Lofree, which made its name with FLOW, has released another new keyboard.
Its name is Lofree Edge.
The call for applications began on April 25, 2024 on the U.S. crowdfunding site Kickstarter.
The application deadline is May 25 at 10:00 p.m. (Japan time), and the products are scheduled to be shipped in July.
The easy-to-use 75% lewout is the same as FLOW, but it has evolved to be even “thinner” and “lighter”.
What is even more surprising is that despite its thinness, the keyboard does not lose any of the feel or sound of a mechanical keyboard.
This article is an in-depth review of the Edge, Lofree’s definitive low-profile mechanical keyboard.
- Sales will begin on April 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (10:00 p.m. Japan time) on Kickstarter, the largest crowdfunding site in the U.S.
- Regular sale price $249.00, Available within 24 hours for only $129.00
- After that, $149.00 (limited to 300 sets), $169.00 and discount rate is the regular price
- Available in silver and carbon black
Edgeの販売価格スケジュール▷▷
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Representative of GreenEchoes Studio
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
- 超薄型・軽量で持ち運びに適している
- 打鍵感が優れている
- キーマップの変更が可能な専用ソフトウェアが付属
- 超低遅延接続が可能
- ISOレイアウトは用意されていない
- Lofree Configuratorは現状はWindowsのみ対応
- キースイッチの交換はできない
- デフォルトキーキャップの印字は好みが分かれる
Lofree Edge Review
The Lofree Edge was released not long after FLOW’s release, which had such an impact that it changed the conventional wisdom of low-profile mechanical keyboards.
Although it did not succeed FLOW, its content showed the “future” of low-profile mechanical keyboards.
With this thinness and key feel, the thin pantograph keyboards that have become mainstream in recent years can easily switch to this type of keyboard. to a thin pantograph keyboard.
KawamuraPersonally, I feel it is a game changer for the keyboard.
We highly recommend this product not only for gaming scenes, but also for business use.
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Specifications and Contents
| Number of keys | 84 |
|---|---|
| Constituent materials | Magnesium alloy/Carbon fiber/PBT |
| Battery capacity | 2,000mAh |
| Supported OS | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android |
| backlight | White LED only |
| connection terminal | Type-C |
| Bluetooth connection name | EDGE84@Lofree |
| Number of multi-function keys | 16 |
| Connection method | Wired (USB Type-C) / Bluetooth |
| Continuous operating time (without backlight) | Approx. 200 hours |
| weight | Approx. 490g |
| Time to full charge | Approx. 3 hours |
| Maximum connection distance (Bluetooth) | Max. 15 m |
| Dimensions | 318mm x 154mm x 16.5mm |
| Keymap changeable | modifiable |
Overall view of keyboard
Now let’s look at the keyboard itself.
First, take a look at its beautiful exterior.
← Can slide left and right →
Click here to see the opening.
Check appearance and contents
Edge arrived in a matte black box.
The silver obi is fashionable.
After opening the package and removing the main unit, a carbon fiber keyboard stand was laid on the bottom.
This is called “Zero” and is made by reusing carbon fiber scraps from Edge manufacturing.
KawamuraLofree is making environmentally friendly products from the perspective of the SDGs, isn’t it?
When assembled, it looks like this.
Other items included replacement keycaps.
Lofree Edge Included
- Carbon Fiber Keyboard Stand
- Replacement keycaps (6)
- USB terminal cover (supposedly)
- handling instructions
- warranty
- USB cable (A to C)
About Key Caps
The frame covering the front of the main unit is made of carbon fiber, and its distinctive pattern glistens when it hits the light, making it very beautiful.
The keycaps are a color closer to gray than black, and the printing is sublimation printing in white.
Only the ENTER key has an orange legend, which is a nice accent.
KawamuraSince it is not laser printed, I don’t have to worry about it disappearing.
The keycap material is inferred to be double-shot PBT.
Legend has an angular shape that looks like a simplified Gothic typeface, which is likely to be used on a gaming keyboard.
As a comparison, if you compare it to the FLOW keycap, you will see how thin the Edge keycap is.
As for the shape, all Rs (rows) are arched, and I was very impressed with the way they fit my fingertips.
In terms of size, it is also slightly smaller than FLOW, measuring 17.8 mm x 17.8 mm for the 1u key.
The thickness is 4.3 mm with the stem included and 3.7 mm without the stem, which is also extremely thin.
The stem shape is a cross stem compatible with Cherry MX/Choc V2/Lofree Shadow.
KawamuraThe stem of the Kailh POM 2.0 switch is the same shape as previous Cherry MX compatible keyswitches.
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About Key Switches
At Lofree Edge, the newly developed Kailh POM Switch 2.0 has an overall height of only 9.8 mm.
Details about the adopted keyswitch “Edge Kailh POM Switch 2.0 (Linear)
| Keystroke distance | 2.4±0.25mm |
|---|---|
| Distance to reaction | 1.3±0.30mm |
| pressing pressure | 40±10gf |
| Spring Length | 15.5mm |
| Number of operating life cycles | Approx. 50 million times |
In terms of size, it is about 13 mm x 13 mm, which is quite thin and small.
Also, perhaps to make the keyboard body thinner, the switch plate was not present, and the key switches were soldered directly to the board.
Backside of the keyboard body
Then we will look at the rear.
The material is a magnesium alloy, which feels metallic to the touch but is very light!
At first glance, it looks like just a hole, but the hidden letters “Lofree” are very cool. The hidden letters “Lofree” are very cool.
KawamuraThis design will be popular with those who like the MacPro (2009-2012) and 2019 model designs of yesteryear.
A rubber non-slip surface is placed on the front side of the back, and there is only one tilt angle.
The fact that the product is stamped with the technical certification mark of each country indicates that it was designed and developed with an eye toward global deployment.
KawamuraThe U.S. technical conformity is marked with “FCC”, the EU technical conformity with “CE”, and the Japanese technical conformity with “〒”.
Technical compliance in Japan has already been registered with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Keyboard back to side
On the back of the keyboard is a USB Type-C port for charging/wired connection, with a 3-way switch next to it for BT (wireless)/ON (wired)/OFF.
You can see the “Lofree” engraving on the right side.
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Lofree Edge keystroke sound and feel review
First, please see here.
…very nice.
I am sure that many people will like this thin, “cotch” sound.
KawamuraUntil now, the image of the sound of a mechanical keyboard was that of a noisy clacking sound.
It is unbelievable that it is as thin as the popular pandagraph type and can be typed so quietly.
As for the key feel, in a word, I got the impression that it was “just right.
This seems to be largely due to the gasket mounts used by Edge.
The Edge has a cushioned material on the top and bottom of the board, which is sandwiched between the bottom case and top frame.
This makes the board itself “float”, which has the effect of softening the impact of keystrokes.
By this mounting method, I have the impression that the keys are tuned to have an exquisite “not too hard and not too soft” feel. I was impressed by the “not too hard, not too soft” feel of the keys.
I replaced the keycaps with FLOW keycaps and typed, and was surprised to find that the typing sound changed considerably.
About Lofree Configurator
Edge is the first Lofree to release its own software, the Lofree Configurator.
The following four items can be changed with this software.
- Lighting (Edge is monochromatic LED only, so color change is not possible)
- Change keymap
- Macro Registration
- Other settings
Of note is the ability to change keymaps and register macro keys.
The key map can be changed to any position except for the function keys, which can be changed to the key layout of your choice.
KawamuraIn addition to standard changes such as changing CapsLock to Control, it is also useful to change the backspace to above the Enter key to make it HHKB-like.
In addition, macro registration has the potential to automate certain s lines of work, since it can be registered in the form of a “recording” of not only keystrokes but also mouse operations.
KawamuraIt is also very easy to manage by profile!
Other settings, such as the polling rate for USB connections, can be configured.
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Advantages of Lofree Edge
Now, based on the above, let’s summarize the benefits of Edge.
- Ultra-thin and lightweight for portability
- Excellent key feel
- Includes dedicated software that allows keymap changes
- Ultra-low latency connections are possible
Ultra-thin and lightweight for portability
After all, Edge’s superior portability is one of its major advantages Edge is very portable.
With a body as thin as a Macbook Air at 5.4 mm at its thinnest point, it is hardly bulky when placed in a bag.
It also weighs less than the equivalent of a 500 ml plastic bottle, so you will be able to carry it without worrying about the weight of your bag.
In other words, being portable means that you can work in any environment without disrupting your own typing style.
Also, Wireless connection approvals have already been obtained in the U.S., EU, and Japan, so you can use our products with peace of mind.
It is a very nice feature to be able to connect wirelessly right away just by turning on the power.
Also, for those who use it for gaming use, it would be attractive to be able to play on your familiar “Edge” with “1000Hz polling rate” when you go to e-sports bars, etc., as long as you have a USB cable.
Excellent key feel
One of the reasons you want to get Edge is that it has a good key feel is the feel of the keys.
Conventional wisdom has been that a thinner, lighter body often means a loss of key feel.
The Apple Magic Keyboard is certainly a great product, but because of its thinness, it can only employ scissor-style keyswitches, and the keystrokes are quite shallow, so it cannot be called a “comfortable” keystroke experience.
KawamuraWell, this is largely a matter of taste.
Edge, on the other hand, offers a stroke of 2.4 mm without sacrificing key feel.
Once you experience the “gasket mount” that absorbs and diffuses the impact of keystrokes, you will be so impressed that you will never be able to return to other keyboards.
Includes dedicated software that allows keymap changes
Edge, in response to user feedback during FLOW, New keymap changes are now supported. Edge now supports new keymap changes in response to user feedback from FLOW.
This allows you to place any key in the desired position. (However, function keys cannot be moved.)
In addition, macro keys can be registered, making it possible to automate specific operation flows with a single button.
Ultra-low latency connections are possible
Edge is, 1000 Hz polling rate for wired connections when connected to a wired connection.
Especially in the gaming scene, it is said that “latency” from input to operation is the difference between victory and defeat, so the realization of an ultra-low latency connection is now a prerequisite for choosing a keyboard.
In this respect, Edge will be a safe choice.
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Disadvantages of Lofree Edge
After all, before purchasing a product, one must make allowances for disadvantages.
The four disadvantages of Edge that I have found are as follows
- ISO lewout is not provided.
- Lofree Configurator currently supports Windows only
- Key switches cannot be replaced.
- Printing on default keycaps is a matter of taste.
No ISO layout provided.
First of all, it is unfortunate for users in Japan that Japanese-language layouts are not available.
Edge is only available in ANSI array (US layout) models.
This can be a major disadvantage for non-English speaking users.
If you are using a typical notebook computer, the key layout is unique to that country, and many of you may not even have touched the US layout.
For Japanese speakers in particular, “ro” may not be an option because it does not exist for those who use “kana-uchi” (Japanese syllabary).
Another disadvantage is that it takes time to get used to the US layout if you are using it for the first time, since different keyboard layouts have different symbol positions.
KawamuraSince many gaming keyboards have US keyboard layouts, it is likely that few people will have that much resistance, but the average person will still need to get used to switching to US.
Lofree Configurator currently supports Windows only
Unfortunately, Lofree Configurator, which is responsible for keymap and other changes, is only available for Windows at the time of release.
The Mac version is scheduled for release in 2024. The Mac version is scheduled for release by the end of 2024.
This will be a very vexing problem for those who wish to make keymap changes.
KawamuraHowever, recently there are Windows machines available in the 10,000-yen range, so they may be within your consideration.
(However, I have the impression that Mac users usually have at least one Windows machine to prepare for compatibility issues. I have one myself.)
Key switches cannot be replaced.
Edge keyswitches are soldered directly to the board and cannot be replaced.
It is not possible to replace the key switch if the person is able to remove the solder, nor is it possible to replace the key switch, as it is physically difficult to disassemble.
KawamuraI tried to disassemble it, but gave up because the top plate did not come off.
Well, there is no replacement key switch, and there is no need to replace it.
Printing on default keycaps is a matter of taste.
This is a matter of taste, though, As for the printing on the keycaps that come by default, there seems to be a difference in preference This is a matter of taste, but it seems that there are different tastes in the default keycap printing.
It is not the commonly used Gothic typeface, but a further simplification of the Gothic typeface.
Although this font is often seen in the gaming scene, I am sure that many people will get the impression that it is “exclusively for gaming,” so this area is a bit worrisome.
This area may not be a concern if replacement keycaps are provided in conjunction.
KawamuraEven if you don’t like the default keycaps, many people want a keyboard with these specs.
If this is the case, purchase the optional replacement keycap as well.
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summary
This is a review of Lofree’s newly released Edge keyboard.
This product, which could be a game changer for thin keyboards, will probably be very popular.
Crowdfunding in Japan is also undecided at this time, so why not take advantage of this opportunity to purchase the product for $129.00?
We are confident that you will be satisfied with our product.
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