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The low profile mechanical keyboard market has exploded in the last couple of years. Even big brands like Logitech have jumped in with options like the MX Mechanical offering low profile mechanical switches. But there hasn’t been much true innovation in the design…at least until the Lofree Flow came along.

The Good

There are a couple things that make the Lofree Flow special. First and most significantly, Lofree has managed to get a gasket-mount PCB design into a keyboard that is only 10mm thick (except for a small area that extends to 24mm for the battery). A gasket-mount design is normally reserved for enthusiast-level high profile keyboards. It simply means that the PCB, plate, and switches are sandwiched between the top and bottom of the case, held in place by a flexible gasket. This allows for more flex, which many enthusiasts prefer due to the softer/bouncier feel. To fit this type of assembly into such a thin case definitely took some engineering, and the result is not disappointing. There is a good amount of flex in the center of the keys, with a more stiff feeling near the corners. The feel is definitely softer than other low profile keyboards.

This combined with a new low profile switch manufactured by Kailh makes for a very different typing experience than other low profile mechanicals on the market. The switches are full-POM, available in tactile and linear. POM is a material with a very low friction coefficient, which is why it’s been a popular material for switch stems for a while – but these switches use POM for everything that isn’t metal, rather than just the stem. The last part of the equation is the PBT keycaps, which are satisfying to type on but slightly disappointing for a different reason. They have a nice feel with some texture and the softer, muted sound of the linear switches really is enjoyable when you put all the components together. Soft, but not mushy, is how I would describe it.

The Not So Good

The main let-down of the Lofree flow for me is the lighting – and the keycaps play a role in that. The white keycaps which come with linear switches are semi-transparent with the backlighting on even the lowest setting. This is a bit distracting and takes away from the otherwise-upscale look of the Flow. It’s most likely not an issue for the black keycaps if you opt for those (which come with tactile switches). But the other reason I find the lighting less than stellar is that the side lights, which offer multiple color options, don’t have a white option that exactly matches the white backlighting in color-temperature. This seems odd, and a missed opportunity.

One other notable downside for some will be the lack of firmware customization. The Flow is not QMK/VIA compatible and there is no Lofree software for remapping or adding macros. So if that is a must for you, it could be a dealbreaker unless you’re willing to use third-party software like Karabiner-Elements or Microsoft Powertoys.

Other than those areas, the Lofree Flow is an interesting change of pace from other low profile mechanical keyboards in that it offers an upscale look and feel, with a softer, more muted sound profile without feeling mushy. If it checks off your high-priority boxes, I can recommend it. Check out the video review below for full details.

See the Lofree Flow on Indiegogo

Keyboard Specs: