Nuphy Air96 V2 vs Hexgears Venture
Choose the Nuphy Air96 V2 for extensive firmware customization and a compact layout, or the Hexgears Venture for a basic, full-size low-profile board.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Nuphy Air96 V2
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 25% of 96% boards under $150.
- 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.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Hexgears Venture
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 100% boards under $150.
- 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.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
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.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Nuphy Air96 V2
Hexgears Venture
Layout size
96%
100%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Low-profile Mechanical, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Nuphy Air96 V2
- Hexgears Venture
- Performance
- 8073
- Build quality
- 7953
- Productivity
- 8849
- Customizability
- 9446
- Portability
- 5649
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Nuphy 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.
Nuphy Air96 V2 vs Hexgears Venture specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 25 specs differ
Nuphy Air96 V2
Hexgears Venture
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Nuphy Air96 V2 vs Hexgears Venture: your questions
The Nuphy Air96 V2 is better suited for wireless gaming. Its vendor page explicitly states a 1000Hz polling rate for the 2.4GHz wireless connection. The Hexgears Venture's specifications only confirm a 1000Hz polling rate for wired use.
No, based on the provided specifications, the Hexgears Venture is not listed as hot-swappable. Switches would likely require soldering to change. The Nuphy Air96 V2 is explicitly hot-swappable.
Yes. The Nuphy Air96 V2 vendor description lists compatibility with macOS, Windows, and Linux. It also mentions dedicated shortcuts for macOS functions like Spotlight and Dictation implemented through its QMK firmware.
Both keyboards have a 4000mAh battery. The Nuphy vendor page provides lab test results of up to 220 hours with lights off. The Hexgears vendor page estimates about 4 weeks of use without RGB, based on 2-3 hours per day. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and lighting.
Yes. The Nuphy Air96 V2 supports QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for deep customization. You can remap any key, create macros, and adjust lighting effects on a per-key basis through the VIA graphical interface.
The vendor listing for the Hexgears Venture states it includes Mac keycaps. It does not mention extra keycaps beyond that replacement set. The Nuphy Air96 V2 includes 9 extra keycaps and 4 extra switches in the box.
The Nuphy Air96 V2 is more portable. It is significantly narrower (373mm vs 432mm) and lighter (663g vs 710g) than the Hexgears Venture, making it easier to fit in a bag.
Yes. The Hexgears Venture has a USB-C port for a wired connection and charging. Its specifications note a 1000Hz polling rate and N-key rollover when used in wired mode.
According to its tech specs, the Nuphy Air96 V2 uses an aluminum frame with an ABS plastic bottom case. The vendor description also mentions a laser-textured, transparent bottom case design.
Yes. The Hexgears Venture features per-key RGB lighting and an outer ring RGB light, according to its vendor description. The Nuphy Air96 V2 also has per-key RGB and adds RGB light bars on the sides of its aluminum frame.
The Nuphy Air96 V2 has more documented engineering for its typing experience. Its vendor page details multiple sound-dampening layers including plate poron foam, PCB IXPE, a PET sound pad, and a silicone-filled spacebar. The Hexgears Venture's description focuses on its Kaihua Choc switch choices without detailing internal dampening.
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