The NuPhy Air60 HE is a low-profile keyboard with Hall Effect switches, and it stands out as one of the few keyboards in this category available worldwide. Although it has a lot to offer, there are some things to keep in mind before deciding if it’s right for you.
Design and Build
The Air60 HE is wired-only, connecting through a USB-C port. This might be a drawback for people who prefer wireless options. The frame is made of aluminum, which gives it a sturdy feel, but the rest is plastic, making it lightweight. However, it’s not the most portable keyboard due to the lack of wireless connection.
One thing that stood out to me was the keycaps. They’re okay but not impressive. The regular keycaps feel a bit slippery, and while they include transparent ones with a different texture, they still didn’t feel great to use. Luckily, NuPhy includes extra TR keycaps, so you can swap them if needed.
Switches
This keyboard uses Gateron low-profile magnetic switches, and you have a couple of choices. I tried the regular Jade magnetic switches, but there’s also a Pro version. The main difference is the amount of force needed to press the keys.
The regular ones need 30g, while the Pro version requires 40g, making the Pro switches feel slightly heavier. However, in day-to-day use, the difference shouldn’t be that huge. And the version with regular Jades is $119.99 and the Jade Pro costs $139.99.
Features and Software
NuPhy has a web app called Nuphy.io, which allows you to customize the keyboard. It’s a good app and easy to use. You can update the firmware and access several cool features, especially for gaming. One highlight is the dynamic keystroke feature, which lets you assign up to four actions to a single key based on how far down you press it. You can also set different actions for keys depending on how you tap or hold them.
The main gaming features are:
- setting up macros
- rapid trigger
- adjustable actuation 0.1-3.3 mm
- dynamic keystroke
- mod tap
- toggle key
- rapid shift
- SOCD
- hyper tap
Performance
The Air60 HE performs well in terms of latency (response time). The Field75 HE which is another HE keyboard made by Nuphy showed 0.8ms in latency according to RTings and this feels very similar, but I don’t have the exact numbers. This makes it great for gaming, offering fast and accurate keystroke responses.
One issue I noticed was with the space bar, which felt wobbly and didn’t sound as good as the other keys. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be annoying.
Comparisons
If you’re looking for something portable and light with low latency, the Air60 HE is a good option. However, if you need more keys, like arrow keys or a 65% layout, you might want to consider other keyboards. For example, the Varmilo Muse65 is heavier but has extra arrow keys, making it better for gaming in that sense. Meanwhile, the DrunkDeer G75 is a cheaper option.
Conclusion
The NuPhy Air60 HE is a solid keyboard for those who want a low-profile option with Hall Effect switches and fast performance. While it lacks wireless connectivity and the keycaps could be better, its lightweight design, good software, and low latency make it a good choice for gamers and those who like to customize their keyboards.
You can get it cheaper using HLPLANET code on the Nuphy’s website.
I love testing and writing about new tech. I'm also a gamer and an engineer. Check out my Twitter for keyboard and controller news and reviews.
