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Since the original version of the Air75, NuPhy has been trying to strike a balance of appeal to general users and features that will satisfy keyboard enthusiasts. Version 2 introduced QMK-based firmware and improved polling rates, which appealed to the enthusiast crowd, but it also brought complexity that may have been a but much for general users. So the question is: Does version 3 finally strike the right balance between usability, enthusiast features, and refined feel? Let’s take a deep dive and find out.

Specifications

The Air75 V3 remains a 75% mechanical keyboard with 84 keys, offered in both ANSI and ISO layouts—finally! Construction-wise, the V3 features a CNC aluminum top case paired with an ABS plastic bottom, with two color options: silver and black.

• Dimensions: 319mm x 129mm
• Height: 14mm (front) – 23.5mm (rear, without keycaps)
• Weight: 724g (1.6 lbs)
• Typing Angles: 4º/8º/10º
• Connectivity:
  • Bluetooth (3 devices) – 125Hz
  • 2.4GHz wireless – 1,000Hz
  • USB-C wired – 1,000Hz
• Battery: 4,000mAh
  • Up to 1,200 hours with lighting off
  • 60–100 hours with RGB enabled
• Mounting Style: Gasket-mounted PCB
• Switches:
  • Gateron Low Profile 3.0 (Red Linear, Brown Tactile, Silent Linear)
  • Panda switches also available from NuPhy separately
• Keycaps: Double-shot PBT in NuPhy’s low-profile nSA profile
• Backlighting: North-facing full RGB with side accents
• Software: NuPhy IO (web-based customization)
• Knob Options: Standard key, low-profile knob, or high-profile knob (all included)

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Pros

1. Refined Build Quality

While the V1 and V2 were well-made, the Air75 V3 takes things a step further. The CNC aluminum top feels more premium this time, especially in the silver colorway that leans toward a raw aluminum finish rather than a painted coating. The plastic bottom is solid—not flimsy—and the two-position feet are functional and stable. It may not be a full-metal chassis like the IQUNIX MQ80, but for this price range and category, it delivers a high-quality feel.

2. Best-in-Class Wireless Battery Life

NuPhy claims up to 1,200 hours of use with the RGB lights off. That’s not a typo. This absolutely trounces most mechanical low-profile competitors, which often top out at 300–400 hours. Even with the lights on, 60–100 hours is good. I should note that low profile keyboards with battery life in this range do exist, but they generally are either not mechanical (like the scissor-switch Keychron B1 Pro), or use proprietary firmware that does not offer much customization. This leap for the Air75 V3 is thanks to NuPhy optimizing their own firmware (NuPhy IO) and moving away from QMK, which is not very power efficient.

3. Stable, Flexible Connectivity

With three Bluetooth slots, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired—all working with low latency—it’s a keyboard that feels at home whether you’re on a MacBook, Windows PC, iPad, or gaming rig. And finally, NuPhy added a dedicated storage slot for the 2.4GHz dongle, a long-requested feature that makes this board much more portable.

4. User-Friendly Software Customization

NuPhy IO is now a robust web app that requires no installation and works for Win/Mac/Linux. You can remap multiple layers, assign macros, and even program Adobe and Figma shortcuts. There are advanced features like SOCD (last key priority) for gaming and tap dance, allowing multiple functions on a single key. Both of these worked for me but I should note that tap dance introduced latency to the key that I assigned it to – however this was on a beta version of the tool so it may be updated once the Air75 V3 is released.

Most importantly, firmware updates are now much simpler. No more juggling with QMK Toolbox and manual downloads—just a browser and a few clicks. The 2.4GHz receiver can be updated the same way.

5. Knob Options

One of the more exciting additions is the optional knob module in the top-right corner. You get both a low-profile and a tall knob included in the box (NuPhy changed course to include both after receiving feedback), or you can stick with a traditional key. Swapping them takes just one screw, and the knob can be programmed in NuPhy IO for volume control, zoom, scrolling, or other functions. This is a cool feature and a smart move that adds utility without forcing the knob on users.

6. Solid Switch Options

NuPhy went with their new generation of Gateron Low Profile 3.0 switches, which have consistent pin positions with standard MX switches. You can choose from linear, tactile, or silent linears, and all of them offer smooth action with minimal wobble. The silent linears are especially nice—among the nicest silent low-profile mechanical switches I’ve tested. There is also a low profile Panda switch available to purchase separately if you prefer a sharper tactile bump.

7. Improved Sound and Typing Feel

Thanks to a gasket-mounted PCB and added foam layers, the sound of the V3 is far more refined than its predecessors. It no longer sounds hollow or cheap. It’s not ultra-flexy—still a low-profile board after all—but it’s much more competitive with higher-end boards like the Lofree Flow or MQ80 in terms of acoustics and typing comfort.

8. Great Lighting with Functional Side Accents

The RGB is north-facing and customizable through the web app. The two side accent lights are now segmented rather than solid bars, offering more subtle ambient effects. One side shows battery status, the other shows connection mode and pairing indicators. Shine-through keycaps aren’t included, but if you want to add them, you’ll get decent illumination of the legends with the north-facing lights.

9. Finally – ISO Layout Support

This has been a long time coming. NuPhy is officially supporting ISO with the Air75 V3 and preorders will be available starting July 10th. It’s about three years overdue, but it makes the board finally viable for users in regions that use the ISO layout.

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Neutral Aspects

1. Typing Feel & Sound Is Subjective

While NuPhy has improved the acoustics, the linear switches are still relatively loud, especially compared to some membrane or scissor-switch alternatives. The silent linears are very quiet but not silent. If you plan to use this in an office or public space, the silent switch option is your best bet. The feel is softer and more flexible than the V1 or V2, but not quite as flexy as the IQUNIX MQ80.

2. Design Language is More Reserved

NuPhy has pulled back from their more colorful, playful design language seen in past models. V3 is much more clean and minimal, which I personally like—but if you were a fan of the eccentric color schemes with bright spacebars and accent keys, you might find this generation a little bland. There are still a couple colored keycaps included, but white or black replacements are in the box if you want a uniform color scheme.

3. Switch Compatibility Limits

This is more of a clarification than a downside. Because V3 uses Gateron Low Profile 3.0 switches, you can’t use the switches from Air75 V1/V2 or older Gateron low-profile variants. If you’re starting fresh, it’s a non-issue. But if you were hoping to reuse switches, it may be a little annoying. Still, the new switch options are all objectively good quality.

4. Portability with the Tall Knob

The board is still portable and can sit flush over a laptop keyboard, but if you use the tall knob, you’ll want to be careful packing it.

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Cons

1. Tall Knob is Wobbly

The high-profile knob, while unique in the category and easier to grip, isn’t quite as sturdy as I’d like. There’s noticeable wobble and it doesn’t feel confidence-inspiring for travel. I’d hesitate to toss this into a backpack unless the knob was removed or very well protected – I’d go with the low profile knob if you are going to throw it in a backpack daily.

2. Spacebar Stabilizers Not Best-in-Class

NuPhy has made strides in refinement, but the stabilizers aren’t top-tier and it’s mainly the spacebar. The spacebar on my unit had a slight rattle and lacked the tightly-damped sound of the other stabilized keys like Enter and Shift. With the expansion of competition in the low profile mechanical market, just having “good” stabilizers is now getting to be a downside. I was hoping the V3 would be that “perfect” stabilizers solution but it doesn’t quite get there.

3. Difficult to Disassemble Without Risk

Disassembly is not encouraged and is generally not necessary so this will not impact everyone. The plastic clip-style construction makes opening the board a bit risky compared to screw-based assemblies like the MQ80. If you’re someone who wants to mod your board or replace the battery years down the line, be aware: opening it up could lead to damage.

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Conclusion

At $139, the NuPhy Air75 V3 isn’t cheap—but in the world of mechanical keyboards, especially low-profile ones with this kind of feature set, it’s a strong value. It delivers premium materials, superb battery life, stable wireless, and a solid typing experience. And crucially, it addresses the pain points of V2 by offering smoother customization, easier updates, and ISO support.

If you’re someone who wants enthusiast-level performance in a polished, portable package—without the need to tinker under the hood—the Air75 V3 is probably the best low-profile mechanical keyboard you can buy in 2025. The IQUNIX MQ80 is still worth a look if you want all-aluminum construction and don’t care about portability, but the Air75 V3 has the whole package.

NuPhy has finally delivered a version that feels like a mature, complete product, and it doesn’t feel like there’s a compromise anywhere. Whether you’re a Mac user, gamer, developer, or just someone who appreciates a good keyboard, the Air75 V3 is a standout.

Highly recommended.

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