Summary
- The JLab Flow Mouse & Keyboard Bundle both deliver tactile and responsive performance.
- The USB-C dongle ensures reliable 2.4GHz connectivity, and the two Bluetooth 5.2 inputs work just as effectively.
- The built-in wrist cushion provides comfort during long type sessions, too.
The JLab Flow Mouse & Keyboard Bundle is a fantastic, budget-friendly mouse and keyboard combo. It’s not the most advanced setup in the world, nor the quietest, but I admittedly had a hard time going back to my daily drive PC accessories when I finished testing the JLab suite.
- Brand
-
JLab
- Connectivity
-
2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2
- Keyboard Battery
-
Up to 1 year
The JLab Flow Mouse + Keyboard Bundle is an ergonomic wireless keyboard and mouse combo with AI integration for the ultimate home or work setup.
- Both mouse and keyboard are tactile and responsive
- 2.4GHz USB-C dongle works like a charm
- Keyboard wrist-rest is a lifesaver
- Great desktop app
- Inexpensive
- Mouse is a bit cheap-feeling
- Keyboard design may take some getting used to
- Not the quietest peripherals
Price and Availability
The JLab Flow Mouse & Keyboard Bundle sells for $75 but has been priced as low as $60. The mouse-keyboard combo can be purchased directly through JLab or Walmart.
- Brand
-
JLab
- Connectivity
-
2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2
- Keyboard Battery
-
Up to 1 year
- Mouse Battery
-
Up to 1 year
A Pleasant Appearance and Comfortable Design
Best known for its affordable headphones and earbuds, I’m always a bit leery when a brand renowned for one type of product (e.g., wearable audio) tries making something else. But in the case of the JLab Flow bundle, my “prove it to me” attitude was quickly laid to rest. While JLab didn’t reinvent the wheel with this one, what it did do was focus on what makes JLab devices great: solid performance at a reasonable cost.
Both the mouse and keyboard are well-made peripherals with sleek and lightweight designs. I especially loved the contoured shape of the Flow keys, which angle upward toward the center. Other manufacturers should be taking notes because, for less than $75, this may be the most cozy typing experience I’ve ever had. I’m also a habitual elbow-leaner at my desk, so the built-in wrist cushioning was a godsend for long bouts of typing and the occasional elbow drop.
Clicks and keystrokes always felt pleasant and responsive, albeit a bit loud. I often wear noise-canceling headphones at my workstation, and my Sony XM4 cans were able to eliminate a lot of the plasticky key clattering, but not all of it. The same goes for mouse clicks and scrolling. In fact, I found the Flow mouse to be a tad louder than the keyboard, specifically when clicking near the scroll wheel.
An input-switching button is located on the bottom of the mouse, allowing you to easily switch between 2.4GHz connectivity and two Bluetooth 5.2 profiles. I also liked how smoothly the mouse glided across my mousepad, and I appreciate that JLab included two sets of keyboard hinges for a bit of height adjustment if needed.
Besides the mouse and keyboard, there’s one key piece of tech in the box: a USB-C dongle. Do. Not. Lose. This. The tiny adapter is required for connecting the Flow suite for customization. I also found the 2.4GHz connection to be pretty dang reliable.
Seamless Device Compatibility
The JLab Flow bundle is compatible with Windows and MacOS operating systems. You can also use the equipment with an iPhone, Android devices, and Chrome OS hardware. I had my demo units connected via 2.4GHz to my M1 MacBook Pro. I was hesitant to not use Bluetooth, though, as connecting my Logitech gear to my laptop via 2.4GHz proved nightmarish, so you can imagine my surprise when the JLab started working the second I plugged the USB-C dongle into my computer.
The Bluetooth 5.2 profiles worked just fine, too, but the performance over 2.4GHz was so good I never wanted to switch. But if you’ve got a busy workflow going at all times, switching back and forth between the three connection profiles is seamless.
One thing to be careful of: the USB-C dongle has an odd shape. Depending on how you plug it in, you may end up blocking one or a few laptop ports.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
Wireless keyboards and mice tend to be some of the more energy-efficient consumer tech products on the market, and the JLab Flow suite is here to represent!
Both the mouse and keyboard come with batteries pre-installed (1 x AA for the mouse, 2 x AAA for the keyboard), and JLab claims you’ll get up to one year of performance from both peripherals before it’s time to change the batteries. It’s also not a bad idea to switch off both accessories when you’re not using them.
Using the JLab Work App
One of the big selling points of the JLab Flow bundle is the keyboard and mouse’s customizable keys and clicks. You’ll need to download the JBL Work App, which can be found here. Do keep in mind that the software is only compatible with Windows (10 or later) and MacOS (10.15 or later) and is only accessible when connected to your host computer via the USB-C dongle.
I loved the intuitive dashboard of customizations the Work App provided for both the keyboard and mouse. You’ll be able to create up to three unique profiles for each device, which can be helpful if you often find yourself jumping between basic word-processing apps and fast-action PC games. The mouse dashboard even lets you customize DPI and refresh rate settings!
Related
6 Ways Virtual Keyboards Are Better Than Even a $100 Mechanical One
You could give me a nice keyboard, but I wouldn’t use it much.
I say this a lot: it’s the little things that count the most. I adored the Flow Keyboard’s Media Knob, which was programmed by default to raise and lower the volume of my MacBook when turned, and instantly opened the Apple Music app when pressed.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the software to program shortcuts for AI tools. I’ve reached out to JLab for an answer on this, but I’m guessing it has to do with MacOS limitations. I’ll be sure to update this review once I have official word, though.
Should You Buy the JLab Flow Mouse + Keyboard Bundle?
The JLab Flow Mouse + Keyboard Bundle is proof that you should usually give a tech brand revered for one type of product (audio, in JLab’s case) a chance at trying a new hardware class. I would happily pay $75 for this comfortable and easy-to-use desktop duo, but maybe keep a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds on standby if you’re bothered by all the clickety-clack.
If you’re interested in seeing what JLab’s audio products are like, you should take a look at my review of the JLab JBuds ANC Wireless Headphones. And if wireless earbuds are more your speed, we’ve also reviewed the JLab GO POP ANC.
- Brand
-
JLab
- Connectivity
-
2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2
- Keyboard Battery
-
Up to 1 year
The JLab Flow Mouse + Keyboard Bundle is an ergonomic wireless keyboard and mouse combo with AI integration for the ultimate home or work setup.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
