Design and workmanship
The Lofree Flow Lite is available with either 84 or 100 keys and, more recently, also in the German ISO layout. Upon unpacking, you'll immediately notice its compact size, which, with its rounded corners and narrow edges, appears almost elegant. The color variants Off White, Marble, and Flamingo each bring their own character, transforming the keyboard into a small design object on your desk.
Lofree has dispensed with metal in the Lite version, opting entirely for plastic. This takes away some of the premium feel of the original, but it also has advantages for everyday use. At around 600 grams, the Flow Lite is pleasantly lightweight, easy to transport, and yet sits securely on the table. Only with forceful typing does the case give slightly in the middle. Otherwise, the workmanship leaves a harmonious impression. Nothing wobbles or rattles, and the quiet keystroke ensures an unobtrusive typing feel that fits well with its understated appearance.
The keys have a matte surface with a slight grip, making them comfortable even during longer typing sessions. The flat design ensures a relaxed hand position, and those who prefer a slightly more angled keyboard can use the small folding feet on the back. Combined with a palm rest, this creates a comfortable combination that quickly feels natural.
In everyday use, the Flow Lite also impresses with its practical details. The copper-colored volume control on the right side is precise and quickly becomes an integral part of your workflow. The white backlighting ensures easy-to-read labels and remains pleasantly discreet without disturbing the typical Lofree look. After a few weeks, the keycaps begin to show signs of shine, which is common with ABS material, but doesn't detract from the solid overall impression.
Setup, use and software
Setting up the Lofree Flow Lite is effortless. In the box, you'll find the keyboard, a USB-C cable, a small 2,4 GHz dongle, and a brief, easy-to-follow guide. Once powered on, the keyboard can be connected either wired via USB-C, via Bluetooth (5.4), or wirelessly (2,4 GHz). All three options work reliably, but in everyday use, there's a clear favorite.
While Bluetooth operation is particularly energy-efficient, it takes a few seconds upon waking up before the keyboard responds to inputs. This can be annoying when working on the PC, especially if you frequently take short breaks. It's significantly more stable and faster using the included wireless dongle. It operates at a polling rate of up to 1000 Hertz and responds with virtually no delay.
Switching between devices is well implemented. Using a key combination, you can switch between up to three Bluetooth devices, allowing you to use your laptop, tablet, and smartphone simultaneously. Switching between Windows and Mac mode also works with the touch of a button, demonstrating Lofree's conscious commitment to simplicity. Both systems are seamlessly supported here. No complicated settings; just plug in and go.
For additional customization, Lofree provides the Key Mapper. The software allows you to remap individual keys or create simple macros. The options are limited, but sufficient for basic customization. The software runs reliably on Windows; there is currently no official version for macOS. Many settings, such as lighting, power saving mode, or device switching, can be controlled directly via keyboard shortcuts anyway.
Typing feel and everyday experience
When typing, the Lofree Flow Lite demonstrates its design for comfort and a quiet typing experience. The keyboard is based on a gasket-mount construction, in which the internal components are decoupled from the case by dampening layers. This ensures a smooth typing feel and a pleasantly muted sound that isn't intrusive, even with heavy keystrokes.
It uses new Lofree x Kailh switches made of POM plastic. They operate linearly with a 40-gram actuation weight, making them noticeably lighter than the 50-gram switches of the larger Lofree Flow. Typing feels effortless and smooth in everyday use, almost as if you were gliding over the keys. The typing feel is reminiscent of high-quality laptop keyboards, but offers a bit more depth and precision.
The keycaps are made of a PBT-PC dual-material that provides a robust feel while allowing the white backlight to shine through evenly. The surface is slightly matte, provides a good grip, and ensures secure fingertip control while typing.
Thanks to its low profile, the keyboard sits ergonomically flat on the table, relieving strain on your wrists. Those who prefer a wider angle can extend the small folding feet on the back and increase the tilt angle from 3 to 6 degrees. A wrist rest provides a comfortable typing position that remains comfortable even during extended use.
The Flow Lite also performs well when gaming. Thanks to the fast response time via the 2,4 GHz connection and the linear switches, inputs are implemented precisely. Nevertheless, the keyboard is clearly aimed at prolific typists and productive users, rather than ambitious gamers.
Battery life and lighting
In mobile use, the Lofree Flow Lite is not only lightweight but also durable. According to the manufacturer, the integrated 2.000 mAh battery is sufficient for up to 80 hours of operation with the backlight deactivated. In our tests, the keyboard lasted about a week of normal use before needing to be recharged. With the backlight activated, the battery life is significantly reduced, but remains sufficient for several days of regular typing. The battery can be charged in about three hours via the USB-C port on the back.
The white backlighting complements the simple design. It evenly illuminates the lettering and makes working in dim light easier. The brightness can be adjusted to several levels, and it can also be turned off completely.
The Flow Lite doesn't offer color changes or special effects, which fits the keyboard's minimalist design. After a few minutes of inactivity, the keyboard automatically enters standby mode, which deactivates both the backlight and the wireless connection. Just one keystroke is all it takes, and everything is back on.
