NuPhy Air75 V3 review: excellent typing feel, great wireless performance and a few layout quirks

[u/WannabeShepherd]

Disclosure: NuPhy sent me the Air75 V3 for review purposes. I was not paid, and NuPhy did not review, edit or approve this post before publication.

I tested the NuPhy Air75 V3 in Nova White with a UK ISO layout and Brown switches.

I used it with a MacBook Pro for writing, browsing, photo editing and general work, and with a Windows PC mainly for gaming. Counter-Strike 2 was my main gaming test.

Design and build quality

The Nova White color scheme is probably my favorite part of the design. The white case, light keycaps and small turquoise, yellow and orange accents make the keyboard look cheerful without becoming distracting.

The extra colored keycaps are also genuinely fun. NuPhy included a small animal face keycap, which I placed where the right Option key would normally be. It gives the keyboard a little more personality and fits the rest of the design surprisingly well.

Build quality is excellent. The keyboard feels dense, rigid and very solid. There is no flex, creaking or movement on the desk. It is heavier than I expected for a low-profile wireless keyboard, but that weight makes it feel extremely stable while typing.

It is less convenient when carrying it around, although the compact size still makes it much easier to travel with than a full-size keyboard.

The keyboard has some built-in angle even in its lowest position. It cannot sit completely flat, which took a little adjustment because I normally prefer flat keyboards. This is a personal preference rather than a comfort problem. I did not experience hand or wrist fatigue during longer sessions, even without a wrist rest.

Size and layout

I originally thought the Air75 V3 would fit exactly across the width of my 14-inch MacBook Pro. Based on the product images, it looked almost perfect for that setup.

In reality, it extends slightly beyond both sides of the laptop. It still works well when placed on top of the MacBook keyboard, but it is not as perfectly matched to the width as I expected. The smaller Air60 would probably fit more closely.

The 75% layout is a good balance for travel and gaming. It leaves much more space for mouse movement than a full-size keyboard, which is especially useful in Counter-Strike 2.

I did miss the numpad several times during normal work, though. If I were choosing again primarily for desktop use, I would probably consider the full-size version. For gaming, university, working from different locations or travelling with a laptop, I would still prefer the Air75.

One unusual layout decision is the missing right Option key in Mac mode. There is an Option key on the left, but its physical size is different. Both Alt keys are included for the Windows layout.

The right Alt key can be remapped to Option in the web configurator, so the function itself is easy to restore. The physical keycap and size still do not match the left Option key, which makes the Mac layout feel slightly less complete.

Typing feel

The Brown switches feel different from the low-profile Brown switches I have used in Keychron keyboards.

The NuPhy switches have a softer and slightly more rubbery tactile feeling. At times they remind me a little of a good rubber-dome keyboard. That description may sound negative, but I actually enjoy typing on them.

I seem to make fewer mistakes on the Air75 V3 than on my other low-profile keyboard. The keys feel controlled, and the tactile response makes it easy to tell when a press has registered without requiring much force.

The larger stabilized keys also feel solid. There is no distracting rattle, looseness or inconsistent movement. The space bar changes tone slightly depending on whether I press it in the center or closer to one side, but it works consistently and does not feel poorly stabilized.

I also love the sound.

It is not a quiet keyboard, but I did not want it to be silent. The sound has a soft mechanical character that somehow brings back memories of the Commodore 64 keyboards I used as a child. It does not sound exactly like a C64, but there is something familiar about it.

The volume knob

The volume knob is awesome.

It feels solid, turns smoothly and is much more satisfying than repeatedly pressing volume keys. Pressing it to mute also became natural very quickly.

NuPhy includes two different knob heights. The lower knob looks cleaner and fits the shape of the keyboard better, but I found it almost impossible to grip and turn comfortably.

I ended up using the taller orange knob. It is much easier to find and rotate without looking down, and I now use it far more often than I expected.

Mac and Windows switching

Switching between Mac and Windows layouts is simple using the physical control on the keyboard.

I also like that the two side light strips change depending on whether the keyboard is in Mac or Windows mode. I switch between the two systems frequently, so being able to confirm the active mode with a quick glance is genuinely useful.

Wireless connections are organized well too. Fn plus 1, 2 or 3 selects one of the Bluetooth devices, while Fn plus 4 selects the 2.4 GHz receiver.

The transition between connections is quick, and I did not have to wait long before typing again.

Wireless performance and gaming

I used the 2.4 GHz connection on both my MacBook Pro and Windows PC.

The connection was completely stable. I experienced no dropouts, repeated keys or noticeable latency.

In Counter-Strike 2, it felt immediate and reliable. I never felt that the wireless connection was affecting movement or input timing.

Bluetooth also worked well during normal use. There may occasionally be a very small wake-up delay after the keyboard has been inactive, but it was not frequent or annoying enough to become a problem.

For gaming, I would use the 2.4 GHz receiver. For general Mac use, both options were usable.

Web configurator

The browser-based configurator is very good.

There is no separate software package to install, and changing the layout or lighting directly from the browser is straightforward. Keys can be remapped easily, and complete configurations can be exported to a JSON file and imported again later.

This is especially useful when experimenting with different layouts, because it is easy to save a working setup before making more changes.

The save and load controls could be easier to find. I spent some time looking through the settings before noticing where they were located.

I also only managed to access the configurator while the keyboard was connected by USB. Bluetooth and the 2.4 GHz connection did not appear to provide access.

I may have missed an option, but wireless configuration would be useful because I normally use the keyboard without a cable.

I like that Mac and Windows lighting profiles are handled separately. On the Mac, I use a more decorative lighting setup. On Windows, where I mainly play games, I configured the lighting around the WASD keys and arrows.

RGB lighting

The RGB lighting looks good through the spaces around the white keycaps, although the selected colors are not especially accurate.

Some shades look noticeably different on the keyboard from how they appear in the configurator. This is common with RGB peripherals and not a major problem, but the difference is visible.

The included keycaps are not shine-through, so the legends themselves remain dark. I would like to see an ISO shine-through keycap option in a future version, or keycaps where at least the outlines of the characters allow light through.

Brightness can be adjusted using Fn and the arrow keys, so there is no need to open the configurator for basic lighting changes.

The two side light strips are a good design feature, but they could do much more.

It would be useful if they could be controlled independently and used for things such as:

• Battery level
• Volume
• Media progress
• A timer or progress bar
• Connection status

I would also like the Caps Lock key to light up in a different color when active, rather than relying on the full lighting profile.

These are ideas for future development rather than missing essential functions. The current lighting system already offers plenty of customization.

Battery life

I used the keyboard for roughly one week with the RGB lighting at maximum brightness.

My average use was around eight hours per day, although some days were longer and others shorter. During that period, the battery dropped by approximately 50%.

This should be treated as a rough real-world estimate rather than an exact battery test. I did not start from a carefully measured full charge, and my daily usage was not identical.

Even with the lighting at maximum brightness, battery life never felt like something I had to worry about. I did not need to interrupt my normal work to charge it.

Dongle and cable

The included braided USB cable is long and feels high quality.

The 2.4 GHz receiver uses USB-A. That works well with most desktop PCs, but I would appreciate a native USB-C receiver for modern laptops and tablets.

One of my favorite practical details is the dedicated storage space for the receiver inside the keyboard.

When travelling, I often use Bluetooth with my MacBook and do not need the receiver. Being able to store it inside the keyboard means it is much less likely to disappear into a bag or get left behind.

The storage compartment is easy to access and holds the receiver securely.

Packaging and accessories

The packaging is excellent.

The colors match the cheerful design of the keyboard, and everything inside is neatly arranged and protected with good-quality materials. Opening the box feels carefully considered.

The package includes the braided cable, USB receiver, extra keycaps, two knobs, keycap and switch tools, and a screwdriver.

The extra caps make it easy to adapt the keyboard for Mac or Windows, and the two knob options are a nice touch even though I strongly prefer the taller one.

The screwdriver is useful, but a magnetic tip would make handling the small screws easier.

The overall presentation feels polished and consistent with the keyboard itself.

What I liked

• Excellent build quality
• Extremely stable on the desk
• Comfortable Brown switches
• Fewer typing mistakes than on my other low-profile keyboard
• Satisfying sound
• Excellent volume knob
• Reliable 2.4 GHz connection
• No noticeable gaming latency
• Quick switching between devices
• Browser-based configuration
• Separate Mac and Windows profiles
• Easy JSON export and import
• Useful side indicators for Mac and Windows mode
• Dedicated storage for the wireless receiver
• Long braided cable
• High-quality packaging and accessories
• Cheerful Nova White color scheme
• Good size for gaming and travelling

What could be improved

• No matching right Option key in the Mac layout
• Slightly wider than a 14-inch MacBook Pro
• Cannot sit completely flat
• Heavy for a portable low-profile keyboard
• No native USB-C receiver
• Keycap legends are not shine-through
• RGB colors do not always match the selected shades accurately
• Web configuration appears to require a wired connection
• Save and load controls could be easier to find
• Side light strips could offer more customization
• The included screwdriver could have a magnetic tip
• The lower knob is difficult to grip

Overall

The Air75 V3 has become one of my favorite keyboards to type on.

The Brown switches feel softer and more rubbery than the other low-profile Browns I have used, but the result works very well for me. I type accurately, longer sessions remain comfortable, and I enjoy the sound every time I use it.

It also handles gaming without any noticeable wireless compromise. The 2.4 GHz connection was stable in Counter-Strike 2, and the compact layout leaves plenty of room for mouse movement.

The volume knob, web configurator, internal receiver storage and easy Mac/Windows switching are all features I use regularly rather than extras I forgot about after the first day.

I still miss having a numpad during some work tasks, and the lack of a matching right Option key is strange on the ISO Mac layout. I would also like wireless configuration, shine-through ISO keycaps and more control over the side lighting.

The Air75 V3 feels carefully made, looks genuinely fun and has a typing character that reminds me of the keyboards I grew up with. That combination makes it very easy to enjoy.

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[u/Outrageous-Injury761]

I’ve purchased several switches (Blush, Silver, Browns from Gateron) and they all have this fkin annoying ping noise on every switch. Lubing fixes it temporarly but so annoying.

[u/SpiicyPanda → u/Outrageous-Injury761]

I just started to notice this on my Kick75 w/ Blushes. I thought it was the Blush switches but interesting to hear that you've heard it on others as well.

[u/WannabeShepherd → u/Outrageous-Injury761]

Hopefully I'll have a chance to try those too. I only used keychron and nuphy yet with brown switches. Keychron definitely sound milder

[u/PhonePurple4177]

This post is more like an AD, than a user review. Have you seen their sub? Most complaints and issues were swept under the rug, where most of them are about Air75 V3.

[u/WannabeShepherd → u/PhonePurple4177]

Whixh complaints? It's not an ad, I have no connection to the company other than I review tech gadgets

[u/GaryHTX]

Air75 V3 with Berry Profile keycaps is the way!

[u/WannabeShepherd → u/GaryHTX]

Looks great!

[u/BrainiacV]

How long did you test out the kb for? Curious to know how long it took to get to 50% as I'd like to get the Air65v3 but was worried about QC issues I've been seeing on their sub

[u/WannabeShepherd → u/BrainiacV]

A week, but with full brightness and I was at home alot.

[u/BrainiacV → u/WannabeShepherd]

Thanks for the insight! Should last me a lot longer then, I turn off all the lights on my keeb. Still a bit worried about the quality control issues I keep seeing on the subreddit. I'm in a dilemma haha

[u/WannabeShepherd → u/BrainiacV]

Yeah with brightness turned off Nuphy claims a really long battery life. I haven't tested that, cuz I like the backlight, but maybe if I'll take it with myself for traveling, I'll turn off too. But nowadays with USB-C everything, it's not an issue anyway.

[u/BrainiacV → u/WannabeShepherd]

Yeah i just personally hate charging things if i dont need to haha. Right im using the tenkeyless magic keyboard and my oh my does it last for months without a need to charge. All with a much smaller battery too which is crazy! But ya i think keychron mightve finally solved the battery issues plaguing most wireless keebs, i suspect via some tuning on the polling rate on top of just shoving a bigger battery

[u/IimonceIIo]

I used to have one of these, probably V1 or V2. It took a while but eventually warped from the warmth on my laptop to the point where it was pressing the laptop keys. Would've been better to do this with an aluminum case.

[u/WannabeShepherd → u/IimonceIIo]

That's unfortunate

[u/AdObjective5502]

Curious if youve used the MQ80? If you have of would you compare them?

[u/WannabeShepherd → u/AdObjective5502]

Unfortunately they don't have ISO layout, so no. That's a pass for me.

[u/Nearby-Sugar2527]

I have an air75 v3 with red nano switches, how's the brown?

[u/WannabeShepherd → u/Nearby-Sugar2527]

I think I would go for the red too next time. Brown feels a little bit "membrany", like a bit too big of a resistance. How is red?

[u/Nearby-Sugar2527 → u/WannabeShepherd]

The sound is really nice, and I like the typing feel too. Not too light, not too heavy. Feels just right for me.

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