Retro laptop concept takes the mechanical keyboard trend to the next level

The retro craze shows no sign of slowing down as more people discover the wonderful quirks of designs from the past. It has even reached a point where designs are being applied to things that are somewhat unrelated to the original. We’re seeing computers that look like gaming consoles from the 90s, for example, or media players that would make you think they could play cassette tapes. This laptop has the same feel, although it barely looks like the workstations of Eld. Instead, it takes its cue from the design trend that’s gripping the computer accessories industry, applying not just the aesthetics but even the materials of retro mechanical keyboards to envision a workstation that, while powerful, isn’t made for gamers but especially for developers.

Designer: Wonjae Kim

Mechanical keyboards have always had an old-school ring to them, literally and figuratively. Their chunky keycaps and metallic sounds feel like just a few steps away from typewriters, especially with the prevalence of “chiclet” keyboards with soft sounds and short travel. Some accessory makers have taken that association even further by embracing the designs of keyboards from decades ago, and that same gray and literally edgy aesthetic is being applied to a laptop aimed at people who code more than those who play games.

Inspired by Lofree’s line of PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) retro mechanical keyboards, this workstation concept has the same shapes, colors, and even materials that would remind one of those old-school keyboards, particularly with the use of blocky forms and a limited number of shades of gray with a single orange accent to break the monotony. The design isn’t apologetic about being a little bit thicker than most laptops that are aiming to grab the “slimmest” title at the expense of performance or flexibility.

That said, the laptop only looks retro but the concept is actually quite forward-looking. The bezels around the screen, for example, are thin, something that would have been inconceivable in older laptops. The most notable feature, however, is the touch display on the right side of the keyboard that can be used for different purposes, depending on the situation. It can be a numeric keypad, a to-do list, or even a game to give your brain time to breathe after a long and intense coding marathon.

Despite trying to evoke retro aesthetics, this Lofree-inspired workstation is quite clean and minimalist so you won’t stand out from the crowd in a negative manner. Using the same PBT material for the keyboard would make the emulation more authentic, but it wouldn’t be practical for a laptop chassis that needs to be a bit more durable. It’s definitely an interesting design and one that will easily rise from a sea of black and white laptops that have flooded the market today.

The post Retro laptop concept takes the mechanical keyboard trend to the next level first appeared on Yanko Design.

Retro-inspired LOFREE TOUCH PBT wireless mouse comes with swappable keycaps for matching workspace theme

The good old mouse has evolved into an accessory that can improve your productivity exponentially, that’s if you get the hang of using all the buttons and set the customization options in line with hand ergonomics and muscle memory. Take for example Logitech MX Master 3S, Corsair SCIMITAR RGB ELITE or Logitech G305. In an editor’s hand, any one of these mouse can be a potent tool.

The shape of these high-end mouse has also evolved into a much more modern aesthetic, considering the position of the hand and the multiple buttons. But there’s always a time when you want to experience the retro charm of the good old PC accessory without giving up on the modern functions.

Designer: LOFREE

The old-school LOFREE TOUCH PBT wireless mouse comes with swappable buttons to change the look if you get bored with the existing one. Non-glossy, non-sticky and skin-friendly texture of the mouse keys – MB1, MB2 and the upper case – is soft to the touch of hand and fingers. This ensures you can match it to the setup of your desk or room. The mouse is loaded with the 3805 sensor and PAW3805 outputting 4000 DPI for use on glass or any other surface where an ordinary mouse simply doesn’t work. This also holds merit for high-end gaming for times you are not working.

The rechargeable mouse works for 75 hours before requiring another recharge. Everything set aside, the 80s-inspired look of this mouse is what grabs the attention more than anything else. Add to that the ability to replace the PBT keycaps on top of the Cherry MX-style stems, and you’ve got an accessory that’ll draw you to the desk without fail. The beige-colored mouse weighing 106 grams is a tag on the heavier side, and can be a deal breaker for finicky users. Priced at $69, the retro-inspired mouse is a unique one to add to the collection.

The post Retro-inspired LOFREE TOUCH PBT wireless mouse comes with swappable keycaps for matching workspace theme first appeared on Yanko Design.

Changing seasons are the inspiration behind this vintage-esque typewriter!

The number of people who opt for laptops over desktops has been increasing by the day. Not everyone prefers keyboards, but they are essentially useful for people who tend to type a lot on a daily basis such as writers, journalists and etc. We’ve seen a lot of innovative portable keyboard designs over the years, however, Lofree’s Four Seasons Keyboard is an ode to the past. Inspired by quintessential typewriters, the Lofree Four Seasons is a retro-esque mechanical keyboard. As the product’s name implies, it’s available in four different colors based on the seasons – Vernal White (spring), Aestival Blue (summer), Autumnal Gray (autumn) and Hibernal Black (winter).

The keyboard is quite similar to the Mac built-in keyboard, so it won’t be a drastic change for Apple users. However, the keyboard is compatible with iOS, Windows, and Android. The keys are supported by Gateron blue switches, which reduce pressure on your fingers as you type, preventing the risk of developing Repetitive Strain Injury. It can be used wirelessly and with a wire, so it’s quite easy to carry around. Equipped with an LED backlight, you can adjust the lighting of the keyboard which comes in three levels, so you can easily use the keyboard no matter where you are. The Lofree Four Seasons allows you to connect and work with three different devices, your smartphone, laptop, and tablet.

My favorite feature is its quirky typewriter-inspired round keys and the fact that each keyboard color option has one different colored key! For example, the Aestival Blue has a pop of orange, while the Vernal White has a pop of green. This retro colorful keyboard is on my must-have list for sure!

Designer: Lofree

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Lofree’s QTV speaker uses nostalgia as a design trigger

I love when you look at a product and can instantly guess which company it belongs to, purely by the way it looks. Lofree’s carefree, retro aesthetic is almost a signature visual style of the company, and it unites all its products under lofree’s brand. Looking beautifully 20th century, lofree’s QTV speaker is wireless, yet retro, taking new-age technology but hiding it under the blanket of vintage so well, it brings out nostalgia and feels less like a gimmick and more like a wonderful blast from the past.

Looking like a fond caricature of a cathode ray tube television from the 60s, the QTV (I suspect a portmanteau of cutie and tv) comes with a curved screen, an antenna, a volume knob, alarm and timer buttons, and a curved body that sports color combinations that beautifully complement its retro nature. The speaker pairs with your smartphone over Bluetooth, while the screen displays visuals that stay wonderfully true to the speaker’s ‘vintage-ness’, starting with visual static, and showcasing a flipboard clock while in standby and a vinyl disc rotating when you have music playing. Built with nice, palm-sized dimensions and a battery capable of providing 5 hours of play-time, and a very capable 40mm full-frequency audio driver, the lofree QTV is adorable and portable… and wants you to love it for what it reminds you of, as well as what it’s capable of!

Designer: lofree

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This Keyboard Combines Retro Design with Modern Improvements

If you write a lot on your computer or laptop, there may come a time when you feel nostalgic for the days of typewriters. The retro design, the satisfying clicks they make… Now, you can get a keyboard that has that typewriter look and feel, but with upgrades that make it perfectly modern. The Lofree Four Seasons Wireless Mechanical Keyboard blends retro style with modern tech.

While this keyboard may look like a typewriter, it actually has some ergonomic upgrades that make it easier to use. For example, the large keys and improved layout make for less forceful typing, which is easier on your joints.

Lofree’s keyboard offers a 79-key layout, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and is also crisply backlit, so you can use it in the dark without straining to see the keys. The keys are high-quality Gateron Blue switches, which offer satisfying tactile feedback, while requiring only light pressure to activate. It’s also available in four different color schemes, each reflecting one of the four seasons.

The Lofree Four Seasons Wireless Mechanical Keyboard was recently funded on Indiegogo, and has already gone into production, with the first models shipping late this May. You can pre-order yours now from the Technabob Shop for $99.99 – a $30 savings off the MSRP.

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