In-depth review
NuPhy Air75 V2 Review (2026)
NuPhy Air75 V2 review: slim 75% low-profile mechanical keyboard with QMK/VIA. Who it suits and where it compromises.
NuPhy Air75 V2
A slim 75% low-profile board with QMK/VIA and tri-mode connectivity.
Our verdict
The NuPhy Air75 V2 is the best low-profile mechanical keyboard for people who want laptop-like slimness without giving up real switches. QMK/VIA support is genuinely rare in this category, tri-mode wireless is seamless, and the aluminum frame keeps it feeling premium. The tradeoff is inherent to the form factor: low-profile switches have shorter travel, and keycap options are limited. Buy it if portability and a slim desk setup matter more than maximum key travel.
What we like
- Slim low-profile design that travels well
- QMK and VIA support, rare in low-profile boards
- Tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired
- Hot-swappable low-profile switches
- Double-shot PBT keycaps
What to watch out for
- Low-profile switches feel different from standard mechanical switches
- Smaller low-profile keycaps limit aftermarket set options
- 75% layout drops the number pad
Who it is for
Travelers, laptop-first typists, and minimal-desk builders who want mechanical switches in the slimmest possible package.
Design and portability
The Air75 V2 is strikingly thin for a mechanical board, with a slim aluminum frame that slips into a bag alongside a laptop. The 75% layout keeps arrows and a function row in a compact footprint. Double-shot PBT keycaps in NuPhy's nSA profile keep legends crisp, and the overall fit and finish punches above its mid-range price.
Switch feel and programmability
Low-profile mechanical switches have noticeably shorter travel than standard switches, which some typists love for speed and others find less satisfying. The switches are hot-swappable, so you can change the feel without soldering. QMK/VIA support is the standout feature here: full remapping, layers, and macros on a board this slim is uncommon, and it works through the browser-based VIA tool.
Wireless and daily use
Bluetooth 5.0 handles multi-device switching, 2.4 GHz covers low-latency needs, and wired USB-C works everywhere. Battery life is strong for a slim board with RGB, though heavy backlight use will always drain faster. It pairs naturally with a laptop as a desktop-upgrade keyboard that can still travel.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Slim, travel-friendly low-profile design
- Smooth switches and long battery life
- Hot-swappable for a low-profile board
Common complaints
- Some reviewers hit early firmware bugs, including freezing on macOS
- Little height adjustment
- Backlighting is dim
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Layout
- 75% (84 keys), low-profile
- Switches
- Low-profile mechanical, hot-swappable
- Keycaps
- Double-shot PBT, nSA profile
- Frame
- Aluminum, slim profile
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, USB-C wired
- Firmware
- QMK and VIA
- Backlight
- RGB
Also consider
Keychron Q3 Max
A full-aluminum TKL with tri-mode wireless and deep QMK/VIA customization.
- Layout: Tenkeyless (87 keys)
- Switches: Gateron Jupiter (Red, Brown, or Banana), hot-swappable
Royal Kludge RK61
A compact 60% wireless board that keeps the essentials at a budget price.
- Layout: 60% (61 keys)
- Switches: Mechanical, hot-swappable
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Do low-profile switches feel like laptop keyboards?
Somewhere in between. They have shorter travel than standard mechanical switches but still use real mechanical contacts with distinct actuation. They feel more precise than membrane laptop keys, just less deep than full-size switches.
Can I replace the keycaps?
Only with low-profile keycap sets designed for the board's switch type. Standard-height keycaps will not fit correctly, so aftermarket options are much more limited than on a standard board.
Is it good for programming?
Yes, especially with QMK/VIA. Programmers who remap keys and use layers benefit the most, and the 75% layout keeps brackets and function keys accessible without reaching.