Nuphy Air60HE - 8khz Low profile Hall effect
Introduction
The NuPhy Air60 HE is touted as the fastest low-profile gaming keyboard on the market, and I’ve been using it for the long term, replacing my ADHD keyboard. While I still appreciate the customizability of the Wooting, which offers more features to make it unique, the Air60 HE has become my go-to keyboard for comfort alone. After a couple of years of using low-profile keyboards, I’ve found that they provide the best comfort for gaming, and the Air60 HE is an excellent example of this.
Design and Build
The NuPhy Air60 HE features an 8K Hz polling rate, which is a standout in the world of low-profile keyboards. It also includes low-profile magnetic Jade switches, making it the first low-profile Hall effect keyboard available in North America. The price of $120 USD is quite reasonable for a keyboard of this caliber, especially considering its unique features in the low-profile category.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Air60 HE competes closely with my ADHD, which is one of the fastest keyboards I own. Both keyboards have an 8K Hz polling rate, though the Air60 HE does not scan at 8K Hz, meaning it doesn’t quite offer the full latency benefit. However, the speed difference is imperceptible to the human eye. Regardless, the Air60 HE performs excellently in gaming scenarios, with no noticeable lag or delay, making it a peak option for low-profile keyboards.
Switches and Typing Feel
The Air60 HE comes with low-profile Jade Pro switches, which are known for their distinct, satisfying sound and feel. These switches are made from a palm material, which contributes to a lower pitch sound with less chatter. They also have a slightly heavier spring compared to the Jade Normals, providing a more solid typing experience. You can easily switch between different profiles (Windows, Gaming, and Mac) with a toggle on the front of the keyboard. The keyboard is fully Mac-compatible, and it even comes with extra keycaps for a seamless Mac experience.
Design Flaws and Port Placement
One issue I encountered with the Air60 HE is the port placement for the cable, which is located on the side of the keyboard. While this design choice allows the keyboard to maintain a lower profile, it can be problematic if the cable breaks or malfunctions. The keyboard does come with a 90° adapter, but the side-mounted port still feels like a poor design choice in the long run. Nevertheless, this issue is not a dealbreaker for me, though it’s worth noting.
Software
The NuPhy Air60 HE utilizes the Ny. Web-based software, which we first saw with the Field 75 keyboard. It’s one of the best software solutions I’ve used, second only to Wooting’s software. The software is intuitive and easy to use, though it’s not as essential for gamers since most games are moving away from features like remapping and macros, which can sometimes be banned in competitive games.
Conclusion
The NuPhy Air60 HE is one of the best low-profile gaming keyboards available right now. Its 8K Hz polling rate, low-profile magnetic Jade switches, and overall design make it a fantastic choice for anyone who prefers the comfort of low-profile keyboards. While there are a few quirks, like the port placement and the absence of full 8K Hz scanning, it remains a standout in its category. If you’re looking for a low-profile keyboard that offers great performance, comfort, and a sleek design, the NuPhy Air60 HE is an excellent pick.
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