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”.
- 洗練されたデザインが非常に美しい
- 価格が安い
- キーマップの変更ができる
- ガスケットマウントで打鍵音が良い
- タイピング角が変更できる
- キーマップが変更できるのは当面はWindowsのみ
- Mod-Tap機能には対応していない
- レイヤー移動のFnキーなど特定キーの位置変更はできない
- そこまで軽くはない
- Flowの打鍵感や打鍵音とは異なる
Representative of GreenEchoes Studio
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
[blog_parts id="41919"]
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.
KawamuraYou can choose from 6 different colors and key numbers in 3 different colors and key numbers.
In addition, the price is only about 10,000 yen if you apply the very early bird discount!
You will have to buy this one.
KawamuraOf course, since it has acquired technical certification, there is absolutely no problem with wireless use in Japan.
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.
Flow Lite regular sales price
| goods | regular price |
|---|---|
| 84keys | $129.00 |
| 100keys | $139.00 |
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.
KawamuraSince there are a limited number of units available for sale, if you wish to purchase at a lower price, please do so as soon as possible.
The highest discount rate is the ” Super Early Bird ” discount.
What a deal, 75% layout models are available starting at $69.00 (approx.
KawamuraWell…this is cheap.
This price is possible because of Kickstarter’s low platform usage fees.
Crowdfunding in Japan has not yet been decided, but probably will not sell at such a price.
It is that much cheaper by a long shot.
Super Early Bird
| goods | reduced price | regular price | discount rate | Estimated number of units to be sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84keys | $69.00 | $129.00 | 46.51% | 1000 |
| 100keys | $79.00 | $139.00 | 43.17% | 500 |
Early Bird
| goods | reduced price | regular price | discount rate | Estimated number of units to be sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84keys | $79.00 | $129.00 | 38.76% | 1200 |
| 100keys | $89.00 | $139.00 | 35.97% | 600 |
Kickstarter Special Price
| goods | reduced price | regular price | discount rate | Estimated number of units to be sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84keys | $89.00 | $129.00 | 31.01% | unlimited |
| 100keys | $99.00 | $139.00 | 28.78% | unlimited |
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.
add-on
| goods | reduced price | regular price | discount rate | Estimated number of units to be sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switches | $39.00 | $79.00 | 50.6% | unlimited |
| Keycaps | $39.00 | $79.00 | 50.6% | unlimited |
| Keycaps of 100keys | $45.00 | $89.00 | 49.4% | unlimited |
add-on list
- Switches-Hades
- Switches-Specter
- Switches-Ghost
- Switches-Phantom
- Keycaps-Dear Kitty
- Keycaps-Van gogh
- Keycaps-Matrix
- Keycaps-Retro
- Keycaps-100keys
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.
KawamuraI personally recommend Retro.
Replacement keycaps available for purchase
Replacement key switch
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.
KawamuraFor office use, we recommend Hades.
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.
KawamuraThe same mechanism was used in the homing keycaps of the NuPhy Gem series, wasn’t it?
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.
KawamuraThe Legend is closer to the top because it is a north LED-equipped model.
It is thought to be a means of transmitting the backlight more cleanly by positioning it directly above the LEDs.
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.
Basic Operation
- How to switch between Win and Mac: Win mode｜Fn+N Mac mode｜Fn+M
- Change Kana ⇔ Eisuji (switch between Japanese and English): Win｜Alt+`(key to the left of 1) Mac｜Ctrl+Space
precautions
- The role of the rotary encoder cannot be changed.
- At the time of release, only a Windows downloadable version is available, and Mac compatibility is not possible. A web application will be released in the future.
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
- Low price
- Can change the keymap.
- Gasket mount for good typing sound
- Adjustable typing angle
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.
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.
KawamuraThe reason why the Flow has attracted so much attention is probably because of its “outstanding keystroke sound despite being a low-profile keyboard.
Of course, the same excellence is carried over to Flow Lite.
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.
- Mod-Tap function is not supported.
- It is not possible to change the position of specific keys, such as the Fn key for moving layers.
- Not that light.
- Different from the keystroke feel and sound of Flow
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.
KawamuraWe tested the actual production version and found that the specification that reflects keymap changes in real time is excellent, and the UI is intuitive to use.
In addition to keymap changes, macros can also be registered.
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.
KawamuraThis is a bit disappointing, considering that simultaneous presses are supported.
It is not possible to change the position of specific keys, such as the Fn key for moving layers.
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 (→)
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.
KawamuraUnfortunately, that is the specification in this area, so we have to accept it.
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.
The differences between Flow and Flow Lite in terms of specifications are as follows
- Coloring｜Lite has more choices. The standard version had a white (linear)/black (tactile) configuration, but Lite is now white/gray/pink with a uniform linear switch.
- Connectivity｜The standard version had only wired and BT connectivity, but Lite adds a 2.4GHz dongle connection.
- Body material｜Aluminum housing for the standard version, but the Lite version is now made of ABS plastic to reduce costs.
- Both keycaps are made of PBT, but the Lite keycap has a double-shot structure with the printing area made of PC, which allows the backlight to penetrate.
- Weight｜The standard version weighs 643g, while Lite weighs 568g.
| 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.
KawamuraComparing the price of the key switches sold individually with the price of the very early bird discount, you might be under the illusion that the keyboard itself is practically free….
This price is only available on Kickstarter.
If you are having trouble, this is a good product to buy.
Please consider it!
