LOFREE Flow84 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard, 75 Percent Rechargeable Wireless Keyboards with Bluetooth and Wired Connection for Windows, Mac OS/Phantom Tactile Switches, Space Black

This is an excellent mechanical keyboard. It seems very well made as long lasting, and it’s really responsive when typing. Five stars.

Ordered via Vine.Firstly I already own, have tested and reviewed the FLOW84 White variant, which is not entirely identical but it's within the same Line of models. And aside from the obvious white keycaps and silver colour, the POM Kailh Ghost Linear Switches vs the Phantom Tactile Kailh switches on this one.I actually preferred the black colour in general of this keyboard which has tactile switches and slightly different keys for the same effect, yet preferred the Ghost Linear switches of the white version that i'm accustomed to.So although the black tactile keys and designed to go with the switches, I have tried switching them and I can totally live with the very slight difference, though I am slightly contradicting the R&D.I already own a traditional style Gaming mechanical keyboard but it's a 65% EPOMAKER EK98, worth almost 1/3rd of the price on sale. Although in the vasty majority and in almost all aspects both LOFREE keyboards are simply better designed, constructed and with superior and more expensive switches vs my Flamingo Linear ones. Since the Kailh Pom switches cost £47 to £54 when bought on their own, almost as much as I paid for the entire keyboard on sale.Ultimately I can't use a low-profile keyboard, preferring my much more aggressively inclined Mechnical keyboard that I've become accustomed to, it has much longer battery life too and I can't do without my rotary/volume knob. But there is no point in comparing these two very different keyboards anyway to compare.However the purpose of this keyboards low-profile mechasnical fundemental R&D, somewhat mirrors the reason for buying my own Gaming EPOMAKER. Since i've not gamed for 15 years yet it was the only way to achieve a truly mechanical and superior typing experience, despite all of the customisable RGB that I had no use for, and serves no practical purpose. I like many other aspects of the keyboard, but I'd have preferred basic backlit and shine through key caps that also looked good.But not wanting to spend loads, I bought it simply for it's visual appearance and linear mechanical switches, with the RGB being one of it's primary features I've turned off entirely.So although low-profile isn't quite desirable for me either. in a similar way, this LOFREE Flow84 is aiming to solve a similar problem and niche, since it used to be that the superior mechanical typing experience was only available on gaming focussed mechanical keyboards for the most part that's still the case. In part due to size and other limitations, this meant that non gamers who just wanted more compact and basic low profile keyboards, had to tolerate whatever non mechanical keycaps and switches were available for keyboards of that category.So the first thing to establish is what type/category of keyboard this is and who it's marketed towards. Since many want more basic, low-profile keyboards that are compact and portable And just like typing on a smart phone or iPad provides zero feedback. Typically the only low profile keyboards available did not have mechanical or supported hot swappable switches, which would otherwise vastly improve the overall typing experience. They were at best very much like laptop keyboard switches and caps, with similar poor feedback, accuracy and speed.Aside from sounding good, the good mechanical keyboards and switches feel so different to that of a standard low-profile or laptop keyboard, that your word count, WPM, accuracy and overall productivity can be vastly increased, in addition to the enjoyable experience of typing.On this Black model with Phantom tactile switches especially, if you are required to type thousands of words per day, for work or any purpose at all. It used to be that you could only find this is gaming mechanical keyboards, which being gaming focussed were not ideal for more general use and productivity. This is for those who just want a keyboard that's reasonably lightweight - though it;s aluminium frame provides a good balance between support, weight and presence. But also remains compact, low profile. And like my own mechnical keyboard, you don't need the RGB or 2.4Ghz fastest latency draining the battery unnecessarily.Over the last few years some manufacturers have now released some "hybrid" like keyboards, that are not really for gaming but aim to be low profile, portable, compact. With the issue being the more compact and low profile a keyboard is, the less space is available to have the mechanical keys and switches also that people want for the superior feedback, speed and WPM and if possible a satisfying sound.As such, this is what LOFREE and only a few other brands have aimed to achieve here with this keyboard, they're are not exactly the worlds first as there are a few others, but there are some features on this keyboard that stand out from the limited competition. Specifically: "The world's first low-profile switch made entirely of POM material for self-lubrication & smooth feel".In general when your limitation is space itself there are still only a handful of options from various brands. At £160 you could consider this a relatively mid-high end keyboard, and although they have also added some trivial features that might appeal to light or casual gaming. As LOFREE explain in great detail, this is a keyboard designed for general use and ultimate productivity, that tries to be as low-profile as possible. And LOFREEs R&D team have done a great job of achieving both at the same time.As although I cannot say I've compared the very few similar alternatives, in addition to being a very well constructed aluminium designed, they've also squeezed in the same gasket mounts and true mechanical switches typically found in gaming keyboards. Hence creating a low-profile more general use keyboard, with all of the same benefits that are found on Gaming Mechanical keyboards.The result being that this is a more ordinary looking, low profile and portable keyboard, yet has all the performance of a good mechanical gaming keyboard, with their Kailh POM mechanical switches providing supreme performance as well as a seamless and enjoyable typing experience. There are not many keyboards yet on the market that have achieved this so perfectly well.On this Black variant with Phantom tactile switches and keycaps, as opposed to linear the general consensus at least in theory. Is that this switches with their very different tactile feedback, offer the fastest and most efficient typing and word count. Although it is highly subjective, with lineqar still being more popular overall and if linear is what youre used to like myself. Then whether the maximum potential productivity is better with these Phantom Tactile switches, some either cannot get used to them, or defianty are unwilling or unable to switch from linear.LOFREE have produced their own three different hot-swappable switch options that can be bought separately and all are different but high quality switches.I wont go too much into all the differences between each switch, but this white model will appeal to those who already prefer linear switches and as the name suggests (Ghost/Phantom) they also aim to be reasonably quiet. Although the keycap design and height also plays a factor.If if you have never used any mechnical keyboard switches and you do want that additional tactile feel, for most likely increased WPM and productivity. Then this black model with tactile switches, keyaps and a slightly more "clicky" sound will almost certainly be the optimum choice, especially if WPM is incredibly important to you. They are a bit more higher pitched and slightly louder in the decibels, without the deeper "thock" linear sound. But they still sound and feel rather good, albeit different. I couldnt certainly get used to it and my WPM is not high though I do type a lot for work and leisure.There are several unique features that make this a top tier keyboard, firstly the Kailh POM switches are actually self-lubricating. That means that not only have they been pre-lubed but they use some technology which continues to lubricate your switches, claiming to make them even smoother over time.So needless to say, these are ready to go straight out of the box, they reequire zero maintenceOtherwise, this shouldn't be customised visually whatsoever, with its quite intentional clean, basic and minimalistic keycap colour, font and design, it looks very much like a £160 keyboard after you have used it for a few days. Then you'll notice it both looks and feels rather special. You can expect the keys to become smoother over the first few months of use. I haven't been using mine for very long at all but it certainly doesn't need lubrication, perhaps ever.I'm quite confident that those who really understand this keyboard and it's switches are going to have a fantastic and seamless typing experience, and those new to mechnical switches even more so.I do really like the black keys and graphite or space grey chassis of this variant, and slightly prefer it visually over the white. Although they both look super clean, and the minimalistic single colour design is exactly what the consumers this is marketted towards will want - compared to Gaming styles. This lowprofile keyboard is prefect even with simplistic styling that overall from front, sides and to back looks amazing. Though all keys and switches are entirely hot swappable and can be customised if you wanted.This keyboard is perfect out of the box and requires zero customisation or maintenance - Those buying this will not be interested in modifying it at all, unless they wanted to test the 3rd Wizard POM Kailh switches. And on this model, you could try them as it's even more tactile with even greater feedback, even clickier but may very well increase your WPM even further.Aside from this, you'd really struggle to find better switches for this low prpfile keyboard, likewise the gaskets and aluminium chassis is perfectly designed out of the box. In terms of looks, feedback, sound and it's fantastic low-profile yet perfectly constructed and robust design. You'd struggle to improve this in any way.The build quality of this is spectacular, as their own stock image shows a true photo of the underside which is full aluminium, with brass coloured incline brackets/feet at the rear that matches the LOFREE logo plates on each side.The all aluminium chassis design also contributes in making this a very solid and stable keyboard, whilst keeping its total net weight perfectally balanced, to make this portable. Also giving it a fantastic robust and premium looking appearance in grey/black key caps. It looks like a £160 keyboard, and once you begin using it, it also feels like one.Opting not to use a 2.4Ghz connection, BT helps the battery. As although they have implemented some gaming or RGB features, for some obvious broader appeal. The RGB side lightning, looks ok in total darkness. But it's so dim that really you might as well turn it off, and tbh it might as well not exist - or it needs to be far brighter to look appealing.As whilst it does also have single colour backlighting, in total darkness because the key caps have PBT low-profile 5 sided-Dye sublimation (which is very good) since they are not shine through so really you need some ambient lighting unless your screen/monitor is bright enough alone for darkness or low ambient light usage - This isn't really a keyboard designed to be used in low light. Similarly making this a full RGB keyboard would have been not just unnecessary, but making this sort of a hybrid in categories. Which is what I think they have gone for to some degree, but then successfully catering for both designs and purposes would have required some additional changes and improvements in order to execute bothy perfectly and without making sacrifices or expectations not being met.As for the 2000Mah battery, now this is a low profile keyboard so space is an obvious limitation. The fact that it's Bluetooth only somewhat makes up for that. And whilst casual gaming is totally possible, no serious gamer would be satisfied with Bluetooth.There is no denying that 2000Mah is on the low end, although Bluetooth and sleep modes can help somewhat. This isn't a keyboard that you can fully charge and then forget about for several weeks. For that, the battery would need to be more like 3000 Mah to 4000 Mah, considering this may be marketed towards professionals who will want to use this 9AM to 5PM, or for long periods of almost non stop productivity and then it has the portability for all scenarious.All of this is irrelevant if you are prepared and prefer to use this in wired mode, which to be fair or if I had to guess, for permanent/long term setups people may have no issue using it wired. It could be 50:50, I really am not sure. But this is also advertised for its compactness, low-profile portability which may include those that would rather not carry around the wired cable, or the hassle of plugging it in and out. But this brings me to one unusual and universally negative design choice here. As for this price and calibre of keyboard, one thing I would expect is a proper paracord type C charging cable. This is one missed opportunity here, and addition to that, because of the recessed type C input port you can only used the cable which comes with the keyboard. Or at least some universal replica cables may not fit, although I found a few that do.Returning back to the battery, since the RGB side lightning which is adjustable, is so dim is all but darkness. They could have made it brighter, since you can turn it off or maybe not implemented it altogether, I think most users will choose to keep it off.It's understandable why they did not ot could not have just stuck a 4000 Mah battery inside instead, it would have taken up double the space, increased costs.And likewise with the single colour backlighting, it's neither colourful or impressive enough to be kept on at all. Even in darkness although you can see separation between the keys, it does not offer improved visibility with no shine through.I can understand why this would have all been a difficult decision in the R&D department, because what £160 keyboard comes with both no RGB/backlighting at all? Sacrifices were unavoidable. And I tend to agree that if this keyboard, if it came with no RGB OR Backlighting in it's title, it would have made the keyboard far less broadly appealing.Despite the average battery capacity, if you want to use it exclusively in Bluetooth mode it claims 40 hours of running time before a recharge, which is by no means the end of the world, and will depend on your daily usage, providing you are prepared to recharge it once every 5-10 days if I had to estimate.Even the Flow100 which is larger and houses a 3000Mah battery but equally claims 40 hours of use, this doesn't really take too much away from the keyboard overall for my review personally, since I am reviewing it impartially based on a range of differing prospective buyers/users. But if I were to take the 40 hours literally it would be a bit of a nuisance to me personally - An adjustable auto sleep could have been very useful here if it has one, its not clarified.Also 40 hours use may not necessarily mean 40 hours of being ON compared to OFF. Since "40 Hours of continuous Use" is is very, very different to simply 40 hours total from ON to OFF.So the battery duration in Bluetooth mode is still adequate in my opinion and the rest of the keyboard does a huge job of making up for this. And the good news is, if like me you do not care about RGB, and do not even have shine through keycaps it can simply be turned off. I have turned all of my RGB off on my gaming keyboard, which means I can be lazy and leave it on 24/7 for several weeks.As for general gaming ability, for those who want to use this for work/productivity and the occasional casual gaming, you can do so no problem.For those who want to use this in wired mode, you can forget about all of the above really, just remember the supplied cable is not a paracord design and not all universal Type Cs will fit.If LOFREE had not made this a somewhat hybrid keyboard, with some degree of RGB elements, or backlighting whether its really effective or not, then I think they'd struggle to sell these.It's already quite an accomplishment to make this a fully mechanical and hot swappable keyboard with top tier POM Kailh self lubricating switches that cost £47-£54 if bought separately. Then the low profile PBT keycaps. And without describing the purpose and function of each, in order after the switches, within the keyboard you get: The Gasket Pad, Positioning Plate, Silicone Pad, IPXE Foam, PCBA, Poron, and finally the premium aluminium frame with an underside Aluminium base. This is everything you'd expect to find in high end gsming keyboards, no expensr hss been spared. If even possible, a 3000Mah to 4000 Mah battery would have been perfection.So Although I had to mention this is at best a moderate capacity 40 hour battery, for those users who know exactly what this keyboard is for, it's unique design and category. What makes this ultra special primarily which creates the superb feedback and sound is because this has literally all the high-end components necessary that you would find in high end Gaming Mechanical keyboard.This last bit of aluminium even makes the underside look fantastic, and with the Brass Coloured Durable feet which give it it's low profile incline and match the side Brass LOFREE Logo'd brackets (side RGB area).There are various very small screws visible but I actually personally think this contributes to the engineering prowess, and the R&D that has made this a remarkable keyboard to use. When you type on this keyboard, it turns typing into a truly enjoyable and seamless typing experience. And that is what any buyer of this keyboard will experience, if they are either brand new to mechanical keyboards, and/or familiar with the preference of high quality tacile switches and other components. Thats the part that is difficult to describe or comprehend until you literally begin typing on it.So to conclude I'm going to have to summarise are say that while not 100% flawless, for it's intended purposes and if you understand what this is, then this is fantastic and rather specially engineered low-profile fully mechanical & hot-swappable keyboard from LOFREE. Precisely as intended for tactile feedback, and potentially maximum productivity within a low profile and compact aluminium and top tier keyboard.Aside from average battery life, nobody will buy this and be disappointed UNLESS you already use or prefer linear switches in which case you want the white Version. Which besides keycaps/switches is identical and equally amazing to use.For many, many I feel this is still a 5/5 star keyboard, and if you know what you're buying, you'll absolutely agree and not be disappointed, or return this. Its only my very strict flawless rating system, that prevents me from issuing 5 Stars. The RGB side and backlightning is pointless, and battery only average. So although I feel that overall, this is a 5 star and uniquely engineered keyboard regardless.I'm giving this 4/5 stars as I only dish out 5's for absolutely perfect, flawless products.But, make no mistake as to many this will be worth 6 stars, all day. I have to consider a broad range of users, however I'll confidently say that If this keyboard has been designed for you, then please ignore my 4/5 rating and buy this keyboard - I've reached the 2000 character limit so I have to cut this review short. But i'll admit, my review does not really do this justice, but describing just how this "feels" and it's wonderful and quite rare R&D is somewhat challenging.When you see and use this keyboard, you'll understand my rating dilemma.

Typing on this keyboard has been an enjoyable experience. The keys have a smooth, satisfying feel with just the right amount of feedback, which makes long sessions more comfortable. The design is modern and blends nicely with a minimalist setup, while the build quality feels solid. Connecting it was quick, with no noticeable lag in wireless mode. Customising the lighting adds a nice personal touch, especially for late-night use. It’s compact enough for smaller desks but doesn’t feel cramped during use.

This keyboard arrived packaged in a very high-quality looking box, and straight away you notice the weight, it is heavy.Opening the box, by removing the sleeve and lifting the magnetic flap, you get access to the keyboard itself, a small instruction booklet and a USB cable.The construction of the keyboard is like no other keyboard I have come across, it has a metal frame and back and it feels solid to hold and almost indestructible.The feel of the key presses is the nicest feeling keyboard I’ve ever used, it feels precise but not clicky, there is a good amount of travel to the keys, but they have a soft bottom out feeling, it’s just lovely.The first issue I found though, and for me it’s a big issue, is the keyboard is a US layout, so the enter button is completely different to a UK layout and some of the keys are in different positions to what I am used to.There are only two connection options, either wired with the supplied cable or Bluetooth, there is no option for a USB dongle, even though the manufacturer does make a mouse with a USB dongle. The connection mode is selected using a small switch on the back of the keyboard, this also has an off position to save battery. I have found the Bluetooth to be very reliable and the keyboard responds quickly even when it hasn’t been touched for a while and appears to have gone into a sleep mode.The keyboard can be used on Windows and Mac machines, the compatibility mode is selected using a key combination but it is not clear if this is persistent when the keyboard is turned off so you may need to select the mode for some of the functions keys to work correctly.There is a backlight on the keyboard, however as the keys are not translucent the light does not shine through them, making the backlight fairly useless. There is also a couple of RGB lights on the underside of the keyboard, but these are not very bright and can only be controlled using key combinations on the keyboard.Overall, this a fantastic keyboard to use and looks amazing on first glances, but the incorrect layout, poor lighting implementation and limited connectivity let it down severely.