I have always been hesitant about low-profile mechanical keyboards. While I understand the appeal of their sleek and visually light design, they never seemed to provide a significant improvement in typing experience over traditional mechanical keyboards. Additionally, their limited customization options and compatibility made me question their practicality. I used to firmly believe that if you weren’t going for a full-height mechanical keyboard, it wasn’t worth bothering with.
However, my experience with the Lofree Flow keyboard over the past few days has completely shifted my perspective. Priced at $159, this keyboard has a chassis that is just 10mm thick, but it delivers a remarkable typing experience. Not only does it look cool with classy keycaps and sharp legends, but it also boasts an aluminum frame and build quality that rivals fancier mechanical keyboards. The typing feel and sound it provides are superb, without any rattly stabilizers or pingy reverberations.
In terms of functionality, the Lofree Flow has both wireless and wired connectivity options, making it compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. It also offers two versions: a white and silver model with linear switches and a black and dark gray model that comes with tactile switches. While the keyboard essentially targets Mac users with its style and functionality, it does have a Windows mode and dual legends on the modifier keys to support both platforms.
The Lofree Flow adopts a 75 percent layout, providing arrow keys, a function row, and a handful of cursor control keys in a compact format. The ability to swap out the keycaps and switches allows for some customization, although there are limitations. The switches have a different pin layout, restricting the options to Lofree’s stock Kailh switches. However, despite these constraints, the included keycaps and the feel and sound of the Phantom tactile switches have genuinely impressed me.
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The sleek profile and minimalist design of the Flow make it an aesthetically pleasing addition to any desk. With basic white backlighting and RGB underglow, it offers a balanced visual appeal. The tactile feel and self-lubricating switches, combined with a travel distance of 2.8mm, provide a satisfying typing experience.
Function-wise, the keyboard supports media, volume, and other controls and allows pairing with up to three devices via Bluetooth. While lacking the 2.4GHz wireless option, it has a 2,000mAh battery and a USB-C charging port. Additionally, the multiple layers of foam and gaskets inside the keyboard contribute to its impressive acoustics, producing a dense and satisfying typing sound.
The sturdy build, cushioned typing feel, and thoughtful details like the grippy rubber feet make it clear that the Lofree Flow stands out from other low-profile keyboards. While it may be heavier than expected due to its aluminum construction, the weight adds to its stability during use.
Despite its higher price tag compared to other low-profile boards, the Lofree Flow surpasses the competition in terms of design, build quality, and typing experience. After my positive experience, I have decided to purchase a Flow for my personal use.
In conclusion, the Lofree Flow has overturned my skepticism about low-profile keyboards, offering a superior typing experience and a sleek, minimalistic design. Its performance, build quality, and attention to detail make it a standout choice for those looking for a high-quality, low-profile mechanical keyboard.
