Lofree Flow Lite: Two-minute review

The Flow Lite is Lofree’s follow-up to its superb Flow keyboard, which combined a low-profile design with delightfully top-quality touches to make it a marvel of premium keyboard engineering, and (in my humble opinion) one of the best mechanical keyboards you can buy. Perhaps the only drawback of the Flow was its fairly costly $159 asking price, and it’s that that has prompted the creation of the Lofree Flow Lite.

This keyboard takes the best parts of the Flow – its quiet, comfortable typing and compact design – and fits it into a more affordable form, cutting a few features here and there to bring the price down to $99 for the 84-key version (which I reviewed) and $109 for the 100-key edition. The key question is whether Lofree has been able to do all that without losing what makes its devices so appealing.

Typing on the Flow Lite feels good – for the most part. While the Flow offered both tactile and linear switches, you only get the linear option with the Flow Lite. That’s not a massive problem since the linears are very fast and comfortable to use – this coming from a man who normally steers well clear of any switch that’s not loud and clicky – and if you like smooth key switches, the Flow Lite’s custom Kailhs will be very pleasing to use. That said, my fingers did start to feel a little sore after a few hours of usage due to a fair amount of bottoming out (I find this is common whenever I use linear switches), so that’s something to be aware of if you find yourself pressing a little too hard when you type.

Everything is tied together in the Lofree Key Mapper app, which is used to create macros, change lighting effects, remap keys, and more. It’s admittedly a bit less intuitive than some rival keyboards’ apps, but it gets the job done.

Lofree has cut a few corners in order to lower the price, but they don’t feel like a massive step down. The aluminum chassis is gone, replaced by an ABS plastic one instead, while the PBT keycaps are now a combination of PBT and polycarbonate plastic. The USB-C to USB-A cable is also now of the standard plastic, non-braided variety. Finally, Lofree has cut the number of lighting effects from 16 to 8 compared to the Flow.

Interestingly, Lofree has actually added a few features to the Flow Lite that the regular Flow lacks. The most noticeable example is the copper-toned volume roller in the top-right corner. This is tactile and metallic, and you can press it in to mute your audio completely. It is a little stiff, but it’s a useful extra regardless.

Other new additions include 2.4GHz connectivity in addition to the wired and Bluetooth modes (the latter of which can connect to three devices); feet to adjust the angle of the keyboard; and a doubled polling rate, going from the Flow’s 500Hz to 1,000Hz in the Flow Lite. I’m particularly happy about the keyboard feet, as it was always a shame you couldn’t change the Flow’s angle. The rubber on the Flow Lite’s feet is a little thin and bendy in places, but I can forgive that if it means I can raise the keyboard to a (slightly) higher angle.

That makes choosing between the Flow Lite and the Flow more complex than simply wanting to save money. While on the one hand the Flow Lite feels like a step below the Flow, on the other it also represents an evolution of sorts. Hopefully, Lofree will work these advancements into a successor to the Flow, if or when that arrives.

I’m left feeling fairly impressed that Lofree has managed to make the Flow Lite still feel like a premium offering, even without many of the things that made me love the original Flow. It’s a more affordable way into the world of mechanical keyboards without feeling like you’re rummaging through the bargain bin. I still prefer the Flow overall – it’s just so good – and I really wish Lofree offered tactile or clicky switches for the Flow Lite. But there’s still a lot to like about this keyboard, especially if you’re in the market for a quality low-profile device that’s still enjoyable to use.

Lofree Flow Lite: Price & availability

The Lofree Flow Lite costs $99 or $109 (depending on the size you get), knocking $50 to $60 off the price of the $159 Lofree Flow. Whether you decide the trade-offs are worth it for the price cut will come down to your personal taste. Right now, it’s available on Kickstarter, and will be sold on Lofree’s website and on the company’s Amazon store.

Should you buy the Lofree Flow Lite?

Buy the Lofree Flow Lite if…

Don't buy it if...

Lofree Flow Lite: Also consider

How I tested the Lofree Flow Lite

I spent time using the Lofree Flow Lite day-to-day at my desk. That included writing articles, gaming, and generally using my computer throughout the day. I tried it on both Windows and macOS, and also put its Lofree Key Mapper companion app through its paces.

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL: two-minute review

The Logitech G515 sits on the cheaper end of the brand’s wireless keyboard range, but it is no cheap device. And why would it be? It’s a brilliant gaming keyboard with great-feeling keystrokes and a lovely layout, underpinned by Logitech’s brilliant wireless technology and class-leading software for programming and rebinding keys.

The most impressive thing about the Logitech G515 isn’t what it can do; it’s what it isn’t. While Logitech tends to stick to a less aggressive aesthetic with its gaming range of peripherals, the G515 takes things a step further… to the point where it looks more like a workplace keyboard than one fit for gaming. 

That’s a fairly defining trait of many low-profile keyboards (that and the smaller keycaps), but it bleeds through to the rest of the G515 – the keys aren’t very loud and there’s no space for any spare buttons, such as Logitech’s G-Keys (unless you program them in yourself with the G Hub app). There’s not even any dedicated media controls apart from doubled-up keys accessible with the function keys.

Available in black and white colorways (with ‘tactile’ and ‘linear’ key types available depending on the market), the Logitech G515 only weighs 880 grams (just under 2 lb). It comes with an included USB-A to USB-C cable for charging and wired use, with a rated battery life of up to 36 hours. It’s quite small, at 368mm long, 150mm wide and 22mm high (14.49 x 5.91 x 0.87 inches) – a size far below many of its counterparts in the Logitech G range.

It comes with Bluetooth support (though it doesn’t list what version), but you’ll likely be using the integrated USB-A wireless dongle more as it’s faster and much more reliable. 

Ergonomically the G515 commits no sins. Each key is easy to access, with the CTRL key easily pressed with a pinky or a nimble thumb and the space bar producing as satisfying a press as any other key on the board – no inconsistencies here.

If I could change any one thing about this keyboard, it’s that I’d like a volume wheel fitted to it somewhere here. Logitech’s much smaller TKL 60 keyboard had one off to the side, so I’m not sure why it’s absent here. Considering this keyboard’s bigger size in comparison to the TKL 60, there’s also room for dedicated pause, mute, back and forward buttons, which are also conspicuously missing. The absence of a wrist wrest – integrated or detachable – may also get on some people’s nerves.

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL review: price and availability

• List price of $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$269.95
• Tactile/linear keypress options available in some markets
• Black and white colorways available

At $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$269.95 apiece, the Logitech G515 is priced well above most other low-profile keyboards, with its closest competitor being the Corsair K70 RGB MK2. The ‘low-profile’ category, which represents keyboards that don’t raise high off of the desk and are made up of thin and short keys. These still aren’t very common for gaming, but obviously the G515 is seeking to change that.

Unfortunately for some buyers, the keyboard doesn’t come with a wrist rest in the box. In some markets, buyers will be limited to the ‘tactile’ key switch option, while in the UK and the US, linear keys are also available at no extra charge (this review is based on the tactile switches, which is the only version available in Australia where I am located).

Again, unfortunately, there’s no cheaper option. I personally like having the choice of a wired option as it means you don’t have to worry about charging, but Logitech hasn’t provided such an option in any market. You can, however, keep it constantly plugged in using the included USB-A to USB-C cable. 

Value: 3 / 5

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL review: specs

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL review: design and features

• Neutral aesthetic 
• Default lighting profile may annoy users
• No wrist support or dedicated media controls

Just because a keyboard is meant for gaming doesn’t mean it needs to look like the quintessential gaming keyboard, and the Logitech G515 epitomizes that ethos. The way this board feels, it seems more intended for somebody who likes tactile, responsive feedback when playing games, but also wants a sensible keyboard for typing away at their job. It feels like the perfect ‘working from home’ gadget – a nice compromise between a gaming accessory and something that might boost your productivity.

The thinner design of the G515 gives it an unassuming feel, more akin to a laptop keyboard than anything else. It’s lightweight but robust, with the keys easily removable for cleaning. Its design is so neutral that Logitech could sell this keyboard alongside its standard range of peripherals without the gaming badge attached – though the signature Gaming Mode button in the top left reminds the user that this is for play as much as it is for work. It sits right beside a button that switches to the dongle and another to switch to Bluetooth.

More on the ‘play’ side of things, every key on this board is backed by a fully customizable RGB light, with the default lighting profile being a breathing blue color, where the keys pulse in brightness on a loop (the WASD keys maintain a solid candy pink). The lights can be turned off by pressing FN + F8 and can be fully customized in the Logitech G app. The default lighting profile can also be changed through the app, so that when you plug this keyboard in, it starts with a different color profile to the usual blue and pink scheme. Changing the color profile would be a good idea if you want to maintain a less gamer-y aesthetic, but I personally found the default color profile to be inoffensive. 

It’s a shame, however, that this keyboard doesn’t come with included wrist support. Logitech sells such wrist supports separately if you really want one, but considering how expensive this keyboard is on its own, it could become a hefty investment if you’re kitting out your gaming setup anew. 

Even the lack of dedicated media controls feels like a missed opportunity. Instead, the usual pause/play, stop, back, forward, mute, volume down and volume up actions are bound to FN + F9, F10, F11, F12, PRNT, LOCK and P/B respectively. Dedicated media controls are one of the things that I love the most about the brand’s staple G Pro keyboard and it’s a shame that they’re not on this more palatable option. 

The keyboard feels brilliant in use, though. The model I was sent for this review features tactile keys, which press just as smoothly as any other Logitech G board of the same style. That’s underselling it from me actually – Logitech’s GX Brown tactile keys (which is what is used here) are by far my favorite from any peripheral manufacturer. They’re perfectly weighted to give you an affirmative response while not requiring too much effort from your fingertips to press in, all the while ensuring each keypress is deliberate. Unfortunately I can’t speak for Logitech’s linear key style, which is also available on this keyboard, but not in Australia (where I am).

There’s not really much to say about the layout of the keyboard apart from that it’s mastercrafted. There’s a formula that Logitech’s G division follows that doesn’t need to be broken and this is as good an example as ever. The Numpad often gets disregarded in favor of having a smaller board, which I personally prefer and so can’t complain that it’s not available here. Keys feel close enough together to avoid reaching for some, and yet accidental presses of surrounding keys is minimal. Moreover the function row is easily accessible by stationary hands even if you have small mitts. 

The shorter key caps that come with the low-profile design may irk some gamers however. It caught me off guard at first just how short these keys were when playing games, but I quickly got used to them and, after a short while, didn’t mind them at all. Some gamers like their keyboards to feel big and robust like props on a sci-fi spaceship, but this keyboard is going for a broader design than that. 

Finally on the software, the Logitech G peripheral app is brilliant for allowing you to customize both the lighting of the keyboard’s RGB and keybindings across the board. As already mentioned, RGB profiles can be saved to the board’s memory, however keybindings cannot. There’s nothing out of the ordinary here from Logitech, though the Logitech G app can be a bit daunting for a first-time user. I’d recommend having a good play with it at your leisure. 

Design & Features: 4 / 5

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL review: performance

• Fast, affirmative keys
• Brilliant layout
• Keys may not be large enough for some gamers

The Logitech G515 is made up of plastic keys covered in a gentle coarse paint that keeps fingertips well positioned for affirmative presses while not being abrasive at all. The tactile Logitech Brown GX keys click in without making too much noise for an office setting, while being firm enough to avoid a mispress. 

Pressing the keys feels satisfying and guaranteed – you know you just clicked the button and a light press from a fat thumb or hanging finger won’t be enough. This goes for every key on the board and it feels brilliant. 

The Game Mode button definitely offers a subtle boost in performance in that you won’t fat-finger the Windows key with it's pressed. Switching between the dongle and the Bluetooth module is also quick and is perfect for if you want to use this keyboard with two devices. 

The level of programming that you can do with the G515 through G Hub is also pretty great, allowing the user to create whatever keybinds they want (and remove them at any time). 

Performance: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Also consider

How I tested the Logitech G515

• Used daily for 1 week
• Used for gaming and productivity, both in office and at home

From the moment I received the Logitech G515, I started using it in the office, with my testing period lasting about a week. To test in different environments, I even took it home, where I used it to play games such as Alan Wake II, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), Team Fortress II, Dress To Impress and Concord. For work, I used it for several productivity apps, including typing out this entire review. I also used the Logitech G Hub app to fiddle around with the customizations, changing the colors and setting up my own lighting profiles.

I’ve been a PC gamer for almost my entire life, and have reviewed quite a few peripherals, including different types of keyboards and mice, over the last few years. Several of these have been Logitech products, which has allowed me to compare the G515 to other keyboards from the brand and its competitors as objectively as possible. 

Read more about how we test

[First reviewed August 2024]

Lofree Edge: Two-minute review

The Edge is Lofree’s attempt to make a mechanical keyboard as thin and as light as possible, and in that respect, it largely succeeds. But when you set aside this stated goal, is it actually a keyboard you’ll want to use?

Well, the most important metric – the typing feel – gets the Edge off to a positive start. Lofree has used custom Kailh POM linear switches underneath its low-profile keycaps, resulting in a soft, smooth action. It’s fast and comfortable, and we very rarely “bottomed out” when typing, meaning no sore fingers at the end of the day. It results in a quiet, satisfying typing sound that Lofree describes as “library-friendly.” We wouldn’t argue with that.

The Lofree Edge uses a compact 84-key layout that pushes the arrow keys close to the main body of the keys. That can make finding the right key a little tricky if you’re not used to this layout. It wasn’t a massive problem in games, though – the keys have enough of a raised bump to make finding them by touch simple enough, and games that extensively use the arrow keys are fairly rare.

Lofree has made the Edge as slimline as possible, cutting out extra weight and bulk so that it’s almost as thin as a MacBook Air. You get a magnesium chassis with many holes punched out of the back, low-profile keycaps, and cut-down key switches. Its chassis (excluding the keys) measures 31.9x15.5x1.3cm at its widest (or 1.8cm thick, including the keys). That makes it a dash thicker than the MacBook Air, but it’s close. And at 481g, it’s exceptionally lightweight.

However, a byproduct of this process is that the Edge doesn’t feel as high-end as Lofree’s superb Flow keyboard. Yet, at the same time, it is priced much higher, which doesn’t sit well. At the time of writing, the Edge was undergoing crowdfunding on Kickstarter, where it was priced at $129. Yet its regular price will be $249, much higher than the $159 Lofree Flow. Given that state of affairs, we’d pick the Flow every time.

The Edge’s keycaps are made from PBT plastic rather than the more standard ABS, which gives them a slightly textured feel and should help them ward off key shine. It adds to the premium feel of the keyboard, but there is a very noticeable drawback: it’s rare to find PBT keycaps that let backlighting shine through. In the Edge’s case, it’s difficult to see the key legends in dim lighting, a problem exacerbated by Lofree’s decision to use razor-thin lettering on each key. This is much less of a problem on the Flow as it uses thicker key lettering.

The keys’ font choice contributes to the “edgy” aesthetic of the keyboard (perhaps inspiring – or inspired by – the Edge name), which is added to by the exposed screws and carbon fiber top surface. It feels like something out of the late 1990s or early 2000s, like Neo used it to jack into the Matrix. It’s not exactly to my taste, and I’d much rather take legible lettering over this look.

One thing I do appreciate, though, is the Edge’s ability to switch between up to three connected devices via Bluetooth on the fly. It can also flip between macOS and Windows layouts with a quick key press. That flexibility means key mappings are always where you expect them to be, no matter which operating system you use.

Lofree also offers a free Configurator app alongside the keyboard. When I tested it (before the Kickstarter campaign had finished), it was extremely rudimentary. Some features didn’t seem to work at all, while others were hard to use due to a confusing workflow and poorly translated text. This is definitely a weak spot for the Edge.

On the back of the device is a toggle that lets you switch between Bluetooth and wired modes, and there’s also a USB-C port for the wired connection. You get two flip-up feet that let you adjust the angle from flat to slightly raised, although the difference between the two is not huge.

If portability is your first priority for a keyboard, the Lofree Edge is a contender. But it’s not just about compactness, as it offers a surprisingly pleasing typing experience for its slender key profile. However, its high price is hard to justify, and its stylized design will cause opinions to split.

Lofree Edge: Price & availability

The Lofree Edge is currently available on Kickstarter, where the price is listed as $129. That translates to about £102/$195 AUD. The Kickstarter page indicates that the regular price will be $249 (about £198/$376 AUD) once crowdfunding is over.

That regular price will make it expensive, even for normally pricey mechanical keyboards, and much costlier than the $159 Lofree Flow. The reduced crowdfunding price is more reasonable.

Should you buy the Lofree Edge?

Buy the Lofree Edge if...

Don't buy it if...

Lofree Edge: Also consider

How I tested the Lofree Edge

I tested the Lofree Edge over the course of about a week. This included writing articles, browsing the web, and playing games. I used the keyboard on both Windows and macOS and tried switching between different devices and layouts on the go.