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Compare Nuphy Air75 V2 vs Gem80 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Nuphy's two distinct keyboard philosophies. The Air75 V2 is a complete, low-profile wireless board focused on portability and laptop compatibility. The Gem80 is a barebones custom kit centered on sound tuning and modular construction. The decision is challenging because both offer premium features like QMK/VIA support and 1000Hz wireless, but cater to entirely different user priorities regarding form factor, build process, and typing feel.

92
NuPhy Air75 V2 - Lunar Gray
96
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit

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  • Released in 2023
  • Has Low-Profile Mechanical, Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Low Profile ergonomics
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 598 g
  • Sized at 14 x 317 x 133 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Mechanical switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1120 g
  • Sized at 37 x 358 x 141 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 80.8
  • Build Quality: 79.8
  • Productivity: 88.7
  • Customizability: 95.3
  • Portability: 79.3
Scores
  • Performance: 79.8
  • Build Quality: 87
  • Productivity: 93.9
  • Customizability: 97.1
  • Portability: 75.8
Name
Nuphy Air75 V2
Name
Nuphy Gem80
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Low-Profile Mechanical, Linear, Tactile
Switch Options
Mechanical
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Low Profile
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, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
14 x 317 x 133 mm
Dimensions
37 x 358 x 141 mm
Weight
598g
Weight
1120g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on your relationship with your keyboard. If you want a sophisticated, grab-and-go tool that complements a mobile setup, the Nuphy Air75 V2 is the logical pick. If you view the keyboard itself as a hobby—a platform for building, tuning, and personalizing—the Nuphy Gem80 offers a far more engaging and flexible canvas. Consider your willingness to assemble components and your need for portability as the primary deciding factors.

Nuphy Air75 V2

  • +Extremely portable low-profile design at 13.5mm thick and 598g.
  • +Specifically designed for laptop compatibility, fitting over many MacBook and Surface keyboards.
  • +Comes fully assembled with keycaps and switches included.
  • +Offers a wide variety of low-profile switch types, including linear, tactile, and clicky.
  • +Includes sound-dampening features like plate poron, IXPE, and spacebar silicone.
  • −Limited to low-profile switches and keycaps due to its specific design.
  • −The typing feel is inherently different from standard-profile custom keyboards.
  • −Fewer internal mounting and modding options compared to a dedicated custom kit.

Nuphy Gem80

  • +Sold as a highly customizable barebones kit for personalized assembly.
  • +Features an omni-mount design (gasket, top, bottom) for tuning typing feel.
  • +Includes extensive sound-dampening mods like poron absorbers and silicone sheets.
  • +Offers multiple plate material choices (FR4, PC, POM, Aluminum) to alter acoustics.
  • +High-quality construction with a CNC aluminum top case and polycarbonate bottom case.
  • −Requires the separate purchase of switches and keycaps, adding to cost and complexity.
  • −Much heavier and larger (1120g, 36.7mm tall) than low-profile alternatives.
  • −The assembly process can be challenging and requires user time and tools.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Air75 V2 is the clear choice for mobile professionals and travelers due to its slim, lightweight design and laptop-focused features. The Gem80 dominates for enthusiasts who value the building process, deep acoustic tuning, and a fully customizable typing experience, making it ideal for programmers and modders. For gaming and content creation, both are capable, sharing core high-performance specs, leaving the choice to form factor preference.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate in 2.4GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • •Both support N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • •The Air75 V2 includes low-profile switches like the Cowberry with a 1.2mm pre-travel for rapid actuation.
  • •The Gem80's tri-mode version offers the same wireless performance in a heavier, more stable chassis.
OfficeNuphy Air75 V2
  • •The Air75 V2's low-profile design fits neatly over laptop keyboards, with a listed compatibility for many MacBook, Surface, and Dell XPS models.
  • •Its 598g weight and 13.5mm height make it highly portable for hybrid work setups.
  • •It includes silent tactile switch options like Moss and Wisteria.
  • •The pre-built nature means it's ready to use immediately out of the box.
ProgrammingNuphy Gem80
  • •The Gem80's 80% layout provides dedicated function keys without a full-size footprint.
  • •Its extensive QMK/VIA support allows for deep key remapping and macro creation across layers.
  • •The gasket mount design and sound-dampening features can lead to a more comfortable, less fatiguing typing experience for long sessions.
  • •It offers ISO layout support, which is preferred in some regions.
TravelNuphy Air75 V2
  • •The Air75 V2 is significantly lighter (598g vs 1120g) and thinner (13.5mm vs 36.7mm).
  • •Its low-profile shape is designed to fit in laptop bags and sit atop laptop keyboards.
  • •It comes with a carrying case accessory (NuPack) available for purchase.
  • •The keyboard is pre-assembled, requiring no setup on the go.
ModdingNuphy Gem80
  • •The Gem80 is sold as a barebones kit, designed for user assembly and customization.
  • •It features an omni-mount design allowing switching between gasket, top, and bottom mount styles.
  • •It includes multiple sound-dampening materials like poron and silicone sheets for internal tuning.
  • •Users can choose from multiple plate materials (FR4, PC, POM, Aluminum) to alter feel and sound.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK/VIA for creating complex macros for editing software.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB lighting, with the Gem80 specifically noted for south-facing LEDs.
  • •The Air75 V2's low profile may be preferable for users who prefer a flatter typing angle.
  • •The Gem80's sturdy 1120g construction and 6° typing angle provide a solid, stationary desk presence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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