NuPhy Keyboards Complete Guide: Every Model Compared (2026)

Choosing among NuPhy's growing catalog is no longer simple, and this mechanical keyboard buying guide cuts through the confusion by mapping every active 2026 model — Air, Halo, Field, Gem, Node, and Kick — into one decision framework. The brand has quietly become the default recommendation for Mac-first buyers and low-profile enthusiasts, but the lineup now spans four distinct profiles, two firmware ecosystems, and pricing from $99 to $170. Getting the right model depends on understanding which series solves which problem.

NuPhy was founded in 2021 by a small industrial-design team in Shenzhen with a clear thesis: mechanical keyboards had become too gamer-coded, too RGB-saturated, and too indifferent to macOS. The first Air75 shipped late that year and went viral on Reddit and YouTube throughout 2022, riding a wave of remote-work MacBook buyers who wanted something thinner than a Keychron K2 but more tactile than an Apple Magic Keyboard. Between 2022 and 2026, the catalog expanded from one low-profile board to more than a dozen SKUs across four profiles, with a deliberate design-first prosumer positioning that prices each model 20–30 percent above comparable Keychron equivalents.

This guide covers the four pillars that define NuPhy in 2026: the Air series that established the low-profile signature, the Halo series that added standard-profile thock and RGB halos, the Field series that brought Hall Effect magnetic switches for competitive gaming, and the Gem and Kick boards that expanded portability and entry pricing. Each section breaks down profile, layout, switches, firmware, battery, and price, followed by a verdict and a "choose this if" recommendation.

Beyond the hardware, the guide also addresses the three questions buyers ask most: whether NuPhy genuinely supports QMK/VIA in 2026 or has quietly walked back to closed firmware, how NuPhy compares head-to-head with Keychron at every price tier, and which model is the safest first purchase. Expect honest verdicts, real 2026 pricing, and no marketing hype.

NuPhy brand overview and why it matters in 2026

NuPhy launched in late 2021 with the original Air75, a 75% low-profile wireless board that weighed roughly half of a typical Keychron K2 and shipped with dedicated Mac keycaps in the box. The company's Shenzhen-based design team came from consumer-electronics backgrounds rather than the custom-keyboard scene, which explains why the early products leaned into industrial design and muted colorways instead of the group-buy aesthetics that dominated the hobby at the time.

Growth was driven almost entirely by community coverage rather than marketing. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Reddit's r/MechanicalKeyboards repeatedly surfaced the Air75 as the default low-profile recommendation, and YouTube channels including Hipyo Tech and BadSeedTech built audiences around the brand. By 2024 NuPhy had added the Halo line for standard-profile buyers, by 2025 the Field75 HE for gamers, and by 2026 the catalog includes the Node budget line and the Kick75 entry-level low-profile. The brand's position in 2026 is clear: premium low-profile leader, top-two Mac recommendation alongside Keychron, and a legitimate design-led alternative to mainstream gaming brands.

Three characteristics define the brand's 2026 identity. First, a design-first prosumer stance — every board ships in curated pastel or stone colorways rather than black-and-RGB. Second, Mac-native defaults with a hardware Win/Mac toggle on every keyboard since 2021. Third, a low-profile specialism that no competitor has matched at scale; NuPhy shipped the world's first low-profile Hall Effect board (Air60 HE) and remains the benchmark for slim mechanical typing feel.

The NuPhy aesthetic and Scandinavian minimalism

NuPhy's visual language borrows heavily from Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism. Colorways like Ionic White, Lunar Grey, Basalt Black, Rose Glacier, and Baby Raccoon replace the saturated reds and RGB-heavy finishes common in gaming gear. Keycap legends use thin sans-serif fonts, modifier keys often use slightly contrasting accent colors (mint, raspberry, lemon, moss), and case bodies pair aluminum top plates with matte plastic bottoms in muted tones.

This aesthetic extends to the ecosystem. The NuFolio sleeve is a leather-textured folio-style case for Air boards. The wooden wrist rests come in beech, walnut, and white oak, sold only on nuphy.com. Stock keycap sets use the proprietary nSA (spherical, Cherry-height) and nDSA (low-profile spherical) profiles, with shine-through and pudding variants for lighting-focused builds. Together, the accessories reinforce the core positioning: a keyboard that looks intentional on a MacBook-centric desk rather than a streamer battlestation.

Low-profile versus standard-profile and the NuPhy range explained

The single biggest source of buyer confusion is the Air versus Halo distinction. Both are wireless, both are hot-swap, both ship with Mac keycaps and a Mac mode toggle — but they solve different problems.

Low-profile (Air, Node, Kick) uses Gateron or Kailh low-profile switches with roughly 3.0–3.2 mm total travel and a case height of about 18–22 mm including keycaps. Typing feel is closer to a shallow mechanical than a chiclet laptop keyboard. The target buyer has a MacBook, values portability, or wants a keyboard that can sit in a backpack or over a laptop palm rest without dominating the desk.

Standard-profile (Halo, Gem, Field) uses MX-style switches with 4.0 mm travel and a case height of roughly 30–38 mm. Typing feel is full-depth thock, sound is deeper, and the RGB halos glow through translucent case edges. The target buyer has a desktop setup, wants traditional mechanical feel, and values acoustics and typing comfort over backpack-friendliness.

Decision rule: pick Air if the keyboard will ever travel or sit near a laptop; pick Halo if it will live on a desk. Gaming-first buyers should skip both and go Field HE. For a deeper explanation of why profile matters, see our mechanical keyboards ultimate guide.

Air series deep dive and the low-profile signature

The Air series is NuPhy's flagship and best-selling line. In 2026 the V2 generation remains the core lineup alongside the newer V3 refresh and the HE Hall Effect variants. All Air boards share the same DNA: aluminum top frame, plastic bottom, PBT doubleshot nSA-profile keycaps, two-layer foam dampening, and a hardware Win/Mac toggle on the rear edge.

NuPhy Air75 V2

• Series: Air
• Profile: low-profile
• Layout: 75% with arrow cluster and function row
• Key count: 84
• Switch type: Gateron low-profile 2.0 (Aloe, Moss, Wisteria, Cowberry, Brown, Red)
• Hotswap: yes, 3-pin low-profile sockets
• Mount type: gasket with PORON plate foam and IXPE switch foam
• Connectivity: tri-mode — 2.4 GHz dongle, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C wired
• Battery: 4000 mAh, ~220 hours RGB off, ~35–57 hours RGB on
• Firmware: QMK/VIA supported plus NuPhy Console
• Case material: aluminum top, ABS bottom
• Stock keycaps: PBT doubleshot nSA profile
• Price: $119.95 MSRP
• Best for: Mac users, travel, MacBook pairing
• Verdict: The benchmark low-profile wireless mechanical in 2026, and the single safest first NuPhy for most buyers.

The Air75 V2 is the board Wirecutter named as its upgrade pick for Bluetooth mechanicals and the one Tom's Hardware called "the first tri-mode wireless keyboard to support QMK/VIA." Shop the NuPhy Air75 V2 on Amazon in Gateron Brown, the Air75 V2 in Gateron Moss, the Air75 V2 Cowberry variant, or the Air75 V2 Wisteria tactile. The newer Air75 V3 refresh is available as the Air75 V3 Black-Red Nano for buyers who prefer the V3's improved battery (up to 1200 hours lights-off) and grippier laptop feet but accept the move to proprietary NuPhy.io firmware.

NuPhy Air60 V2

• Series: Air
• Profile: low-profile
• Layout: 60%, no arrows, no function row
• Key count: 64
• Switch type: Gateron low-profile 2.0
• Hotswap: yes
• Mount type: gasket
• Connectivity: tri-mode 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C
• Battery: 2500 mAh, ~200 hours RGB off
• Firmware: QMK/VIA plus NuPhy Console
• Case material: aluminum top, plastic bottom
• Stock keycaps: PBT doubleshot nSA
• Price: $109.95 MSRP
• Best for: minimalist desks, 60% purists, hardcore MacBook travel

At 60% the Air60 V2 pushes portability further than almost any mainstream mechanical. Buyers who already know they want a 60% layout will find it ideal; buyers uncertain about missing arrows should read our 60% keyboard guide before committing. Browse variants including the Air60 V2 White Cowberry and the Air60 V2 Grey Cowberry.

NuPhy Air96 V2

• Series: Air
• Profile: low-profile
• Layout: 96% compact full-size with numpad
• Key count: 100
• Switch type: Gateron low-profile 2.0
• Hotswap: yes
• Connectivity: tri-mode
• Battery: 4000 mAh, ~200 hours RGB off
• Firmware: QMK/VIA plus NuPhy Console
• Case material: aluminum top, plastic bottom
• Stock keycaps: PBT doubleshot nSA
• Price: $129.95 MSRP
• Best for: accountants, data entry, spreadsheet-heavy workflows who also want low-profile
• Verdict: The only credible low-profile 96% on the market; no direct Keychron equivalent.

The 96% layout compresses a full-size into the footprint of a TKL. For readers unfamiliar with the layout, see our 96% and 1800 keyboard layout guide. Pick it up as the Air96 V2 White Cowberry or the Air96 V2 Black Aloe.

V1 versus V2 changes

The V2 generation (2023) added PBT doubleshot keycaps replacing ABS, pre-lubed Cherry-style stabilizers, a larger 4000 mAh battery on the 75 and 96, improved gasket mount with PORON and IXPE foam, and — most significantly — QMK/VIA firmware support, which the original V1 boards lacked. The V1 remains available on Amazon as the Air75 V1 Gateron Brown at a discount, but the V2 is the recommended purchase for anyone starting fresh in 2026.

Choose an Air V2 if: low-profile typing, Mac pairing, travel, or open-firmware customization matter. Skip it if: a deep thock sound or full 4 mm key travel is a priority — go Halo instead.

Air HE variants and low-profile Hall Effect gaming

NuPhy pioneered low-profile Hall Effect. The Air60 HE and Air75 HE use Gateron Magnetic Jade or Magnetic Jade Pro switches, which read key position as a continuous analog value rather than a binary on/off. That enables Rapid Trigger (instant re-actuation), adjustable actuation points from 0.1 mm to 3.4 mm, and SOCD resolution for competitive shooter players.

NuPhy Air75 HE

• Series: Air HE
• Profile: low-profile
• Layout: 75%
• Switch type: Gateron Magnetic Jade or Magnetic Jade Pro (Hall Effect)
• Hotswap: yes, HE-compatible sockets only
• Connectivity: tri-mode with 1000 Hz 2.4 GHz polling
• Firmware: NuPhy.io (proprietary) — not QMK/VIA
• Price: ~$149 MSRP
• Best for: competitive gaming on a MacBook or thin desk
• Verdict: The only credible low-profile wireless Hall Effect keyboard in 2026.

For buyers weighing magnetic switches, see Hall Effect keyboard explained and Hall Effect vs mechanical switches. The Air75 HE Magnetic Jade and Air75 HE Magnetic Jade Pro are the two main Amazon SKUs, alongside the Air60 HE Magnetic Jade for 60% players.

Honest caveat: the HE line is on closed firmware. Buyers who specifically want QMK should look at the Air V2 range or a Keychron Q HE instead.

Halo series deep dive and standard-profile premium

The Halo line is NuPhy's answer to buyers who want full 4 mm travel and a deeper sound. Visually, the Halos are defined by a translucent plastic "halo" around the aluminum top plate that diffuses RGB into a soft glow — a design trick that is genuinely distinctive on a desk.

NuPhy Halo75 V2

• Series: Halo
• Profile: standard MX
• Layout: 75% with knob
• Key count: 83
• Switch type: Gateron G Pro 3.0 (Red, Brown, Yellow, Jade, Baby Raccoon)
• Hotswap: yes, 5-pin MX sockets
• Mount type: gasket with PC plate and multi-layer foam
• Connectivity: tri-mode with 1000 Hz 2.4 GHz polling
• Battery: 4000 mAh, ~200 hours RGB off
• Firmware: QMK/VIA plus NuPhy Console
• Case material: aluminum top, frosted ABS bottom for RGB halo
• Stock keycaps: PBT doubleshot mSA profile
• Price: $129.95 MSRP
• Best for: desk-bound typists who want thock plus RGB plus Mac support
• Verdict: The best $130 standard-profile wireless board with QMK/VIA in 2026.

Tom's Hardware called the Halo75 V2 "attractive and… a very good deal." Tom's Guide described it as "gorgeous to look at, listen to and type on." It's the single most recommended NuPhy for desk-bound Mac or Windows users who want a hobbyist-grade typing experience without the price of a Keychron Q. For layout context, check our 75% keyboard layout guide. Shop the Halo75 V2 Black Raspberry or the Halo75 V2 White Lemon.

NuPhy Halo65 V2

• Series: Halo
• Profile: standard MX
• Layout: 65% with dedicated arrows
• Key count: 68
• Switch type: Gateron G Pro 3.0
• Hotswap: yes
• Connectivity: tri-mode
• Battery: 4000 mAh
• Firmware: QMK/VIA plus NuPhy Console
• Price: $119.95 MSRP
• Best for: 65% enthusiasts who want standard profile plus wireless

The 65% layout gives you arrows without the function row, which is the most popular compact layout in 2026 for a reason; see the 65 keyboard layout guide. Available as the Halo65 V2 White Mint or Halo65 V2 Black Raspberry. The Halo65 HE variant exists as the Halo65 HE for buyers who want magnetic switches in a standard-profile 65% body.

NuPhy Halo96 V2

• Series: Halo
• Profile: standard MX
• Layout: 96% with numpad
• Key count: 100
• Switch type: Gateron G Pro 3.0 or G Pro Silent Red
• Hotswap: yes
• Connectivity: tri-mode
• Battery: 4000 mAh
• Firmware: QMK/VIA plus NuPhy Console
• Price: $139.95 MSRP
• Best for: numpad users who want RGB halo aesthetic

A strong pick for finance, engineering, and spreadsheet workflows. Grab the Halo96 V2 White Mint, Halo96 V2 Green Raspberry, or the Halo96 V2 Silent Red for quieter office use.

Better for gaming: Halo75 V2 with Jade linears. Better for typing: Halo75 V2 with Brown tactiles or Baby Raccoon. Better for office: Halo96 V2 Silent Red.

Choose a Halo V2 if: you want full travel, deeper thock, RGB halo, and QMK/VIA on a desk. Skip it if: the keyboard needs to travel or pair with a laptop on the go.

Field series and gaming-first Hall Effect

The Field line is NuPhy's dedicated competitive-gaming platform. It exists because the Air HE, while fast, is a generalist board; the Field75 HE targets shooter, fighting-game, and rhythm-game players who need 8000 Hz polling and sub-1 ms latency.

NuPhy Field75 HE

• Series: Field
• Profile: standard MX
• Layout: 75% plus 8 dedicated macro keys (4 under spacebar, 4 on left edge)
• Key count: 89
• Switch type: Gateron Magnetic Jade or Magnetic White (Hall Effect)
• Hotswap: yes, HE sockets only
• Mount type: top-mount aluminum plate
• Connectivity: wired USB-C only — no 2.4 GHz, no Bluetooth
• Polling rate: 8000 Hz
• Firmware: NuPhy.io (proprietary) — not QMK/VIA
• Case material: aluminum top, aluminum plate
• Price: ~$149–170 depending on switch and colorway
• Best for: competitive FPS, fighting games, rhythm games
• Verdict: Excellent hardware, competitive with Wooting 60HE and Keychron Q1 HE; software is the weak link.

TechGearLab ranked the Field75 HE third of 17 gaming keyboards in March 2025 and called it "as close to perfect as you can get in terms of gaming performance." The caveats are real: no wireless, Rapid Trigger and SOCD via proprietary NuPhy.io only, and the macro keys did not work in software at launch. For broader HE comparisons, see our best analog Hall Effect gaming keyboards roundup. Buy the Field75 HE Magnetic Jade, the Field75 HE Magnetic White, the Field75 HE Grey, or the newer Field75 HE V2 Magnetic Silver.

The original mechanical Field75 (non-HE, Cherry switches, tri-mode wireless) remains available as the Field75 Ethereal Cherry Ergo Clear and the Field75 Noether Cherry Speed Silver for buyers who want the Field aesthetic with traditional mechanical switches and wireless.

Choose Field75 HE if: competitive gaming is the primary use case and wireless is not required. Skip it if: you need tri-mode wireless (pick Field75 mechanical or a wireless gaming keyboard) or insist on open firmware.

Gem series and compact portable custom

The Gem80 launched in 2024 as NuPhy's tenkeyless custom-kit offering. It is sold only on nuphy.com (no Amazon listing), available as a barebones kit at $149.95 or as a full kit at $169.95 with switches and keycaps included. Its hallmark is a CNC aluminum case, gasket mount, polycarbonate plate option, and full QMK/VIA support. Hipyo Tech called it "the BEST NuPhy keyboard" in his late-2024 review.

NuPhy Gem80

• Series: Gem
• Profile: standard MX
• Layout: 80% TKL
• Key count: 87
• Switch type: user choice (hotswap 5-pin MX)
• Mount type: gasket with PC or FR4 plate options
• Connectivity: tri-mode
• Battery: 4000 mAh
• Firmware: QMK/VIA
• Case material: full CNC aluminum
• Price: $149.95 barebones / $169.95 full kit
• Best for: enthusiasts who want a custom TKL without group-buy timelines
• Verdict: The closest NuPhy gets to hobbyist-grade custom; the TKL-choice for desk builds.

Get it direct from NuPhy Gem80 on NuPhy.com. For layout context see the TKL keyboard guide. The planned Gem40 40% ortho has not launched as a shipping product as of April 2026 and should not be counted on.

Kick series and entry-level low-profile

The Kick75 is NuPhy's 2025 entry-level low-profile 75%, priced from $109.95. It uses next-generation Gateron low-profile 3.0 switches, ships with QMK support, and targets buyers who want the Air aesthetic at a slightly lower price. A matching combo wrist rest is available as the Kick75 combo wrist rest. The Kick75 is confirmed as a real 2026 product but currently sells primarily through nuphy.com at NuPhy Kick75 rather than Amazon.

The NuPhy ecosystem and accessories

NuPhy builds a full accessory ecosystem around each board. The key pieces in 2026:

• NuFolio: a leather-textured folio case sized to specific models, typically $39–49, ideal for Air75 V2 or Air96 V2 travel. Available as the Air75 V2 NuFolio Grey, Air75 V2 NuFolio Yellow, or Air96 V2 NuFolio Grey.
• Wooden wrist rests: beech, walnut, and white oak, sold only on nuphy.com, $39–59. The foam-and-acrylic Halo65/75 wrist rest is available on Amazon.
• nSA and nDSA keycap sets: proprietary profiles designed in-house. nSA is a spherical Cherry-height profile used across the Air range; nDSA is the low-profile spherical profile for Air HE and Node. Popular sets (Cymatics, Carmine Cloud, WoB, Carved Prairie) are mostly nuphy.com exclusives; a limited selection like the Air60 V2 shine-through keycaps is on Amazon.
• Palm rest and laptop feet: the Air V3 generation includes grippy magnetic laptop feet that sit over a MacBook keyboard without touching keys, a genuinely useful detail for MacBook users who pair an external keyboard.

NuPhy switches — Aloe, Moss, Wisteria, Cowberry

NuPhy commissions custom Gateron low-profile switches under plant- and berry-themed names. The 2026 lineup:

• Aloe: linear, 37 gf actuation, 43 gf bottom-out, 3.0 mm travel, smooth and light. Best for fast typing and gaming on Air boards.
• Moss: linear, 45 gf actuation, 3.2 mm travel. Medium-weight linear with a slightly deeper sound than Aloe.
• Wisteria: tactile, 55 gf actuation, 3.5 mm travel, pronounced tactile bump near the top. Best tactile option for typing on low-profile.
• Cowberry: tactile, 52 gf actuation, subtler bump than Wisteria, smoother return. A compromise between linear smoothness and tactile feedback.

All four are factory-pre-lubed. There is no clicky option in the NuPhy low-profile stable as of 2026. For standard-profile Halos, NuPhy uses Gateron G Pro 3.0 switches (Red linear, Brown tactile, Yellow linear, Jade linear, and the exclusive Baby Raccoon tactile).

Wireless performance and tri-mode reality

Every current NuPhy except the wired-only Field75 HE ships as tri-mode: 2.4 GHz via dongle, Bluetooth 5.1 (three paired devices), and USB-C wired. The 2.4 GHz mode polls at 1000 Hz on Air V2, Halo V2, and Gem80, which is sufficient for competitive gaming short of the 8000 Hz Field75 HE ceiling. Bluetooth is for multi-device desk scenarios and polls at 125 Hz.

Battery life varies significantly with RGB. Air V2 and Halo V2 average 200–220 hours with RGB off and 35–57 hours with RGB on. The newer Air V3 extends that dramatically to a claimed 1200 hours lights-off. Real-world reviewers including Tom's Guide and PowerUp! have reported occasional macOS Bluetooth freezing on Air V2 — the keyboard temporarily stops responding and self-recovers within seconds. The workaround is to use the 2.4 GHz dongle for primary Mac use. Honest assessment: tri-mode works well 95 percent of the time; the remaining 5 percent has been a real pain point for some Mac users.

Software — NuPhy Console versus QMK/VIA in 2026

The firmware situation is the single most important honest disclosure a NuPhy buyer needs in 2026. NuPhy is partially open, not fully closed, and the split matters:

• QMK/VIA supported: Air60/75/96 V2, Halo65/75/96 V2, Gem80, Kick75.
• Proprietary NuPhy.io or NuPhy Console only: Air V3, Air60/75 HE, Halo65 HE, Halo IO editions, Field75 HE, Node series, and the original Field75 (via Field Console).

NuPhy's pattern is visible: the 2023–2024 boards embraced QMK/VIA, while the 2025–2026 releases walked back to the proprietary browser-based NuPhy.io tool. Reviewers including Tom's Guide have defended NuPhy.io as polished and user-friendly, while the Reddit enthusiast community has been vocal that closed firmware undermines the point of buying a hobbyist-grade keyboard. For a deeper explanation of why QMK matters, read our keyboard firmware QMK VIA guide.

Buyer takeaway: if open firmware is a dealbreaker, buy a V2 generation Air, Halo, Gem80, or Kick75 — not a V3, HE, Node, or IO edition.

Mac compatibility and why NuPhy wins for Apple users

NuPhy's Mac positioning is structural, not cosmetic. Every board since 2021 includes:

1. A hardware Win/Mac toggle on the rear edge (not a software setting).
2. Dedicated Mac keycaps in the box — Command, Option, and Control labels ready to swap in.
3. Native macOS shortcut keys on the function row — Spotlight, Dictation, Launchpad, and screenshot, all working out of the box without third-party remapping software.
4. MacBook-matching colorways — Ionic White and Lunar Grey are tuned to Apple's Silver and Space Grey.
5. Laptop-friendly feet on Air V3 that rest over a MacBook's palm area without touching the built-in keys.

For context on why this matters and how NuPhy compares to other Mac-first brands, see our best keyboards for Mac roundup. NuPhy and Keychron are the co-leaders in the Mac mechanical segment; NuPhy edges ahead on aesthetic and low-profile fit, Keychron edges ahead on lineup breadth and open firmware consistency.

Specifications comparison across the 2026 lineup

• Air60 V2: low-profile, 60%, 64 keys, QMK/VIA, 2500 mAh, $109.95
• Air75 V2: low-profile, 75%, 84 keys, QMK/VIA, 4000 mAh, $119.95
• Air96 V2: low-profile, 96%, 100 keys, QMK/VIA, 4000 mAh, $129.95
• Air75 V3: low-profile, 75%, 84 keys, NuPhy.io only, 1200 hr battery, $139.95
• Air60 HE: low-profile, 60%, Hall Effect, NuPhy.io, tri-mode, ~$139
• Air75 HE: low-profile, 75%, Hall Effect, NuPhy.io, tri-mode, ~$149
• Halo65 V2: standard, 65%, 68 keys, QMK/VIA, 4000 mAh, $119.95
• Halo65 HE: standard, 65%, Hall Effect, NuPhy.io, ~$139
• Halo75 V2: standard, 75% with knob, 83 keys, QMK/VIA, 4000 mAh, $129.95
• Halo96 V2: standard, 96%, 100 keys, QMK/VIA, 4000 mAh, $139.95
• Field75: standard, 75% plus macros, Cherry MX, tri-mode, $159.95
• Field75 HE: standard, 75% plus macros, Hall Effect, wired only, 8000 Hz, ~$149–170
• Gem80: standard, 80% TKL, full aluminum, QMK/VIA, $149.95 barebones
• Kick75: low-profile, 75%, QMK, tri-mode, $109.95
• Node75: low-profile, 75%, NuPhy.io, $99.95

NuPhy versus Keychron — the direct comparison

This is the comparison every buyer actually runs, so here is the honest verdict category by category. For a broader three-way view, see our Keychron vs GMMK vs Drop best keyboard brand breakdown.

Pricing: Keychron wins. A Keychron Q1 full-aluminum 75% sells for $180–220; the comparable Halo75 V2 is $129.95 but with a plastic bottom. At the low-profile tier, the Keychron K3 Max runs around $90 versus the Air75 V2 at $120. NuPhy runs 20–30 percent more expensive at equivalent size.

Firmware openness: Keychron wins. The entire Keychron Q series, V series, and most of the K series support QMK/VIA with open-source firmware repositories. NuPhy supports QMK/VIA only on the V2 generation, Gem80, and Kick75; the newer V3, HE, Node, and IO lines are closed.

Build quality: split. At the premium tier the Keychron Q Max series with full CNC aluminum beats the Halo V2's aluminum-plus-plastic construction. At the low-profile tier the Air75 V2 beats the Keychron K3 Max on sound dampening, keycap material (PBT versus ABS), and battery (4000 mAh versus 1550 mAh).

Low-profile range: NuPhy wins decisively. Air60/75/96 V2, Kick75, Node75, and the first-to-market Air HE cover every niche. Keychron's K3/K5/K7 Max line is capable but thinner on sound and build. If low-profile is the priority, NuPhy is the default choice.

Mac focus: tie, with a slight NuPhy aesthetic edge. Both brands include Win/Mac toggles and Mac keycaps; NuPhy's design language leans more Apple-adjacent; Keychron offers more Mac-compatible SKUs overall.

Lineup breadth: Keychron wins. Keychron ships roughly eight active lines with ISO-UK, ISO-DE, and ISO-FR variants widely available. NuPhy has fewer SKUs and has historically delayed ISO layouts, with ISO-FR still inconsistent as of early 2026. EU buyers in particular should check ISO availability before committing.

Customer support and shipping: Keychron wins. Keychron has US and EU warehouses with faster shipping and broader retail presence; NuPhy ships largely from China with 5–14 day standard delivery and email-only support.

One-sentence verdict: buy NuPhy for low-profile, Mac aesthetic, and design-led prosumer polish; buy Keychron for value, firmware openness, and ISO layout availability.

NuPhy versus Logitech MX Keys — the low-profile mainstream alternative

The honest comparison for anyone leaving a Logitech MX Keys or MX Mechanical: the Air75 V2 is a meaningful upgrade on typing feel (3.0 mm travel versus 1.8 mm scissor), keycap quality (PBT doubleshot versus ABS), and customization (QMK/VIA versus Logi Options+). The MX Keys wins on silence, weight, and the Logitech software ecosystem for multi-device workflows. Pricing is similar — MX Keys S around $100, MX Mechanical Mini around $150, Air75 V2 around $120. For pure typing satisfaction, the Air75 V2 wins; for silent office typing across three computers, the MX Keys S remains defensible. RTINGS put it cleanly: "the NuPhy's mechanical switches are more satisfying to type on."

How to choose your first NuPhy

Three buyer profiles cover roughly 90 percent of decisions.

The Mac user who travels: Air75 V2. Low-profile, 4000 mAh battery, QMK/VIA, Mac keycaps included, pairs with a MacBook without dominating the bag. The safest first NuPhy for the majority of buyers.

The desk-bound typist: Halo75 V2. Standard profile, RGB halo, Gateron G Pro 3.0 switches, QMK/VIA, $129.95. Best acoustics and typing comfort in the lineup at that price.

The competitive gamer: Field75 HE. Hall Effect, 8000 Hz polling, 8 macro keys, wired only. Accept the proprietary firmware; the hardware is best-in-class for a low-profile-adjacent competitive board. Buyers who want wireless should look at the mechanical Field75 or cross-shop with our wireless gaming keyboards roundup.

Two additional edge cases: data-entry and spreadsheet users who need a numpad should pick the Air96 V2 (low-profile) or Halo96 V2 (standard); 60% minimalists should pick the Air60 V2. Buyers on a sub-$100 budget should look at our best budget keyboard brands under 100 guide rather than stretching into NuPhy, which starts near $110.

Price and where to buy

nuphy.com direct gives the widest selection (including Gem80, Kick75, wooden wrist rests, and exclusive keycap sets) and periodic 10–20 percent sales. NuPhy does not currently operate a public affiliate program as of April 2026, so nuphy.com links in this guide are plain URLs without a tag. Amazon US carries the Air, Halo, and Field lines with Prime shipping and easier returns — the preferred channel for US buyers who want fast delivery. Typical 2026 prices:

• Air V2 range: $109.95–$129.95
• Air V3: $139.95
• Air HE: $139–$149
• Halo V2 range: $119.95–$139.95
• Halo HE: ~$139
• Field75 HE: $149–$170
• Gem80: $149.95 barebones, $169.95 full kit
• Kick75: $109.95
• Node75: $99.95

For general lineup browsing, an Amazon NuPhy keyboard search surfaces every active SKU with current pricing. For travel-first buyers comparing across brands, check our best travel keyboards for laptops and mobile work roundup.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

NuPhy in 2026 is a sharper, more confident brand than it was at its 2021 Air75 debut. The catalog has resolved into four clear pillars — Air for low-profile travel, Halo for desk-bound standard-profile typing, Field for competitive Hall Effect gaming, and Gem plus Kick for custom and entry tiers — each with a distinct job and a defensible price. The single most recommended first NuPhy is the Air75 V2 for its balance of price, QMK/VIA support, Mac integration, and still-category-leading low-profile typing feel.

The firmware split is the real story under the surface. The brand embraced QMK/VIA in 2023–2024 and then partially walked back on its 2025–2026 releases, a choice that improves out-of-box software polish but genuinely frustrates the enthusiast community. Anyone buying a NuPhy in 2026 should know which firmware track their specific model is on before clicking checkout.

Against Keychron — the only direct competitor at scale — NuPhy wins on low-profile, aesthetic, and Mac polish, and loses on price, firmware consistency, and ISO availability. That is a defensible trade for most Mac-first and design-led buyers, and an unacceptable one for ISO-EU buyers or QMK purists. Pick the right side of that trade and the NuPhy catalog delivers some of the best keyboards anyone is shipping in 2026; pick the wrong side and Keychron remains the safer recommendation.

The lineup will continue evolving — expect an Air V4, a Halo V3, and likely a wireless Field HE before the end of 2026. The four-pillar structure and the Mac-first defaults, however, are not going anywhere. For most readers of this guide, that is reason enough to make a NuPhy the next mechanical on the desk.