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Compare Nuphy Air96 V2 vs Hexgears Venture Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards with different approaches to features and layout. The Nuphy Air96 V2 offers a compact 96% layout with deep software customization, while the Hexgears Venture provides a traditional full-size experience. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a smaller footprint with advanced programmability or need a dedicated numpad with a simpler feature set.

91
Nuphy Air96V2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard Kit
Hexgears Venture Low-Profile Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Low-Profile Mechanical switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1020 g
  • Sized at 14 x 373 x 133 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 710 g
  • Sized at 25 x 432 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.1
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 88.3
  • Customizability: 94.9
  • Portability: 55.8
Scores
  • Performance: 73.6
  • Build Quality: 53.6
  • Productivity: 49.2
  • Customizability: 46.9
  • Portability: 49.3
Name
Nuphy Air96 V2
Name
Hexgears Venture
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
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
96%
Layout Size
100%
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, Wired, Wireless
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
14 x 373 x 133 mm
Dimensions
25 x 432 x 140 mm
Weight
1020g
Weight
710g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

For most users, the Nuphy Air96 V2 is the more compelling and future-proof option due to its hot-swappable design and deep QMK/VIA programmability. Its compact layout is a smart trade-off for space savings. Only choose the Hexgears Venture if you require a traditional full-size keyboard with a numpad and do not plan on any hardware or advanced software customization.

Nuphy Air96 V2

  • +Extensive firmware customization with QMK and VIA support.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes without soldering.
  • +Compact 96% layout includes a numpad while saving desk space.
  • +Detailed sound engineering with multiple foam layers and silicone spacebar dampening.
  • +Includes a wide array of accessories like extra switches, keycaps, and optional wrist rests.
  • −The compact 96% layout has non-standard key spacing which may require adaptation.
  • −Lacks a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless receiver storage slot on the keyboard itself.
  • −The low-profile design and specific switch types may limit third-party keycap compatibility.

Hexgears Venture

  • +Standard 100% full-size layout with a dedicated numpad.
  • +Includes Mac-specific keycaps and an OS mode switch for cross-platform compatibility.
  • +Vendor claims a user-replaceable battery design allowing for standard AA batteries in a pinch.
  • −Lacks hot-swap capability for switches, according to the provided specifications.
  • −No mention of advanced firmware customization like QMK or VIA support.
  • −The vendor listing only confirms a 1000Hz polling rate for wired mode, not wireless.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Nuphy Air96 V2 is the clear choice for gamers, programmers, travelers, and modders due to its compact form, high polling rate, and extensive customization via hot-swap and QMK/VIA. The Hexgears Venture wins for office use where a dedicated numpad is non-negotiable. For content creation, the choice depends on whether you value macro programmability or a full-sized layout more.

GamingNuphy Air96 V2
  • •The Air96 V2 offers a 1000Hz polling rate in its 2.4GHz wireless mode, which the Venture's listing only confirms for wired use.
  • •Its compact 96% layout provides more mouse space without sacrificing a numpad.
  • •The vendor page mentions specific gaming-optimized switches like the Cowberry with a 1.2mm pre-travel.
OfficeHexgears Venture
  • •The Hexgears Venture has a standard 100% layout with a full, dedicated numpad for data entry.
  • •Its vendor description includes Mac keycaps and an OS/Alt swap mode for cross-platform use.
  • •The Air96 V2's compact layout may require adaptation for users who heavily rely on the numpad cluster.
ProgrammingNuphy Air96 V2
  • •The Air96 V2 supports QMK and VIA firmware for limitless key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Its hot-swappable design allows easy switch changes to suit typing preferences.
  • •The compact layout saves desk space while retaining arrow and navigation keys.
TravelNuphy Air96 V2
  • •The Air96 V2 is significantly more compact (373mm wide) than the Venture (432mm wide).
  • •It is also lighter at 663g compared to the Venture's 710g.
  • •Both have similar 4000mAh batteries, but the Air96's smaller form factor is easier to pack.
ModdingNuphy Air96 V2
  • •The Air96 V2 is explicitly hot-swappable, allowing for easy switch replacement.
  • •It has extensive support for QMK/VIA open-source firmware for software customization.
  • •The vendor page details multiple internal foam layers (plate poron, PCB IXPE, PET pad) and a silicone spacebar for sound tuning.
Content CreationTie
  • •The Air96 V2's programmability via VIA is useful for assigning shortcuts and macros.
  • •The Hexgears Venture's full-size layout provides direct access to numpad keys for timeline scrubbing or numerical input.
  • •Both keyboards feature RGB backlighting for low-light environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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