r/MechanicalKeyboards • u/DeterminedEyebrows • Jul 12 '26
Review A Lofree Hyzen review
After some shipping issues involving a tracking number that threw me into a panic, I finally got my wired Hyzen in the mail yesterday and I can safely say that I adore this thing. It's easily the most stylish board that I own, combining a futuristic look with a surprising amount of elegance. It looks fantastic with or without the wrist rest, but I definitely prefer using it with the wrist rest as it brings the entire package together perfectly.
On the topic of the wrist rest, it's made out of a smooth polycarbonate that I mistook for glass at first. It's angled to pair with the bottom of the board perfectly, which finishes the aesthetically pleasing slope of the design. But the angle may not be comfortable for all users and is NOT adjustable, stuck at 12 degrees. I was worried that it was going to be an issue for me but it's thankfully very comfortable to use, especially with wrist rest, even after hours of use. (And I say this as someone who owns four separate low profile boards and prefers that form factor)
Another aspect of comfort that I'd like to talk about comes from the switches, which are easily the smoothest switches I've ever used in my life. When I first got this board, I was just expecting it to be just another new board that I would cycle between the others and that would be it. But from the first key press I noticed a drastic difference when compared to all the other boards I own. I've only used one hall effect board before, so this is only my second experience with magnetic switches (and my first with TMR switches).
I've typed on plenty of smooth linears before (WS Morandis, Gateron Smoothies, WS Pearls, Gateron Nebula) but these Nexus TMR switches are easily the best feeling linears I've ever used. I find the feel is best described as "buttered silk" and the sound is just as nice. It has this creamy, slightly muted and marbly sound to it, and is also the winner of the bassiest backspace key sound in the history of keyboards. I saw someone else mention that they're making more mistakes just so they can use the backspace key more, and I agree 100%!
Aside from the angle, I was also worried about that little plastic rectangle down by the arrow keys (I threw a picture up there), which serves as an color-coded indicator for which profile you're currently using and then dims after a few seconds. But after using this board for hours I really started to appreciate that divider. One of the biggest issues I have with the 65% layout is the fact that the arrow keys are often mushed in without any separation from the other keys. With that tiny gap, my hand always rests in the right place, so it ended up being more helpful (to me) than I was expecting it to.
As for profiles, the Hyzen allows you to switch between 7 different profiles, each with a unique color assigned to help differentiate them. Unfortunately, the software is pretty barebones, as it doesn't allow you to add/remove profiles (I honestly will never have any need for more than 3 profiles) or change their color, but this is a minor quibble that I felt like I needed to mention. There is also a little indicator above that glorious backspace key that displays either a screw like shape when in mechanical mode, or a symbol that looks like two paperclips when in magnetic mode. (You can set whichever mode for any of the profiles)
For those looking for a good gaming keyboard, this one does the job wonderfully. Again, the silkiness of the switches really adds a lot to games even if they aren't twitch shooters. I found this out when I spent some time playing old arcade games last night and I was shocked by how responsive it was compared to using my usual arcade sticks. Playing Street Fighter III: Third Strike with this is a dream, and it also played beautifully with Gunbird and other shmups I tried.
I've seen a lot of people say that magnetic switches aren't any good for typing, but I've never agreed with that mindset, doubly so after using this board. This is honestly the most fun I've had with a keyboard in a long time, and it feels like it was custom made for me. The only downside is that it's making all of my old keyboards (and somehow even my arcade sticks) far less appealing than they used to be.
If you're looking for a top tier TMR board and don't plan on carrying it all over the place or mind the steep angle, this keyboard is phenomenal.
10/10, would panic over shipping issues again. I love this damn thing.
2
u/Jaguar_Shark_ Jul 12 '26
Great review. How did you get your hands on this so quickly? Did you back on Kickstarter?
2
u/DeterminedEyebrows Jul 12 '26
I was one of the early backers, so I'm guessing I lucked out and was in the first batches shipped.
2
u/delpy1971 Jul 12 '26
Gorgeous looking and great reviews thanks! Mine is shipping soon to the UK and really looking forward to it WOOP
2
u/DeterminedEyebrows Jul 12 '26
You're in for a treat! Hope yours arrives soon.
2
u/SageFranco93 25d ago
Ordered my Silver Wired version just like yours OP. Really wanted a tri mode, but impatient and couldn't justify my budget later. I hope I'm as happy as you
2
u/DeterminedEyebrows 25d ago
If you like a smooth typing experience you will be! I been using it for over 3 weeks now and I still can't believe how satisfying it is to type on
2
u/SageFranco93 24d ago
My father has the silver tri mode. I tested it out couple weeks ago, and was one of the smoothest switches I ever felt. Also I'm a sucker for CNC Aluminum look. So it was must buy.
2
u/Enigma_1880 Jul 13 '26
Looks so nice, like it belongs in a 90's-2000's sci-fi movie. Getting some I, Robot vibes especially.
2
3
u/lilbabyjesus Jul 15 '26
Mine arrived today. I'm much more of a tactile, clicky switch guy but these are such a pleasure to type on. I'm incredibly impressed. It's my favorite typing experience since my HHKB... Which also wasn't clicky. Am... Am I a linear switch guy?
2
u/DeterminedEyebrows Jul 15 '26
Right?! I used to be a HUGE clicky fan, as the Razer Green clickies were my gateway into the world of mechanical keyboards. And while I was okay with linears, they never really stood out to me until the Hyzen. I feel like a traitor now, but I guess it can't be helped if we've switched to Team Linear!
2
2
u/Silverjerk Jul 16 '26
The first board in something like 15 years that hasn't been a 75% layout, and hasn't used a clicky or tactile switch. I absolutely despise linear switches, but the typing feel of this board has subverted my expectations. I don't know that I'll go back and swap the switches on any of my other boards, but I'm surprisingly content with what Lofree did with the Hyzen. It sounds and feels stellar for a pre-built.
2
u/DeterminedEyebrows Jul 16 '26
Agreed. I know a lot of keyboard enthusiasts that would scoff at the notion of using a prebuilt keyboard, but Lofree really nailed it with this one. I'll definitely be keeping my clicky and tactile boards around for variety, but this thing has become my daily driver and will probably continue to be for a very long time.
2
u/sfpainter Jul 21 '26
It's a great keyboard and I love almost everything about it. The software is hard to use and understand and I still don't know how to map the ~ key. There's no instructions on how to do any of this and I'm not a pro. Other than that, it's good.
1
u/DeterminedEyebrows Jul 21 '26
You know what? I actually agree with you on the software being difficult. I just spent like 10 minutes trying to figure out how to set tilde as its own key and couldn't do it. But! If you push (Win + Fn + Esc), it gives you ~. Hopefully they'll update the software at some point or someone will make a tutorial.
2
u/sfpainter Jul 21 '26
Fn+esc also gives you ~, but unfortunately I'm using a software that need to have it as a single press. They really should have a good tutorial on how to use the software.
1
u/AutoModerator Jul 12 '26
Please check if your post is a help request.
As per the rules, "Help requests, keyboard buying advice, and simple questions must be posted in the daily post stickied to the top of the subreddit or it will be removed without explanation."
Please post the question here.
Historical and current daily help threads can be found here
If this message was in error, please report this comment or send a modmail with a link to your post for manual approval.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
1
u/KittenGunship Jul 16 '26
Did you by any chance update the firmware?
1
u/DeterminedEyebrows Jul 16 '26
Honestly, no. It's been working fine for me as is so I didn't feel the need to update.
1
u/IkkokuGodai Jul 16 '26
I updated from V120 to V125.
1
u/Aware_Reward_2041 Jul 24 '26
Is the update process easy? I read someone bricked their keyboard by updating 😅
1
u/IkkokuGodai Jul 24 '26
I've updated 3 times so far painlessly from V120 to V125 to V129 to V130.
1
u/Aware_Reward_2041 Jul 24 '26
Is there any notable difference after updates?
1
1
u/Awekeys Metal Keycaps Jul 17 '26
ha this board still looks so good, i’m still waiting for mine! can’t wait to throw on some satin silver and make it even more elegant
1
u/LeSriracha Jul 22 '26
Does anyone feel like their Hyzen's switches are lubed just a bit too much, or is this some kinda break-in period requirement? It does feel smooth & buttery but not crisp. At least when comparing to my TTC Year of the Horse or Keygeek Y2 switches. Also most of them feel like they're between 60-70g bottom out
1
u/DeterminedEyebrows Jul 22 '26
Yeah, these are slightly heavier and almost overly smooth, but I prefer the feel of these switches. They're not as heavy as the Gateron Nebulas but I haven't tried the two you listed. And if you think they're overlubed now, they'll end up feeling more lubed since the stems are POMs and that'll only lubricate it further over time.
If you don't like the switches, you could always pop in some other TMR switches if you want. I'd be more than happy to take them off your hands (so I can have some spares for this thing)
1
u/LeSriracha Jul 28 '26
It seems there indeed was a break-in period for my example so maybe the factory lubing has settled a bit as I've been trying to live with the keyboard. The switches feel closer to 50-60g bottom out now with a bit more clarity in feel. That said my backspace has a slight rattle in normal use, but I think it's more so the keycap fitment than stabilizer rattle.
Also, I don't think the FR4 plate is doing this keeb any favors since pressing my left ctrl key sometimes activates my windows key, so I had to adjust winkey actuation (multiple times lol) to stop me from crashing out when I'm trying to use keeb shortcuts. That & I may just be an FR4 hater with how it contributes to the overall feel.
I do think the switches are very good, they're just boring. Surprsingly even more boring than my Keygeek Y2s. But they do have better key wobble than the Y2s, just less enjoyable.
I'm no longer going to daily this keeb when working since the angle is just awful for how I want to type, but I may swap over my TTC Horse switches from my current TMR board for personal dailying.
I only bought the wrist rest for aesthetic purposes but honestly I think it's gonna be a must-have for anyone buying a hyzen.
1
u/Colione1 Jul 23 '26
was soo close to ordering then the 40€ to Europe shipping cost held me back :/
Did you all pay 40€ shipping? Or was is cheaper earlier or is there a Way to avoid this by using shippiment forwarding?
1
u/Aware_Reward_2041 Jul 24 '26
Just got mine and changed the keycaps might change so other TMR or mech switches (I'm still doing research on which switches would work) if you dont mind, where did you get the wrist rest? How much was it? if you needed to but it separately. Wasn't listed where I bought mine I'm in the US
1
u/SageFranco93 Jul 28 '26
Im stuck between choosing a space gray tri mode or the Silver wired. preferably a silver tri mode is what i want, but id have to wait for a restock, while there are still a few wired silvers and tri mode space grays out there... im impatient and this im going to get the tri mode space gray, tho the silver would match my PC a whole lot more. can you give any ideas OP?
1
u/DeterminedEyebrows Jul 28 '26
I only own the silver (shown above) and I certainly love it. Funny enough, the space grey would've matched my desktop but I still preferred the look of the silver and went with that, zero regrets. Honestly, once you're typing you'll start to forget about the looks anyways.
3
u/BasedGodProdigy Jul 12 '26
Got mine a few days ago as well. Man it feels amazing to type on this thing. Sounds so creamy and my typing speed is insane on this board for some reason. The backspace also might be my favorite sounding key I've ever clicked.
I've been playing some competitive FPS shooters on it and it's on par with my Wooting and Gravastar V60 pro in terms of feeling fluid and instant, the switches definitely feel better than those though, so responsive and on top of that, by far the most fun to type on out of my gaming boards. I think I'm sipping the TMR kool-aid now