# The Lowfree Flow84: A Mechanical Keyboard Tailored for the Contemporary User
The Lowfree Flow84 marks the latest chapter in my intermittent romance with mechanical keyboards. I characterize it as the mechanical keyboard Apple would design for both good and not-so-good reasons, but we’ll delve into that!
This keyboard represents a relatively new category of low-profile mechanical keyboards, a concept that would have appeared contradictory just a few years back.
## What Is a Mechanical Keyboard, Anyway?
Considering that Apple-style chiclet keyboards now prevail in the market, and many Mac users may not remember anything prior, it’s perhaps best to start from the beginning.
MacBook keyboards, along with the various Apple Magic Keyboards, consist of ultra-slim keys resting on a two-part scissor mechanism. This mechanism provides the necessary springiness and pushes each key back up after use.
This design is quiet during operation and, most importantly for Apple, requires very little height. This allows for use in ultra-slim MacBooks. (We’ll skip discussing the time the company took this to an extreme…)
However, scissor keyboards come with notable drawbacks, the most significant being their lack of tactile feedback. They simply do not offer a satisfying experience in terms of touch or sound. This is where mechanical keyboards shine.
Mechanical keyboards use sturdier switches beneath each key, with significantly longer travel. Depending on the type of switch, the sounds may vary, described commonly as clicky, clacky, or thocky.
Enthusiasts of mechanical keyboards appreciate the more significant physical movement, along with the distinct tactile and audible feedback that indicates a keypress has been registered. This combination generally enhances accuracy and, somewhat paradoxically, leads to faster typing speeds.
Moreover, most mechanical keyboards present nearly limitless customization opportunities. Users can select from a wide array of different switches, each with its unique sound and feel, as well as an extensive selection of keycaps allowing for personalized shapes, colors, finishes, typefaces, and more.
## The Rise of Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboards
For quite some time, you had to choose between:
– The low profile and compact format but lackluster feel of a scissor keyboard
– The satisfying feel but larger physical dimensions of a mechanical keyboard
The size of a mechanical keyboard can be minimized using various reduced-key options. A full-sized keyboard includes every key: function keys, numeric keypad, navigation keys like PgUp and PgDn, and more. These boards have over 100 keys and are known as 100% keyboards.
Over the years, other configurations have emerged – eliminating the numeric keypad and function keys (using key combinations to access them) and so forth. As a result, mechanical keyboards can be as small as 40% of a full-size one while still utilizing standard-sized keycaps.
Yet, the challenge that was only resolved recently was reducing the height of a mechanical keyboard without compromising the range of motion or feel. Several companies figured out how to achieve this, leading to the creation of low-profile keyboards.
## The Lowfree Flow84
The Lowfree model under review is the Flow84, with the name coming from the 84 keys it features. In terms of size, it’s classified as a 75% keyboard, equipped with function and navigation keys, but lacking a numeric keypad. (There’s also a Flow100 version that includes a keypad.)
### Appearance
This is the initial reason I assert it’s the mechanical keyboard Apple would design today: it boasts an exquisitely beautiful, minimalist aesthetic. It comes in either black or white, and when you compare the white variant with Apple’s Magic Keyboard, the resemblance is unmistakable.
The low-profile design is evident from the side view. The copper-hued branding plate may be something you love or dislike; personally, I would prefer its absence, but it’s generally unobtrusive. The same goes for the matching legs, which I will address shortly.
The keys are equipped with backlighting, although I rarely utilize it on a desktop keyboard. Switching between the three supported Bluetooth connections and adjusting backlight intensity is managed via key combinations.
This low-profile design is partly achievable due to the very shallow keycaps. While this means you can’t easily swap in any keycap set for a different aesthetic, Lofree does provide a variety of options available for $50 per set. This price is slightly higher than what is typical for standard sets, but not exorbitant.
### Personalization
Ordinarily, I would progress from Appearance to Feel – but there are a few complications here.
One of the key advantages of a mechanical keyboard is the ability to mix and match elements. Want a new aesthetic? Change the keycaps. Seeking a different tactile experience? Opt for different switches.
