Lofree x Kailh Phantom Tactile Low Profile Switch Review for All Button Controllers

[@momo.ru-kun]

Actually the differ on stem length which is why sometimes the button caps hit the floor of the acrylic making that plastic on plastic sound. What I did is I used a rotary tool to shave off the teeth off the button caps, it made it silent. In my other controllers, I use the Cherry MX low profile silver. While scratchy in the first few weeks, after lubing and wear, they are quite better and were more silent than any of these. I still prefer the Kailh Speed Silvers, they are the smoothest and most responsive among the low profile switches. As long as the pins are the same, they should be compatible. Having a board with multiple switch compatibility is always better than depending on the button caps type, since you can always print those.

[@trymepoppo]

I found the lofree actuation required a few grams more than the kailh that came with Haute42, maybe it came from the factory-lubed. I swapped the lofree spring with choc v1 blue's (25g) to make it lighter. It is a bit too light for me now, but I don't want to bother swap them anymore, so it is what it is.

[@Zevaeros]

Kailh says the linear red is rated at 43±10 gf whereas the Lofree Ghost is rated at 50±15gf so the average activation pressure will be higher (Phantom is 45±15gf vs Brown 45±10gf, Wizard is 50±10gf vs Blue 48±13 gf). I don't see anything about factory lube; the smoothness derives from the all POM construction.

[@derekfcc]

Appreciate the video. Just a bit of feedback, I personally listen to reviews and videos like this one as 2nd monitor content while working/driving/playing games so when you say ‘these feel more ‘X’ than these’… I can’t really piece together what you’re saying. If you could name drop the brands in the middle of the commentary, it would flush out your review a bit more. Either way, good stuff and thanks again

[@russshearwood2304]

Hi, I use choc v2 browns for the directional buttons on my T16. I like them better than the crystal switches maybe cause they're stiffer, maybe it's the bump. I wish you compared the phantom switches to browns instead of reds.

[@Zevaeros]

I don't have browns, sadly. Mostly I wanted to compare to the stock switches these usually come with.

[@russshearwood2304]

I moved on to phantoms for directional and wind engine for everything else. Huge improvement in sound and feel. I highly recommend both.

[@Vespyr_]

Do these lose RGB if you use them? You didn't plug them in so I'm not sure. They seem pretty opaque in the housing.

[@Zevaeros]

No, RGB works with them. There's a hole in the top that lets the light through.

[@Vespyr_]

@@Zevaeros Ty, good to know. I really want to try out the clicky lofree wizards. I'm not too confident in the tactility of these phantoms. I know my Havit low profile keyboard has Kailh Choc V1 Blues which honestly feel amazing to type on. I'd be really excited to try the Lofree wizards and see how they feel for a fight stick. Have you heard anything about them or plan on giving them a shot?

[@NullSignifier]

Just got the s16 last week and I love it but coming from a keyboard with gateron clears, actuation feels a little too heavy for my taste.

[@Zevaeros]

Yeah, clears are pretty much the lightest touch switches out there AFAIK. Ostensibly you can replace the spring with a lighter one though...

[@ekimXD]

Appreciate the video! I ordered the ghosts. Excited to try them. Would you recommend the Punk workshop stovetop caps? Any good link on where to buy?

[@Zevaeros]

The main advantage to them is you can get an assortment of colors which is nice; they do have a little bit of texture to them that the Haute42 default caps don't have. From what I've seen they sit just a very tiny bit lower than those caps as well, but it's extremely negligible (might just be me). AliExpress has them all over the place; just search for "hitbox replacement caps" and you should find plenty.

[@I3asyl]

I always see ppl rec linears for fighting game switches cuz there the fastest. How do u feel abt using tactiles? Is mashing as easy and responsive with the phantoms say in tekken? Or do u keep linears for movement keys

[@Zevaeros]

I don't find a huge difference between tactile and linear for this, but I did just get some Ghost switches in so I'll be testing those out soon.

[@I3asyl]

@@Zevaeros Sweet do let me know if u prefer the ghost or the phantoms. I'll prob just get one of them n get used to it but not sure which

[@Zevaeros]

@@I3asyl I just posted a new review that includes my thoughts on the Ghost vs. Phantom vs. base linear reds.

[@victorhugovalenciavalencia8270]

the switch phantom lofree its a compatible whit a cherry mx low profile ?

[@Zevaeros]

No. Low profiles all have different pin outs