NuPhy Air75 V2 Review: The Perfect Developer Keyboard?

Why This Review Matters

After wearing out two MacBook keyboards and trying every "developer-focused" keyboard that crossed my path, I finally found something special in the NuPhy Air75 V2. As someone who spends more time with keyboards than with actual people (don't judge), I can tell you this one's different. Here's my honest take after three months of intensive use - the good, the bad, and yes, even the slightly annoying.

If you're curious about the unboxing experience, I've recorded it for you. And hey, while you're there, that subscribe button is looking pretty lonely! 😉

First Impressions

The keyboard arrives in premium packaging that reflects its price point. Inside, you'll find:

• The Air75 V2 keyboard
• USB-C to USB-A braided cable
• 2.4GHz wireless receiver
• Keycap puller (trust me, you'll use this more than you think)
• Switch puller
• User manual (which, surprisingly, is actually helpful)

Key Features

Let's break down what makes this keyboard special - and why my wallet doesn't regret this purchase (much).

The VIA Guide: Making Your Keyboard Smarter

VIA is one of those tools that transforms a great keyboard into an exceptional one. Think of it as a control center for your keyboard - letting you customize everything from simple key mappings to complex macros.

Understanding VIA

At its core, VIA is an open-source application that lets you reconfigure your keyboard without needing to flash new firmware. It's intuitive enough for beginners but powerful enough for advanced users who want to create complex workflows.

Getting Started with VIA

1. Download VIA Visit usevia.app and download the application. It's straightforward, open-source, and trusted by the mechanical keyboard community.

2. Initial Setup Connect your NuPhy via USB-C cable (required for configuration), and VIA should automatically recognize it. If not, you may need to use the "Load Draft Definition" option in the settings.

3. Basic Configuration Once connected, you'll see a visual representation of your keyboard. This is where the magic happens - you can click any key to modify its function.

Practical VIA Customizations

Understanding Layers

Think of layers as different keyboard configurations that you can switch between instantly. It's like having multiple keyboards in one, minus the desk space crisis:

1. Base Layer (Layer 0) Your standard typing layout. Keep it familiar - unless you're brave enough to try Dvorak (spoiler: I wasn't).

2. Development Layer (Layer 1) This is where the magic happens. Quick access to brackets, operators, and those symbols you can never remember how to type.

3. Function Layer (Layer 2) System controls, media functions, and keyboard settings. Because sometimes you need to adjust your music without leaving your code editor.

Pro Tips for VIA

Daily Experience

Let me walk you through what it's actually like to use this keyboard day in, day out. No marketing fluff - just real experiences from someone who types for a living.

Typing Feel

The Cowberry Linear switches (45gf) are like the perfect coffee - smooth, consistent, and gets the job done without being too intense. They're quiet enough for open offices but satisfying enough to make you feel like a coding ninja.

Battery Performance

Morning Development Sessions

The keyboard connects instantly to my workstation, and the Cowberry Linear switches provide consistent, comfortable feedback that makes long coding sessions enjoyable. The tactile response is satisfying without being distracting - perfect for shared office environments.

Cross-Platform Development

One of the keyboard's strengths is its ability to switch between devices effortlessly. When moving between my MacBook for testing and my main development machine, the transition is seamless.

Battery Management

The battery life is impressive, particularly with mindful RGB usage. With RGB off, I typically get 4-5 weeks of heavy use. Even with moderate RGB usage, 2-3 weeks is standard.

Real-World Experience

Daily Usage

After three months of daily use, here's what stands out:

Productivity Tips

Here are my top tips for maximizing productivity with this keyboard:

1. Quick Device Switching

   • Fn + 1: USB-C connection
   • Fn + 2: 2.4GHz wireless
   • Fn + 3: Bluetooth device 1
   • Fn + 4: Bluetooth device 2

2. Custom Layers

   • Layer 1: Standard typing
   • Layer 2: Programming symbols
   • Layer 3: Window management
   • Layer 4: Custom macros

3. Battery Optimization

   • Turn off RGB for +40% battery life
   • Use sleep mode after 5 minutes
   • Switch to USB-C for long sessions

Setup Guide

MacOS Setup

1. Switch to Mac mode (Fn + M)
2. Command and Option keys work automatically
3. Function keys control brightness/media

Linux Setup

1. Basic functionality works out of the box
2. Use VIA for advanced customization
3. Create custom shortcuts for your workflow

Value for Money

Is it worth $150? Here's my breakdown:

Final Verdict

Maintenance Tips

Keeping It Clean

• Weekly dusting
• Monthly keycap cleaning
• Quarterly deep clean (make it a ritual)

Prolonging Battery Life

• Enable auto sleep mode
• Adjust RGB brightness (yes, even though it looks cool)
• Keep a USB-C cable handy (just in case)

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Common Questions