NuPhy Air75 vs Keychron K3 Pro - Best 75% Low Profile Keyboard
I compare the NuPhy Air75 to the Keychron K3 Pro, two top choices for a 75% low profile mechanical keyboard. They are both great choices, but I think the Air75 has a slight edge with more connectivity options and battery capacity.
NOTE the NuPhy Air75 V2 is now out and is even better than the V1! Check out my review video here: • NuPhy Air75 V2 Review ...
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⭐️ NuPhy Air75: semiprotech.link/air75
Coupon code SEMIPRO for 10% off at NuPhy
⭐ NuPhy Air75 (Amazon): amzn.to/44FsmVt
⭐️ K3 Pro (Keychron): www.keychron.com/products/key...
⭐️ K3 Pro (Amazon): amzn.to/3C3LY9b
Specs of keyboards shown in video:
NuPhy Air75: Gateron Brown 2.0 switches
Keychron K3 Pro: RGB hot-swap option, Gateron Brown 2.0 switches
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🎬 Air75 vs Logitech: • NuPhy Air75 vs Logitec...
🎬 Air75 vs AZIO: • NuPhy Air75 vs AZIO Ca...
🎬 NuPhy Air96 review: • NuPhy Air96 Review - T...
🎬 NuPhy Halo96 review: • NuPhy Halo96 Review - ...
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*NOTE* the NuPhy Air75 V2 is now out and is even better than the V1! Check out my review video here: kzhead.info/sun/bLeij5urn6WaeaM/bejne.html What do you think of these two low profile keyboards? If you want to check either one out, they are both available direct from the manufacturer and on amazon (affiliate links): ⭐ NuPhy Air75: semiprotech.link/air75 Coupon code *SEMIPRO* for 10% off at NuPhy ⭐ NuPhy Air75 (Amazon): amzn.to/44FsmVt ⭐ K3 Pro: www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k3-pro-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard ⭐ K3 Pro (Amazon): amzn.to/3C3LY9b
Great video Thanks. Can you please tell me where did you find the wallpaper you have on your desktop behind you. I love it! Thanks.
I've had the Air 75 for at least a year and it has been great. They have shine through key caps as an option now, which I've ordered a few days ago when they had the 20% discount.
That was a good buy!
@@semiprotech yes! I prefer the color of the original keycaps tbh, but the lighting more than makes up for that. And the new ones seem thicker somehow, sturdier.
Thanks for mentioning the QMK/VIA. Not needing to remap again is a game changer especially to those looking into 60/65 layout keyboards so some sort of on-board storage is a big deal when you plan to use different devices.
Even if Air 75 V1 does not support QMK/VIA, the remap settings from its own software are saved within the hardware, not in the OS, right?
The Nuphy V2 is QMK/VIA + works on windows, linux, and mac
I've been rocking the K3 for a little over a year now but the main issue I'm having is finding alternate keycaps to personalize the boar the way I'd like.
Interestingly enough, I was looking at the K3 Pro. Ended up snagging the Air75 with their 20% off deal that ends by the end of today as I'm typing this. I really wanted to try the NuPhy Air96, but they color scheme I wanted was pretty much sold out on all but one of their new switches. Awesome 'vs' video, quality and to the point. Keep up the great work!
Thank you! And good timing with ordering the Air75, that's a great deal! The Air96 makes a couple of small improvements including adjustable feet and a slightly deeper sound, but it's not a massive update (besides the layout of course). I hope you enjoy the 75!
NuPhy Air96 it's like 60$ more expensive here
can u review the Keychron S1
Hi. Can the mx mechanical mini fit into the nufolio v2?
Now Air75 has V2 version, solved the problems of adjustment and also the battery increased. I think air 75 V2 is worth to have.
Thanks so much for researching this. Exactly the comparison I needed! I had the K3 v2 and battery was my main concern as I unfortunately RMA'd twice in 2 years due to battery issues. Leaning towards the Air75's due to battery & wifi connectivity. Cheers!
Glad it was helpful!
I had the Keychron K3 V2 (well still have actually, just not using anymore) and I was a bit turned away from the battery life. I wasn't really into the light shows so I always turned those off, but even with it off, I was still only getting just under 1.5 weeks of useage. I now have the Nuphy Air 96 due to wanting a numpad and a large battery and man it's just a nicer experience not having to recharge the battery as frequently. I know this video is comparing to the Air 75 but it's worth noting the typing experience is almost identical just with a much larger battery life, oner of the main reasons I went for it.
Keychron in addition to US ANSI offers 5 different ISO layouts, whereas Nuphy only US ANSI. If you prefer ISO layout, that the choice is no brainer.
I have a few k3 keyboards, I used to like them a lot, but when I switched to a customized Q1 I couldn't go back.
Thanks for a great review! 👍 However from your sound tests I would say the NuPhy sounds more than the Keychron. 🤔 An open case doesn't necessarily mean more noise, a case can create acoustics.
How much tax (import duty) do you pay when the device is shipped into the US from Keychron?
I have both of these keyboards, with a plan to sell Air75 (probably, unless I find a better use for it). I would agree with other comments with regards to the advantage Air75 has in 2.4 GHz dongle, as it makes it work wirelessly in all of the contexts a wired keyboard would work. With regards to connection stability it is also a bit better, although I have no reasons to complain about Bluetooth connection in K3 Pro. I agree also that Air75 sounds deeper and that it has bigger battery (2500 mAh vs 1550 mAh). I wouldn't agree with the video, however, that keycaps in Air75 are better for typing. They may sound better, but they are too flat to comfortably type. The profile in K3 Pro is better for me. I also like feeling of pressing keys on K3 Pro more (both have brown Gaterons, with a newer version in K3 Pro). There is one area in which Air75 is so vastly inferior that it makes me giving up on it - software. Both the scope of functionality and quality. Software for Nuphy seems to be an afterthought. They used to publish on their webpage Nuphy Console versions which were not even installing correctly or not starting from a shortcut created by the installer. Air75 is supposed to be Apple-first product, yet there is no method provided by Nuphy to redefine keys for MacOS keymap. There is no MacOS version of Nuphy Console and the Windows version can modify only the Windows keymap. There is a third-party Nudelta application (created by reverse-engineering the protocol) which can do this, but not always (it had some bugs when I was trying to do this). Firmware releases can break things which were working correctly in a previous version. Buit-in shortcuts can stop working or be changed without warning. K3 Pro, on the other hand, supports QMK/VIA, so there are no magic keys (Fn) or shortcuts, because all of it can be changed using VIA in a web browser. There are layers and features like layer taps and mod taps - all accessible with VIA without a need to flash a keyboard. And if your needs are even more sophisticated, there is a next level of QMK. Since I started using VIA I can't use keyboards without this level of customizability. And the only thing which was stopping me from buying Nuphy Halo75 before that was lack of availability.
I 100% agree that the console software is the biggest downside to NuPhy keyboards. If remapping or macros are a top priority, the experience just isn't there (it's everything you described). I was able to remap the Mac layer on my Halo96 though. Of course I had to use a Windows computer to do it, but I was able to save some basic remapping on the Mac layer and it works, the remapping was retained on both the Windows and Mac layouts. But overall the experience with it is not good and way easier with VIA like you said.
I can confirm, that remapping the mac side even on windows DOES NOT work with Nuphy's software. My biggest gripe.
I have K3V2. Have you encountered abysmal Bluetooth reception on your K3 Pro?
@@czdot No. It works fine for me - with Macbook Pro 2019, Asus dongle in desktop and Samsung phone/tablet.
I chose the Air75 over the K3 because of the bezels. I'm constantly throwing my keyboard in my backpack and bought the cover that NuPhy sells because it is cheap, magnetic, and protects it in the bag. The K3 scared me because I could see the fact the keys on the side weren't really protected. I was afraid the side keycaps and maybe even the switches could be pulled off the keyboard, and then I'd have to dig through my bag to find the lost keys (and possibly the switches, hoping the pins weren't bent). The bezels on the Air75 make it a little bigger, but I think they protect from this situation, especially with the cover. I love Keychron for desktop keyboards, but the K3 didn't make sense over the AIr75 as a mobile solution.
in my country they sell a bundle of k3 pro with a hard case which looks much more protected than air75 case. I'm still considering which one to buys since i'm not into air75 feet
Have you used it on the go, eg in a cafe? If so, how was the noise level? My internal keyboard died and I am thinking about gotting one of these low-profiles as a replacement, but am worried about being a nuisance in public with the clacking and tacking.
I placed order for a Keychron k3 pro (low profile, swappable, red switches) today. I hope that it will prove to be a good and healthy decision.
Can you make the backlight light solid blue or solid white??
Thanks for the code! Shipping cost me 25$ so now it's only 10 for shipping! :)
Shipping sure is getting rough these days.
@@semiprotech 35 USD if I want it a week early.
iT AMAZES me, how not even a single one Reviewer ever mentions KEYCAPS TOUCHING THE BASEPLASE or not...
Bit the bullet and just ordered Nuphy with your code. Super excited!!!
I hope you love it!
nice review. tysm
Yo where you got that wallpaper from that's on the screen in the background ?
Here you go basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog/os-x-rancho-cucamonga
good vdo. i am also interested in these 2 keyb.
I bought both of them, and found that K3 Pro supports additional stabilizer for CAPS LOCK key while Nuphy Air75 does not.
with one would be better for linux ?
That backlight is completely useless to me without shine through keys.
@@rollingstone7160 They do offer an ordering option to add a shine through set with the keyboard. Only as an addition though, so then you will have two sets of caps. I ordered that combo a few days ago. Waiting for delivery! 😀
The ISO versions all come with shine through. Mind you, shine throughs are ABS, not PBT.
Well get shine through keys
are the keycaps on these exchageable? I'd like to purchase nuphy keycaps and put them onto k3 pro
Hi! Yes, I've actually done exactly what you mentioned, and the NuPhy low profile keycaps do fit on the K3 Pro.
I would like to get the Air75, but I like the gray color scheme of the K3 Pro, why does the Air75 have to be so different :/.
Hope you can pin this comment. NuPhy just released the Air75 v2 which addresses both the advantages of the K3. It is more expensive than it's predecessor however.
I have the Air75 and it is great. (I also have a Q5 Pro and it too is great)
05:30 I found that that "slant" is very annoying. It means that the key caps are not on one flat surface, like other laptop keyboards. My fingers constantly hit the bottom side of key caps when I tried to move my fingers upwards. That is, you need to lift fingers higher than when you use laptops in order not to hit the bottom of the upper low key caps. Also, the K3 has no bezels, which means that if you press slightly outer side of an out-most key (e.g., PgUp), your finger will fall sharply and hit the desk, instead of hitting the bezel. This made me anxious.
Any chance you're planning to review Air60 and K7 Pro?
Hi! I actually have an Air60 on the way but I don't currently have a K7 available for a comparison. Based on the specs of each I'm thinking the comparison would likely be similar to the Air75 vs K3 Pro but I'll definitely keep this comparison in mind for a future video if I do acquire a K7!
@@semiprotech I have Air75 but I would like 60% as my portable option. I read that Keychron has a different keycap design, more traditional, and now I'm not sure what to buy: Air60 or K7/K9.
Why background lighting if the keycaps ingravings are not see-through?
To make you a cool kid in your neighbourhood. But seriously its just ridiculous idea. I had all kinds of backlighted kboards and caps without shine-through letters have 0 sense.
@@domantlen6231 that's what I thought as well. I can see it work if you just want nice colors for an overall rgb desk setup, and functionality is none of your concern. But as a writer I just can't see non shine through caps work for a backlit board. It's ridiculous indeed xD
I'm trying to find a keyboard which is: full size, uses brown switches and is low profile. I found one years ago and it's hands down the best keyboard in this multiverse. I cannot use anything else since that but they stopped making that keyboard so I'm desperately trying to find similar one but seems nobody is making those. Any ideas?
Have you checked out the Keychron K5 Pro? I would suggest giving that a look: www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k5-pro-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?variant=40437828976729
Can you place the K3 Pro on top of the Macbook 13” while the rubber feet doesn’t press any MacBook’s keys?
The current model MacBook Pro 13" is 11.97 inches wide and the rubber feet of the K3 Pro are 11.49 inches apart, so the feet should be able to rest on the outside of the keyboard area of the MacBook 13".
@@semiprotech Full of details! Really appreciate it.
How do you get $15 shipping from Nuphy? They keep charging me $30! I live in Texas. I removed items from my cart and shipping would get more expensive. Then I tried adding extra items & the shipping dropped by $0.20. I could never get anywhere near $15 standard shipping.
Sorry, at the time I recorded this (and for a few months before that) the standard shipping charge on their site was $15 - since then it clearly has increased. Bummer!
Not sure about the new generation of Air75, there is a reviewer in China tested the latency of the first gen of Air75 as compared to K3 Pro. Surprisingly that the latency of Air75 with 2.4GHz is higher than K3 Pro connected through bluetooth. The reviewers tested many keyboards and found that many of the mechanical keyboards with 2.4GHz produced in China have high latency.
I was recently checking out a review of the Halo series on rtings.com and they found that the polling rates were bottlenecked, so I wonder if something similar was happening with the Air75 as well. I'm thinking that the new Air75 V2 should have better performance because they've updated all the major components including the MCU and now the 2.4GHz is also supposed to support 1,000Hz polling.
ของผมไม่ต้อง mod อะไร เปลี่ยน keycaps ก็ได้เสียงแบบในคลิปเลยครับ
Yeah! The first comparison on youtube! But, I didnt wait and already bought Air75 haha :)
Same, and I'm happy I did regardless on how the K3 performs. Such an amazing keyboard! Shitty customer service though.
I would say you made a good choice! They're both nice, but I like having the 2.4GHz connection that the K3 Pro doesn't offer. I also have a personal preference for the feel & sound of the Air75.
Me too, and then K3 Pro 🙂
The big thing for me living in Scandinavia being, the K3 Pro can be bought for 105 dollars, but the NuPhy is 180 at cheapest and no ISO layout :(
I have the Nuphy and it types great, but via Bluetooth, the macros drop characters, but via 2,4GHz it's ok. I think that with the Keychron, chances are you'll lose or break a keycap at one point in time, especially if you travel with it and need to take it in and out of a backpack or laptop bag, unless you're extremely careful each time or want to waste the money and bag space by putting it into its own sleeve first before putting it into the larger bag.
7:28 linux never gets any love. Dont know why not everyone uses QMK/VIA. Means less work for the kb maker and at the same time much broader compatibility
hmmm still considering which one to buys since i'm not a fan of air75 feet :((
Have you seen the Air75 V2 that just came out? I reviewed it recently and they've replaced the feet with new folding ones! kzhead.info/sun/bLeij5urn6WaeaM/bejne.html
Nuphy only has US layout, where K3 Pro has multiple different language layouts. To me that's a very big pro to the K3, not everyone needs or wants the US layout. I think that's a missed market for Nuphy.
For their new air, they also said they have no intention to make any other layouts either.
Problem with the Keychron wireless keyboards is that their implementation of bluetooth + power management protocols are basically terrible. Slow to wake, doesn't power off efficiently, saps battery life when not in use......it's like the stone age compared to the equivalent from Logitech, Apple and others. Keychron still got a long way to go.
Hi have you tried nuphy keyboard. I agree that keychron bt is not stable at all. I am looking for alternative keyboard
Haven't tried Nuphy but I did consider the Air75. I ended up buying the Lofree Flow in the end. The power management on that works as it should. Also added some O rings to the keycaps and a keyboard pad which made everything even quieter. The only annoyance for me personally is that the F-keys are enabled by default where I would like them to be media keys by default including device switching (I use the keyboard linked to 3 devices). Keyboard backlighting on it is woeful but I don't really use it. @@waterkylin4374
Could you, please, explain what you mean by programming multiple layers on a keyboard. Thank you.
Hi! For keyboards that allow customization of the firmware, especially if it is QMK/VIA, when you're in the customization software like VIA you will see layers that you can customize. For example, Layer 0 could be set up with key mapping and macros that you use for one type of task, like data entry, while Layer 1 could be set up for coding, etc. It's like being able to change to a different "page" that contains a different customized key map. Some manufacturer-specific software allows this as well, but the best experience in my opinion is through VIA as far as ease of use.
I feel like Nuphy made a really nice hardware but I will ultimately judge them on their software. They don't provide official support for Linux and their MacOS software isn't as good as Windows. QMK is really the best firmware due to it being widely used and opensource. Therefore, I won't purchase Nuphy hardware due to their less than ideal firmware/software/tooling.
Why not just go with the mx master keys mini at this price. No contest lol.
Be aware that the ISO versions of the K3 Pro come with ABS keycaps
Good to know!
do you kniw how to find pbt caps that are compatible with the K Pro Series?
@@henrike9389 I haven‘t found any low-profile ISO PBT keycaps, it seems to be a completely untapped market. But please let me know if you find something
What the hell? Thats crazy! 😡 Where did you find this info? Can't see it on their homepage.
Keychron has ISO option. With NuPhy you are limited to ANSI.
You are right! I do hope NuPhy offers ISO for their keyboards at some point to make it an option for more people.
Air series is Nuphy's best. Their new Field75 is meh, the mis-aligned arrow keys is a huge bummer, plus it doesn't look as good in reality.
My nuphy Air75 battery already bloated after just 10 months, rarely use, only PC gaming session. (mostly work on Macbook),
That sounds like something that might be covered under warranty - I believe NuPhy offers a 1-year warranty so if the battery was faulty it would be worth contacting them to ask about a possible replacement.
nuphy is the best feel, I'm using it almost 1 year and really nice, but battery life I think it still need to upgrade. however I customize by my own using the larger battery and took more battery life.
Both of these keyboards really need o-rings as standard. Makes a massive difference.
There's now a Lofree keyboard that is super super hot🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Would you do a comparison between the best keyboards adapted for did 95% of the world that are outside North America?
about the noise, it seems like no difference...
I read nuphy has to many issues. Not too keen on purchasing.
qmk. end of words.
I like the sound of lofree flow.
I can't wait to get one! I'll be doing a review once it arrives and I have a chance to test it out.
This needs an update: Air 75 v2 vs K3 Max, on paper both are really close.
I just received the K3 Max and am working on a review, then I'll be doing an updated comparison!
The lack of 2.4Ghz is a downer, but I can understand why. And I hope the battery issues have been fixed. The best thing about Keychron is that they make ISO versions Nuphy don't care to and pretty much have said so.
I had the K3 with the Keychron optical switches. Worst keyboard I have ever owned!! Power management was atrocious and the optical switches (red and white) were appalling
good to know
I've never had the pleasure of trying their optical switches, sounds like I haven't missed much!
The optical switches have ZERO feel. I have never made so many typing errors in my entire life! It was all too easy to hit adjacent keys due to their lack of resistance . Best to stick to the established switch manufacturers.
@@svlagonda7417 Have you tried the K3 with gateron switch? Is it better than the optical switch?
I owned the k3 v2 with optical switches brown. the typing experience is not as great as the gateron. I own the K2 with brown gateron. I haven't tested any low profile mechanical keyboard. so I'm not sure if all of the low profile mechanical have that mushy feeling or it's just the optical switch. Hopefully it's just the Optical one. Cause I'm planning on getting the K3 pro soon.
and looks like the best low-profile keyboard is lofree flow now
I can't wait to get my hands on one! Looks very interesting.
why though?
@@chelique.Unreleased products, this is bs
@@tft_and_chill you ok?
NuPhy Air75 with ISO would be prefect
Iso is for noobs
Bluetooth is awfull on Keychron, it made keyboard useless, cant wait for nuphy to come.
I wouldn't buy keychron because of their quality control issues. And I don't know how they can call something "Pro" with such a rattling space bar.
Agree on the sound of the spacebar - I've had a couple of low profile Keychron boards and the stabilizers seem to be finicky on them. I thankfully haven't had issues with bluetooth though. Actually, my Q1 Pro that I'll be reviewing soon has some of the best bluetooth stability I've seen in a while. I wonder if it's a different bluetooth unit in the Q Pro line vs. the low profile boards.
@@semiprotech Thanks for your work. I'm liking the Nuphy air a lot. Good review, very upfront and fair. Both seem like really good choices.
"Actually I have coupon for nuphy"
The Nuphy Air has garbage wireless. Unusable for really fast typing ... misses keys. Feels like a bluetooth keyboard.