NuPhy has expanded its Air V3 lineup with two new additions: the compact Air 65 V3 in a 65% layout and the full-sized Air 100 V3. These keyboards build on the earlier Air 75 V3, offering a blend of performance and portability, though their design choices may not cater to every creator's workflow.
At the core of both models are low-profile Gateron x NuPhy MX-style switches with a total travel of 3.5 mm. Three variants are available: a 42 gf light linear switch (Blush nano), a 45 gf linear switch (Red nano), and a 50 gf tactile switch (Brown nano). The construction combines an aluminum top plate with polycarbonate bottom, supported by a PC plate and gasket mount to soften the typing feel. Keycaps are double-shot PBT, providing durability without sacrificing aesthetics.
Hot-swappable designs ensure customization, while both keyboards support N-key rollover and north-facing RGB with 20 backlight modes. Connectivity is versatile, featuring 2.4 GHz wireless and wired USB-C at 1000 Hz polling, alongside Bluetooth 5.0 at 125 Hz. The Air 65 V3 measures 318.9 x 109 x 13.2 mm and weighs 635 g, with plate-mounted stabilizers and a 2500 mAh battery offering 15 to 67 hours of use with lighting on or up to 761 hours without lights. The Air 100 V3, at 380.6 x 133.6 x 13.2 mm and 950 g, includes a 4000 mAh battery rated for 24 to 73 hours with lighting or up to 1000 hours without.
- Display: North-facing RGB with 20 backlight modes
- Switches: Gateron x NuPhy MX-style, 3.5 mm travel; 42 gf (Blush nano), 45 gf (Red nano), 50 gf (Brown nano)
- Memory: Hot-swappable, N-key rollover
- Storage: Not applicable
- Power: Air 65 V3: 2500 mAh battery; Air 100 V3: 4000 mAh battery
- Cameras: Not applicable
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, wired USB-C (1000 Hz), Bluetooth 5.0 (125 Hz)
- Ports: USB-C
- Pricing: Air 65 V3: $129.95; Air 100 V3: $149.95
The keyboards offer three typing angles (4°, 8°, and 10°) and come in Nova White and Nebula Dark color variants. Pre-orders now include both a high-profile knob and a low-profile variant with a translucent ring, addressing earlier criticism about the default bundle.
Key Considerations for Creators
The Air V3 series aims to balance portability and performance, but its suitability depends on workload demands. The 1000 Hz polling rate for wired connections is impressive, but Bluetooth 5.0 at 125 Hz may limit responsiveness for fast-paced tasks like video editing or gaming. Creators should weigh the trade-offs between battery life (up to 761 hours without lights) and performance needs.
While the hot-swappable design and RGB options cater to customization, the lack of a dedicated media hub on the full-sized model could be a drawback for those who rely heavily on quick media controls. The revised knob bundle is a positive step, but long-term reliability remains unconfirmed, especially with low-profile switches that can wear over time.
The Air 65 V3 and Air 100 V3 are priced at $129.95 and $149.95, respectively. Availability is expected to follow the pre-order period, though no specific release date has been announced.
