NuPhy Air75v2 Review｜Explanation in light of differences from Air75 v1

On August 23, 2023, NuPhyh began pre-orders for the Air75 v2, the successor to the globally popular Air75 75% layout mechanical keyboard, which went on regular sale on October 22.

Based on the fact that the release was made within a few days of the interest check conducted in August, it appears that the release was prepared long in advance.

Almost two years have passed since the launch of the Air75v1, and with the introduction of attractive low-profile mechanical keyboards such as Keychron and Lofree, how has the oldest male evolved?

Let’s take a closer look at the new Air75, comparing it to the previous model.

NuPhy Air75v2 Review

Let’s take a look at the Air75v2 using photos of the actual device.

Advantages of Air75v2

Greatly improved keystroke feel

The biggest improvement from the previous model is still the better key feel.

Please watch this video first.

(Cowberry keyswitch is used)

Thus, with the addition of sound-absorbing foam, excess treble is suppressed, resulting in a pleasant bandwidth of typing sound.

Can change the keymap.

Another advantage is the ability to change keymaps.

The keyboard has a 75% layout, so it may not be necessary to change the keymap that aggressively, but standard customizations such as changing CAPSLOCK to CONTROL will be useful for Windows users as well as Mac users.

In addition, the typos on the right-hand single row keys, which are common on 75% layout keyboards, can be disabled on the keymap without having to physically remove the keyswitch.

Lightweight and easy to carry

Continuing from the previous model, the main unit weighs less than 500g (463g), so it does not feel that heavy even when placed in a bag.

By using the dedicated NuFollio V3 case, it can also function as a tablet stand and protect the main unit.

Sophisticated design

The design did not change significantly compared to the previous version, but the number of color variations to choose from has increased.

As for Basalt Black in particular, it is a recommended color for any desk.

Available without keyboard bridge in noble style

The AirFEET®️ mechanism, which does not interfere with laptop keyboards without a keyboard bridge, was retained from the previous model.

Furthermore, it is now possible to coexist with the tilt-leg, making it even more accessible.

Tilt angle can be adjusted

The tilt leg is built in this time, so there are three typing angles to choose from.

This is a significant evolution, as the previous model had removable rubber tilt-legs, which were not very flattering to use because of weak adhesion and little range of adjustment.

Disadvantages of Air75v2

Loud reverberation of keystroke sound to the body

Although it is a matter of taste, the Air75v2 is louder to hit than the recently released Lofree FLOW.

Please see the comparison video.

Aluminum material is used only for the frame, and the body is made of the same plastic as v1.

Although it is a trade-off between weight and key feel, the plastic material of the body is likely to appeal to different tastes.

The plastic body is one of the elements that gives the Air75v2 character, but if you are looking for rigidity and a more muted typing feel, you may be more satisfied with the FLOW.

In-depth comparison of NuPhy Air75v2 and Air75v1! What are the evolutionary points?

The following table summarizes the major changes that have resulted from the evolution to Air75v2.

Changes from Air75v1 to v2

	Air75 V2	Air75 V1
QMK/VIA Support	○	×
2.4GHz polling rate	1000Hz	500Hz
Battery capacity	4000mAh	2500mAh
tilt leg	built-in	Magnet adhesive type
keycap	Double-shot PBT	Sublimation printing ABS
Selectable key switches	Gateron LP 2.0 Red/Brown/Blue NuPhy Aloe/Wisteria/Cowberry/Moss	Gateron LP 2.0 Red/Brown/Blue
Sound-absorbing foam	equipped (with)	not equipped (with)
Available Colors	Lunar Grey (color, colour) passalt black ionic white	Lunar gray only
Price	$119.95-129.95	$99.95
Venerable style support	○	○

Not many major changes have been seen in terms of the exterior, but when looking at the contents, there are updates in various areas.

Let’s take a quick look.

Theme colors increased to 3 types

In addition to the existing Lunar Gray color, Air75v2 now includes the new black-based “Passalt Black” and white-based “Ionic White” colors.

You will be glad to know that you can now choose your favorite coloring according to your own desk color.

Ionic White will be especially popular with Mac users.

QMK/VIA support allows keymap changes

Perhaps the most significant evolution from v1 is the addition of QMK/VIA support.

QMK/VIA is an open source keymap modification system and is the most major player in the keyboard community.

The original keymap modification software was also provided in v1, but it was not as easy to use as VIA.

This is a very significant evolution in terms of VIA support for drag-and-drop key changes.

What to do if the Air75v2 keymap change does not work or cannot be done with VIA

If you are using VIA and cannot change the keymap, download the “.json” file.

Click here to download ▷▷▷.

Doubled polling rate for wireless connections using USB dongle

For gamers, the smallest input latency due to the connection method is very significant in determining the winner.

The magnitude of that delay is indicated by a smaller number called the polling rate, which indicates a larger delay.

The polling rate of the Air75v2 is 1000 Hz, close to that of a wired connection, so even avid gamers will be able to play games to their heart’s content wirelessly.

Also, in BT mode and wired connection mode, the latency is very low compared to other keyboards.

Battery capacity changed 1.6 times

The Air75v2’s battery capacity is now 4000mAh, 1.6 times that of its predecessor, allowing for up to 220 hours of continuous operation with the backlight off.

Considering that the maximum operating time of the previous model was 160 hours, the new model can be used for 60 hours longer.

Tilt leg changed to built-in type

Although it is a minor change, the tilt leg has been changed to a built-in type.

The conventional tilt legs were magnetic and removable, but to be honest, they were very inconvenient to use, as the rubber legs at the connection point would come off and disappear, or the tilt legs themselves would disappear.

I am a little relieved to finally see the change to a basic, built-in system.

Keycaps changed to higher quality double-shot PBT

As with the Air96, the default keycap has been changed to a double-shot PBT for the Air75v2.

Compared to conventional keycaps made of ABS material with sublimation printing, the keycaps have a solid thickness and provide a pleasant, low-pitched keystroke feel.

The matte material also follows the recent trend.

New keyswitches have been added and there are 7 to choose from

Previously, only three types of Gateron LP2.0 keyswitches could be selected, but from Air75v2, users can now choose from a total of seven types, including the two new “Cowberry” and “Moss” types.

Gateron Low-profile Switches 2.0 (NuPhy)

Switch	Cowberry	Moss.	Wisteria	Daisy.	Aloe
Picture.
Feel	Linear	Tactile	Tactile	Linear	Linear
Color	Red	MossGreen	Light Blue	Light Orange	Light Green
Lubed.	Pre-Lubed	Pre-Lubed	Pre-Lubed	Pre-Lubed	Pre-Lubed
Pressure	45gf	60gf	55gf	48gf	37gf
Operating force	45±15gf	60±15gf	55±15gf	48±15gf	37±15gf
Spring	15mm	16.5mm	16.5mm	16.5mm	16.5mm
Pre-Travel	1.2±0.3mm	1.7±0.4mm	1.7±0.4mm	1.7±0.4mm	1.7±0.4mm
Total Travel	3.2mm	3.2mm	3.2mm	3.2mm	3.2mm

The addition of sound-absorbing foam takes the keystroke feel to the next level.

The recent trend in the keyboard community is often to favor a so-called “thocky” sound feel with minimal excess echo.

As a way to achieve this, keyboards with various sound-absorbing materials placed inside the case are gaining prominence.

For the Air75 v2, three layers of sound-absorbing material (PORON /IXPE) were placed on top of the PCB board to improve keystroke sound.

Furthermore, using the silicon sound shaping technology developed for Ghostbar, the low-profile mechanical keyboard also seems to be equipped with a sound-absorbing material made of silicon.

When we hear a comparison of the keystroke sound with the conventional model, we can certainly hear that the Air75v2 has a less reverberant and more thocky sound.

Please take advantage of this opportunity.

Summary｜Air75v1 users can use the transfer coupon code to save money!

The above is an overview of the Air75v2, with comparisons to previous models.

Recently, the competition in the low-profile area has been intensifying, with Keychron competing with its ergo array and variations, and Lofree with its supreme keystroke feel with gasket construction.

In this context, we were very interested to see in which areas Air75v2 would find distinction with other companies’ products.

In general, it seems that they are competing with a “pop and catchy appearance” as in the past and raising the average score for the contents as well.

In terms of key feel, it is somewhat inferior to Lofree FLOW and does not match Keychron’s ergonomic layout for its unusualness, but it is a product that has firmly captured the attention of its previous fans.

Since the price increase is not so drastic compared to the previous model, there is no harm in purchasing one if you are a fan.

As for Mac users in particular, we can say that this product is highly recommended because it is compatible with the “Tongshi style” used on Macbooks, so you will always be able to type on your favorite keyboard.

Please consider this opportunity!

Don’t forget to enter the 10% off coupon code, ryo10, when you make your purchase.