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MagyarLofree Flow: Mechanical keyboard shows excellent typing feel with weaknesses in detail in a short test
Well-equipped thanks to metal casing and Kailh POM switches
The Lofree Flow keyboard boasts a solid metal case, which makes the keyboard feel sturdy and prevents it from twisting even with a lot of force. The key stability is excellent. One of the big features of the Lofree Flow is the Kailh Full POM Switches, which are claimed to not be found in any other keyboard at the moment.
The mechanical low profile switches are made entirely of polyoxymethylene (POM), a thermoplastic that is often used for zippers, gears in machines or paintball bolts due to its high stiffness and low friction values. The test sample is equipped with tactile phantom switches, and the keyboard is also available with linear ghost switches on request. The PBT keycaps have a matte finish, which contributes to the keyboard's high-quality feel.
The typing feel is excellent, the low resistance in combination with the clear, tactile feedback predestines the keyboard for frequent typists. However, there are minor deviations between individual keys in terms of pressure point, sound and resistance. This is hardly noticed when typing, but those who place particular value on even feedback should stick with established switches for the time being.
Fancy, but hardly useful illumination
The white backlight can be activated by the function keys and controlled by the operating system to deactivate the LEDs after a minute of no activity, for example, to save power. However, the illumination is only useful to a limited extent, as only the area between the keys is illuminated, not the symbols on the keys themselves. This is not unusual for mechanical keyboards, but keycaps with partially transparent symbols would solve this problem.
There is an RGB LED strip on the left and right edges of the bottom, which is reflected from the table. The lighting can be controlled via the Fn key and the arrow keys, but not via software, so the LEDs cannot be synchronized with the rest of the system. While the LEDs add a nice, relatively unobtrusive color accent to the table, at least the right LED strip is also visible on the top of the review sample - distracting, and a sign that quality control is not yet flawless on pre-production models.
Well connected thanks to Bluetooth and USB-C, but not perfectly assigned for every system
The Lofree Flow keyboard can be connected to a computer, tablet or smartphone either via USB-C or via Bluetooth. It is possible to maintain a Bluetooth connection with three devices at the same time and switch between them at any time via the key combination Fn + 1, 2 or 3. Too bad: The keyboard does not remember which key layout is preferred for the respective device. If you regularly switch between a Windows device and a Mac or iPad, you will also have to use the key combination Fn + M (for Apple devices) or Fn + N (for Windows) because otherwise keys like cmd, the Windows key or the function keys do not work as labeled.
In general, the key layout leaves a lot to be desired. Three of the function keys have no function at all in the Apple configuration, including the microphone key, which hardly makes sense since Apple keyboards have a corresponding key for starting Siri. The fact that the home key on iOS devices has no function is also incomprehensible since dedicated iPad keyboards have a corresponding key to return to the home screen.
ANSI only, no ISO or QWERTZ
The keyboard is only offered with an ANSI layout. Users who are used to an ISO layout will probably miss the larger Enter key, the Alt Gr key as well as the <> key next to the left shift key, although the latter is much larger. Only a QWERTY layout is offered by default, but since the keycaps can be swapped, it can at least be partially adapted to QWERTZ. As usual, the QWERTY layout can be converted via software, but in this case many of the labels on the keycaps are no longer correct.
Lofree promises a battery life of 40 hours when used via Bluetooth, the runtime depends mainly on the use of the RGB lighting and the white keyboard illumination. During the test period, the keyboard's runtime could not be verified under standardized conditions, but one charge could only last around two extended workdays without RGB lighting, with the keyboard lighting activated at maximum brightness. Those who do not want to completely do without the lighting will therefore have to recharge the keyboard several times a week.
To open the keyboard for possible repairs, it is sufficient to remove the eleven screws around the frame and then take off the base plate. Users then have direct access to the battery, the small PCB with the USB-C port and the keyboard's mainboard. In our review sample, the cable connecting the USB-C port to the motherboard was not connected, so the keyboard could not be turned on - a quality control issue that can at least be fixed relatively easily.
Per
+ high quality metal housing
+ robust keycaps
+ Bluetooth connection to 3 devices
+ convenient low-profile switches
Contra
- pressure point not consistent
- unassigned keys under macOS
- only available with ANSI layout
- lettering hardly legible with illumination
Verdict
The Lofree Flow keyboard scores with its simple design and extremely robust metal case. The POM switches provide a pleasant typing feel in the tested, tactile version, but perfectionists might be bothered by the fact that not all keys feel identical.
The ANSI format, which is less popular in Germany, the partly non-functional keys when used with a Mac, iPhone or iPad and the less effective illumination are compromises that buyers should definitely consider. Those who do not mind these limitations will get an excellently manufactured, sturdy keyboard with a premium feel at a fair price.
Prices and availability
The Lofree Flow keyboard is offered for a suggested retail price of $199. At launch, the keyboard can be pre-ordered directly via Indiegogo for the equivalent of around 116 Euros (~$127) plus import sales tax and customs, with a choice of white or black keys, as well as linear or tactile switches.
Alternatives
If you are looking for a mechanical keyboard with a low profile, Bluetooth and illumination, but insist on an ISO QWERTY layout, the Keychron K3 (about 122 Euros/~$134 on Amazon) is a good choice. Keychron includes keycaps for Windows and macOS, which avoids the problem of Lofree's partly incorrect key mapping.
Also an interesting alternative is the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini, which is offered in versions for Windows and for macOS, and which achieves a much longer battery life of ten months without illumination. A special feature is that the backlight can activate automatically when the user's hands approach.
Transparency
The present review sample was made available to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or a shop for the purposes of review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.
