I have a confession to make. I never used to like the idea of a mechanical keyboard. Every single one I tried was big, noisy, and kind of difficult to type on.
However, the more I explored this world, the more I realized how much I was missing out on. I soon learned that one of the best things about mechanical keyboards is how many different types there are and how easy they are to customize.
So, when LoFree reached out and offered me the chance to try out one of their new mechanical keyboards, I was all in. I know what type of keyboard I like to type on, and they had the very one I was looking for.
It’s called the Lofree Flow.
Design: A Closer Look
The Lofree Flow is a low-profile mechanical keyboard. It has a 75% layout, so it includes function keys but no number pad. The ANSI layout is instantly familiar, and it can be used with both Mac and Windows.
The all-aluminum enclosure is a prominent part of the Flow’s design aesthetic, giving it a premium look and feel. Apple doesn’t make mechanical keyboards, but if it did, it might look a little something like this.
The Flow also comes with a gasket mount design that helps make this keyboard softer and quieter to type on. The gasket adds some additional comfort by minimizing vibrations and evenly distributing key pressure. While a gasket mount is not a must-have in a mechanical keyboard, having one is undoubtedly a nice upgrade that many will appreciate.
The Lofree Flow is portable, weighing in at 568g/1.25lbs, making it is easy to throw in a bag, but you will have to supply your own pouch or bag because none are currently available from Lofree.
The Flow has a USB-C charging port and takes around 3 hours to fully charge the 2000mAh battery. Once charged, you can expect around 40 hours of continual use if you go easy on the LED backlights.
I did manage to run it down from 90% to 25% in a single day, but I inadvertently left the LED backlights and sidelights on full brightness all day. I was typing in a well-lit office and did not need the backlighting so that one was on me. For the rest of my usage, the battery life was very good and well within specs.
Lofree says the typing angle is 3.9 degrees. I will take their word on that one, but it feels about right to me, especially with the flatter style of keycaps. The aluminum frame is 10mm thick, and the overall dimensions are 316mm x 126mm x 24.5mm.
Personally, I would have liked the edges of the aluminum case to have been rounded or chamfered. They’re not sharp, and they rarely get in the way of a good typing experience, but maybe that is something they could look at for version two.
Minor quibbles aside, the Flow has a very premium design. It will be the pride of place in any setup, and Lofree has done a great job sourcing high-quality materials to create a great-looking keyboard.
Features of the Lofree Flow
The Flow is hot-swappable. Mine came with linear Ghost switches, but if you wanted to switch those up for something more tactile, you absolutely can. Lofree also sells a black version of this keyboard with Phantom switches. However, as a fan of linear switches, the Kailh Ghost switches are the ones that feel good to me.
Regardless of which switches you choose, Lofree claims they are the world’s first low-profile switch made entirely of POM (Polyoxymethylene). This means self-lubricating switches and the promise of an ever-smoother feel over time. The Ghost switches have 2.8mm of travel and around 50gf of actuation force.
The PBT keycaps are solid and dependable. They have a pleasing matte texture, and the characters have good clarity. Lofree uses a five-sided dyb-sublimation process to achieve that look and to add to the durability of these keycaps. I didn’t experience any wobble or stability issues. Time will tell how well they hold up against the more common doubleshot PBT, but so far, so good.
Some mechanical keyboards come with alternative keys for Mac or Windows, but the Lofree Flow does not. Instead, it has dual function keys like Command/Alt and Option/Windows. It’s not ideal, but it’s not a big issue and is mostly just a cosmetic preference.
The Flow has three levels of backlit keys. However, there is no RGB behind these keycaps. Instead, you get a white LED light that shines through a top light window on the switch. Lofree did include RGB lights underneath the left and right sides of the keyboard, but because of where they are positioned, they are a little hard to appreciate unless you are typing in low light.
The Lofree Flow can be used as a wired or wireless keyboard. When used in Bluetooth mode, it can be paired with up to three different devices, and you can switch between them using Fn+1, 2, or 3. This is an increasingly common feature but a great one because it allows you to also use your keyboard with a phone or tablet.
You can also use Fn+N to trigger system function keys for Windows/Android and Fn+M to do the same for Mac/iOS. However, that’s about the only customization you get in terms of key outputs. There is no software included (or available) to remap keys or create macros.
Typing Experience
There is always an adjustment period when switching to a new keyboard, but I found that I was able to use the Lofree Flow quite efficiently after only a day or two. Some people will appreciate a wrist rest for additional support, but the ergonomics are fine for a low-profile keyboard that does not have adjustable feet.
The keycaps are fantastic. There is no wobble, no oily residue, just a nice, predictable typing experience.
The Ghost switches also feel great and are very satisfying to type on. The gasket mount does a superb job at dampening while still offering more than adequate support and feel. It also sounds amazing. I know that is a subjective thing with mechanical keyboards, but I was really happy with the sound of these switches. You can hear a comparison of the Ghost and Phantom switches in the video below.
Final Thoughts
The Lofree Flow is a great keyboard, but it has to be because it is going up against some stiff competition in the form of the NuPhy Air 75 and the Keychron K3 Pro. That said, it more than holds its own and is an excellent choice if you are in the market for a compact, low-profile keyboard.
You can find this keyboard on the Lofree website for $159, and for a limited time, you can save $10 by using the code LOF10 at checkout. Lofree also sell both Flow keyboards on Amazon, and often with a discount, so be sure to check the Lofree Amazon store for their latest offers.
