Key Takeaways
1. The Lofree Flow 2 features a fully aluminum chassis and improved hardware, addressing previous concerns about durability and customization options.
2. The design includes redesigned keycaps with a unique asymmetrical look and a top sculpt similar to Cherry profile keycaps for a familiar typing experience.
3. Enhanced connectivity options include wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz, with compatibility for VIA customization, allowing users to remap keys and assign macros.
4. The Flow 2 comes with a larger 3,000 mAh battery, which may improve battery life, especially with the new backlit switch designs.
5. Pre-orders for the Flow 2 start at $1, with a full Kickstarter campaign launching on July 10, and final prices ranging from $189 to $209.
The Lofree Flow set a benchmark for the typing experience on low-profile mechanical keyboards when it first came out a few years back. However, it did have some flaws, such as limited customisation options and no way to change the typing angle. While the Lofree Flow Lite tried to fix some of these issues, our review of the Flow Lite84 pointed out that the customisation software still had several limitations, and the material durability was a concern.
Improvements with Flow 2
Now, Lofree appears to have tackled many of these concerns with the introduction of the Flow 2, a new high-end low-profile keyboard. The Flow 2 will sport a fully aluminum chassis, plus it retains the convenient hardware switches for connectivity and OS modes from both the original Flow and Flow Lite. Like the NuPhy Air75 V3, the Flow 2 will also feature a gasket-mounted design. Connectivity options remain varied, including wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz, similar to the Flow Lite.
Design Changes and Features
One of the most obvious upgrades in the Flow 2 is the redesigned keycaps and its unique asymmetrical look. Unlike the original Flow and the Flow Lite, which had a more standard design, the Flow 2 has a broader bezel on the right side. This isn’t just for aesthetics; it cleverly conceals hardware for a touch surface, which can be customised to mimic functions of the knob found on the Iqunix Magi65 Pro (currently $132.99 on Amazon), a keyboard we reviewed as well.
The new keycap profile, another significant upgrade in the Flow 2, combines elements of the classic Cherry profile with the uniform-height keycaps seen in the Flow Lite. As is standard for most low-profile keyboards, the Flow 2’s keycaps will be of uniform height, but they will have a top sculpt similar to a Cherry profile. This design aims to provide a more familiar typing experience for users transitioning from full-height mechanical keycaps, while still keeping the lower profile. These keycaps will also be shine-through and made of POM, which should enhance durability compared to ABS, as POM is known to be more resistant to oils common in keycap materials [PDF].
User-Friendly Design Choices
Lofree appears to continue its strategy of appealing to MacBook and laptop users, as evidenced by the USB Type-C port located on the keyboard’s right side. This suggests that the included USB cable will again feature a right-angle connector, similar to what was provided with the Flow and Flow Lite.
Internally, the Flow 2 boasts improved hardware and firmware, making it compatible with VIA, a popular open-source keyboard customisation platform. This allows users on Linux, macOS, and Windows to remap keys, assign macros, and modify touch bar functions.
The Flow 2 will also come with a larger battery compared to both the Flow Lite and the original Flow, featuring a 3,000 mAh battery in the 84-key version. While exact battery life remains uncertain, it’s known that VIA-compatible keyboards can be slightly less efficient than those with proprietary firmware. However, some exceptions exist, like the Iqunix Magi65 Pro, which manages to last hundreds of hours on its 3,000 mAh battery.
New Switches and Pricing
As part of the Flow 2 launch, Lofree has also introduced three new full-POM switches, seemingly in collaboration with Kailh on their design. These new switches are said to have a redesigned backlight window for improved shine-through. While the Flow Lite’s backlighting was decent, the new switch design could potentially enhance battery life with backlighting turned on, as users may be able to reduce brightness while keeping similar illumination levels.
The new switch options include the Void, which is a silent linear switch, the Pulse, a tactile switch, and the Surfer, a standard linear switch.
Lofree has launched the Flow 2 for pre-order on its website. Interested customers can reserve a Flow 2 keyboard for just $1, which offers a significant discount. The full Kickstarter campaign will kick off on July 10, with prices eventually rising to between $189 and $209.
The pre-launch pricing is relatively reasonable considering the premium materials and switch options. However, the final launch prices may seem quite high, especially when compared to the recently unveiled NuPhy Air75 V3 and the respected Iqunix Magi65 Pro.
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