The Lofree Flow 2 is a minimalist mechanical keyboard designed with Mac users in mind. I’ve been testing it in my setup for the past couple of weeks, and while it’s proven to be a strong performer, a few quirky design choices mean it might not be for everyone.
Specs
Right now the Flow 2 is only available on Kickstarter, and you can choose from three sizes: 65%, 75%, or 96%. I went for the 65% in space grey, mainly because it has that subtle, stealthy look that fits perfectly with my setup.
The trade-off with the 65% model is the smaller battery. It’s only 2,000mAh, while the bigger layouts step up to 3,000. In terms of compatibility, it works with Mac, PC, iOS, and Android. You also get three connection options: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz with the USB receiver, or wired with USB-C.
Inside The Box
Inside the box we simply get the keyboard itself, some paperwork, some extra keycaps so you can switch between Mac and PC layouts, a USB receiver, and a USB-C to A charging cable. It’s worth noting that no keycap or switch puller is provided.
Design
The design of the Flow 2 is definitely one of its highlights. It’s machined from a single block of aluminium with a smooth matte finish, and it looks fantastic. Overall it has a clean, classy aesthetic that I really like. It’s a low-profile keyboard, so if you’re coming from an Apple keyboard you’ll feel right at home, just with a little more key travel. The fold-out aluminium feet give you a steeper 7-degree typing angle, and the left foot also hides the connection mode switch.
Now, the slightly controversial bit: the extended bezel, or sidebar, on the right. This is where you’ll find the USB-C port, the battery indicator, and a touch bar that lets you control volume or screen brightness on your device.
Visually, I think the sidebar looks great, but some people might see it as unnecessary. As for the touch bar, I rarely use it since I’m so used to adjusting volume and brightness with keys. One small downside is that if you move the keyboard, it’s pretty easy to trigger the touch bar by accident. Thankfully, Lofree included an option to disable it, just press Fn and Spacebar for three seconds and it locks out.
Typing Experience
On my space grey Flow 2, the keyboard comes with Pulse tactile switches. They’re rated at 40G, smooth to type on, but with a slightly firm feel that gives a bit more feedback as you type.
One thing to note is that if you order through Kickstarter, you can’t choose your switch type. That means if you want the space grey model like mine, you’re stuck with the tactile switches, there’s no option for the softer linear ones. Hopefully that will change once the Flow 2 hits full retail. The keycaps are excellent too. They’re made from PBT plastic with a subtle texture, which makes them feel both durable and comfortable. Overall, I’m happy to spend long typing sessions on this keyboard without any issues.
Final Thoughts
For me, the Lofree Flow 2 is a keeper. It combines a premium, minimalist design with high-quality switches and keycaps, solid build quality, and decent battery life. The compact 65% size makes it a good option for commuting or travel. The extended bezel and touch bar don’t bother me, though I get that they might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Value for money is strong too. My 65% model is currently $90 on Kickstarter, though that will probably rise once it hits full retail. All things considered, it’s a sleek, well-built keyboard I’d happily recommend to any Mac user.