Lofree Flow Keyboard - A blend of style and functionality
Lofree Flow Keyboard mechanical keyboard. Picture: Lofree.
The Lofree Flow keyboard is touted as the world's first low-profile keyboard boasting Kailh Full POM Switches and a Gasket Mount design. The Flow promises to elevate the typing experience with its claimed smoothness and advanced features, but at a cost that some may find prohibitive.
The all-aluminium design exudes elegance and durability, and its slim profile and ergonomic 3.9-degree tilt should help to reduce wrist strain. However, the tilt angle can’t be adjusted, nor does the keyboard come with any wrist wrest.
Despite its premium build quality, it's surprisingly lightweight at 568g, making it easy to slip into a rucksack or laptop bag.
Despite its small TKL (ten Key Less) form factor, you get a solid response while typing thanks to the metal case and four soft rubber feet. My review unit arrived in the black colourway with phantom switches. The other option is white with ghost switches.
Personalisation is a key focus due to the ability to swap out keycaps, and the Lofree Flow offers retro-style keycaps for a trendy new look. These keycaps, featuring advanced dye sublimation, ensure vibrant and detailed patterns, enhancing the keyboard's visual appeal.
With a 2,000 mAh battery, the Flow provides up to 40 hours of battery life. The fast-charging capability is a significant advantage, recharging in just 3 hours. You can also use the keyboard wired with the included cable that connects to the USB-C port on the front edge of the Flow. A slider switch beside the USB-C port can be toggled to off, Bluetooth and wired modes.
The Lofree Flow incorporates innovative technology by combining Kailh Full POM Switches with a Gasket Mount design. These low-profile switches, made entirely of POM material, offer a unique self-lubricating property, promising a smooth and precise typing experience. In practice, I discovered this to be accurate, as typing is quieter than a typical mechanical keyboard but louder than a regular membrane keyboard.
The keyboard comes in two variants, white and black, each featuring its own set of switches: Ghost (linear), Phantom (tactile), or Wizard (clicky). The versatility in switch options caters to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose the one that suits them best.
Hot-swappable keyboards are ideal for people who enjoy personalising their keyboards. It enables quick switch replacements without the need for soldering. You can buy extra switches and keycap sets when purchasing the keyboard. I would have liked to have seen a few spare keycaps specifically for Mac, but none are included.
For testing, I used the keyboard on a PC at home, and a Mac in the office, and the ability to easily switch between different Bluetooth devices is excellent. You can pair it with up to three devices: tablets, phones, and computers. Pressing the function key and then 1, 2 or 3 will switch between devices.
The RGB sidelights on the Flow keyboard illuminate it with various colours. This feature adds a touch of personalisation and style to the keyboard, allowing users to create a unique ambience. You can change the colours directly via keyboard shortcuts, and the effect is subtle. I found that during the day, you don’t notice the lights in a bright office, and it’s best to turn them off to save on battery. However, in a dimly lit room, you’ll see the lights more prominently, and the effect is pretty cool.
The Lofree Flow's price tag, at €209 (including shipping), may deter budget-conscious buyers. While the features are enticing, the cost could be a deal-breaker for some.
While the variety of switches is a positive aspect, it could be overwhelming for those who need to be better versed in keyboard jargon. Deciding on the right switch might require some research.
The Lofree Flow keyboard is stylish, compact and well-built. This is a keyboard for enthusiasts and creative professionals who love great design and who love to customise the look.
Lofree Flow Keyboard www.lofree.co
