Lofree Flow Review: A Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard That Delivers

Low-profile mechanical keyboards are not very common, and for good reason. They often compromise on the feel and quality of typing, compared to regular mechanical keyboards. They also limit the options for customization and personalization, as they use different switches, keycaps, and layouts. If you want a mechanical keyboard, why not go for the full experience?

That’s what I used to think, until I tried the Lofree Flow. This keyboard changed my mind about low-profile mechanical keyboards, and showed me that they can be just as satisfying and enjoyable as their full-sized counterparts. The Lofree Flow is a wireless mechanical keyboard that has a sleek design, a solid build, and a smooth typing experience. It also has some unique features, such as a gasket-mounted structure, a dual wireless mode, and a 75% layout. It works well with both Mac and Windows devices, and has a reasonable price of $159.

In this review, I will share my impressions of the Lofree Flow, and why I think it is one of the best low-profile mechanical keyboards on the market.

Lofree Flow Design and Features

The Lofree Flow has a minimalist and elegant design, with a black and dark gray color scheme that matches the Apple space gray aesthetic. It has a thin and light aluminum chassis, with a white panel on the top that has a subtle marble pattern. The white panel also has a small PlayStation logo on it, and a PlayStation Link button that lets you switch between PlayStation Link compatible devices. The black body has a volume rocker on it, that lets you adjust the volume of your games and PS Link audio.

The keyboard has a 75% layout, which means it has 84 keys, including a function row, arrow keys, and some navigation keys. This layout is similar to what you find on many laptops, and it gives you all the keys you need in a compact form factor. The keyboard also has dual legends on the modifier keys, to indicate the Windows and Mac functions. The keyboard has a standard ANSI layout, which means it has a large left shift, a small backspace, and a small enter key.

The keyboard has PBT keycaps, which are durable, textured, and resistant to shine. The keycaps have a flat profile, which makes them easy to type on, especially if you are used to laptop or chiclet keyboards. The keycaps also have clear and sharp legends, with a white backlight that can be adjusted in three levels of brightness. The backlight is useful for typing in dark environments, and also adds some flair to the keyboard.

The keyboard has Kailh POM switches, which are low-profile mechanical switches that use a thin and flat diaphragm to produce sound. The switches come in three variants: linear, tactile, and clicky. The linear switches are smooth and quiet, the tactile switches are bumpy and silent, and the clicky switches are crisp and loud. The switches have a 2.8mm travel distance, which is shorter than the 4mm or more of a full-height mechanical switch, but longer than the 1mm or so of a laptop keyboard. The switches also have a 45g actuation force, which is light and comfortable.

The keyboard has a gasket-mounted structure, which means that the switches are mounted on a rubber gasket that sits between the plate and the case. This reduces the vibration and noise of the keyboard, and also gives it a softer and more cushioned feel. The keyboard also has hot-swappable sockets, which means that you can easily change the switches without soldering. This gives you more flexibility and customization options, as you can choose different switches for different keys, or replace worn-out switches.

The keyboard has two wireless modes: PlayStation Link and Bluetooth. PlayStation Link is a wireless technology that provides lossless and low-latency audio for PS5, PC, and Mac. You need to plug in the included USB dongle to use this mode, which also enables 3D Audio. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets you connect to your phone or tablet. You can use this mode to listen to music or take calls, while still hearing your game audio from PS Link. You can also switch between PlayStation Link and Bluetooth devices by pressing the PlayStation Link button on the earbuds.

The keyboard has a 2,000mAh battery, which can last up to 30 hours on a single charge, according to Lofree. The keyboard also comes with a USB-C cable, which can charge the keyboard quickly and conveniently. The keyboard also has RGB lights on the sides, which can be customized in different colors and modes. The RGB lights add some personality and style to the keyboard, and also create a nice ambient effect.

Lofree Flow Typing Experience

The Lofree Flow is a joy to type on, thanks to its smooth switches and gasket-mount design. The keyboard has a great balance of feel and sound, with a satisfying thock and a minimal ping. The keyboard also has a good amount of feedback and resistance, without being too stiff or mushy. The keyboard also has a good amount of stability and consistency, without any wobble or rattle.

The keyboard is especially good for gaming, as it can create a realistic and immersive soundstage, with accurate positioning and directionality of sound sources. It also supports 3D Audio, which is a feature of PS5 games that enhances the spatial awareness and depth of sound. With 3D Audio, you can hear sounds coming from above, below, behind, or in front of you, as well as from different distances and angles. This can help you locate enemies, allies, and objects in the game world, and also increase the sense of immersion and realism.

The keyboard is also good for typing, as it can handle different types of text and tasks, from writing to coding. The keyboard has a good layout and spacing, which makes typing easy and accurate. The keyboard also has a good backlight and legends, which makes typing in low-light conditions easier. The keyboard also has a good dual wireless mode, which lets you multitask and switch between devices seamlessly.

The keyboard does have some drawbacks, such as the lack of RGB backlighting, the lack of 2.4GHz connectivity, and the mediocre battery life. The keyboard also has a flat profile, which might not be very ergonomic or comfortable for some users. The keyboard also has a limited selection of switches and keycaps, which might not suit everyone’s preferences or needs.

Verdict

The Lofree Flow is a great low-profile mechanical keyboard, that delivers on the feel and quality of typing. The keyboard has a sleek and sturdy design, a smooth and satisfying typing experience, and a dual wireless mode. The keyboard also has some unique features, such as a gasket-mounted structure, a 75% layout, and a 3D Audio support. The keyboard works well with both Mac and Windows devices, and has a reasonable price of $159.

The keyboard is not perfect, however, and it has some flaws, such as the lack of RGB backlighting, the lack of 2.4GHz connectivity, and the mediocre battery life. The keyboard also has a flat profile, which might not be very ergonomic or comfortable for some users. The keyboard also has a limited selection of switches and keycaps, which might not suit everyone’s preferences or needs.

If you are looking for a low-profile mechanical keyboard that does not compromise on the feel and quality of typing, the Lofree Flow might be the ideal option for you. But if you are looking for a more versatile, comfortable, and affordable keyboard, you might want to look elsewhere.