Mechkeys.com is now shipping the new Lofree 1% Misty semi-transparent keyboard for a hefty price of $239 USD. The manufacturer has sent a sample for us to see firsthand what makes the mechanical keyboard so special and how it differs from most other keyboards in the market.
The first thing you'll likely notice upon opening the box is how aesthetically pleasing the keyboard looks. The polycarbonate material allows for a semi-transparent "cloudy" exterior that's both smoother and less prone to smudges than the typical metal or plastic on most other keyboards in the market. Even the white backlight is easy on the eyes as the light disperses more evenly across the keys.
A three-way switch on the bottom toggles between Bluetooth 5.1 mode, USB-C mode, and Off while a second adjacent switch toggles between MacOS and Windows. Relocating the switch to the sides or rear would have been preferable to avoid having to lift the keyboard every time just to switch between the modes.
The typing experience is very different from a traditional membrane-based or mechanical keyboard. True to its name, the mechanical "Jellyfish" linear switch is noticeably quieter in both volume and pitch. When alternating between brown switches and the Jellyfish switches, for example, the sharpness and clatter differences are immediately noticeable. This is especially true of the Enter key on the Lofree which is nearly silent when pressed. If you're looking for one of the quietest 60 percent keyboards in the market, then the Lofree 1% should be on the top of your list.
Unfortunately, the softer Jellyfish switches have their drawbacks. Most noticeable is the weaker feedback or lack of "clickiness" that many users have become accustomed to on regular mechanical keyboards. The keys on the Lofree don't feel as satisfying to press as a result even though key travel is rigid and not spongy.
As for the auxiliary backlight features, all controls are performed with the Fn key. Be sure to keep the manual within reach as it may take a day or two to remember all the multimedia and lighting controls. There is no dedicated program for controlling any of the features unlike the keyboards from bigger makers like Razer or Cooler Master.
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Another drawback is the lack of RGB lighting. Though we understand that the keyboard was designed around a "misty" white aesthetic, an RGB lighting option would have still been appreciated especially when you consider the high asking price.
The Lowfree 1% is best for users who are attracted to its quietness and pleasant design. You'll have to make sure its white aesthetic matches your setup before committing to a purchase as that is the main charm of the model.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.