Mechanical keyboards were once thought of as a product for so-called “gamers,” but recently they have become quite popular for office and business use as well, as Logitech, the largest keyboard manufacturer, has been promoting them to target general users.
In this context, we would like to recommend the NuPhy Air75 keyboard.
This article will provide a thorough explanation of Air75.
I hope you’ve had more than enough of the pop and fashionable keyboard charm!
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
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What is NuPhy Air75?
The NuPhy Air75 is a mechanical keyboard from an up-and-coming keyboard manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China.
In Japan, “Sanyo Godo Kaisha” acts as a domestic import distributor and sells the product, making it easily available on Amazon and other retailers.
The key layout is a “US layout,” and unlike typical “tall” mechanical keyboards, the “low profile switch” makes it thin and compact while maintaining a solid key feel.
Weighing only about 500g, it is very light for a mechanical keyboard and can be used on top of a laptop computer keyboard, making it suitable for portable use.
The Air75 is compatible with Windows and Mac and iOS and comes with replacement keycaps.
It is possible to remove the keycap with the “key puller” tool shown on the right of the image, and it can be replaced depending on the operating system.
In addition, the mechanical key switches themselves are “hot-swappable,” meaning that they can be replaced with switches that have a different feel for each keystroke.
Standard slope of approx. 3.5 degreesApproximately 6.5 degree incline with foot pad
The keyboard also comes with “rubber feet” to adjust the tilt of the keyboard, which are attached with magnets so that you will be able to type at your preferred angle.
A Bluetooth receiver is also included for those who want a more stable wireless connection.
On the back of the outer box, there is a character aiming for “moe,” but there seems to be some disagreement about this….
河村
The packaging looks like it will be well received by gamers, but I personally think it could do without the moe characters… lol.
NuPhy Air75 Features and Benefits
As soon as possible, let’s also look at the features and benefits of Air75.
Air75のメリット
Cute keycap color scheme.
Very high quality aluminum frame body
75% key layout for everyone
Thin and easy to carry
Includes a switch button for Mac /Windows
Three types of connections are possible: Bluetooth (wireless), USB wired and receiver
Technical compliance (only for models officially sold in Japan)
Can be used on a laptop computer.
21 lighting effects
Hot-swappable
Case (sold separately) doubles as a stand
Remapping is possible using the NuPhy Console
Cute keycap color scheme.
Air75
The first thing that will catch your eye will be the color scheme of this keycap.
To be honest, I have never encountered such a stylish looking keyboard.
The simple white and gray color scheme with three accent colors is quite stylish.
Also, Halloween limited edition keycaps and Christmas limited edition keycaps may be available for a limited time, so check the official website if you are interested.
The perimeter of the Air75 is an “aluminum frame”.
Plastic frames are commonly used in ordinary keyboards, which do not have a “high-end” feel beyond the disadvantage of lack of durability.
In this respect, the aluminum frame of the Air75 has a look that satisfies the desire for ownership, with a sense of massiveness and luxury.
75% key layout for everyone
Air75Air60
One of the reasons the Air75 was a “hit in Japan” is probably because of its “75% layout” with function keys.
In typing in English-speaking countries, there is no need to convert hiragana to katakana by using the “F7 key” because there is no “hiragana to katakana conversion” process itself as in Japanese.
Therefore, you will not have much trouble without function keys.
I believe that US keyboards are often 65% layout with “no function keys” for this reason, which is why they are not readily accepted by the Japanese.
河村
On a keyboard without a function key, it is necessary to learn the unusual combination of “control + K (Mac)” and “Ctrl + I (Windows),” which are shortcut keys similar to F7.
In this respect, the Air75 has a solid “function key” that will allow you to switch from a laptop to a typing machine with little discomfort.
Thin and easy to carry
The Air75 is very thin and lightweight, thanks to its use of low profile “low profile mechanical switches”.
The thinnest part is only about 16 mm, and the thickest part is only about 21 mm, so it will not be bulky in a bag.
Weighing only about 500g, it is extremely lightweight and therefore ideal for carrying around.
Air75
Includes a switch button for Mac /Windows
Air75 supports Mac /iOS (iPad/iPhone) as well as Windows.
The choice of mechanical keyboards available for Mac is very limited compared to Windows keyboards, so the Air75 is perfect for those looking for a stylish keyboard for use with their Mac.
However, it should be noted that although it is possible to switch between Windows⇄Mac with a single switch, the keycap must be replaced each time.
Three types of connections are possible: Bluetooth (wireless), USB wired and receiver
Air75 offers a choice of the following connection methods
USB connection (USB Type-C terminal on the main unit)
Each device channel can be switched by pressing the above key briefly.
Press and hold the above command for at least 3 seconds to enter pairing mode.
To make a connection in the 2.4 GHz band, insert the receiver into the USB port.
The included receiver provides a more stable wireless connection, especially for those who have experienced instability with the Bluetooth function of the computer itself.
Technical compliance (only for models officially sold in Japan)
Air75 is certified for technical compliance only for products purchased through authorized sales channels in Japan.
Therefore, wireless connection is possible in Japan without any problems.
Many keyboards made overseas have not obtained technical certification, and although wireless connectivity is possible as a function, in many cases it is not possible to use it due to radio wave laws.
However, it is important to understand that the same product purchased directly from the official website (even if it is a similar product) has not obtained the technical certification and therefore cannot legally be connected wirelessly.
The Air75 can be used in the so-called “sonji style,” where it is placed on the keyboard of a laptop computer.
Normally, when using a keyboard in this way, it is customary to lay down an acrylic plate called a “keyboard bridge,” but the “AirFEET™️” function allows use without a keyboard bridge.
Of little interest to non-gamers, the Air75 offers a choice of 21 different backlight patterns.
In addition, the lights on both sides of the keyboard will glow, making it look more stylish.
Hot-swappable
Air75 allows you to replace the key switch by yourself.
Linear feel with no resistance. Quietest keystroke sound.
Brown shaft｜A switch with a slight tugging sensation that can be felt when it is pressed. A distinctive sound is the “kotokotokotsu” sound.
Blue Axis｜Features the “ticking” auditory feedback popular among so-called gamers. It is so loud that it cannot be used in quiet places.
河村
My personal recommendation is the “tea axis.
Replacement keyswitches are available on Amazon.com and other retailers, so the ability to customize the Air75 is probably one of its most attractive features.
NuPhy offers a key remapping tool, the NuPhy Console.
This is a tool that modifies the keymap of existing NuPhy products in hardware, a feature that is a must-have for professionals.
Note, however, that while you can change the mapping of normal character keys, you can only change keys with special functions, such as replacing the Shift key with a command key, in the form of combination shortcuts such as “00 + 00”.
Another drawback is that the NuPhy Console software is only compatible with Windows, and the keymap cannot be changed on a Mac.
If you have Windows, you can change the keymap for both Mac and Win, so please try it out.
What you may be interested in is the “actual keystroke feel” and “keystroke sound.
The characteristics of each axis are as follows
Linear feel with no resistance. Quietest keystroke sound.
Brown shaft｜A switch with a slight tugging sensation that can be felt when it is pressed. A distinctive sound is the “kotokotokotsu” sound.
Blue Axis｜Features the “ticking” auditory feedback popular among so-called gamers. It is so loud that it cannot be used in quiet places.
For the actual keystroke sound, please refer to the video below and the sound I recorded.
Gateron Low-profile Switches 1.0
Switch
Blue
Red
Brown
Feel
Clicky.
Linear
Tactile
Color
Blue
Red
Brown
Lubed.
None
None
None
Pressure
50±15g
45±15g
55±15g
Spring
unknown
unknown
unknown
Total Travel
2.5±0.5mm
2.5±0.5mm
2.5±0.5mm
sound sample
Gateron Low Profile Red
Gateron Low Profile Blue
Gateron Low Profile Brown
Personally, I still prefer the feel of the brown keys.
Unfortunate disadvantages of NuPhy Air75
Although the Air75 is very attractive, there are some “disadvantages” that you should check before purchasing.
Here are three disadvantages of Air75.
Air75のデメリット
Only US sequence is available in the lineup, which changes the typing method.
Direct purchase does not allow wireless connection due to lack of technical compliance
M1 Macbook cannot be used on top of the keyboard.
Only US sequence is available in the lineup, which changes the typing method.
The biggest disadvantage of using the Air75 is that a Japanese-language model is not available.
The basic alphabet positions are exactly the same, but the symbols are arranged differently, so some familiarity with the US keyboard is required.
In addition, the Enter key is horizontal and has a small area, unlike Japanese keyboards, so there is a possibility of pressing the “¥” button or “Shift” button by mistake when pressing it with the pinky….
In addition, there is no “alphanumeric ⇄ Japanese switch” key, so you have to learn to “press in combination” here.
For Windows, the conversion method can be changed from the IME settings.
Direct purchase does not allow wireless connection due to lack of technical compliance
Air75 can be purchased from “authorized domestic distributors” or “NuPhy official website (overseas mail order)”, but “wireless connection” is only available for those purchased from “domestic distributors”.
Although it is slightly less expensive to purchase from the official website, those who insist on a wireless connection should purchase from an authorized domestic retailer.
If you use the coupon code “ryo10” provided by the official NuPhy for GreenKeys, you can purchase it at a lower price than the domestic price, so please use it if you don’t mind wired connection.
The Air75 can be used in the “Venerable Master Style” without the m-keyboard bridge, but unfortunately it is not available for Macbooks with the latest “M-series” processors.
Starting with models equipped with M series processors, the function keys have been changed to normal key size, which interferes with the rubber feet on the Air75.
The Air60 is compatible with the M series without a keyboard bridge, so please consider this option as well.
Although the Air75 is inferior in terms of price and “Japanese-language” layout, you will find that it is still by far the best in terms of stylish looks.
We recommend the Air75 keyboard to those who believe that the advantage of “overwhelming stylishness” outweighs the disadvantage of not having a Japanese-language keyboard.
NuPhy Air75 Review Summary
This is my review of the NuPhy Air75.
We are sure that you too will find Air75 appealing.
If you can ignore the disadvantages of having only US keyboard layouts, this is one of the best low-profile keyboards.
If you are interested in this product, we can confidently say that it is a good buy.
NuPhy Air75 does not support QMK/VIA, so it is not possible to change the keymap with those software.
The same cannot be changed in ReMap.
Keymap changes for NuPhy Air75 can only be made on the NuPhy Console.
Note, however, that some keys, such as Shift, can only be changed to simultaneous presses in some cases.
NuPhy Air75は技適に対応していますか？
If the product is sold or purchased by Sanyo Godo Kaisha, an authorized distributor in Japan, it is compliant with the technical standards.
Wireless connection via Bluetooth will be available in Japan.
However, please note that Bluetooth connection in Japan is a violation of the Radio Law, since products purchased directly from the home country or parallel imported products have not yet acquired the technical qualification.
河村
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