NuPhy Gem80 Review｜Custom keyboard with a variety of keystrokes and ease of use

The NuPhy Gen80 is a mechanical keyboard with an 80% tenkeyless layout.

Up until now, NuPhy has released keyboards with relatively pop and playful designs, such as the “Air series” with its attractive thin low-profile design, and the “Halo series” that dares to emphasize the “kotokoto” feeling and pursues the fun of typing.

The new series of “Gem Series Gem Series” is a keyboard suitable as a “second keyboard” for those who have come to know the charm of mechanical keyboards and want to realize their various preferences. The Gem Series keyboards are suitable for those who have come to appreciate the appeal of mechanical keyboards and want to realize their own particular needs.

This article will introduce the charm of Gem80 using actual photos.

If you are considering purchasing or are interested in NuPhy, please read to the end!

Gem80 was provided by NuPhy Japan (Sanyo LLC) for promotional purposes. GreenEchoes Studio, the operator of Greenkeys, may benefit from any contracts signed through the links in this article; profits earned through GreenKeys are used to cover media operating expenses.

Conclusion: NuPhy Gem80 is recommended for a second custom keyboard.

The NuPhy Gem80 is a keyboard that we can recommend to anyone who is considering a second or later model to love.

Although soldering is not required, the fact that it is a barebone model makes it even more appealing when the timing is such that you have some knowledge of how the keyboard works and feel like “tinkering” with it yourself.

Recommended for the second unit! The reason for this is the Gem80’s high level of customizability.

By changing the included mounting parts, not only can you experience four different keystroke sensations, but you can also purchase an optional switch plate to find “your own personalized combination.

Also, although the 80% TKL layout has the disadvantage of being “large,” the benefit of having a separate arrow key is greater than it appears, and the size of the key is a size that you will only find satisfying when you use it.

There are five different colors available, and the combination of exclusive keycaps will give it an even more sophisticated look.

If you are interested, why not consider purchasing one?

Product Specifications and Overview

The specifications of the NuPhy Gem80 are as follows

Price	38,280 yen (including tax) – 51,040 yen (including tax)
layout	ANSI 80%/TKL
Number of keys	88
Switch type	normal profile
Stabilizer type	Plate mounting
Mounting type	Gasket & Top
Hot-swap support	Yes (3/5 pin MX style)
N Key rollover support	Yes, sir.
backlight	South facing RGB-LED
backlight mode	40 types
Supported Systems	macOS/Windows/Linux/Android/iOS
operating environment	-10 to 50°C
MCU	ARM STM32F072
radio frequency (RF)	NRF52810 (Tri-mode)
Wired Polling Rate	1000Hz
2.4GHz Polling rate	1000Hz (tri-mode)
Bluetooth 5.0 Polling rate	125Hz (tri-mode)
topcase	aluminum (Al)
Bottom Case	PC
Plate Material	Fr4
length	141.3 mm
range (e.g. of voice)	358.1 mm
Back Height	36.7 mm
Front Height	21.5 mm
weight	1120 g
Type Angle	6° No variable
Battery capacity	4000mAh
Operating hours (all lights on)	24 to 45 hours (lab test results)
Operating time (homing bar only)	34~70 hours (lab test results)
Operating time (with all lights off)	Up to 330 hours (lab test results)

selling agency

NuPhy, based in Shenzhen, is the manufacturer and distributor.

In Japan, Sanyo Godo Kaisha is the authorized importer and distributor, providing support and sales.

included thing

keyboard kit

• 1 x USB-C data cable
• 1 x 2.4G receiver (tri-mode)
• 1 x keycap/switch puller
• 3 x additional switches
• 5 x Silicon Set
• 1 x screwdriver
• 1 x additional food pad set
• 1 x Installation Guide
• 1 x Quick Guide
• 1 x Q&A

switch set

• 90 key switches purchased as a set

keycap

• Keycap set (137 keys/Gem mSA keycap set)

Information about NuPhy Gem80 Japanese layout (JIS layout)

The Japanese-language model of the Gem80 was announced at the Computex event held in Taiwan in June 2024.

Because of the 80% layout, there is plenty of room next to the right shift, and the key corresponding to “Ro” can be seen as such.

At this time, the release date in Japan is unknown.

We will add information on this matter as soon as it becomes available.

NuPhy Gem80 Review

Let’s review the Gem80 by looking at photos of the actual machine.

Gem80, which was provided for this project, was used in the following combination.

• Color: Cosmic Mocha
• Keyswitch: NuPhy Mint Linear
• Keycap: Cosmic Mocha

Keystroke Review

Appearance and Features

Let’s start with the exterior.

Thus, the “Cosmic Mocha” offered this time is the cleanest color in Gem80.

The beige-based coloring is gentle and will look great on a white desk.

The configuration is divided into a top case and a bottom case, with the top case made of aluminum.

The accent brown key does a very nice job, and the overall look is tighter.

The keycaps use NuPhy’s proprietary key profile called “mSA,” which is slightly taller than the popular Cherry profile, but has an attractive “Sfercal design” with a depressed center that allows the fingertips to be sucked into the keytop.

It also features a “step sculpture” structure that varies in slope and height according to the row (R), making it easier to finger from the home position.

The tilt angle, which is important for typing, is fixed at 6 degrees and cannot be adjusted.

The height of the front side is slightly lower than a typical keyboard, but you can utilize the palm rest according to your preference.

Above the arrow key is the “Gem” logo with LED diffuser.

The logo is made of metal and is to be fitted by the customer after purchase.

Since magnets are installed, they are magnetically attached to each other.

The bottom is made of translucent polycarbonate, and the four corners are fitted with rubber nonslips of the same color.

The connection to the top case is made with 10 screws on the bottom.

Although it is difficult to see in the photo, this screw is a special “star-shaped” screw and cannot be turned with a standard screwdriver.

It is disassembled using a special screwdriver that comes with the product.

I see that every detail has been designed, including the item name/number of keys/mount name on the side of the bottom.

The center of the back has “NuPhy Studio” stamped on it, which is very cool.

On the back are a 2-way Windows/Mac switch and a 3-way power-off/wired/wireless switch.

By default, Mac mode is Layer0/Layer1 and Windows mode is Layer2/Layer3.

I felt that the design was really detailed and well thought out, even slightly visible from the sides.

In the center of the rear panel is a USB Type-C connection.

With the keyswitch removed

Let’s remove the keyswitch.

The default plate selected is “FR4”.

Other options include aluminum plate, polycarbonate plate (PC), and POM plate, which can be changed to suit your preference.

Optional plates are not available at NuPhy Japan. Please order them from the official store.

In addition, the space bar portion is embedded with sound-absorbing silicone, which, combined with the effect of NuPhy’s proprietary “Ghost Bar,” a space bar that suppresses hollow sounds, produces a very dead keystroke sound.

LEDs are installed facing south.

Key switch installed

Let’s turn on the key switch.

The stabilizer color and key switch color are the same, giving it a very uniform and beautiful appearance.

The plates have “slits” like this to ensure an even keystroke feel.

Only the CapsLock key can be set either near the center or near the left. When setting the CapsLock key near the center, be careful to insert the switch in the opposite direction.

Disassembly and internal structure check

Removing the 10 screws on the bottom removes the top case and exposes the switch plate.

By default, silicone is placed in various places like this, which is sandwiched between the bottom case and the gasket-mounted structure.

You will notice that there is a special cushioning foam under the plate.

Removing the switch plate reveals one more piece of sound-absorbing material.

Underneath is a transparent sheet that is supposed to protect the PCB.

It can be easily removed by hand.

Lift the PCB to reveal the bottom cushion.

Underneath the bottom cushion is a silicone pad with a battery in the center.

As you can see, a whopping six layers of sound-absorbing material have been incorporated, and this is what makes Gem80’s thumping sound.

How to change the mounting method

As described in the manual, Gem80 can be modified by selecting your preferred style from among four mounting methods.

To access the plate, the 10 screws on the bottom must be removed with a special screwdriver.

It is advisable to lay down the provided cloth to prevent scratches on the keytops and keyboard.

Once the screws are removed, the top case can be lifted upward and removed.

By default, the silicon sock is fitted, but this can be removed and replaced with other parts.

However, when using silicone strips, only the upper left portion is shorter in length, so find shorter ones in advance.

It is also fun to find your favorite key feel by replacing the top-mounted keys if you prefer a harder feel, or by using silicone strips if you prefer a softer feel!

Why I recommend NuPhy Gem80

I recommend Gem80 for the following three reasons.

Extremely wide range of customization and enjoyment in a single vehicle

The most attractive feature, after all, is the extremely wide range of customization!

The Omni-Mount System, which allows users to enjoy four different keystroke sensations, is a very rare mechanism in the custom keyboard world, and it is wonderful to be able to experience four different keystroke sensations on this one unit.

In addition to the default FR4 plate, three other types of plates are available, allowing a total of 16 different combinations of plates and combinations to be tried.

Thocky typing feel is great.

The Gem80 has a “thocky” finish that sets it apart from the typical custom keyboard typing experience.

There are a great variety of factors that affect keystroke sound, of which I personally believe a large weight is placed on how sound-absorbing materials are incorporated.

I have never encountered a keyboard with six layers of sound-absorbing material in it other than the Gem80.

This “angular and slightly muted keystroke sound” has a strong ASMR element and will be addictive.

Beautiful transparent look.

Gem80 also excels in its design.

The combination of an aluminum top case and a transparent PC bottom case is clean, transparent, and will add color to your desk.

Things to keep in mind before buying NuPhy Gem80

The price is commensurate with the value.

The Gem80 is a keyboard with great mechanisms and looks, but it is still priced accordingly.

The price is 38,280 yen (including tax) in bare-bones form, and 51,040 yen (including tax) with keycaps and keyswitches attached, so you need to be prepared to spend a certain amount of money to purchase it.

Barebone kit requires self-assembly

The Gem80 is a “barebone kit” and requires self-assembly.

However, assembly is not a difficult task, as all that is required is to install the keyswitch and attach the keycaps.

It will take about 30 minutes to assemble without any problems.

Caution] Firmware Update

As for Gem80, the firmware is being updated and the firmware of the product you received may not be up-to-date.

If the firmware is not up-to-date, keymap changes using VIA will not be reflected or loaded.

There is no way to check the firmware on the surface, but if you are experiencing problems with the VIA after purchase, try updating the firmware.

procedure

summary

This is my review of the Gem80.

I have reviewed numerous NuPhy products, of which Gem80 is my personal favorite.

The hard, percussive sound of the Halo series is also good, but if you prefer a quiet, thumping sound, this is the one for you.

Gem80 can be purchased at a 10% discount by using the coupon code below through a partnership between GreenKeys and NuPhy Japan.

Please consider this opportunity!