Lofree Flow 2 review: This keyboard made me feel like I was typing faster, but it also challenged my patience.

      Lofree Flow 2

      **MSRP**: $159.00

      “The Lofree Flow 2 offers a wonderful typing experience, but its awkward features lack refinement.”

      **Pros**

      - Outstanding typing experience

      - High-quality aluminum construction

      - Smooth and refined Surfer switches

      - Hot-swappable design

      - Both wired and wireless connectivity

      **Cons**

      - Touch strip can be accidentally activated

      - Uncomfortable side-mounted USB-C port

      - No storage for the wireless receiver

      - Complicated VIA setup

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      The Lofree Flow 2 made a remarkable initial impression. Its aluminum body feels robust, its minimalist aesthetic appears luxurious without being overly flashy, and typing on it felt surprisingly light on my fingers.

      I don’t typically associate “light” with fingers, but it’s fitting. Transitioning between keys required less effort, and I avoided the shallow, slightly lifeless feeling often associated with laptop keyboards. I even sensed that I was typing more quickly.

      For the first time, my numbers confirmed the placebo effect of a new product. I generally type between 90 and 95 words per minute on Monkeytype, but I frequently surpassed 100 words per minute with the Flow 2. While that doesn’t qualify me for competitive typing, assuming such an intense sport exists, the consistency of this difference was noticeable.

      Paulo Vargas / Digital Trends

      Using the Flow 2 also brought to light several aspects that aren’t as well-polished as the keyboard itself. None of them deterred me from using it, but they indicate that Lofree focused more on perfecting the key function than on considering other factors affecting user experience.

      **Price and Configuration**

      I tested the current 84-key Mac version, priced at $159, featuring Lofree's Surfer linear switches. These are part of the newer Cloud Series developed specifically for the Flow 2, replacing the Ghost and Phantom switches from the original Flow.

      Lofree also offers the keyboard with quieter Void linear switches and tactile Pulse switches, allowing for an experience that varies based on configuration.

      At this price point, the Flow 2 competes with high-end low-profile keyboards from Keychron, NuPhy, and Logitech. This makes its minor inconveniences harder to overlook. A less expensive keyboard might ask for some user improvisation, but a premium keyboard should have already addressed practical concerns like where to store the dongle.

      **Specifications**

      - 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 Offers an Excellent Typing Experience**

      The Flow 2 strikes a balance between a standard mechanical keyboard and a laptop keyboard without compromising on either side.

      Its keys have sufficient travel to ensure each press feels intentional, while the low-profile design facilitates swift movements. Each press feels gentle yet not mushy; the Surfer switches are both smooth and consistent, and the wider keycaps provide a comfortable area for my fingers.

      In comparison, my usual mechanical keyboard feels heavier. Moving through a sentence meets less resistance, likely explaining my elevated Monkeytype speeds. This is particularly advantageous during long writing sessions, where a heavier keyboard can make each keystroke feel like a taxing effort.

      The aluminum build enhances this effect. The board remains stable on my desk with minimal flex. Its understated appearance eschews the typical gamer look. Although it features white backlighting, there are no flashy colors swirling beneath the keys like in a nightclub.

      The space bar does have a slight springiness that is hardly perceptible during regular typing. I didn’t experience the metallic resonance mentioned in some other reviews, though whether that’s due to the Surfer switches, variation among units, or production inconsistencies is unclear.

      Paulo Vargas / Digital Trends

      The Flow 2's hot-swappable functionality allows for switch replacement without soldering, giving enthusiasts the flexibility to customize their typing experience. This feature also means that a faulty switch doesn't render the keyboard unusable.

      However, I would use this feature with caution; the plastic clips on low-profile switches may be more fragile than their bulkier counterparts, and compatibility is not as broad as in the standard MX-style market. Hot-swappable does not guarantee that every mechanical switch available online will fit.

      Fortunately, I haven't felt the need to change the stock switches. Those who usually dive into modifying