The NuPhy Air75 and Keychron K2 are both popular wireless mechanical keyboards, but they target slightly different preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
Key differences:
- Layout:
- NuPhy Air75: 75% layout (compact, excludes function key row but keeps arrow keys)
- Keychron K2: 84% layout (includes function key row)
- Height:
- NuPhy Air75: Low-profile design, ideal for portability.
- Keychron K2: Standard height, more traditional typing experience.
- Switches:
- NuPhy Air75: Gateron Low-profile 2.0 switches (Red, Brown, or Blue)
- Keychron K2: More variety of switch options (Gateron, Gateron Pro, and Keychron own switches)
Similarities:
- Wireless: Both offer Bluetooth and sometimes 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity (depending on the Keychron K2 version).
- Hot-swappable switches: Both allow customization without soldering.
- RGB backlighting: Both offer per-key RGB backlighting.
- QMK/VIA compatibility: Both can be programmed for custom keymaps and macros.
Choosing the right one:
- For portability and a clean look: NuPhy Air75 (75% layout, low-profile)
- For dedicated function keys and a standard typing height: Keychron K2 (84% layout, standard height)
- For more switch options: Keychron K2 (wider variety of switches)
Here are some additional factors to consider:
- Battery life: The NuPhy Air75 generally has a longer battery life due to its lower profile.
- Keycaps: The NuPhy Air75 typically comes with PBT keycaps (more durable) whereas the Keychron K2 might use ABS (upgrade option for PBT).
- Price: The price can vary depending on the switch options you choose, but generally they are comparable.