Lofree Stream 100 mechanical keyboard evaluate: waft

The Lofree Stream could not include the model recognition of Corsair, Razer, or Logitech, but it surely’s a low-profile mechanical keyboard that delights in lots of shocking methods. It’s small and compact, has charming aesthetics, and is a delight for a lot of functions. However does it deserve a spot on our greatest wi-fi mechanical keyboards information? And is it a very good match for players who need one thing much less intrusive on their desks? I’ve been testing the Lofree Stream 100 for round a month to seek out out.

Specs

Lofree Stream 100 Mechanical Keyboard specs:

Options

The Lofree Stream Mechanical Keyboard is available in two measurement choices; a smaller 88-key mannequin or the 100-key mannequin that I’ve. The 88-key model has a 75% structure and whereas you don’t get a numpad, it’s excellent for customers wanting a extra compact board.

It has a gasket-mount design, with Kailh Full POM Switches designed to get smoother over time. POM stands for Polyoxymethylene – a sturdy thermoplastic that doesn’t trigger an excessive amount of friction. The keys are all hot-swappable for personalization. However – a giant BUT – you’re restricted to Lofree’s Kailh switches. You can also’t customise the performance of the keys.

The Lowfree Stream keyboard gives wired and wi-fi connections. After getting it out of the field, I plugged the USB-A to C cable into my desktop and adopted the directions within the guide however couldn’t get it to start out working till I related it through Bluetooth. Luckily, the Bluetooth connection is implausible, and I haven’t encountered any latency points. You don’t get 2.4GHz wi-fi connectivity, which is perhaps a difficulty for critical players.

Design

The Lofree Stream has a minimal, low-profile design – considerably smaller than the gaming keyboard it was changing, however smaller than Apple’s razor-thin membrane keyboard. It’s created from smooth aluminum and is available in two colorways – the white with “ghost” switches matches a Mac setup completely, whereas the black with “phantom” switches could also be extra of a standard alternative for players who like their {hardware} black.

I used to be happy with the extra desk house that the Lofree Stream afforded. It’s mild sufficient at 568g that you could simply transfer and reposition it, but it surely’s not the lightest in its class. The rubber ft maintain it firmly planted on the desk, even whilst you’re frantically typing. The 3.9-degree tilt is helpful for angling it towards you, however you’ll be able to’t alter the peak extra granularly.

The Lowfree Stream additionally options RGB lighting. I’ve a sure notion of RGB keyboards – massive black issues with vibrant neon lights. Luckily, the Lofree Stream Mechanical keyboard makes use of them subtly. In my view, much less is extra, and I like how the lights improve the keyboard’s look organically.

As a large-handed individual, I used to be initially involved that the Lofree Stream is perhaps too small. Nevertheless, the keys really feel completely positioned, which lends itself nicely to that easy movement I talked about earlier. Regardless of its low profile, the journey of two.8mm on the keys nonetheless gives sufficient depth for a satisfying clicky-clack sound.

The CTRL key lies very near the place my left hand naturally rests whereas typing, and I discover myself inadvertently urgent it. However that is one thing that I can unlearn quick sufficient, and I’m positive it gained’t have an effect on everybody. The Lofree Stream Mechanical Keyboard lacks separate media keys, however you get further buttons to play/pause music and alter settings just like the brightness on the operate row.

Lofree Stream Efficiency

The Lowfree Stream’s efficiency is strong. Typing with the keys is an absolute pleasure – so easy, so fluid – with each stroke registered instantaneously. It’s genuinely among the best compact keyboards I’ve used for typing, with satisfying click on motion and steady suggestions.

Battery-wise, Lofree boasts that the Stream can run for 40 hours of steady use with no need a recharge. Out of the field, I’ve been in a position to make use of it for days with no recharge, and I can see it lasting you every week of labor should you bear in mind to show it off when not in use.

I couldn’t get the wire to work as something however a charger, so I’m completely related through Bluetooth, even throughout wired play. The connection is ok, but it surely’s an odd glitch to come across and one I haven’t but solved. On the plus facet, the Lofree Stream can also be suitable with Mac units and my colleague discovered that it labored seamlessly on a 2021 Apple iMac.

After quite a lot of tapping, the keys on my Lowfree Stream don’t present any indicators of use, and whereas it’s early days, I don’t count on them to both. The Stream can retain its brand-new seems because of “five-sided dyb-sublimation”. These dyes assist to maintain the keys wanting younger regardless of repeated faucets with oily fingers (all of us have them). Every key’s presupposed to have a lifespan of fifty million clicks. In fact, it will take me years to take a look at whether or not that’s true, however these keys really feel like they have been made to final. I like them.

Lofree Stream Value & Availability

The Lofree Stream Mechanical Keyboard has an RRP of $169 (£133.58) and whereas manufacturers like Nuphy make keyboards at a a lot lower cost level, they don’t land anyplace close to this stage of high quality. If you would like one thing particularly geared in the direction of gaming, you will discover these for the next worth, however it is a nice mid-tier possibility.

Lofree Stream Alternate options

If the Lofree Stream isn’t the appropriate keyboard for you, take a look at these alternate options.