NuPhy Kick75 Review｜A Retro-Featured All-Rounder Keyboard for Low-Pro or Normal Use

Is it a kind of retro-featured reimportation?

As you can see, the world of the Kick75 mechanical keyboard released by NuPhy looks like it features a “retro game console” from Japan.

As for NuPhy, it is the second NuPhy machine equipped with “Gateron LP 3.0” after NOS75, and “switch to Cherry MX” that could not be realized with NOS75 is now possible.

This article reviews the Kick75 Hybrid-Profile custom mechanical keyboard.

This product was provided by Sanyo LLC for promotional purposes.

Use coupon code: ryo10 for 10% off.

About NuPhy Kick75 Product Overview

Product Overview

• Profile: Selectable from low profile or normal profile
• Supported firmware: NuPhy IO
• Keyswitch: Red/Brown/Silver/Blush (silent) *Gateron LP 3.0 for low-pro version / CherryMX compatible type for normal version
• Options: Swappable Top Cover Replacement Kit (two types: low-pro to normal, normal to low-pro), special wrist rest, various key switches

selling price

• Low profile: 18,150 yen (tax included)
• Normal profile: 19,800 yen (tax included)

Use coupon code: ryo10 for 10% off.

Technical Specifications

• Layout: ANSI 75
• Number of keys: 80
• Switch type: Low-profile Switches
• Stabilizer type: plate mount
• Mounting type: Gasket
• Hot-swap support: 0
• N-key rollover support: 0
• Backlight: South-facing RGB-LED
• Backlight mode: 40+
• Supported systems: macOS/Windows/Linux/Android/iOS
• Operating environment: -10 to 50°C
• Wired polling rate: 1000Hz
• 2.4GHz polling rate: 1000Hz
• Bluetooth 5.0 polling rate: 125 Hz
• Top Case: PC
• Bottom Case: PC
• Plate material: PC

Size and Weight

• Low profile】 【Low profile
  • Length: 143.3 mm
  • Width: 333.0 mm
  • Height : 1.5
  • 19.4 mm (front side)
  • 28.9 mm (rear side)
  • Weight: 877 g
  • Typing angle: 6º / 12º
  • battery
  • Battery capacity (NuPhy IO version): 2500mAh
  • Operating time (NuPhy IO version, all lights on): approx. 60.8~90 hours (lab test results)
  • Operating time (NuPhy IO version, all lights off): approx. 360 hours (lab test results)

• Normal profile
  • Length: 143.3 mm
  • Width: 333.0 mm
  • Height : 1.5
  • 19.4 mm (front side)
  • 33.6 mm (rear side)
  • Weight: 1009 g
  • Typing angle: 6º / 12º

battery

• Battery capacity (NuPhy IO version): 2500mAh
• Operating time (NuPhy IO version, all lights on): approx. 60.8~90 hours (lab test results)
• Operating time (NuPhy IO version, all lights off): approx. 360 hours (lab test results)

NuPhy Kick75 Review

Let’s take a look at some actual photos of Kick75.

It comes in a special box with a prominent red strip.

The iconic mark looks like a game controller.

There are two types of products, and the packaging identifies the ropros or normals by this strip.

Contents include keyboard body, USB Type A to C cable, replacement keycaps (Windows), and key switch/keycap puller.

In its opened state, it has a keycap for macOS.

The product offered here is a low-profile model, so it is equipped with nSA profile keycaps.

It is a spherical design with a flat profile that does not vary in slope from row to row and a depression toward the center.

The keycap material is PBT and the printing is double-shot, so there is no risk of the printing disappearing with age and use.

Let’s look at it from the front.

The ESC key, space bar, Enter key, and rotary encoder knob each have a game controller-style accent color.

The alpha keys are uniformly printed in gray on a white background, and the mod keys are printed in white on a retro gray background.

The chassis is made in the style of the half-skeleton that was popular in the 1990s.

The casual printing is stylish.

You can also see from the top of the chassis that it is a gasket-mounted structure, although it is faintly transparent.

The frosted glass-like surface, rather than being completely transparent, reproduces the atmosphere of the period.

The rotary encoder knob in the upper right corner of the main unit is shaped like a cross key, but it is easy to pick up and turn.

Then let’s look at the sides.

From the side, “8-BIT ODYSSEY” is also lettered.

The literal translation would be “8-bit adventure.

Green decorative parts are attached to the four cusps under the top frame.

The Type-C port is located on the left rear of the unit and houses a USB dongle (Type A) for 2.4GHz connectivity next to it.

The right rear panel features an OS switching slider and a connection switching button (OFF /WIRED /WIRELESS).

The typing tilt angle is approximately 6 degrees by default and 12 degrees with the bottom tilt leg raised.

Next, let’s look at the back of the keyboard.

In the center of the back is an 8-bit style drawing that would have featured a retro game.

The characters are apparently original.

In this way, the game controller-like impression is stronger when viewed from the reverse side.

The slightly italicized KICK75 logo is also cool.

It is equipped with tilt legs, which tilt approximately 6 degrees when tilted and 12 degrees when lifted.

Even the rubber feet are thoroughly colored in retro pop colors.

The keyswitch installed in this case is the Gateron LP 3.0 quiet linear “Blush nano”.

The Gateron LP 2.0 released by NuPhy did not have a lineup of only the quiet linear type, but we have the impression that it was added to the lineup in response to the recent needs for quiet use in the office scene.

There is almost no sound when typing.

It is a little hard to tell, but the switch plate is made of PC (polycarbonate).

There is no flex cut.

The gasket mount is also effective, and the keystroke feel is soft.

Since we are at this point, let’s also look at a low-profile to normal profile replacement kit.

Contents include an instruction manual, top frame for normal profile (with rotary encoder), two types of sound-absorbing materials, and a Phillips screwdriver/Hexagonal wrench for removal.

The replacement procedure is simple: remove the keycap and keyswitch, replace the sound-absorbing material under the switch plate, replace the frame, fit the switch and keycap, and so on.

Here is the frame for the normal profile.

Here is the frame for low profile.

The difference in height is only 5 mm, but this 5 mm is quite a big difference.

It can be used without replacing the frame, but it does not look good from the side because the keyswitch is fully visible.

On the other hand, if the frame for the normal profile is changed to a low profile, it is expected that the keys will be buried in the frame in the future, making it difficult to press key switches, especially those on the front side.

Finally, let’s also look at the software side.

As for the keymap change software, this is done with a web application called NuPhy IO.

It is probably based on the QMK, which allows for quite flexible adjustments, including the possibility of setting the MOD-TAP.

It is fully compatible with Japanese, and I personally have the impression that it is the easiest to use among these web applications.

Advantages of the NuPhy Kick75

The following are five advantages of the NuPhy Kick75 that I have found in actual use.

The best pop and retro look for retro lovers

The most attractive feature of the Kick75 is this retro look that has been carefully selected.

SFC-inspired accent color keycaps and control knobs; retro gray and white keycap colors make it look like you have a controller.

The use of a matte skeleton-style chassis, which was popular in the 1990s, and other features show a thorough commitment to “retro” in every aspect.

This pop-up keyboard is sure to be the star of your desk.

Can be used with the profile of your choice.

The Kick75 supports both normal profile and low profile.

The secret lies in the newly developed Gateron LP 3.0 low-profile mechanical key switch.

Because the position of the electronic contacts is common to the normal profile mechanical key switch, it is possible to change from normal profile to low profile and from low profile to normal profile without special adjustment.

Note, however, that the height of the top frame does not match as it is, so it must be replaced separately.

Low price

Despite being packed with all these gimmicks and a high-quality keystroke feel with gasket-mounted construction, it can be purchased starting at 18,150 yen (tax included).

Compared to the low-profile flagship Air series and the standard model Halo series with normal profile, the price is about 10,000 yen less, making it an ideal entry-level NuPhy device.

Excellent keymap change firmware

The advantages of the Kick75 are not limited to its hardware.

It is also a very good keymap modification software.

Advanced settings such as keymap changes, macro settings, and Mod-Tap settings can also be made using the web application ” NuPhy IO, ” making it possible to configure settings regardless of the OS.

The application is fully Japanese-language compatible and will be intuitive to use.

The hardware also has a physical switch for Mac↔︎Windows, allowing the two OS settings to coexist.

Each mode allows for four layers, so it is unlikely that you will run out of keys.

Quiet for office use and excellent key feel with gasket mount

The Kick75 uses a gasket-mounted construction for a softer keystroke feel.

In addition, if quiet keyswitches are selected, they are quiet enough to be used in the office.

Click here for keystroke sound using silent keyswitches.

Gasket mount: A mounting method in which the silicone parts attached to the board are sandwiched between the upper and lower cases. The board to which the keyswitch is attached floats in the case, which reduces the impact of keystrokes and allows the keys to sink slightly, resulting in a softer keystroke feel.

Disadvantages of NuPhy Kick75

The following three points are important to note about Kick75 that you will want to review before purchasing.

Cocky retro-pop could be to your taste.

My impression is that Japanese culture is more popular overseas than in Japan.

It is also common knowledge that Japanese people do not like to carry around Japanese cultural items such as Ultraman, Godzilla, Dragon Ball, etc.

Overseas, on the other hand, such Japanese culture is very popular, and wearing and decorating it seems to be a common feeling.

In light of this, Kick75 has a “koteko koteko Japanese culture” taste, so to speak, which may not be a good fit for some people.

However, most of this retro-pop feeling is thought to come from the keycaps, so this will not be a problem, especially if the keycaps are supposed to be replaced.

Skeptical that there is actually a need for profile switching

One of the attractions of the Kick75 is certainly the ability to switch between normal and ↔︎ low profiles, but I am skeptical as to whether I would actually switch given the hassle of switching.

To replace a keycap and key switch, it is necessary to remove the keycap and key switch, remove the top frame, attach the special sound absorbing material and switch plate, attach the special top frame, attach the key switch and keycap, and so on… It takes more than one hour just to go through these steps.

Another drawback for RetroPop fans is that the dedicated RetroPop keycap is not sold separately, so it is not possible to reproduce this look with different profiles!

Incompatible with existing low-profile mechanical key switches

The newly developed Gateron LP 3.0 has a completely different structure from the Gateron LP keyswitches used by NuPhy to date.

Therefore, there is no backward compatibility with conventional low-profile mechanical key switches.

Another disadvantage is that there are fewer types of keyswitches than the competing Kailh choc v2 series keyswitches at this time.

Conclusion｜I can recommend it to those who purchase a mechanical keyboard for the first time.

These are just a few of the many attractions of Kick75.

The Kick75 is one of the less expensive keyboards sold by NuPhy and is available in both low and normal profiles, making it a good choice for first-time mechanical keyboard buyers.

The gasket-mounted construction and extremely comfortable keystroke feel at this price point is a significant advantage over other products in this price range.

Please give it a try!

Use coupon code: ryo10 for 10% off.