NuPhy Air 75HE: The New Benchmark for Low-Profile Hall Effect Keyboards
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the low-profile market is rapidly evolving, and the NuPhy Air 75HE stands as a testament to innovation. Following the success of the NuPhy Air 60HE, this keyboard builds on its predecessor’s strengths while addressing key criticisms. But does it truly live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into what the Air 75HE offers, how it improves upon its predecessor, and whether it earns its spot as the low-profile Hall Effect keyboard of the year.
Design and Build Quality
The NuPhy Air 75HE is an expanded take on the compact Air 60HE, featuring a 75% layout. This means you get dedicated arrow keys, function keys, and a cluster of navigation keys, making it a versatile choice for productivity and gaming. Its sleek, low-profile aluminum frame gives it a premium look and feel, while maintaining portability.
What’s new?
- Keycap Redesign: NuPhy addressed previous criticisms of shine-through issues in the Air 60HE’s keycaps. The Air 75HE features thicker, more opaque keycaps that prevent RGB light bleed while offering better durability.
- Improved Stabilizers: The stabilizers on larger keys like the spacebar feel more refined, offering a smoother and more consistent typing experience.
- Adjustable Feet: The keyboard includes adjustable feet for better ergonomics, although the lack of locking mechanisms on the smaller feet remains a minor annoyance.
Typing Experience
The Hall Effect switches are the star of the show, offering customizable actuation points and exceptional precision. With options like Aloe, Moss, and Wisteria switches, the Air 75HE caters to both typists and gamers.
Key highlights include:
- Short Actuation Distance: The low-profile nature of the keyboard means less travel distance, resulting in faster inputs—a boon for gaming.
- Sound Profile: Compared to the Air 60HE, the 75HE has a slightly louder, more resonant sound due to its larger frame. This results in a satisfying blend of “clack” and “thock.”
- Stability: The improved stabilizers ensure that larger keys like the spacebar and shift key remain consistent, reducing rattle.
While it excels in gaming, some users may find the typing experience less ideal for extended writing sessions. The slightly clunky feel of the low-profile switches might not appeal to those accustomed to traditional high-profile keyboards.
Features and Customization
NuPhy doesn’t shy away from packing the Air 75HE with advanced features:
- Hot-Swappable Switches: Easily swap out switches to tailor the feel and sound to your preferences.
- South-Facing RGB Lighting: Offers vibrant, customizable lighting without interfering with keycap compatibility.
- Adjustable Actuation Points: Through NuPhy’s software, you can set the actuation point for each key, ranging from feather-light to deliberate presses.
- Dynamic Keystroke Mapping: Assign macros or toggle layers to individual keys, providing flexibility for advanced workflows.
The Software Experience NuPhy’s software has made significant strides, allowing users to:
- Fine-tune actuation points for individual keys or the entire board.
- Configure advanced macros and lighting effects.
- Adjust polling rates and debounce times.
While the software is robust, it may feel overwhelming to newcomers due to the sheer number of options.
Sound Test Analysis
60HE Vs 75HE
The Air 75HE boasts a richer and more resonant sound compared to the Air 60HE. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Thicker Keycaps: These contribute to a more satisfying thock, especially on the spacebar.
- Improved Stabilizers: Larger keys sound consistent and rattle-free.
- Frame Resonance: The aluminum frame amplifies the sound slightly, making the typing experience more tactile and audible.
For gamers, this keyboard delivers a sound profile that enhances immersion without being overly noisy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Customizable Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation.
- Improved keycaps that eliminate shine-through and enhance durability.
- Robust software with advanced customization options.
- 75% layout strikes a balance between functionality and compactness.
- Hot-swappable switches for ultimate flexibility.
- Affordable pricing at $149, offering excellent value.
Cons
- Non-locking small feet can be frustrating for users who frequently adjust their keyboard’s angle.
- No wireless connectivity, limiting portability for those who prefer cable-free setups.
- Typing experience may feel clunky for users transitioning from traditional high-profile keyboards.
- Keycap material, while improved, is still prone to minor scratching over time.
Comparison: NuPhy Air 75HE vs Air 60HE
| Feature | Air 60HE | Air 75HE |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 60% Compact | 75% with Arrow/Function Keys |
| Keycap Design | Shine-through issues | Improved, opaque keycaps |
| Sound Profile | Softer, quieter | Louder, richer |
| Price | $139 | $149 |
| Best For | Portability, minimalism | Gaming, productivity |
The Air 75HE is a clear upgrade for those who value additional functionality and refined features, while the Air 60HE remains a strong choice for ultra-portable setups.
Is It Worth It?
The NuPhy Air 75HE is arguably the best low-profile Hall Effect keyboard currently available. It bridges the gap between gaming and productivity, offering a premium typing experience at an accessible price. While it may not completely replace high-profile keyboards for hardcore typists, it shines as a versatile tool for gamers and casual users alike.
If you’re looking for a feature-rich, customizable low-profile keyboard with a striking aesthetic, the Air 75HE deserves serious consideration.
Final Verdict
The NuPhy Air 75HE takes the feedback from its predecessor and runs with it, delivering a polished product that appeals to a wide range of users. Its innovative features, improved design, and excellent price point make it a standout in the competitive keyboard market. Whether you’re gaming, typing, or just looking to upgrade your setup, the Air 75HE is a strong contender.
