Lofree Flow 2 review: This keyboard made me feel like I typed more quickly, but it also challenged my patience.

      Lofree Flow 2

      MSRP: $159.00

      “The Lofree Flow 2 offers a great typing experience, but its awkward additional features fall short in refinement.”

      Pros

      - Outstanding typing experience

      - High-quality aluminum build

      - Smooth and refined Surfer switches

      - Hot-swappable design

      - Wired and wireless connectivity

      Cons

      - Touch strip can be activated unintentionally

      - Unconventional side-mounted USB-C port

      - No space for storing the wireless receiver

      - VIA setup is unnecessarily complicated

      “Why you can trust Digital Trends – With a 20-year history of testing, reviewing, and rating products, services, and apps, we help you make informed purchasing decisions. Learn more about our product testing and scoring methodology.”

      The Lofree Flow 2 left a strong initial impression, with its robust aluminum body that feels reassuring, a sleek minimalist design that conveys luxury without drawing too much attention, and surprisingly nimble fingers while typing.

      I don't typically associate the word "nimble" with fingers, but it applies here. The effort required to transition between keys felt reduced, avoiding the shallow and somewhat dull sensation I usually experience with laptop keyboards. It even felt like I was typing more quickly.

      For once, the data backed up the new-product placebo effect. I typically type between 90 and 95 words per minute on Monkeytype, but I consistently exceeded 100 words per minute with the Flow 2. I may not be ready for competitive typing, assuming such a daunting sport exists, but the improvement was notable.

      Living with the Flow 2 also highlighted several design choices that aren't quite as refined as the keyboard itself. None made me want to stop using it, but they imply that Lofree focused more on perfecting the typing experience than considering all the ways users interact with the keyboard.

      Price and configuration

      I tested the 84-key Mac version, priced at $159, which comes equipped with Lofree's Surfer linear switches—new additions from the Cloud Series specifically designed for the Flow 2, replacing the earlier Ghost and Phantom switches from the original Flow.

      Lofree also offers versions with quieter Void linear switches and tactile Pulse switches, which means the typing experience varies depending on the configuration.

      At this price point, the Flow 2 competes with high-end low-profile keyboards from Keychron, NuPhy, and Logitech, making its minor annoyances harder to overlook. A less expensive keyboard can afford some improvisation from its users, but a premium model ought to have already anticipated where the dongle should be stored.

      Layout: 75%, 84 keys

      Switches: Surfer linear

      Other switch options: Void silent linear, Pulse tactile

      Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4GHz

      Battery: 3,000mAh

      Rated battery life: Up to 120 hours without backlighting

      Backlighting: White

      Switch replacement: Hot-swappable

      Remapping: VIA

      MSRP: $159

      The Flow 2 provides an excellent typing experience.

      The Flow 2 strikes a balance between a traditional mechanical keyboard and a laptop keyboard, avoiding the downsides of both.

      The keys have enough travel to feel purposeful while the low-profile design keeps movements short. Each key press is gentle without being mushy, the Surfer switches are smooth and reliable, and the larger keycaps give fingers a comfortable target.

      In comparison, my usual mechanical keyboard feels heavier. There’s less resistance when typing, which likely explains my improved speed on Monkeytype. This ease becomes especially pleasant during lengthy writing sessions, where a heavier keyboard can turn each keystroke into a chore.

      The aluminum construction enhances the overall experience. The board remains sturdy and stable on my desk, and its understated design avoids the typical gamer style. It features white backlighting without the distracting rainbow effects often found on lower-end models.

      I've noted a slight springiness in the space bar if I'm paying close attention, but it's hardly noticeable during regular typing. I did not experience the pronounced metallic resonance mentioned in other reviews—whether that's due to the Surfer switches, production variability, or differences from unit to unit is hard to determine.

      The hot-swappable feature of the Flow 2 allows for switch replacements without the need for soldering. This provides enthusiasts the flexibility to customize their typing experience and ensures that a single faulty switch doesn’t ruin the entire keyboard.

      However, approach this feature with caution. The plastic clips on low-profile switches seem more delicate than their full-height counterparts, and compatibility may be more limited than in the standard MX-style option. Hot-swappable does not imply that any mechanical switch found online will fit.

      Fortunately, I've had no desire to change out the original switches. Users who typically dismantle a new keyboard to add foam and tape in pursuit of the perfect "thock" may be surprised by how polished this one already feels and sounds.

      The touch strip brings some everyday frustration