Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
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Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
3.0/5 Buy from Lofree
The Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard has improved internals but has a traditional appearance, unlike modern keyboards with bright keycaps and patterns.
Mechanical keyboards are becoming increasingly popular, and this trend is leading to increased personalization options. While the basic structure of these keyboards remains largely the same, companies compete by adding unique features to their products.
Loughrey took inspiration from historical mechanical keyboards and incorporated their designs into the Block keyboard. From size to color, it is almost identical to those used back then.
In contrast, the block keyboard offers deeper customization options, allowing you to change the keyboard to suit your style. However, the Block's customization options are currently limited compared to other mechanical keyboards.
Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review – Classic Design
The Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard looks like an old-fashioned keyboard from the 90s. However, when you look at it, you see the modernized elements it brings to its inspired design.
At 15.12 x 4.98 x 0.77 inches and 2.4 pounds, the Block is a little heavier compared to other modern mechanical keyboards we've reviewed. Because of this, traveling with this keyboard may not be the most advisable.
The keyboard's weight comes from the 98-key layout, which has undergone a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) dye sublimation process. To do this, the solid dye is exposed to high temperatures, turning it into a gas that permeates the crystalline structure of the keycaps.
The unit uses Full-POM (polyoxymethylene) switches, which are self-lubricating and contribute to long-lasting smoothness and durability of the keyboard. This is also combined with shrapnel electroplating and silver plating on the 22mm spring.
With its pad design, the unit combines a proprietary stabilizer, IPXE (Preload Environment) and a foam pad. This combination is installed between the switches and the PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) to dampen the sound of each click.
Under the keys and switches — and inside the plastic case ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) — is a system with LED backlighting. However, unlike other keyboards that can display multiple colors, the Block only glows white.
One area that may immediately catch your eye is the thin black screen between the Enter key and the numeric keypad. This screen will tell you whether Caps Lock or Number Lock is enabled, how you're currently connected to the device, and the keyboard's current battery charge.
Volume and connection method knobs
In the upper right corner of the keyboard you will find two Hermes pens in orange. One is for adjusting the volume, and the other is for switching connection options and disconnecting the unit.
The one on the left is for volume control: it rotates 360 degrees to increase or decrease the current volume. If you press it once, the sound will be muted or unmuted.
The knob on the right allows you to select the connection options you want to use and disable the keyboard when it is inactive.
Behind the keyboard there is a switch that allows you to specify which operating system — Windows or macOS — you use. There's also a USB-C port next to it for charging and wired connections.
On the other side there is a compartment for the 2.4G receiver. However, due to the magnetic connection, you may need a tool to pull it out as using your fingers may be difficult.
Lofree Block wireless mechanical keyboard stand and 2.4G receiver compartment
Under the block there are two stands that allow you to tilt the keyboard four or eight degrees. However, you can't completely flatten the keyboard as it will always be tilted at a four-degree angle.
Review of the Lofree Block wireless mechanical keyboard — Large body, small battery
The Lofree Block wireless mechanical keyboard is equipped with a 2000 mAh battery. This allows you to work for 10 hours with the LED backlight on and up to 80 hours with it off.
We were surprised by such a bulky keyboard to see such a small battery capacity because — and reviewed — more compact keyboards with batteries twice the size.
The package includes a long USB-C to USB-A cable that can be connected to the USB-C port behind the keyboard. Fully charging the unit will take about 2.5 hours.
OLED screen between the keys
To get an approximation of your keyboard's battery percentage, a thin black screen between the keys will tell you the number of indicator lights displayed.
- Four lights = 100% battery charge.
- Three lights = 75% battery charge.
- Two lights = 50% battery charge
- One light = 25% battery charge
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If the keyboard's battery level drops below 5%, the last power indicator will flash quickly until the battery runs out. While charging, the indicator lights will show four bars of the current battery percentage.
Review wireless mechanical keyboard Lofree Block — Multiple connection methods
Like other modern mechanical keyboards, the Lofree Block wireless mechanical keyboard can be connected to your device in several ways.
You can connect it via a 2.4GHz or Bluetooth 5.0 receiver, or via the USB-C port on the back.
The block can store connections to up to three devices using keyboard commands. You assign a number — from one to three — to each device so you know which one the keyboard is connected to.
However, before using the keyboard, you must turn the knob closest to the edge of the connection method you are using. You can choose between “WLS” (wireless) or “CAB” (wired).
If you're using a wired connection, you set the knob to “CAB,” but if you're using Bluetooth or a 2.4G receiver, you switch it to “WLS.” The connection method will also be displayed on a thin black screen, especially when indicating which Bluetooth device you are currently connected to.
The unit is compatible with MacOS, Windows, Android and iOS devices.
Lofree Review of the wireless mechanical keyboard Block — Limitations of Customization
The Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is hot-swappable, which means it's easy to customize without soldering. However, unlike other keyboards we've reviewed, there isn't a lot of customization options.
While you can customize and remove keycaps and switches, there's no included tool to allow you to do so. This means you will have to purchase the tool(s) separately or use one you already have.
Removing Keycaps with the Switch Open
Removing keycaps and switches is quite simple. When it comes to the keycaps, they only require a little force to remove them, but a stronger tug is required to remove the switches.
Usually custom keyboards have two sets of keys — one for Windows and one for macOS settings. However, the block enables both icons on specific keys, so you don't need to disable them if you're using the opposite operating system.
White LED backlighting
Compared to mechanical keyboards with RGB LED backlighting, the block keyboard only provides white backlighting to match its appearance. Plus, you can choose from 14 different lighting modes and adjust the backlight brightness to your liking.
Review wireless mouse Lofree Touch PBT — Unique Design
Measuring 4.25 x 2.7 x 1.67 inches and weighing 0.23 pounds, the Touch PBT wireless mouse is small enough to slip into your bag and take with you on the go.
The PBT material of the mouse body has a non-glossy, non-sticky, skin-friendly texture that is pleasant to handle. Thanks to this, the mouse becomes soft and smooth, and its surface does not have any sharp areas.
Lofree Touch PBT Wireless Mouse
Under the right button there is an OLED screen that displays your chosen connection method, current battery life and selected DPI value for Touch PBT.
On the left side of the mouse there are forward and backward buttons. However, these buttons are not supported in Bluetooth mode on Mac computers.
In the lower left corner there is a small platform protruding from the mouse. While it looks a little out of place at first glance, it's actually a comfortable place to rest your thumb when using the Touch PBT.
OLED screen of the Lofree Touch PBT wireless mouse
Under the Touch PBT there is a power switch and a compartment for the 2.4G receiver when it is not connected to the network. However, as with the locking keypad, you will likely have to use a special tool to remove the receiver as it is difficult to remove with just your fingers.
Inside the mouse there is a 650 mAh battery that provides 75 hours of operation without recharging. However, if the mouse is inactive for one minute, it will automatically go into sleep mode to save battery power.
Similar to the locking keyboard, when you connect the mouse to charge, the battery icon will animate until it is fully charged.
Wireless mouse review Lofree Touch PBT — Connection methods
You can connect Touch PBT to your devices in the same way as using a block keyboard — via Bluetooth, 2.4G receiver or via USB-C port.
The button below the mouse allows you to switch between multiple connection methods and the different connected devices you've paired with Touch PBT. The OLED screen at the top will indicate the current method or device you have selected.
Wireless mouse review Lofree Touch PBT — Features
Touch PBT uses a PAW3805 sensor that can be used on any surface, has a sampling rate of 500 Hz and is adjustable every 200 dpi. Essentially, it also offers a high-speed dynamic tracking feature with adaptive snap speed adjustment.
Pressing the orange button below the OLED screen will change the resolution range. You can choose the mouse DPI value: 800, 1600, 2400, 3200 or 4000.
Review of the Lofree Touch PBT wireless mouse — Similar customization
One of the unique aspects of the Lofree Touch PBT wireless mouse is the ability to customize by replacing the button housings. This is similar to setting up a block keyboard.
Setting up the Lofree Touch PBT Wireless Mouse
Although it may take some getting used to, you remove the shells the same way you remove the keycaps on a block keyboard. Once they are disabled, you install the new shells in place and continue to use the mouse as usual.
Touch PBT does not come with additional housings and must be purchased separately for further customization.
Review of the Lofree Block wireless mechanical keyboard — Keeping up with the times
The Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is an excellent keyboard for typing. The keys are soft, responsive, and have good bounce. However, if you're not particularly interested in aesthetic design, there are better mechanical keyboards you can buy.
Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Typing on the keyboard was very comfortable due to the spacious layout of the keys. This allowed us to type smoothly and at a fast pace without making numerous typing errors. The included numeric keypad also made it possible to enter numbers more efficiently when needed.
A nostalgic typing sound reminiscent of historical mechanical keyboards complements the retro look of the Block keyboard. Each key quickly produces an exciting mechanical sound when pressed and instantly returns to its original position with each press.
However, while the design was influenced by historical keyboards, the size did not benefit the built-in battery. Given the bulk of the Block, we thought it would have a powerful battery, but we were wrong.
We've looked at keyboards that are half the size and weight of the unit, but have double the battery capacity, so using only 2000 mAh is quite disappointing.
The Lofree Touch PBT Wireless Mouse is a great addition to the Block keyboard due to its usability, similar design and customizable aspects. However, it doesn't offer any groundbreaking features, so if you're not keen on maintaining aesthetics, you might want to buy a cheaper mouse.
At the end of the day, the Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is not the best mechanical keyboard on the market. However, we're not saying it's the worst option, but we'd like it to provide more than what it already offers.
If you appreciate the vintage design of mechanical keyboards and enjoy the clicking sound of the keys, then the Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard could be a good option. However, if you're looking for a keyboard with more customization options at a lower price, you might want to consider other alternatives.
Lofree Review of the wireless mechanical keyboard Block — Pros
- Numerical keypad included.
- Easy volume and connection controls.
- Visual charging indicator.
- Convenient key layout .
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Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review – Cons
- Only one backlight color is supported
- Short battery life
- Mouse sold separately
- High price
Rating: 3 out of 5
Where to Buy the Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard and Touch PBT Wireless Mouse
You can purchase the Lofree Block Wireless Mechanical Keyboard on their website for $169.00. . The Lofree Touch PBT Wireless Mouse is also available for purchase on their website for $69.99.
If you want to purchase the keyboard and mouse together, the final price is $228.00.
