nuphy Air75 Mechanical Keyboard, 75% Low Profile Wireless Keyboard, Supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4G and Wired Connection, Compatible with Windows and Mac OS Systems-Gateron Brown Switch

I will note first I have many keyboards, from Topres to mechanical to buckling to membrane to scissor. In my quest to find a comfortable daily typing keyboard (to replace my daily-driver 2012 MBP chicklet keyboard) I acquired one of these NuPhys, specifically for its novelty in offering the low-profile mechanical keys with PBT caps, opting for blue-switches for typing emphasis.Upon reception I was immediately impressed by the build quality and presentation. The designers clearly put effort into the keyboard and the thinking behind it. I had recently grabbed a Keychron K3 with similar specs but found the keys too crowded and with poor keycaps (though I believe they offer PBT caps on their site, if in stock); meanwhile the NuPhy held me in excitement, it feels more robust and inviting while still keeping a small profile. The chassis feels sturdy and minimal, the feet adequately keep it from moving, and the arrow keys in this format work well. The wireless options are standard, but I did appreciate them including a wireless dongle on top of the Bluetooth (though the dongle has no markings on it to designate it is paired to this keyboard, and it will be easy to lose without some kind of socket for holding on the board itself).The keys are truly the selling point here, the design choices just reinforce that I felt good buying it (which isn't the case with other keyboards). But it becomes a very specific kind of feeling. Honestly I grew to resent that I had ordered a blue-switch setup - the keys, with their almost cartoon friendliness in sculpting and low travel time, somehow do not read as "clicky" to me after use like a chicklet does; I should have opted for brown-switch or even red-switches and the pleasant thunk that the frame relates (which seems unique to this board) and it would have felt a much more integrated experience. Somehow the clicking detracts from the "roundness" or softness that the rest of the board really suggests to me.This became more apparent when I swapped out some of the switches with included singles of the others, and luckily, if I am so interested, I can order a set of the other switches and exploit the difference thanks to the hotswappable nature. Which doesn't make much sense to me otherwise - since I can't imagine personally using more than one switch type for the whole board. Maybe I will break down and try some kind of maddening dual-switch setup later after I have gone insane from the opulence of modern keyboardery.As for the lighting, I prefer it off and it was not a selling point to me. If they wanted it to be, the keycaps being opaque was the wrong call, as the (seemingly impressive) lighting system becomes a kind of disinterested back-glow. I'm a touch typist so I could care less. Notable the F and J key nibs are somewhat subtle, I would prefer them to be just slightly more pronounced. Despite being a touch typist, I find myself using my wrists more and seeking more verticality in typing, I think also simply an affect of its aesthetics, though perhaps it is that the keys somehow feel almost too large (their unique sculpting probably adding to this) so I feel I need to move more than I would otherwise, but this could all come with familiarity and habitual use.A note on a strange limitation I found was that the function keys default to non-function key functions (ex brightness, volume), and one has to download and install new firmware to remedy this very specific thing. This was honestly almost a complete deal breaker, and I only saw it after I received the unit.In the end perhaps my ideal would have been the version without the function keys, in brown or red switches, just the straight Air60 model as a simple dedicated keyboard for prose or journaling. For that it would offer a unique (and dare I say fun?) experience. I am still intrigued and excited by the board, purely on its aesthetics and form and the experience it offers in typing, and it stands out among many of the others I have collected for its design - so I am happy to have supported NuPhy and will be curious to see what they continue to do in this field. Ideally I would rate this 4.5 but will give it a 5/5 to promote it over a 4/5, given those two options.

The media could not be loaded. Video: Stocked GK61v2 Black (Linear Black Switches) vs Arteck Ultra Slim Keyboard (X Structure) vs Foamed Air75 (Brush Lubed Linear Red Switches) [Stabilizers are stocked lube] on a Desk MatReview:This keyboard is silent and by far the most ideal keyboard for those who travel that want to use a mechanical keyboard. Living in a quiet household with thin walls, other entry level mechanical keyboards are out of the option with it being hollow audible stocked (GK61v2) which makes it difficult for me to use without disturbing others while working on assignments or while gaming at night.The Air75 stocked is quiet for a mechanical keyboard and is actually quieter than my previous daily keyboard Arteck Ultra Slim Keyboard that was marketed as being “whisper-quiet”. I immediately fell in love with it both in being a low-profile mechanical keyboard that I can comfortably use in the library without feeling guilty.After a week of using, it I wanted to achieve the "thonk". Used GPL 105 switch lube and black foam usually found in new tool sets. Unlike other mechanical switches - the low profile switches are difficult to open. I recommend doing the brush lube method. Brush in the holes under the switches to lube the spring then brush the side of the switch that goes into the housing. If the foam is thin enough you can insert the switches back onto the board without any issues. (Just make sure to add holes for your stabilizers and screws). Tip - If the switch on the board refuses to give but one side has lifted. I recommend pushing back into place then pulling it out the other way. Afterwards it should come out easily. To note: I kept the stabilizers stocked lubed.Lubing the switches got rid of the faint spring feedback and the foam made the spacebar, shift, backspace and enter quieter as well making the keyboard thonk.Air75 Leather Case (Sold separately)The design is amazing the soft fabric to avoid scratches on the keyboard and acts as a stand for your phone and/or tablet. It perfectly fits a Samsung Tab S8+ with a cover case and enough space to use a 90-degree usb c cable for the keyboard. Tip - Store a tiny microfiber cloth under the keyboard.

For background, I'm very picky with tech. This is my 3rd and hopefully last mechanical keyboard. I was looking for the following features:• TKL• low profile• wireless (2.4ghz specifically for no delay)• long battery life• swappable keycaps• hotswap switches• backlighting• around $100• solid feelThe GoodIn addition to satisfying the list of required features, I'm very happy with the sound and feel of this keyboard • The board has a great weight and sturdy build due to the aluminum body • The function key row can default to F-keys or alternative functions (brightness/media/volume/etc.) if you update the firmware • The switches came pre-lubed so they have a very consistent feel (although re-lubing them would probably make this keyboard shine) • The default keycaps feel very nice with a slightly indented center and the color is pleasing to the eye • The backlighting has several presets and colors with an easy-to-use shortcut key system • The side lights are useful and customizable • There are several modding options for the enthusiasts • Not really my thing, but you may be pleased to know the Air 75 has an anime girl mascot and the keyboard comes with stickers and a poster on the rear side of the instructionsThe BadIt's taking a bit of time to get used to the low-profile keys (they're a bit wider than standard keycaps so actuating them on the edges tends to press neighboring keys) • There's a dedicated, non-re-mappable Siri/Cortana button