Verdict
The Lofree Block 98 is a wireless keyboard with an interesting look and a horde of connectivity options . It offers a full received layout , a very comfortable typing experience and a hint of personality that many rival miss . But for more gaming - centric features it would be a gravid keyboard for everyone , as is it is an splendid option for anyone who does n’t necessitate a play keyboard .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The Lofree Block 98 looks to offer a middle earth between “ office chic ” and “ gamer mothership ” , dive headfirst of a trend towards customisation in PC gambling and , of course , there ’s a dash of RGB too .
The keyboard offers broad compatibility , wired / wireless joining options , backlighting , shaped keycaps and Full - POM transposition . It has many of the mod cons expected of a keyboard cost north of £ /$100 . But , the substantial attracter is its playful innovation that ’s resonant of a certain kind of Scandi - voguish and 90s bureau equipment at the same time . So does this raw entering to the market do enough to make a target and justify a blank space on your background ? understand on for our full recapitulation .
Design
A keyboard that ’s not too garish and not too plain is a difficult legal brief to fulfil , but one that Lofree has seek to meet with the Block 98 . The smell is undoubtedly interesting , with pops of colour rather than explosion , and a hushed yet playful pallette .
The pattern bring to mind a 90s aesthetic , a flavor that was the touchstone in office and classroom back then . That ’s a sandy and gray-headed tone that has become synonymous with the era .
The Lofree is a full - sizing keyboard , meaning it has a number pad of paper and a complete run-in of procedure keys . There ’s an orange volume control node at the top , as well as a further superposable knob that take into account you to switch between ‘ Off ’ , ‘ cable television service ’ and ‘ radio ’ , toggling the form of connexion used .
One sacrifice made is the shape of the Enter paint , which is only individual instead of doubled superlative . This will take a little getting used to , with an funnily big hash Francis Scott Key above it . At least the arrow keys are full sizing , and the keycaps are shaped for more comfortable typing overall .
The whole card is fabricate from charge plate , though this is n’t to the detriment of its durability , there ’s no creak or flex , and at just over 1 kg it has enough heft to feel satisfying without being brick - like . It is n’t plan to fit on a small desk but , for a full - size keyboard , it has a small visibility .
Performance
The Block 98 is interesting in that Lofree defines no cleared use case , we do n’t know quite ‘ who ’ the house require to place . There ’s the office crew who will be drawn by the design , but there ’s no news on gaming carrying out , no Cherry switches or the like .
To begin , the substitution used are customised TTC Full POM , which are also self - lubricating ( aid seniority ) . These switches are mute with foam to reduce the dissonance of the ‘ clacks ’ , which are nonetheless still satisfying . If you work in an billet , co - doer may be rag however , although the clack are dampened they are still quite trashy .
There ’s no claim made as to how gamer favorable the Lofree is but it ’s perfectly fair to middling in the department . With twitchy crap-shooter you may prefer something with a more or less lower visibility , but that boil down to individual preference . pumped up mode , of course of instruction , provide improved reaction time compared with a wireless setup , which suits gamers too .
If you are a serious east - variation competition , the Lofree will not correspond for your needs though , where msec can make a dispute . However , for those face for a board that is comfortable to type on , stylish and adequate to for most play scenario , the Lofree will suffice well .
There are no consecrate macro keys , which will put some gamers off substantially , but there is a full row of function keys , provide flexibleness for most use cases .
Software and Lighting
It is said in design , that a good designer knows they are finished not when there is nothing left to add , but when there is nothing left to take away .
The same key rationale seems to have been taken with Lofree when it comes to bundled software , as there is none . No way by which to remap key , or anything , just a keyboard that is there to typewrite and nothing more .
For most people that wo n’t be an issue , but for gamers or productiveness champion , lacking a first - political party root to set up usance macro might be an issuance . It ’s possible to do with third company alternative such as Cherry Keys , but the omission is surprising especially regarding the price of the board .
Coming to lighting , the picture is likewise mixed . There is backlighting on the table , but not in the way that traditionally might be expected . What light there is glow around the key , not through them , intend that the inscription is n’t illuminated . That makes typecast in low twinkle just that bit harder , despite the bearing of backlighting , and wreak into question its utility .
Moreover , the inflammation can be any colour you like , so long as it is white , which may disappoint those looking to ride the RGB rainbow .
Latest deals
Lofree Block 98 for £ 119.99 – hitch cost
Should you buy it?
The Lofree Block 98 can connect and fit in anywhere . It also comes with a singular design which made hugely appeal to the right buyer .
Though it will be good enough for most , the Lofree Block 98 is n’t made with the most demanding gambling use cases in judgement .
Final Thoughts
The Lofree Block 98 is an interesting keyboard with a few unequalled qualities to its name . It ’s a design first wireless mechanical option with a playful look and a quite a little of versatility when it comes to check into different set ups . For those who shape in the business office and those who work from dwelling house , it will accommodate in nicely and offers a firm and very prosperous typing experience . That versatility is specially impressive , it will work with almost anything you hurl at it , even older car . If the retro excogitation is n’t for you though , take a look at theLogitech MX Mechanical Minifor like capabilities .
But there ’s a gimmick , as there always is . This is not a keyboard that is ‘ gamer - first ’ , or arguably even second . There ’s no claims about latency reduction , or the ability to set custom macros out of the box seat . If you are a keen e - sports or Counter Strike aficionado , you ’d be best to look at an option crafted with your needs in mind . For those looking for something that sidestep those retro looks and is a bite more of an all - debauchee , with a gaming edge , then count the excellentAsus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile .
For everyone else though , this is a thoughtfully put together machine with a compelling expression and a circumstances going for it , and at the price of entry present nice value too , earning our good word . For more recommendations , have a gander at ourbest keyboardsguide .
Trusted Score
How we test
We utilise every keyboard we examine for at least a week . During that fourth dimension , we ’ll arrest it for ease of use and put it through its paces by playing a diversity of dissimilar genres , admit FPS , strategy and MOBAs .
We also check each keyboard ’s software to see how well-fixed it is to tailor-make and lay up .
FAQs
Lofree is a keyboard marque that collapse on the scene in 2017 , offering challenging design alongside herculean keyboard performance . It ’s a lifestyle brand that leave products that err on the side of a “ retro ” look yet primed into most environments well .
Yes , the Lofree Block is a hotswappable keyboard , letting you quickly replace or upgrade permutation with no penury for bonding .
