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NuPhy AIR96 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£120
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Layout size: 1800-compact
  • Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

NuPhy AIR96 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

8.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

5.1

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

7.2

Features

6.0%

9.3

Design

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 7.9
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    9.0

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    8.9

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 5.0
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    10

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    10

    Connection type

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £120

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The NuPhy Air96 V2 is an ultra-slim 96% layout (100-key) low-profile mechanical keyboard featuring a compact form factor that includes a full numeric keypad within an aluminum and ABS chassis just 13.5mm thick. It offers versatile tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz with a 1000Hz polling rate, Bluetooth 5.1 for up to three devices, and wired USB-C) alongside a large 4,000mAh battery providing up to 220 hours of use with RGB off. Key highlights include hot-swappable Gateron Low-profile 2.0 switches, durable double-shot PBT keycaps, and full QMK/VIA customization for extensive remapping. While its portability and high-speed wireless performance are major pros, common cons include the lack of shine-through legends on stock keycaps, making them hard to read in the dark, and a slightly cramped layout that may require an adjustment period for users accustomed to standard spacing.

Technical Specifications of NuPhy AIR96

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

?

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

?

Switches

20.0%

?

Materials

12.0%

?

Features

6.0%

?

Design

7.6
NuPhy AIR96 has a technical score of 7.63 points, which is higher than that of 87.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
NuPhy AIR96 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 79.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

8.3
NuPhy AIR96 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.3 points, which is higher than 83.2% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile / clicky
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

37 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.2 mm
NuPhy AIR96 has a minimum actuation distance of 1.2 mm, which is shorter than 59.9% of keyboards and equal to 15.6% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

1800-compact
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

100
NuPhy AIR96 has 100 keys, which is more than 70.5% of keyboards and equal to 2% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

low-profile
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
NuPhy AIR96 offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity, which is more versatile than 57.9% of keyboards and equal to 42.1% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

yes
NuPhy AIR96 supports multi-device pairing. 4.5% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
up to 4 devices.
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

5.0
NuPhy AIR96 uses Bluetooth 5.0, which is newer than 46.8% of keyboards and equal to 17.7% of keyboards.
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
NuPhy AIR96 is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
Mac legends on keycaps.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

220 h
NuPhy AIR96 lasts 220 h on a charge, which is longer than 62.6% of keyboards and equal to 1.2% of keyboards.
backlight off.
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
NuPhy AIR96 has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
NuPhy AIR96 has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

100
NuPhy AIR96 has 100 RGB zones, which is more than 77.3% of keyboards and equal to 2.3% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
NuPhy AIR96 includes underglow lighting. 68.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Front light bar.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

north-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum/plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

?
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

PBT
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

nSA
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

dye-sub
NuPhy AIR96 uses dye-sub legends, which are less durable than 74.4% of keyboards and equal to 11% of keyboards.
Show more

NuPhy AIR96 vs the average keyboard

  • 0.8 mm shorter key travel
    NuPhy AIR96 has 3.2 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    What it is: Measures the full distance a key can move from top to bottom.
    When it matters: When full key movement changes comfort, speed, or the way the keyboard feels under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy AIR96 has 3.2 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.2 mm vs 4 mm
  • 1.5 h shorter charging time
    NuPhy AIR96 charges faster than the average keyboard (2.5 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
    source range 2-3 h.
    What it is: Measures how long the battery needs for a full recharge.
    When it matters: When short charging windows matter and you do not want the keyboard tied to a cable for too long.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy AIR96 charges faster than the average keyboard (2.5 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.2.5 h vs 4 h
  • 0.3 mm shorter actuation distance
    NuPhy AIR96 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.7 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
    What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
    When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy AIR96 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.7 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.1.7 mm vs 2 mm
  • Underglow lighting
    NuPhy AIR96 includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
    Front light bar.
    What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
    When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy AIR96 includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    NuPhy AIR96 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy AIR96 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 13 more keys
    NuPhy AIR96 has more keys than the average keyboard (100 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy AIR96 has more keys than the average keyboard (100 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.100 vs 87
  • 32.1% lower weight
    NuPhy AIR96 weighs less than the average keyboard (663 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    NuPhy AIR96 weighs less than the average keyboard (663 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.663 g vs 976 g
  • 54 h longer battery life
    NuPhy AIR96 lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (220 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
    backlight off.
    What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
    When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

    Importance: HIGH

    NuPhy AIR96 lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (220 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.220 h vs 166 h
  • 13 more keys
    NuPhy AIR96 has more keys than the average keyboard (100 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 32.1% lower weight
    NuPhy AIR96 weighs less than the average keyboard (663 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 21 mm lower keyboard height
    NuPhy AIR96 is lower than the average keyboard (17.5 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • 1.5 ° lower typing angle
    NuPhy AIR96 has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (3.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
  • 20.5 mm thinner design
    NuPhy AIR96 is thinner than the average keyboard (17.5 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • 1.5 h shorter charging time
    NuPhy AIR96 charges faster than the average keyboard (2.5 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
  • 54 h longer battery life
    NuPhy AIR96 lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (220 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
  • 0.8 mm shorter key travel
    NuPhy AIR96 has 3.2 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
  • 0.3 mm shorter actuation distance
    NuPhy AIR96 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.7 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    NuPhy AIR96 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • Underglow lighting
    NuPhy AIR96 includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
  • 17 more RGB zones
    NuPhy AIR96 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (100 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.

Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features
  • Older Bluetooth version
    NuPhy AIR96 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    NuPhy AIR96 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
    When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy AIR96 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.5.0 vs 5.2
  • 5.77x less popular
    NuPhy AIR96 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    NuPhy AIR96 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).1 vs 5.77
Total
Overall
Connectivity & Power

Graphic comparison of NuPhy AIR96 and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about NuPhy AIR96?

  • Excellent low-profile typing experience with a variety of high-quality switch options (e.g., Wisteria, Moss, Cowberry).
  • Compact 96% layout that includes a full numpad while remaining portable and space-saving.
  • Premium build quality featuring a sturdy aluminum top frame and durable double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • Strong battery life, offering up to 300 hours of use with RGB lighting turned off.
  • Versatile connectivity with low-latency 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth for up to 3-4 devices, and wired USB-C mode.
  • V2 model features QMK/VIA compatibility for deep software customization and remapping.
  • Attractive, modern aesthetic with vibrant color options and side-indicator RGB strips.

What customers dislike about NuPhy AIR96?

  • NuPhy Console software (for V1) is often described as buggy, unintuitive, and limited to Windows.
  • Compact layout results in a 'jammed' right-hand side, making the 0-key and arrow keys difficult to distinguish initially.
  • 2.4GHz wireless connection can be unreliable for some users, occasionally experiencing lag or disconnects after waking from sleep.
  • Stock keycaps are not shine-through, making it difficult to read legends in completely dark environments.
  • Stabilizers may feel uneven or over-lubed on some units, leading to slight inconsistency in larger keys like the spacebar.
  • Shine-through keycap variants (ABS) are prone to picking up finger oils and smudges more than the stock PBT caps.

Expert reviews

A
appleinsider.com
16/04/2023
NuPhy Air96 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard review: A light keyboard with heavy customization

The AppleInsider review highlights the NuPhy Air96 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard as a modern, lightweight, and low-profile alternative to traditionally bulky mechanical designs. Weighing approximately 1.46 pounds and utilizing a wedge layout with adjustable feet, it successfully integrates a full numeric pad while maintaining a highly portable form factor. The evaluation underscores...Read more

R
rtings.com
16/11/2023
NuPhy Air75 V2 [Air60 V2, Air96 V2] Review

The RTINGS.com review of the NuPhy Air V2 series (60%, 75%, 96%) highlights these low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards as versatile tools for office and gaming, featuring excellent build quality, effective sound-dampening, and a comfortable, low-profile design. Key performance advantages include 1000Hz polling via 2.4GHz, hot-swappable switches, and full QMK/VIA compatibility...Read more

C
cnet.com
14/08/2023
NuPhy Air96 Keyboard Review: Brings Style and Functionality to Any Setup

The NuPhy Air96 is a travel-friendly, low-profile mechanical keyboard priced at $120 that seamlessly accommodates both Windows and macOS workflows. Its robust aluminum frame provides excellent durability for commuting, while its compact layout fits easily on home desks, office spaces, or small cafe tables. Key strengths highlighted in the review include dedicated macOS shortcut...Read more

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