Two keyboards in one: the Lofree Hyzen reviewed
Type mechanically, game magnetically – all in one keyboard. The Lofree Hyzen impresses with its haptics and battery life. The transparent keycaps, the wobbly USB port, and the steep typing angle are annoying.
The Hyzen just looks awesome. The industrial design with its clean, angular lines and the chic rotary knob really wins me over. But there is more to this striking design than just a fancy keyboard.
Unboxing and Design
The case is oversized and almost egg-shaped. It doesn't have any practical use, other than standing out. Inside, alongside the 65-percent keyboard, are two smaller accessory boxes: a wireless dongle that enables a polling rate of up to 8000 Hertz (Hz) in wireless mode, a keycap puller, a braided USB-A to USB-C cable, and additional red keycaps.
The aluminum housing is the central design element. The silhouette is sharp and angular; it looks like it was milled from a single block. According to Lofree, it is, but a closer look reveals that it has a top and a bottom. The bottom is wedge-shaped, which gives the keyboard its rather aggressive typing angle of twelve degrees; around eight degrees is standard. This angle makes me tire more quickly. Lofree chose this so that the view of the panel above the keys remains unobstructed – more on that later.
The design inspiration from Tesla is striking. This is particularly evident on the underside and the light bar at the front, which, according to Lofree, is inspired by the taillights of their vehicles. Lofree also seems to have drawn inspiration from high-end audio equipment. The brushed metal surface and the oversized rotary knobs remind me of classic hi-fi amplifiers.
The Hyzen weighs in at 1.43 kilograms. So, it is not portable. The weight is the logical consequence of the construction and ensures that the board sits rock-solid on the desk. The keyboard features a so-called gasket-mount design. In this setup, the PCB and plate are isolated from the housing by gaskets. This provides a soft typing feel and acoustics where resonance is minimized.
Manufacturer logos can be found on the back, on the side, and on the spacebar. That is a bit more branding than I am used to from my custom boards. However, it is implemented subtly and doesn't bother me in everyday use.
Disappointing Keycaps and Layout Limitations
The included keycaps did not convince me. They are made of transparent plastic, which makes the per-key RGB lighting look good, but I simply don't like them. On top of that, after just a few hours of typing, the caps were covered in clearly visible finger grease. I therefore swapped them for my own set on the very first day. Thanks to MX-compatible stems, this is possible without any issues.
One point that is relevant for our region: the Hyzen is currently only available in the ANSI layout. An ISO variant is planned, but a date for it has not yet been set. If you can't get along with the US layout, it's better to wait. We currently have few Lofree products in our range. Our purchasing team is working on changing that.
Controls with Character
At the back, there is a large volume wheel, plus a smaller wheel for switching the connection type. Next to the Escape key, there is an additional lever that allows the number row to be switched to a function key row. These details make the keyboard unique. Haptically, they are a delight. The volume wheel has a clean mechanical click. I like the function lever even more. It is pleasantly weighted and produces a satisfying snapping sound when flipped. I keep catching myself using it as a fidget toy.
In practice, the lever activates an illuminated panel above the number row. If I flip it up, the number keys become function keys, with the panel displaying the respective assignment. If I hold down Fn at the same time, the intended media key shortcuts appear. On my other 65-percent keyboards, I always access the F-row via the Fn key, which also works without any problems. With the switch, the Hyzen offers me an additional layer. Practical, but not strictly necessary.
Two in one: the Nexus Switch
The really interesting thing about the Hyzen is not the look. The focus is on the unique switch and PCB system. The keyboard can be switched between mechanical and magnetic operation via a key combination. With this, Lofree solves a specific but real problem: enthusiasts like me own keyboards for work and additionally a magnetic keyboard for gaming. The Hyzen combines both use cases without functional compromises.
Source: Lofree
This is made possible by Lofree's new Nexus switch, developed with Kailh, one of the most experienced switch manufacturers. It retains the classic leaf-spring construction of a mechanical switch but additionally integrates a magnet in the stem, which also makes magnetic operation possible. The leaf spring is crucial here. It provides sound and feedback, while the sensor reads the position contactlessly.
The switch is mounted on a TMR PCB. TMR stands for Tunnel Magnetoresistance and is a different sensor technology than the Hall effect common in gaming boards. It does not measure field strength, but the change in resistance at a magnetic tunnel junction. According to Lofree, this provides finer resolution.
Those who want to swap switches also have freedom. If you use standard mechanical 5-pin MX switches, the magnetic functions for these keys are disabled. The keyboard recognizes this automatically. Magnetic switches from other manufacturers can also be used, although not just any. Gateron Magnetic Jade and TTC Magneto, for example, are compatible.
However, I see little reason to swap them. The Nexus switch feels very good and sounds that way too. It runs smoothly right out of the box, and its stabilizers are well-lubricated. The keyboard also performs well when gaming. Unlike other magnetic keyboards, such as the Keychron Q1 HE 8K, the Hyzen is on a higher level in terms of sound and typing feel. Thanks to various gaming features, I can configure it to my taste.
Gaming Features and Software
I configure the keyboard via the Lofree Hub, a web-based software. For me, this is a plus point: I work on Linux, and there I regularly face the problem that manufacturers only offer their configuration apps for Windows and macOS.
In the software, actuation points and Rapid Trigger settings can be adjusted per key. Lofree specifies the steps at 0.01 millimeters, which is ten times finer than the 0.1 millimeters common in Hall-effect boards. I cannot test whether that works with my equipment. Honestly, I also consider the number irrelevant. I find it hard to imagine that a human can reliably exploit the difference between 0.01 and 0.02 millimeters in a game. I feel the same way about the 8000 Hz polling rate, i.e., how many times the keyboard sends a signal to the PC. That looks impressive on paper, but in-game, I don't notice any difference compared to 1000 Hz.
In addition, there is an extensive package of input functions: Dynamic Keystroke for up to four actions per key depending on the stroke depth, Mod Tap for different actions when tapping and holding, Toggle for states such as permanent crouching, Rapid Successive Priority for prioritizing rapidly consecutive inputs, SOCD for opposing directional keys, and Hyper Tap for repeated inputs from a held stroke.
Seven profiles are available by default, so you can store your own settings for various games or scenarios. The configuration assistant is clear and meets my expectations. Unfortunately, there were a few times when it was briefly unavailable.
Battery and Connection
The battery has a capacity of 10,000 milliampere-hours (mAh). In two weeks of testing – four working days per week and five gaming evenings – I did not have to charge the keyboard. Lofree itself mentions up to 80 hours of battery life. The actual runtime varies depending on lighting intensity, polling rate, and whether you are typing in mechanical or magnetic mode.
The keyboard connects via USB-C, 2.4 GHz dongle, or Bluetooth. The high polling rate of 8000 Hz is only possible via cable and the dongle. Via Bluetooth, the keyboard reaches a polling rate of 125 Hz. That sounds like little at first, but it is the right decision. In the office, a low polling rate is sufficient for keyboards, and on top of that, it significantly increases battery life.
I have one criticism regarding the cable connection: the USB port on the Hyzen is miserable. Every time I move the keyboard, it loses the connection. The socket should be recessed further inward so that the plug has less play.
I bought the Hyzen on Kickstarter on expenses because I was interested in the hybrid concept. It cost me 219 US dollars there, excluding shipping and customs duties. That is over, and now it costs 299 US dollars. I tested a unit from the first series of the Kickstarter campaign.
In a nutshell
Two switch types in one keyboard, cleverly solved
Pro
- combines mechanical and magnetic typing
- best sound and typing feel for a magnetic board
- high-quality feel
- excellent battery life
- extensive gaming software
Contra
- cheap-looking keycaps
- initially only available in ANSI layout
- sensitive USB port
- extreme 12-degree tilt angle
From big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
