Lofree Flow Lite Review｜Cosmetic low-profile mechanical keyboard that is cosmetically superior and not a light

The release of the Lofree Flow, which shocked the low-profile mechanical keyboard community, is still fresh in our minds.

Sales of the Lofree Edge, which is even thinner than the Flow but still offers a comfortable key feel, have also been strong, and Lofree is becoming very well known in the “low-profile mechanical keyboard” world.

Lofree has newly released “Flow Lite.

The product will be available on Kickstarter, the largest crowdfunding site in the U.S., starting September 19, 2024.

As the name suggests, this product is positioned as a low-cost version of the highly successful “Flow,” but its specifications far exceed those of the Flow, and it is surprisingly much cheaper than the Flow.

In this article, we will review the full appeal of Lofree’s new “Flow Lite”.

Conclusion: You should buy Lofree Flow Lite.

Lofree Flow Lite is a great keyboard to buy.

Indeed, compared to the previous Flow, the chassis has been changed from aluminum to plastic, and many may feel that the Flow is better in terms of key feel.

Nevertheless, we can say with confidence that the key feel of Flow Lite is of satisfactory quality, with Flow being “the most pleasant key feel” and Lite being “a fairly pleasant key feel.

It also has so many features that are better than Flow, such as a “keymap change function” not found in the previous version, the addition of a volume controller, new keycaps with LED transparency, a variety of colors, and a built-in tilt mechanism that can change the tilt angle… and so much more.

In addition, the price is only about 10,000 yen if you apply the very early bird discount!

The product shipping time is also very fast for crowdfunding, with orders being shipped in November.

You will have to buy this one.

Lofree Flow Lite Selling Price (Crowdfunded)

The Lofree Flow Lite is available on Kickstarter, the largest crowdfunding site in the U.S., starting September 19, 2024.

Kickstarter is only available in English, but shipping is available worldwide, so even if you live in Japan, you can support the purchase without any problem.

Flow Lite is available in a 75% layout model with 84 keys and a 96% layout model with 100 keys; the more keys, the higher the price tends to be.

Due to size, the 100-key model is $10.00 cheaper.

The crowdfunding price is a “buy first get first” deal, with the discount rate decreasing based on the number of units planned to be sold.

The highest discount rate is the ” Super Early Bird ” discount.

What a deal, 75% layout models are available starting at $69.00 (approx.

About the options that can be selected (switches are sold separately)

In addition to the keyboard, the following products can be purchased simultaneously as “add-ons” through this crowdfunding campaign.

Particularly, The new “Hades (Silent Linear)” keyswitch is so complete that even those who already have Flow should get it as a replacement keyswitch.

As for “Specter (Linear),” it has lower pressing pressure than Ghost, so those who feel that the Ghost switch on Flow is “heavy” may consider replacing it.

Additionally, replacement keycaps are available for purchase and should be considered.

Lofree Flow Lite keystroke sound

What is still of concern is the “keystroke sound.

Many people have high expectations for the regular version of Flow, as it was highly acclaimed for its typing sound.

We start with the Specter linear switch, which is used by default.

Normally, when the pressing pressure of a keyswitch is light, the typing sound tends to be higher, but the Specter switch, like the Ghost, gave the impression of a low bass sound.

Then also listen to Silent Linear.

As for “Hades,” a silain linear, it is very quiet typing, just like the prototype.

The two keyswitches are compared alternately.

Also see here for a comparison including the previous “Ghost” linear switch.

Lofree Flow Lite actual device review

Let’s take a look at the products.

The two models offered this time are 84keys (white) and 100keys (gray).

First, I would like to take a closer look at 84keys, which I am sure you are all most interested in.

84keys white comes in a plain white box like this.

Perhaps the color of the band is the same as the color of the body.

All packing materials are paper, and there is no cushioning material.

However, the body fits snugly to provide good protection.

Contents include the main unit, instruction manual, acceptance letter, manual, and USB Type-C cable.

The contents are quite simple.

I dared to photograph it on a white desk, but everything is “pure white” including the body and keycaps.

The champagne gold rotary encoder in the upper right corner is very stylish!

On the back, you can see the variable tilt leg, which was added to this version, and the USB receiver.

I see that there is a Japanese technical certification mark firmly in the wireless certification of each country.

In these areas, Lofree is still reliable.

The most eye-catching feature of the new model is the vertical rotary encoder.

It can only increase or decrease in volume and cannot change its role, but it is a very good accent.

Then, let’s look at the key caps.

The base material of the keycap is PBT material as in Flow, but the letters are hollowed out, and PC material is poured to fill the gaps in the double-shot construction.

This polycarbonate material transmits light.

The conventional wisdom around the world is that PBT materials do not transmit backlight, but we have successfully overturned this notion.

The keycaps on the regular version of Flow are double-shot PBT, but the printing is centered and the letters are molded in black PBT material.

In Lite, on the other hand, you can see that the legend has been changed to be closer to the top.

　The key profile itself remains unchanged.

Due to the double shot, the stem has been changed to polycarbonate.

The default keyswitch is the new “Specter”.

In the previous Flow, the linear-axis Ghost was popular, but many Japanese people said that the pressure was a little too heavy for them.

Therefore, the Specter adopted this time has succeeded in reducing the pressing pressure by 10gf while maintaining smooth operation.

The key stitches adopted in this case are the far left (Specter) and the far right (Hades).

There are no major changes in the shape of the key switches.

Let’s look at the back.

The right side of the rear panel houses a dongle for wireless communication in the 2.4GHz band, which was adopted for this model.

It was disappointing that there is no cover, just a depression, but it is the bottom part, so it will not be that noticeable.

On the left side of the rear panel is a USB type-C port and a physical switch for power/wired/wireless switching.

Let’s look at the side.

The tilt leg is now equipped with a tilt leg, which allows the slope to be increased by one more step.

The default tilt angle is slightly tighter for the regular version of Flow.

See below for photos of Flow Lite 100keys.

About “Lofree Keymapper” keymap modification software

Flow Lite has evolved significantly from its predecessor, allowing the default keymap to be changed using proprietary keymap modification software.

To facilitate smooth transition between operating systems, keymaps for both Mac and Windows can be set separately and switched with a single button.

key-map change mode

Operation: Click the key you want to change → Click the key you want to change on the keyboard at the bottom of the screen

Keys for which keymap changes are not possible

The keys in red below are those that cannot be changed due to system-related reasons.

Be especially careful with the function layer, as a very large number of keys cannot be changed.

Keys for which key change is prohibited

• Default layer: Function keys
• Fn1 layer: BT1/2/3/2.4G(1,2,3,4) / Clear BLE Recoerd(|\) / WIn(N) / Mac(M) / Win(Disable Win) / Fn / Light mode Cycle(←) / BT1 (→)

List of key roles that can be selected by change

Lighting Mode

macro setting mode

5 advantages of wanting Lofree Flow Lite

Compared to the regular version of Flow, this model boasts specifications that are uniquely “Lite” in terms of software and new keyswitches.

First, let’s look at the attractive advantages of Flow Lite.

Very beautiful and sophisticated design

First of all, what can I say?

Flow Lite is very stylish.

In addition to the overall coloring, the vertical rotary encoder accents are really the best match too.

This will satisfy your desire for ownership just by having it.

Low price

The price of Flow Lite is frankly too low.

This is especially surprising considering that the Kickstarter super early bird price is $69.00 ≈ approx. 10,000 yen (Flow Lite 84keys).

Considering that the normal selling price of Flow in Japan is 29,700 yen (including tax), it is available at a whopping 1/3 of the price.

Even taking into account that the regular price is $129.00≒approx. 19,000 yen, it is very inexpensive.

After all, most pantograph keyboards sold in Japan are inexpensive, and not many people can afford to spend 30,000 yen to purchase a keyboard, no matter how good the key feel is.

In this sense, Flow Lite is an attractive product that can reach a wide range of buyers.

This price is probably only available on Kickstarter. Even if crowdfunding were to take place in Japan, the author believes that it would be difficult to get the same discount rate as Kickstarter due to the high fees paid by the seller to the crowdfunding site.

Can change the keymap.

Flow Lite supports keymap changes.

Considering that Flow did not support keymap changes, this is a major software advancement.

A situation where a keymap change is particularly useful is when changing the position of modifier keys such as “CTRL” or “WIN”.

Windows PCs have different locations for these keys depending on the keyboard and brand used.

If you are a touch typist, this different position will cause a great deal of typing errors and stress.

In this respect, Flow Lite has the great advantage that the keys other than “Fn,” including the modifier keys, can be changed, so you can change the keyboard to your own preference.

Gasket mount for good typing sound

Flow Lite, like Flow, uses a gasket-mounted structure and multiple layers of sound-absorbing material, allowing the user to enjoy a very thocky typing sound.

It is a great advantage that this feature is carried over to Flow Lite.

Adjustable typing angle

The standard version of Flow had a fixed typing angle, but Lite has a tilt leg that allows typing at an inclined angle.

Especially for keyboards with “flat keytops” such as low-profile mechanical keyboards, many people may find it easier to type if the keyboard is slanted to some degree.

Considering that the inability to change the tilt angle in Flow has often been discussed, the ability to change it is an advantage.

5 Disadvantages to Check Before Buying Lofree Flow Lite

Although this unit is very complete and has specifications that are not “Lite”, there are a few disadvantages that should be checked before purchasing.

To avoid regrets, check carefully before making a purchase.

The keymap can be changed only on Windows for the time being.

Flow Lite’s keymap modification software, Lofree Keymapper, is only available for Windows at the time of release.

Therefore, for those who only have a Mac, there is a disadvantage of not being able to change the keymap for the time being.

As for the future, the company plans to release a web application version of Keymapper, but the release date has not yet been determined.

In the long run, this does not mean that it cannot be used on a Mac, but it should be noted that only Windows users will be able to enjoy the keymap changes immediately after purchase.

Mod-Tap function is not supported.

Flow Lite appears to have been developed based on the original software, not on the QMK/VIA base.

Therefore, it does not support “Mod-Tap”, which is a function that changes the behavior of keys depending on the pressing time, as implemented in QMK.

Before purchasing, please carefully consider the fact that complex settings such as “short press to space, long press to move layers” are not possible.

It is not possible to change the position of specific keys, such as the Fn key for moving layers.

Flow Lite can be used with the Lofee Keymapper application to change keymaps and set macros.

However, the position of certain keys, such as the “Fn” key for moving layers, cannot be moved.

In light of the fact that QMK/VIA is famous for its keymap changes, including layer keys, many people may be interested in this.

Overall weight is not that light.

Lite” means a low-cost version of “Flow,” not “Lite = ultra-light” in any way.

In fact, a comparison of the weight of the regular version of Flow and Flow Lite on 84keys shows that it is about 100 g lighter, but not surprisingly so.

• Flow｜643g
• Flow Lite｜568g

Let me preface this by saying that considering that Lofree Edge was lighter than 500g.

Different from the keystroke feel and sound of Flow

Please watch this video first.

The “Ghost” keyswitch is installed on Flow and the “Specter” keyswitch on Flow Lite.

Flow Lite is positioned as a low-cost version of “Flow” only.

So it is by no means exactly the same as the regular version of Flow.

In particular, the biggest difference is the “keystroke feel.

Both Flow and Flow Lite use a gasket-mounted structure, but the critical difference is the “housing material,” with Flow using an aluminum housing and Lite using ABS resin.

As for the keystroke feel, in the author’s experience, metal enclosures with packed foam are more likely to have a “thocky” keystroke sound.

This is by no means to say that the Lite keystroke sound is bad, but it is just necessary to agree in advance that it is a little “lighter” than the standard version.

Lofree Flow Lite Catalog Specifications

(data) item	Details
Number of Keys	84/100
Materials	ABS Body, PBT+PC Keycaps
Battery Life	2,000mAh/3,000mAh
Compatible System	Windows, MacOS iOS & Android
Backlight	White light
Charging Port	Type-C
Bluetooth Name	Flow84-L@Lofree / Flow100-L@Lofree
Number of Multifunction Keys	16/15
Mode	Wired/Bluetooth/2.4Ghz
Working Time	Up to 80h/100h (Without lights on)
Weight	550g/658g
Charging Time	3 Hours
Bluetooth Operating Distance	15 Meters
Dimensions	84keys:316.8*138*23.5mm 101keys:374.5*138*23.5mm
Remap Keys	Yes

What is the difference between Flow and Flow Lite?

Let’s take a look at the differences between this and the regular disc Flow.

Let’s start with the exterior.

As I said, the coolness of Flow’s aluminum enclosure stands out.

Flow Lite shows that only the rotary encoder portion has a larger upper area.

As for the LED light next to the rotary encoder, I can see whether it is mounted or not.

As for the bottom, the main changes are the USB dongle and the tilt leg.

The appearance of the sloping foot on the bottom of the Flow could have been made smarter, so this is a very good update.

As for the side view, the presence or absence of a molded plate is noticeable.

Also, the regular version looks like a board-like structure with legs, while the Flow Lite is an integrated unit.

Regarding thickness, Flow Lite appeared to be slightly thicker.

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The differences between Flow and Flow Lite in terms of specifications are as follows

Product Picture
Product	Lofree flow(84/100)	Lofree flow lite(84/100)
Color	White/Black	White/Gray/Pink
Structure	Gasket	Gasket
Size	84keys:316X126X24.5mm 100keys:373mmx126mmx26mm	84keys:316.8X138X23.5mm 100keys:374.5X138X23.5mm
Weight	84keys:594g 100keys:738g	84keys:550g 100keys:658g
Connectivity	Dual mode: wired (USB), Bluetooth	Tri-mode: wired (USB), Bluetooth, 2.4GHz
Bluetooth Version	5.1	5.4
Body Material	Aluminum alloy	ABS
Keycap Construction	Dye-sub	double shot
Keycap Material	PBT	PBT+PC
Switch Types	Linear/Tactile	Linear
Switch	Kailh x Lofree full POM switches	Kailh x Lofree full POM switches
Angle Adjustment	×	√
Volume Roller	×	√
Hot-swappable	√	√
Keymap Configurator	×	√
N-key rollover	√	√
Polling Rate	1000Hz	1000Hz
Battery Life	2,000mAh/3000mA	2,000mAh/3000mA
Interface	Type-C*1	Type-C*1
Back Light	White (2×light effects)	White (2×light effects)
Side Light	RGB	×
Compatible System	mac os/ios. Windows/Android	mac os/ios. Windows/Android
Number of Multifunction Keys	16/15	16/15

summary

This is my review of Lofree Flow Lite.

Here is a summary of the review so far.

Advantages	demerit
Very beautiful and sophisticated design Low price Ability to change keymaps Good typing sound with gasket mount Typing angle can be adjusted	Keymap can be changed only on Windows for the time being Mod-Tap function is not supported. Some keys, such as the Fn key for moving layers, cannot be re-positioned. Not that light. Different from Flow’s key feel and sound.

After all, Lofree is indeed capable of producing a keyboard of this quality at this price.

Recently, the old-timer Keychron has released its “B Series” and NuPhy has released its “Air v2” series, which have made a splash, but we have yet to see a keyboard with such excellent cost performance.

This price is only available on Kickstarter.

If you are having trouble, this is a good product to buy.

Please consider it!