NuPhy Air60 V2 Review: Your Ideal Portable Mechanical Keyboard
The mechanical keyboard industry has seen remarkable growth, yet discovering a compact and feature-rich mechanical keyboard that maintains high performance and portability remains a challenge. Meet the NuPhy Air60 V2, a keyboard designed to be not only highly portable but also extensively customizable, overflowing with advanced features, and suitable for both casual and professional environments. In this review, we will examine the NuPhy Air60 V2 in-depth, focusing on its design, features, customization choices, and how it compares to rival products.
Design and Build Quality
Ultra-Slim and Lightweight
One of the initial aspects you’ll observe about the NuPhy Air60 V2 is its exceptionally slim profile. At just 11.7 inches by 4.2 inches by 0.59 inches and a weight of merely one pound, its portability is outstanding. This makes it an excellent companion for anyone consistently on the move, whether you’re a digital nomad or someone who enjoys working from diverse locations. It easily fits into most laptop bags and, even better, is crafted to rest atop your laptop’s built-in keyboard, proving to be a convenient, space-saving addition to your workspace.
Aesthetic Upgrades
NuPhy has succeeded in incorporating visually appealing design elements without sacrificing the keyboard’s performance. The V2 model debuts subtle design enhancements, such as a matte finish and colorful accent keys. The white variant we tested showcases green accents on the escape key, rear switches, and USB-C port, while the spacebar and enter key are in yellow and orange, respectively. These minor details add visual appeal, giving a stylish touch to the overall minimalist design.
Improved AirFeet and Magnetic Folio
The AirFeet—NuPhy’s adjustable feet for modifying the keyboard angle—now feature a two-layered design, providing enhanced flexibility for typing ergonomics. Additionally, the keyboard’s magnetic base allows it to adhere effortlessly to magnetic surfaces, like a desk mat or the included folio case, which also functions as an iPad stand. Regarding the folio, the new NuFolio V3 is offered in a subtle brown “tundra khaki,” a more understated choice that complements various styles well.
Customization Options
Hot-Swappable Switches and Keycaps
One of the main attractions of mechanical keyboards is the ability to tailor them to suit your typing preferences, and the NuPhy Air60 V2 shines in this area. The keyboard includes hot-swappable switches, enabling you to easily replace the switches without any soldering required. NuPhy provides a selection of switches, including Red, Blue, Brown, Aloe, Cowberry, Wisteria, and Moss, each offering different actuation distances and sound profiles. For our assessment, we utilized the Wisteria switches, which produced a satisfying “clacky” sound, transforming typing into a tactile and enjoyable experience.
The keycaps are also replaceable. The Air60 V2 employs standard Cherry “+” switches, meaning it is compatible with a vast array of third-party keycaps. This allows for easy substitution of the default keycaps for a set that aligns with your aesthetic or functional requirements.
VIA Software for Reprogramming
If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with your keyboard’s settings, the VIA software integration will be a significant advantage. VIA permits you to reprogram any key on the keyboard, assign macros, and develop custom layouts. This feature is particularly beneficial for power users seeking to enhance their workflow, whether for gaming, coding, or general productivity.
Features and Performance
Connectivity and Speed
The NuPhy Air60 V2 provides cutting-edge connectivity options, enabling connections to up to five devices concurrently. You can connect using three Bluetooth radios, a 2.4GHz USB-A dongle, or a wired USB-C connection. The keyboard is powered by the Nordic NRF52810 SoC, allowing for a 1,000Hz polling rate that ensures minimal latency. In fact, it operates 5.1 times quicker than its earlier version, the Air60 V1, and delivers significantly faster connectivity than other Bluetooth keyboards available.
Enhanced RGB Lighting
RGB lighting is a hallmark in the mechanical keyboard community, and the NuPhy Air60 V2 excels in this aspect. The backlight has been enhanced for improved brightness and uniform illumination across the keys. With the function key and arrow keys, you can effortlessly cycle through various lighting effects, allowing for real-time customization of your keyboard’s appearance.
Superior Sound and Padding
The V2 model also incorporates upgraded sound-dampening features. The keyboard includes plate poron hollow-sound absorption and IXPE PCB sound purification, which diminish unnecessary noise for a quieter typing experience. The spacebar has also been fine-tuned to sound more harmonious with the rest of the keys, a minor yet noticeable upgrade over the V1 model.
Battery Life
For those perpetually on the go, battery life is a vital factor. The NuPhy Air60 V2 provides up to 30 hours of battery life with full brightness on the backlight, an impressive feat for a keyboard of its size. Disabling the RGB lighting can further extend battery life, making it a trustworthy companion for long journeys or extended work sessions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: Ideal for travel or limited workspaces.
- Customizable: Hot-swappable switches and keycaps, alongside VIA software support.
- Low Latency: Exceptional performance with a 1,000Hz polling rate.
- Great Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with RGB lighting at full brightness.
- Magnetic Folio: Serves as a fashionable iPad stand.
Cons
- No Apple Vision Pro Integration: Like many third-party keyboards, it lacks the specialized features of Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
- Plastic Body: While lightweight, the plastic casing may not match the durability of metal alternatives.
- Price Point: At over $100, it falls into the premium category that may deter budget-minded buyers.
Conclusion
The NuPhy Air60 V2 represents an outstanding mechanical keyboard option for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance. Its compact build, customizable features, and advanced connectivity establish it as a standout choice in a competitive arena. Priced at over $100, it may not be the most economical selection, but for users in search of a highly portable, feature-rich mechanical keyboard, it’s truly worth the investment.
FAQs
1. Is the NuPhy Air60 V2 compatible with MacBooks and iPads?
Absolutely, the NuPhy Air60 V2 is engineered to function seamlessly with MacBooks and iPads. It even rests atop MacBook keyboards, making it an excellent alternative for those who favor mechanical keys over Apple’s low-travel design.
2. What customization options are available for the NuPhy Air60 V2?
The NuPhy Air60 V2 provides hot-swappable switches and customizable keycaps. It also supports VIA software for key remapping and macro assignments, ensuring high customizability.
3. How long does the battery last?
The battery can sustain operation for up to 30 hours with RGB lighting at full brightness. If you deactivate the lighting, you can significantly enhance battery life.
4. Can I use the NuPhy Air60 V2 with multiple devices?
Yes, it supports connections to up to five devices at once. It accommodates three Bluetooth radios, a 2.4GHz connection via a USB-A dongle, and a wired USB-C connection.
5. Does the NuPhy Air60 V2 come with a protective case?
Yes, the NuPhy Air60 V2 is bundled with the NuFolio V3, which not only safeguards the keyboard but also serves as an iPad stand.
6. How does the NuPhy Air60 V2 compare to Apple’s Magic Keyboard?
Whereas the NuPhy Air60 V2 provides more customization along with a mechanical typing experience, it does not integrate with Apple’s Vision Pro or offer unique features like text suggestions, functions available with Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
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