboard case to sit noticeably thinner than an MX-based board. This particular switch is a linear design rated at 50 grams of operating force with about 1.5 millimeters of pre-travel and 3.2 millimeters of total travel, giving a shorter, quicker keystroke than a typical MX switch's 4 millimeters. It uses a 5-pin mounting style rather than Kailh's simpler 3-pin Choc switches, and the extra two plastic pins add stability on the PCB and reduce wobble in hot-swap sockets built for the 5-pin footprint. The switches come factory pre-lubed for smoother travel out of the box and include a built-in slot for SMD LEDs, so per-key backlighting is supported on compatible boards.

Building with them and planning quantities

Because the Choc footprint is not MX-compatible, these switches only work on PCBs and plates specifically designed for Choc parts, so it is worth double-checking a board's specifications before ordering rather than assuming MX and Choc parts are interchangeable. The pack includes 45 pieces, which is enough for many smaller split keyboards that use 40 to 50 keys per half, with a handful of spares left over in case a switch is damaged during installation or later needs replacing. Larger low profile boards, including many 60 percent or bigger low profile layouts, will need more than one pack to fill every socket. Keycap options are more limited than the MX ecosystem, since Choc stems use a different, flatter attachment shape, so buyers should confirm keycap compatibility for their specific board before finalizing a purchase, particularly if they want colors or profiles outside the basic Choc keycap sets.

How it fits against other Choc options

Against the Kailh Choc V2 Unmute Brown Tactile switch, which trades the smooth linear feel here for a tactile bump, the choice mostly comes down to whether a builder wants a bump under their fingers or a straight, uninterrupted press. Compared with the lighter Choc Red options sold in smaller 30-piece packs at a similar or slightly lower price, this 45-piece pack gives more switches per purchase, which helps when filling a larger board or keeping true spares on hand. The Choc White and Choc Brown variants in the same 1350 series differ mainly in spring weight and tactile character rather than in mounting or size, so switching between them does not require a different PCB. Builders who are unsure about committing to the Choc ecosystem should weigh the smaller keycap selection against the genuine size and weight benefits of a properly low profile board.

Verdict and when to pick something else

This pack earns our score of 8.4 out of 10, with strong marks across fit for the job, features and build quality reflecting a well made, factory-lubed switch that does what a low profile linear switch should. It is a good match for anyone building or upgrading a Choc-compatible split or slim keyboard who wants a firmer 50 gram press with the added stability of a 5-pin mount. Buyers should confirm their board uses a genuine Choc footprint before ordering, since these will not fit a standard MX board, and larger keyboards should plan on ordering more than one 45 piece pack. Anyone who prefers a tactile bump over a smooth linear press should look at the Choc V2 Unmute Brown Tactile switch instead.

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