Low-profile mechanical keyboards keep real switches but sit much closer to the desk. That suits people who type on a laptop all day and want the same flat feel on a desk setup. The NuPhy Air75 V2 and the Lofree Flow84 are two of the best-known options, and on paper they look alike: both are 75% boards with 84 keys.
Size on the desk
NuPhy lists the Air75 V2 at 316.4 x 132.5 mm and 13.5 mm tall. Lofree lists the Flow84 at 316 x 126 mm and 24.5 mm tall. The footprint is almost the same, so either fits where a laptop keyboard would.
Switches and feel
The Air75 V2 uses Gateron low-profile switches and supports hot-swapping. The Flow84 uses Kailh switches with full POM stems, in linear, tactile or clicky versions, on a gasket mount with IXPE and Poron foam, and it is hot-swappable too.
Connections
This is the clearest difference. The Air75 V2 connects three ways: a 2.4G receiver, Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable, with a 1000Hz polling rate in 2.4G mode. The Flow84 connects by Bluetooth 5.0 to up to three devices or by USB-C cable, and Trusted Reviews notes it has no 2.4GHz option.
Software and remapping
The Air75 V2 can be remapped with QMK/VIA, and Tom's Hardware notes eight layers of keymaps stored on the board. How-To Geek reports extra effort getting VIA working on macOS. Trusted Reviews lists no companion software for the Flow84.
Battery
NuPhy lists a 4000mAh battery. Lofree lists 2000mAh and up to 40 hours of use; that runtime is the brand's own figure.
Which one fits you
- Pick the Air75 V2 if you want a 2.4G receiver for a gaming PC or the option to remap keys.
- Pick the Flow84 if you mostly pair over Bluetooth with a Mac, iPad or phone and want a cushioned gasket feel.
- Both are 84-key 75% boards about 316 mm wide, so desk space is not the deciding factor.