Lofree Block 98 wireless mechanical keyboard: A fusion of retro elegance and modern functionality
Lofree Block 98 wireless mechanical keyboard. Pictures: Lowfree.
Lofree, the well-known designer keyboard manufacturer, introduced the Block 98 wireless mechanical keyboard a few months ago, and I’ve been testing it for the last few weeks. Inspired by the timeless design philosophy of ‘less is more, less is better’ and iconic Braun elements, this keyboard seamlessly marries the simplicity of yesteryear with cutting-edge technology.
Seeing the Block 98 for the first time brought back memories of my old Amiga 600. Though they may not look identical, Block 98 stirred thoughts of the '90s classics. Lofree says they drew inspiration from the legendary Braun ET66 calculator, originally designed by Dietrich Lubs and Dieter Rams in 1987. It is known for its simple and rectangular design featuring convex, circular buttons. The keyboard features smooth volume control knobs, a readable status panel, self-lubricated switches, and a remarkably quiet typing experience. Dieter Rams encapsulates this design philosophy: “Calm, sober, and intelligent surprise should always be possible by design.”
The Lofree Block 98 is minimalistic, seamlessly integrating the geometric 'Block' design with practical features. Two striking orange round knobs not only enhance the keyboard's aesthetics but also provide a tactile experience for adjusting volume and connection methods reminiscent of retro radios.
The keyboard's base features adjustable feet with stylish orange accents, adding a touch of flair. Additionally, a convenient Mac/Windows slider switch is located beside the USB-C port on the top edge.
A vertical status panel displays the lock status of the numpad area, caps, connected device, and remaining power. Users can effortlessly switch between 14 white backlit effects and vary the lighting brightness directly on the keyboard without installing any software.
The keyboard's sound foundation is meticulously crafted, featuring self-designed stabilisers, IPXE, foam padding, and a customised POM (Polyoxymethylene) switch. These components work harmoniously to deliver a crisp and quiet typing experience.
The Lofree Block 98 offers hot-swappable functionality, enabling users to replace or upgrade switches easily without soldering. While the package lacks spare keycaps or a key puller, it does include a lengthy grey cable. This cable features a 90-degree USB-C connection on one end and a standard USB-A on the other.
The Block 98 caters to a wide range of users by offering compatibility with Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows. Bluetooth, wired, and wireless options ensure a seamless connection to multiple devices. The included 2.4GHz dongle, neatly tucked away in the keyboard's front edge when not in use, provides additional convenience for wireless connectivity. If you’re into gaming, the wired or 2.4Ghz works best. It took a couple of keypresses before the keyboard would register the input if it hadn’t been used for a while.
With a substantial 2,000mAh battery, you can enjoy continuous typing for up to 10 hours with backlighting on and up to 80 hours with backlighting off, making it ideal for work and leisure. I used it on a Mac and PC, and you can quickly switch between them in Bluetooth mode by pressing the FN key and then 1, 2, 3 or 4 for the 2.4Ghz wireless mode.
Mechanical keyboards are not for everyone as they provide more feedback with longer travel than your typical laptop keyboard.
The custom switches on the Block 98 are designed with a total travel distance of 3.8mm, an actuation point of 1.6mm, and a force of 43g. This meticulous design contributes to the keyboard's responsive and comfortable typing experience. Generally, mechanical switches are much louder, and the Block 98 is no exception, but it feels softer and quieter than most of the other mechanical keyboards I’ve used. These are all positives for those who love the retro design and tactile feel.
The Lofree Block 98 wireless mechanical keyboard seamlessly blends retro elegance with modern functionality, drawing inspiration from iconic designs like the Braun ET66 calculator and embodying the 'less is more' philosophy. It works great on a multitude of devices, and I loved being able to switch between Mac and PC seamlessly.
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