review: the lofree mechanical keyboard inspired by typewriters

the ‘lofree’ is a wireless mechanical keyboard inspired by a typewriter’s funtion and aesthetics. retro and elegant, it introduces gateron switches to make it sound and feel like a classic typewriter. it is compatible with mac, iOS, windows and android devices, plus features a wired / wireless mode with USB charging. with computer stores being littered with gaming-style keyboards, the new york-based company has identified a need for the mechanical keyboard in the market, and believes ‘lofree’ is just the solution.

all images © lofree 

when hearing about the ‘lofree‘ I was, by own admission, dubious to see how a device ’emulating technology from a bygone era’ could just reestablish itself in our modern, hyperconnected world. but this was before the little keyboard had even made it out the box. with the clean packaging removed, the mechanical keyboard is made of a solid and durable-feeling plastic with a satisfying amount of weight behind it. on the face of the mechanical keyboard are its traditional circular keys arranged in a honeycomb structure. a light press of a key provides a surprisingly, satisfying ‘click’ sound with a firm recoil feeling. the sturdiness, and retro typewriter-styling reaffirms that this is a keyboard for the desk.

setting up the ‘lofree’s’ bluetooth can be done in three simple steps, while located at the right of the keyboard are discreet circular switches for mac / windows, and powering the device. when it is switched on the keys illuminate white pleasantly. to the right you will find a microUSB port for charging the battery, while the keyboard can control up to three different devices at once.

as I work with the mechanical keyboard I am revisited by nostalgic feelings: I can remember trying to use a keyboard for the very first time 15+ years ago, when the personal computer market was dominated by that certain shade of beige. as I was continuing to use these keyboards I found myself growing more satisfied with that sound and feeling of each big ‘click’. as a laptop user, I also find myself sitting at twice the distance from the screen which is a more pleasant  viewing experience.

the ‘lofree’ keyboard’s battery has held its charge for the first three days, while the manufacturer says it has four times more battery than a normal keyboard with its ‘auto-sleep’ funtion. I’m happy to say that this cute little keyboard has reignited the almost forgotten feeling that typing can be fun and satisfying.

the ‘lofree’ mechanical keyboard has surpassed it’s funding target on indiegogo comfortably, and can be viewed in detail here.