LoFree Heisen Review: A Magnetic Mechanical Keyboard That Does Both

Introduction

Every once in a while, a keyboard comes along that makes you stop and reconsider what you thought you knew about switches. The LoFree Heisen is one of those keyboards. It arrives with a bold claim: it can run both magnetic and mechanical switches, on the same board, at the same time. That is not a small thing. For years, magnetic switches have been the domain of gaming-focused boards, prized for features like adjustable actuation and rapid trigger, while mechanical switches have remained the choice for those who care about feel and sound. The Heisen tries to end that debate by putting both technologies into a single switch design.

This review covers the wireless version of the Heisen, which was provided as a prototype unit ahead of its Kickstarter launch. The keyboard is built from solid aluminum, feels hefty in the hand, and comes with a few design choices that are genuinely interesting. It also comes with a price tag that sits firmly in premium territory, so the question is whether the technology inside justifies the cost.

Who This Keyboard Is For

The Heisen is aimed at two groups that do not always overlap. The first is gamers who want the performance benefits of magnetic switches, such as custom actuation points and rapid trigger, which can be useful in fast-paced titles. The second is typing enthusiasts who refuse to give up the feel and sound of a good mechanical switch. The Heisen is designed to serve both, letting you keep mechanical switches across the board and swap in magnetic ones for specific keys when you need faster response.

It is also for people who appreciate build quality. The keyboard is solidly constructed from aluminum, with a weight that inspires confidence. If you have used LoFree keyboards before, you will recognize the attention to detail, even if this is their first non-low-profile board.

That said, this is not a keyboard for everyone. The price is high, the typing height is taller than low-profile alternatives, and the software is still rough around the edges. If you are happy with a standard mechanical keyboard and do not care about magnetic features, you can save money elsewhere.

Build Quality and Design

The first thing you notice about the Heisen is how solid it feels. The case is machined from aluminum, and the keyboard has a satisfying heft that suggests it will survive years of heavy use. The design is screwless on the bottom, though there is a visible seam that is a minor aesthetic drawback. Two color options are available, silver and dark gray, though they look fairly similar in person.

The keyboard features three knobs, which is unusual. The first is a volume knob with a satisfying audible click. The second acts as a power switch, toggling between wireless and wired modes. The third is the most interesting: it functions as an Fn layer switcher. When you flip it, a small black bar at the top of the keyboard lights up, indicating that the number row has swapped to the Fn row. Pressing the Fn button while the knob is in the up position gives you a third macro layer.

It is a clever visual trick, though it is essentially a convoluted way to avoid making a standard 75% layout. The macro row rebinding did not work on either prototype unit, so the on-screen display did not update when keys were remapped. LoFree has said they are addressing this before launch, but it is worth noting.

The keyboard also ships with a hard clamshell case that is difficult to open. The zipper on the review unit broke during unboxing, though LoFree says this will be fixed before the Kickstarter ships. Inside, you get two accessory boxes, one of which contains a set of shine-through keycaps. They are not the most appealing keycaps, but they are a nice option to have.

The Switch That Changes Everything

The core innovation of the Heisen is its switch design. LoFree and Kale, the switch manufacturer, have combined a mechanical leaf and a magnet in the same switch housing. This means the keyboard can use traditional mechanical actuation or magnetic sensing, and you can mix both on the same board.

In practice, this works remarkably well. The keyboard sounds and feels great in mechanical mode, with none of the chattery, hollow sound that often plagues magnetic switches. When you switch to magnetic mode, you get the standard Hall-effect-style features: adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger, which resets a key press on a slight upward motion. These features are genuinely useful in games like OSU, Overwatch, Valorant, and CS:GO, though they will not make you a pro gamer on their own.

The switch uses a TMR sensor rather than a traditional Hall-effect sensor. This allows for more space on the PCB and lower power draw, which is part of why the keyboard can run wireless. The combination of the magnet and mechanical leaf in one switch is a first, and it is genuinely exciting to see new switch technology after years of incremental updates.

Theoretically, you could swap these switches for standard mechanical ones, though magnetic switch compatibility will depend on software and calibration support. If these switches end up working in other TMR keyboards, the Heisen becomes less unique, but keyboards as a whole become more interesting.

Wireless Performance and Software

The wireless version of the Heisen comes with a small wireless receiver box that has a light indicator. The wireless connection feels blazingly responsive, comparable to the best boards from ASUS, which previously held the crown for response time. LoFree claims 8K polling over both wireless and wired connections, and the polling rate is adjustable in the companion app.

The companion software is a web app, which is a plus for compatibility. Connecting the keyboard was easy, and you can rebind macro layers, record macros, and adjust switch settings. That said, the web app feels less polished than the hardware. It is clearly still in a prototype state, and based on the general software experience with keyboards of this kind, it may not improve dramatically before launch.

Typing Experience and Sound

The Heisen is a tall keyboard, and that is one of its main drawbacks. If you are used to low-profile boards, the typing height may feel uncomfortable, and there is no fix for that. Your mileage will vary depending on your preferences and desk setup.

When it comes to sound, the Heisen is impressive. The mechanical switches sound full and satisfying, with none of the harsh chatter you might expect from a magnetic-capable board. The keycaps feel solid, and the overall typing experience is pleasant, even if the height takes some getting used to.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the Heisen delivers on its promises. The magnetic mode offers adjustable actuation and rapid trigger, both of which can be tuned to your liking. The wireless performance is excellent, with no noticeable latency in fast-paced scenarios. The keyboard is a solid choice for anyone who wants a board that can handle both competitive gaming and everyday typing without compromise.

The ability to mix mechanical and magnetic switches on the same board is the standout feature. You can keep mechanical switches on keys where feel matters most and swap in magnetic switches for gaming-specific keys. It is a flexible setup that genuinely solves the “which keyboard do I buy” dilemma.

Buying Advice

The Heisen is priced between $169 and $219 depending on the version and where you buy it, with the wireless version landing around $200 to $220 during the Kickstarter. That is expensive for a starting price, and it is worth considering whether the hybrid switch technology justifies the cost.

LoFree is an established brand with a track record of shipping quality keyboards, so the risk of a failed Kickstarter is lower than with an unknown company. Still, early units may have quality control issues, and the software is not fully polished. If you are patient, waiting until after the Kickstarter to buy might be the safer move. If you want the early bird discount and are comfortable with some risk, supporting the Kickstarter is a reasonable choice.

Conclusion

The LoFree Heisen is a genuinely exciting keyboard. It combines magnetic and mechanical switch technology in a way that has not been done before, and it does so without sacrificing sound or feel. The build quality is excellent, the wireless performance is top-tier, and the hybrid switch design points toward a future where you do not have to choose between gaming features and typing comfort.

It is not perfect. The price is high, the typing height is tall, and the software needs work. But as a first-generation product, it is remarkably compelling. If you are in the market for a premium keyboard and want to be at the forefront of switch technology, the Heisen is worth a serious look.