Lofree Flow 2: New wireless low-profile mechanical keyboard packs touch bar, new keycaps, and improved customisation with VIA
The Lofree Flow kind of set the standard for typing feel on low-profile mechanical keyboards when it launched a few years ago, but there were some shortcomings, like a lack of customisability and an inability to adjust the typing angle. These shortcomings were somewhat addressed in the Lofree Flow Lite, but as we discussed in our review of the Flow Lite84, the customisation software falls short in a number of ways, and there are issues with the longevity of the materials.
Now, though, it seems as though Lofree has addressed a number of these criticisms with the launch of the Flow 2, its next-gen premium low-profile keyboard. The new Flow 2 will feature an entirely aluminium body along with the convenient hardware switches for connectivity and OS modes from the original Flow and Flow Lite, and it will also be gasket mounted, just like the new NuPhy Air75 V3. Much like the Flow Lite, the connectivity options also include wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz.
Lofree Flow 2 specs and details
The most easily noticeable changes to the Flow 2 are the redesigned keycaps and the asymmetrical design. Instead of the forehead from the Flow Lite and the original Flow, the Flow 2 has a wider bezel on the right edge. That right bezel isn't for nothing, though, since it apparently hides the hardware for a touch surface, which can ostensibly be customised to behave similarly to something like the knob on the Iqunix Magi65 Pro (curr. $132.99 on Amazon) which we also reviewed.
The new keycap profile, the other major change to the Flow 2, is an interesting blend between the classic Cherry profile and the uniform-height low-profile keycaps of the Flow Lite. As is typical with most low-profile keyboards, the Flow 2's keycaps will be uniform height, but they will feature a top sculpt that's similar to a Cherry profile. This, in theory, should feel somewhat more familiar to those coming from full-height mechanical keycaps without sacrificing the overall lower height of the Flow 2. The keycaps will also be shine-through and made from "higher purity PBT" this time around, which should make them significantly more durable than the keycaps used on the Lofree Flow Lite, which showed signs of wear very quickly.
Lofree also seems to be sticking to its previous design decisions that appeal to MacBook and laptop users, since the USB Type-C port is located on the right edge of the keyboard. This suggests that the USB cable included in the box will again have a right-angle connector, much like the Flow and Flow Lite.
Under the hood, the Flow 2 features upgraded hardware and firmware, which make it compatible with VIA, the popular open-source keyboard customisation suite. This means users on Linux, macOS, and Windows will all be able to remap the Flow 2, assign macros, and adjust the functions of the touch bar.
The Flow 2 will also deliver a larger battery than both the Flow Lite and the original Flow, at 3,000 mAh in the Flow 2 84-key variant. Exact battery life figures are unclear, but VIA-compatible keyboards are known to be a little less efficient than those with proprietary firmware, although there are exceptions, like the Iqunix Magi65 Pro, which manages to squeeze out hundreds of hours from its 3,000 mAh battery.
New switches for the Lofree Flow 2
As part of the Flow 2 launch, Lofree has also announced three new full-POM switches, again seemingly working with Kailh on the design. The new switches claim to have a redesigned backlight window for better shine-through. Although we found the backlighting on the Flow Lite to be rather adequate, the redesigned switch may again improve battery life with backlighting enabled, since you may be able to turn down the backlight brightness while maintaining similar illumination levels.
The new switches include the Void, a silent linear, the Pulse, a tactile switch, and the Surfer, a regular linear switch.
Lofree Flow 2 price and availability
Lofree has, as with the Flow Lite, launched the Flow 2 as a pre-order on its own web store. Interested buyers can pay $1 to reserve a Flow 2 keyboard at a highly discounted price. The Kickstarter will launch in full-force on July 10, where the price will eventually skyrocket to between $189 and $209.
Early Flow 2 VIP prices if you pre-order:
- 68-keys: $89 ($189 launch)
- 84-keys: $99 ($199 launch)
- 100-keys: $109 ($209 launch)
Pre-launch pricing is on the more affordable side, given the premium materials and switch options, but the final launch prices seem rather steep, especially compared to the recently announced NuPhy Air75 V3 and the venerable Iqunix Magi65 Pro.
Source(s)
