Mechanical Calculators Comparison: Lofree, Azio, CoolKiller, Dareu

As I began budgeting to improve my spending habits, I realized it was time for a new calculator. My old Casio had served me well, but its small buttons often led to frustrating mistakes, especially when I accidentally pressed the clear key right next to the number 1. The larger calculator I bought from Amazon wasn’t much better—its stiff buttons made it less user-friendly. That’s when I decided to explore mechanical calculators, hoping for something easier to use and more satisfying to work with. In this post, In this post, I’ll take you through a mechanical calculators comparison featuring options from brands like Lofree, Azio, CoolKiller, and Dareu. Together, we’ll explore features, pros, and cons to help you find the perfect calculator too.

What I Wanted in a New Calculator

To make sure I found exactly what I needed, I listed out the key features I wanted in my new calculator:

• Keys:
  • Quiet keys for a smoother typing experience, rather than loud, clicky ones.
  • Larger keys that are easy to press.
  • Rounded-square keys are my preference over circular ones.
  • Clear, easy-to-read numbers on the keys.
• Button Placement:
  • The clear and back buttons should be separate from the number and equals keys, ideally placed at the top for easy access.
  • Larger plus and equals buttons would be a convenient addition.
• Price:
  • I wanted to keep the price under $80 to stay within my budget.
• Sleep Mode:
  • A longer awake time is preferred, ideally no less than a couple of minutes, to avoid the hassle of frequent reactivation.
• Charging:
  • USB-C charging is preferable for rechargeable models, but battery-operated models are also fine.
• Design:
  • A white design would be ideal to match my workspace decor.

Exploring Mechanical Calculator Options

As I searched for the perfect mechanical calculator, I compared several models to see how they matched up against my criteria. The pros and cons listed below are based on my personal preferences and expectations, rather than the technical limitations of the calculators. Here’s an overview of each model:

Option 1: Lofree

Lofree Digit Calculator

Option 2: Azio

IZO Numpad/Calculator

Option 3: CoolKiller

CK21

Option 4: Dareu

Z19

Evaluating Mechanical Calculators: Which One Fits My Needs?

I evaluated each calculator based on key criteria that matter most to me. Here’s how they stack up:

• Keys:
  • Quiet typing experience: Dareu > CoolKiller
  • Larger keys: All are good
  • Preferred key shape (rounded-square): Azio = CoolKiller = Dareu
  • Easy-to-read numbers: Lofree > Dareu > CoolKiller
• Button Placement:
  • Clear and back buttons at the top: Lofree = Dareu
  • Larger plus and equals buttons: CoolKiller > Azio > Dareu
• Price:
  • Best price: Dareu > Lofree > CoolKiller = Azio
• Sleep-mode:
  • Longest awake time: Dareu > CoolKiller
    (I couldn’t find the time for Azio and Lofree.)
• Charging:
  • USB-C charging: All except Lofree
• Design:
  • Best design (white): Azio > CoolKiller > Dareu > Lofree

After carefully evaluating each option in my mechanical calculators comparison and weighing them against my criteria, I settled on the Dareu calculator. While it may not have been my first choice in terms of looks, its button layout and the 00 button really sold me on it. Plus, it was the most affordable option, which sealed the deal for me. I found a great deal on AliExpress, with a 15% discount, and I happily made my purchase! Stay tuned for Part 2, where I delve into a detailed review of the Dareu calculator and share my firsthand experience with it!