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Compare Nuphy Air60 V2 vs Vortex Core Plus Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two capable, low-profile wireless keyboards that represent different extremes of compactness. The Nuphy Air60 V2 offers a more familiar 60% layout, while the Vortex Core Plus commits to a challenging 40% size. Both support VIA for customization and share tri-mode connectivity, making the choice a matter of layout preference versus outright portability and learning curve.

85
Nuphy Air60V2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard Kit
68
Vortex Core Plus Aluminum 40% Wireless Low Profile Keyboard

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  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Low-Profile Mechanical switch options
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 2500 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 463 g
  • Sized at 14 x 297 x 107 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 40% layout
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers No RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 74.8
  • Build Quality: 76.8
  • Productivity: 72.7
  • Customizability: 94.9
  • Portability: 88.7
Scores
  • Performance: 46.1
  • Build Quality: 69.7
  • Productivity: 75.2
  • Customizability: 60.7
  • Portability: 87.1
Name
Nuphy Air60 V2
Name
Vortex Core Plus
Release year
2023
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Low-Profile Mechanical
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
60%
Layout Size
40%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
2500 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
-
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
14 x 297 x 107 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
463g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority should dictate the choice. If you want a high-performance, feature-rich low-profile keyboard that minimizes desk space without sacrificing too many keys, the Nuphy Air60 V2 is the clear and more versatile option. Only choose the Vortex Core Plus if you are specifically seeking the challenge and ultimate portability of a 40% layout and prefer the simplicity of replaceable batteries.

Nuphy Air60 V2

  • +Explicit 1000Hz polling rate for low-latency wireless and wired use.
  • +Includes a 2500mAh rechargeable battery and extensive sound-dampening foams (plate poron, PCB IXPE).
  • +Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps, four extra switches, and extensive accessory options like the NuFolio case.
  • +Full QMK and VIA support for deep customization of keys and lighting.
  • +RGB backlighting with side light bars for status indicators and aesthetics.
  • −Larger 60% form factor is less ultra-portable than a true 40% keyboard.
  • −Bottom case is made of ABS plastic, not aluminum like the top frame.
  • −Requires charging, unlike a board with user-replaceable batteries.

Vortex Core Plus

  • +Extremely compact 40% layout with only 50 keys for maximum portability.
  • +Full CNC aluminum case with a 5-degree typing angle.
  • +Includes sound-dampening foam in the bottom case and between the plate and PCB.
  • +Uses standard AAA batteries for easy replacement anywhere.
  • −The 40% layout has a steep learning curve and relies heavily on layers for numbers and symbols.
  • −Lacks any form of backlighting or RGB.
  • −No built-in rechargeable battery; requires purchasing AAA batteries.
  • −Vendor listing does not specify a polling rate for performance comparison.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Nuphy Air60 V2 is the more versatile choice, winning in gaming, office, programming, modding, and content creation due to its balanced layout, performance specs, and feature set. The Vortex Core Plus claims the travel category decisively by virtue of its extreme 40% size and battery convenience, but demands a significant adaptation to its layered layout for all other tasks.

GamingNuphy Air60 V2
  • •The Air60 V2 has a specified 1000Hz polling rate in its 2.4GHz and wired modes, which the Vortex Core Plus listing does not mention.
  • •Its 60% layout retains dedicated arrow keys, which are often used in gaming, unlike the 40% Core Plus.
  • •The Air60 V2 includes RGB backlighting for key visibility.
OfficeNuphy Air60 V2
  • •The Air60 V2's 60% layout is easier to adapt to for shared or multi-user environments than a 40% board.
  • •It includes a 2500mAh rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for disposable AAA batteries required by the Core Plus.
  • •Its vendor description lists specific compatibility with a wide range of laptop models for a portable office setup.
ProgrammingNuphy Air60 V2
  • •The 60% layout provides more immediate access to symbols and brackets without heavy layer reliance compared to the 40% Core Plus.
  • •Both support VIA for key remapping, but the Air60 V2 also lists QMK support for deeper firmware customization.
  • •The Air60 V2 includes dedicated macOS shortcut keys, which the vendor page highlights for developers on that platform.
TravelVortex Core Plus
  • •The Vortex Core Plus is a 40% keyboard with only 50 keys, making it physically smaller than the 64-key Air60 V2.
  • •It uses standard AAA batteries, which can be easily replaced on the go without finding an outlet to recharge.
  • •Its all-aluminum case and 5-degree typing angle provide a stable, premium feel in a tiny footprint.
ModdingNuphy Air60 V2
  • •The Air60 V2's vendor description details specific sound-dampening mods like plate poron, PCB IXPE foam, and spacebar silicone.
  • •It comes with double-shot PBT keycaps and four extra switches in the box for experimentation.
  • •It supports a wide variety of aftermarket low-profile switches from both Nuphy and Gateron, as listed in its accessory store.
Content CreationNuphy Air60 V2
  • •RGB lighting on the Air60 V2 can be customized via VIA for stream aesthetics, a feature absent on the Core Plus.
  • •The inclusion of side light bars for indicating battery and connection status is useful for a clean desk setup.
  • •The more accessible arrow keys and navigation cluster on a 60% board aid in timeline scrubbing and editing shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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