After spending countless hours typing away on various keyboards, I can confidently say that the NuPhy Air60HE has become my new favorite. As a seasoned gamer and writer, I was initially skeptical about low-profile keyboards, but this little powerhouse has truly won me over.
In the realm of mechanical keyboards, diversity abounds, even with low-profile options becoming more common. However, the gaming community has traditionally overlooked these as viable gaming tools. That perspective might be about to change for many gamers due to the arrival of the NuPhy Air60HE. This sleek keyboard measures a mere 18mm in thickness, yet it houses NuPhy’s remarkable hall effect magnetic switches within its thin frame.
I’ve been accustomed to compact keyboards from NuPhy, and the Air60 V2 has been a beloved choice for many years. However, I was eager to try the HE version to assess its suitability for gaming as well as everyday use. Over the past few weeks, I’ve given this keyboard a thorough test, playing games such as Space Marine II, working, and using it as my primary keyboard. Although I might be somewhat biased towards low-profile keyboards gaining more recognition in the gaming sphere, to put it succinctly, the Ai60HE is set to revolutionize gaming for numerous gamers.
NuPhy Air60HE Unboxing and First Impressions
Box Contents
- NuPhy Air 60HE Keyboard
- USB-C to USB-A Cable
- Keycap and Switch Puller
- Extra Keycaps
With the recent keyboards from NuPhy, I must say they’ve aced the unboxing sensation. The Air 60HE follows suit, making it feel like an opulent occasion just taking it out of its box. Despite not having a plethora of additional items, it provides all the necessary components to get started right away.
In a nutshell, my initial judgement about this keyboard is quite favorable, even before diving into the detailed typing experience. The first few keystrokes I made when unboxing it have left me convinced that this keyboard could very well be among the best of 2024. We’ll delve deeper into the typing experience later, but the tactile response from these Hall Effect switches within this compact design is comparable to, if not surpassing, other Hall Effect switches we’ve tested on full-sized keyboards.
NuPhy Air60HE Design and Features
The standout characteristic of this keyboard lies in the remarkable design that manages to house the Hall Effect switches within a slender 18 mm chassis. It might not be the thinnest mechanical keyboard currently available, as that title belongs to the Lofree Edge84 with its 10mm thickness. However, it’s worth noting that this is the first time we’ve seen Hall Effect switches incorporated into such a compact frame, making it a significant milestone for players.
Although Hall Effect or magnetic switches aren’t essential for an optimal gaming experience, they are increasingly being incorporated into keyboards, and there’s a growing appreciation for why. Adjustable actuation points make Hall Effect switches incredibly versatile, standing out among other keyboard switch types. Moreover, these switches permit multiple inputs with a single keypress, and with NuPhy’s software, you can take advantage of special features like Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Directions (SOCD), Hyper Shift, and Dead Zone Calibration.
Keep in mind that for serious gamers, especially those who play CS2, enabling options such as SOCD could lead to being booted from the game. There’s even talk that features like Hyper Shift might soon be added to the list of actions resulting in expulsion. These features are incredibly powerful in competitive gaming, and it makes sense why they would be banned, but if you’re a solo gamer looking for an epic experience, give them a try for some enjoyable gameplay!
Design
The extensive features of the Air 60HE are truly remarkable, but what truly unifies them is its keyboard’s design. Unlike many compact Hall Effect keyboards we’ve encountered before, which often fall into the category of black keyboards with RGB illumination, the Air 60HE buckles the trend and boasts an outstanding appearance.
Instead of the standard PBT or ABS materials, the fundamental keycaps in this set are crafted from nSA plastic. Designed for heavier usage, they proved resilient during our tests, maintaining their matte finish even through intense gaming sessions without accumulated sweat affecting their appearance or the delightful tactile feedback. Moreover, the transparent keycaps included in the base set share the same material but offer a distinct texture contrast between the different sections of the keyboard.
For a unique aesthetic that matches your keyboard’s design, I suggest opting for the standard keycap set instead of the more traditional one, which comes at an additional cost. However, keep in mind that these keycaps might be less practical if you’re not already a proficient touch typist, as they may make it harder to identify keys quickly.
NuPhy Air60HE Comfort
Although the Air60HE isn’t designed for optimal ergonomics, it offers a decent comfort level for extended work and gaming sessions. If you’re accustomed to compact keyboards, using this one feels quite intuitive once you start typing. However, if you’re used to full-sized or TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboards, the Air60HE might initially seem rather small compared to what you’re used to.
If you prefer keyboards with some angle for a more comfortable typing experience, the Air60HE offers adjustable feet to help you find your ideal position. Throughout the trial period, I discovered that the flat setup suited me and my typing style perfectly. Due to its low-profile design, it never felt like I was stretching to reach the keys or hovering my hands above the keyboard, thus reducing the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
Using a wrist rest with the Air60HE might increase its size slightly and alter its minimalist aesthetics, but doing so would enhance comfort during extended usage, making it more suitable for prolonged sessions.
NuPhy Air60HE Performance
Just like any keyboard, aesthetics can be appealing, but it’s the actual performance that truly sets exceptional keyboards apart from their more visually pleasing counterparts. Fortunately, the Air60HE is not merely a beauty to behold; this keyboard packs a punch and is built for serious gaming. I never found myself yearning for more from this keyboard, be it during intense and rapid-fire games, narrative-driven titles with extensive exploration, or even regular work tasks.
Gaming
It’s clear that NuPhy aimed to make a strong statement within the gaming community by designing this keyboard, and its impressive performance could potentially persuade even skeptical gamers who once dismissed low-profile keyboards as inadequate gaming tools, to give them a second look.
Out of the box, the sleek magnetic jade switches offer an incredible tactile experience. In their default setting, they provide a delightful resistance on the initial press, enough for satisfaction but not so much as to tire you during extended gaming sessions. Moreover, if you prefer a lighter keypress, you can effortlessly adjust it using the user-friendly Nuphy software.
There’s quite a bit of discussion on whether a 8,000 Hz polling rate matters for gaming, or if it’s simply excessive. I won’t take sides on this debate, but what I can say is that this keyboard feels remarkably responsive to me. Throughout my testing period, there were no problems with input delay or ghosting.
Although the Air60HE didn’t instantly transform me into a pro e-sports player, it undoubtedly boosted my self-assurance in competitive games, where I often face challenges. I am convinced that with more skilled users, this keyboard would prove to be an advantageous tool in any competitive game they engage in.
Work
Despite being a gaming keyboard, it’s perfectly suitable for work and everyday tasks. In fact, during my trial period, it turned out to be my go-to keyboard, with only minor inconveniences like the absence of arrow keys and the function row due to its compact design. Apart from these, I encountered no issues using it for office work.
By flipping a button at the rear of your keyboard, you can effortlessly toggle between Mac and Windows keyboard layouts, and even create a personalized third setting for gaming or work shortcuts. This feature allows for quick transitions between your Windows and macOS configurations in just seconds, eliminating the need to recall complex key combinations.
Regarding typing experience, this compact keyboard seems like it’s as large as a full-height one due to its reduced thickness compared to typical keyboards. This is mainly because the low-profile magnetic jade switches have the same 3.3mm travel distance as their full-sized counterparts. Typing on this device is an enjoyable sensation, with a rich yet not excessively loud sound that won’t disturb your coworkers if you decide to bring it to work.
Is The Nuphy Air60HE Right For You?
Priced at $120, the NuPhy Air60HE isn’t a budget keyboard, but it doesn’t quite match up to some high-end keyboards released this year. If you’re seeking a sleek, low-profile keyboard suitable for both gaming and work, with an eye-catching design for your desk, the NuPhy Air6yHE could be just what you need. However, if the form factor is the only thing preventing you from buying it, be aware that NuPhy has announced the pre-order of the Air75HE, which features the same great internal components in a slightly larger body.
Regardless of your preference for low-profile keyboards, I strongly encourage you to give this one a try; it might just convert even the most skeptical among low-profile keyboard enthusiasts.
Related Products
Absolutely, there’s no need to compel anyone into using a low-profile keyboard if they prefer otherwise. If you’re intrigued by the magnetic jade switches but find low-profile keyboards uncomfortable, you might want to explore the NuPhy Halo 65 HE instead. There are also other alternatives that share similarities yet come with distinct features that could potentially be more suitable for your gaming setup.
| Similar Design with Wireless Capabilities | Lofree Flow | Check It Out! |
| Thinner profile mechanical keyboard | Lofree Edge 84 | Check It Out! |
| The same switches in a full-height keyboard | NuPhy Halo 65 HE | Check It Out! |
FAQ
Q: Does the Air60HE really support an 8KHz polling rate?
Indeed, the NuPhy Air60HE does boast a 8KHz polling rate, and when combined with its magnetic switches, this low-profile keyboard truly shines as a formidable gaming tool.
Q: Is the NuPhy Air60HE good for gaming?
While most low-profile keyboards aren’t typically favored for gaming, the NuPhy Air 60HE buckes this trend. This keyboard stands out as a fantastic choice for both hardcore competitive gaming and more relaxed exploratory gaming experiences.
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2024-12-21 20:09