LoFree Flow LITE - The Best Budget Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard?

Summary

The Low-F Free Flow Light improves on its predecessor with a more affordable price and key updates, including 1000Hz polling rate, RF connectivity, and basic firmware customization. Priced at $129 (with early backers getting it for as low as $69), it retains the signature low-profile design and Palm switches. The keyboard features a premium brass-colored scroll wheel, adjustable feet, and solid build quality, though the software is still in early development. Overall, the Flow Light delivers a premium typing experience at a more budget-friendly price, making it a great option for compact keyboard enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The low-f free flow light is an evolution of the original flow keyboard, offering many of the same great features but with new improvements at a reduced price.
• 😀 The flow light retains much of the sound and feel of the original, with the addition of 1000Hz polling, RF connection support, and basic firmware customization options.
• 😀 The keyboard is expected to be priced around $129, making it a more affordable option compared to the $159 original and $219 Edge model.
• 😀 Available in three colors and both 84 and 100-key variations, the flow light introduces a new brass-colored scroll wheel and simplified ABS body.
• 😀 The keycaps are now double-shot PBT/polycarbonate, offering shine-through legends, though they provide uneven lighting that impacts legibility.
• 😀 The flow light features a 2000mAh battery, offering up to 80 hours of use without backlighting, which is decent but not extraordinary.
• 😀 The keyboard's fully Palm switches remain a highlight, with options like the new silent linear haes and tactile Phantoms providing excellent typing feel.
• 😀 The keyboard's PCB is mounted on a gasket system with acoustic foam for sound dampening, although it’s not as complex as some other high-end designs.
• 😀 The flow light lacks some features from the original, like the underside lighting, but gains features like magnetic storage for the USB-A RF dongle and adjustable feet.
• 😀 The firmware software for remapping keys and configuring macros is in early beta, with basic features available but much room for improvement, especially for macro creation.
• 😀 Early bird pricing for the flow light is as low as $69 for the 84-key version during the Kickstarter campaign, with an expected MSRP of around $129 post-campaign.

Q & A

What are the main improvements of the Low-F Free Flow Light compared to the original Low-F Free Flow?

The Low-F Free Flow Light offers several key improvements, including gaming-grade 1000 Hz polling, a radio frequency (RF) connection, basic firmware customization via proprietary software (currently in beta), and a price cut to around $129. It also features an aluminum scroll wheel and more ergonomic kickstand feet for better typing comfort.

How does the price of the Low-F Free Flow Light compare to the original model?

The Low-F Free Flow Light is priced much lower than the original model, with early bird prices starting around $69 for the 84-key version and $79 for the 100-key version. The regular price is expected to be around $129, compared to the original model's $159 or more.

What are some of the design changes in the Low-F Free Flow Light?

The design of the Low-F Free Flow Light is more simplified, using an all-ABS body with a matte texture. It also introduces a brass-colored aluminum scroll wheel and slightly thicker body compared to the original. The kickstand feet for adjusting the keyboard’s incline are a new addition for better ergonomics.

What is the main drawback of the new backlighting on the Low-F Free Flow Light?

The backlighting on the Low-F Free Flow Light is less impressive than the original. The shine-through keycaps produce uneven lighting, which affects legibility, especially with the white LEDs. The lack of an underside light, which was present in the original model, also detracts from the overall look.

What are the main switch options available on the Low-F Free Flow Light?

The Low-F Free Flow Light features a range of switches from the Kalel Shadow series, including the linear Spectre and Ghost switches, the tactile Phantom switches, and the silent linear Haes switches. These switches are pre-lubricated, low-profile, and provide an excellent typing experience.

How does the Low-F Free Flow Light's battery life compare to the original Flow?

The battery life of the Low-F Free Flow Light is about 80 hours with the backlight off, which is similar to the original Flow. While not exceptional, it’s adequate for daily use, especially if the backlight is turned off to conserve battery.

What are the limitations of the firmware and software customization on the Low-F Free Flow Light?

The firmware software for the Low-F Free Flow Light is still in beta and lacks some key features. While basic key remapping is available, macro programming is limited and not very intuitive. The scroll wheel is not yet customizable, and the backlight effects are minimal, offering only brightness and speed adjustments.

What is the issue with the scroll wheel on the Low-F Free Flow Light?

The scroll wheel on the Low-F Free Flow Light is slightly loose along its axis, which can cause it to rub on the left side if used with a left bias. Although this issue was not immediately obvious, it was noticeable after prolonged use.

How does the typing experience on the Low-F Free Flow Light compare to its predecessors?

The typing experience on the Low-F Free Flow Light is excellent, with the same self-lubricating low-profile switches found in the original Flow. The switches are responsive and smooth, with the tactile Phantoms being the reviewer’s preferred option for feel. The sound is slightly louder than the original but remains pleasing.

Why is the Low-F Free Flow Light considered a great option for travelers?

The Low-F Free Flow Light is portable, lightweight, and compact, making it an excellent travel companion. Despite being slightly heavier than the original, it is still easy to carry and use on the go. The magnetic storage for the RF dongle and improved ergonomics make it a good choice for users who need a functional keyboard while traveling.