NuPhy Air75 V2 Keyboard Review
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, enthusiasts and professionals alike often find themselves on a never-ending quest for the perfect typing companion. The NuPhy Air75 V2 keyboard promises to be that ideal match, blending modern aesthetics, robust performance, and versatile connectivity options into one sleek package. As someone who spends countless hours typing, gaming, and tinkering with tech gadgets, I was thrilled to put the NuPhy Air75 V2 to the test. Here’s my detailed and honest review of this portable 75% mechanical keyboard.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup
Unboxing the NuPhy Air75 V2 is a treat in itself. The packaging is minimalistic yet sophisticated, reflecting the brand’s attention to detail. Inside, the keyboard sits snugly in a molded foam insert, accompanied by a USB-C cable, a 2.4 GHz USB receiver, and a user manual. The keyboard’s first impression is nothing short of impressive. The white Gateron Red switches gleam under the translucent bottom shell, and the aluminum frame adds a touch of elegance and durability.
Setting up the keyboard was a breeze. It supports Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C connections, making it versatile for various devices and setups. I quickly paired it with my laptop, desktop, and tablet, appreciating the ease of switching between devices with a simple key combination.
Design and Build Quality: Aesthetic and Functional Brilliance
The NuPhy Air75 V2 keyboard is a visual delight. The translucent bottom shell design allows you to peek into the keyboard’s internals, adding a modern, tech-savvy flair to your workspace. The two height stands at the bottom are a thoughtful addition, providing a comfortable typing angle that reduces wrist strain during prolonged use.
The keyboard’s build quality is outstanding. The aluminum frame feels sturdy and premium, ensuring that the keyboard can withstand the rigors of daily use. The compact 75% layout is perfect for those who want a balance between functionality and desk space. With 84 keys, including a full function row and arrow keys, the NuPhy Air75 V2 doesn’t compromise on essential features despite its smaller footprint.
Typing Experience: Smooth, Responsive, and Satisfying
Typing on the NuPhy Air75 V2 is an absolute pleasure. The Gateron Red switches are smooth and linear, providing a responsive and satisfying typing experience. These switches are known for their low actuation force, making them ideal for both typing and gaming. The keycaps have a flat nSA profile, which might take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to more curved keycaps, but I found them quite comfortable after a short adjustment period.
The keyboard’s low-profile design is another highlight. It allows for a more natural hand position, reducing the need for a wrist rest. Additionally, the internal layers of sound-dampening material ensure that the keyboard is relatively quiet, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces.
Connectivity: Versatile and Reliable
One of the standout features of the NuPhy Air75 V2 is its multi-device connectivity. With support for Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C modes, this keyboard can connect to almost any device you own. I tested it with my Windows PC, MacBook, and even my Android tablet, and switching between devices was seamless.
The Bluetooth connection is stable, with no noticeable lag, and the 2.4GHz wireless mode offers a higher polling rate of 1000Hz, which is particularly beneficial for gaming. Whether you’re working on a document, browsing the web, or engaging in intense gaming sessions, the NuPhy Air75 V2 delivers reliable performance.
RGB Backlighting: Customizable and Eye-Catching
The RGB backlighting on the NuPhy Air75 V2 is nothing short of spectacular. With over 21 different color effects that can be easily toggled using key combinations, you can customize the lighting to match your mood or setup. The keycaps themselves are not backlit, but the side RGB light bars add a unique and visually appealing touch. These light bars also serve a functional purpose: the left bar indicates caps lock and connection mode, while the right bar shows battery level and system mode.
For those who love tinkering, the keyboard supports QMK/VIA, allowing for limitless customization of lighting effects and key remapping. This open-source firmware brings out the full potential of the keyboard’s hardware, offering endless creative possibilities.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Dependable
Battery life is a crucial factor for any wireless device, and the NuPhy Air75 V2 does not disappoint. With a 4000mAh battery, it can last between 35 to 57 hours with the backlight fully turned on, depending on the brightness and effects used. In my tests, I found that with moderate backlight use, the keyboard easily lasted a week on a single charge.
Turning off the backlight significantly extends the battery life, up to an impressive 220 hours. This endurance makes the NuPhy Air75 V2 a reliable companion for long work sessions, gaming marathons, or even when you’re on the go.
Gaming Performance: Ready for Action
The NuPhy Air75 V2 is not just a pretty face; it’s also a formidable gaming keyboard. The Gateron Red switches provide a fast and smooth response, crucial for high-paced gaming scenarios. The 1000Hz polling rate in 2.4GHz mode ensures minimal input lag, giving you an edge in competitive games.
The keyboard’s compact size and low-profile design make it easy to position for optimal gaming ergonomics. While it lacks dedicated macro keys, the customizable key mappings via QMK/VIA software allow you to set up your gaming commands exactly how you like them.
Portability: Compact and Convenient
As someone who frequently works from different locations, I appreciate the portability of the NuPhy Air75 V2. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around. The optional portfolio carrying case is a great addition, offering protection and the ability to prop up a phone or tablet, turning any space into a functional workstation.
The wireless connectivity options further enhance its portability. Whether I’m working from a coffee shop, traveling, or simply moving between rooms in my home, the NuPhy Air75 V2 adapts effortlessly.
Programming: Efficient and Comfortable
For programming, the NuPhy Air75 V2 excels in both comfort and functionality. The low-profile design and smooth switches make typing code for extended periods less fatiguing. The keyboard’s sound-dampening layers ensure that my late-night coding sessions don’t disturb others.
While it doesn’t have dedicated macro keys, the ability to program macros to any key via the companion software is a significant advantage. The full RGB backlighting is also beneficial when working in low-light conditions, although the non-shine-through keycaps might make the legends harder to read in complete darkness.
Entertainment Use: A Mixed Bag
Using the NuPhy Air75 V2 for entertainment or as a home theatre PC (HTPC) keyboard is a bit of a mixed experience. On one hand, its compact size and wireless connectivity make it easy to use from the couch. On the other hand, the lack of dedicated media keys can be a drawback when trying to control playback.
Additionally, the non-shine-through keycaps make it difficult to see the legends in a darkened room, which could be a hassle when watching movies or playing games in low light. However, for general browsing and casual use, it performs adequately.
Final Thoughts: Pros and Cons
The NuPhy Air75 V2 keyboard offers a lot to love, but it’s not without its quirks. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons based on my experience:
Pros:
- Excellent build quality: The aluminum frame and overall construction are top-notch.
- Versatile connectivity: Supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C, with easy switching between devices.
- Comfortable typing experience: Low-profile design and smooth Gateron Red switches.
- Impressive battery life: Lasts up to 220 hours with the backlight off.
- Customizable RGB backlighting: Over 21 effects and additional light bars for status indicators.
- Portability: Compact and lightweight, with an optional carrying case.
Cons:
- Flat keycap profile: May take some getting used to for those accustomed to more curved keycaps.
- Non-shine-through keycaps: Legends can be hard to read in the dark.
- Lacks dedicated media keys: Could be inconvenient for entertainment purposes.
Conclusion: Is the NuPhy Air75 V2 Worth It?
In conclusion, the NuPhy Air75 V2 keyboard is a stellar choice for anyone seeking a versatile, high-quality mechanical keyboard that excels in both form and function. Its excellent build quality, smooth typing experience, and versatile connectivity options make it a joy to use for a variety of tasks, from typing and gaming to programming and portable use.
While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the flat keycap profile and lack of dedicated media keys, these are easily overshadowed by its numerous strengths. The customizable RGB backlighting, impressive battery life, and overall aesthetic appeal make it a standout in the crowded keyboard market.
Whether you’re a professional typist, a gamer, or someone who simply appreciates a well-designed piece of tech, the NuPhy Air75 V2 is a fantastic investment. It offers a balanced mix of performance, portability, and style that is hard to beat. So, if you’re in the market for a new mechanical keyboard, the NuPhy Air75 V2 should definitely be at the top of your list.
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