I've had a mechanical keyboard for quite a while now, but there was always something about it that bothered me compared to the cheapo membrane keyboard that my parents own: The height of the keys making me have to lift my fingers more than I'd like to.

But I've recently found out that something like a "low profile" mechanical keyboard exists, which seems to be exactly what I need. However, I have trouble finding the right low-profile keyboard.

I would like a keyboard that matches these requirements (roughly in order of importance):

• Low profile

• A full keyboard with all the keys, including the TenKeys, like this, ideally with this spacing

• Mechanical or HE doesn't matter too much to me, as long as it's linear

• Backlit, but I don't mind if it's RGB or just white

• I don't care about any lighting profiles; in fact, I'd rather not have to install auxiliary software

• I also don't care about any clicky-clacky sounds and would want the keyboard as silent as possible

• Preferably black or at least a dark color

• Media and/or sound volume keys are not required, but would be nice

• Preferably a price below €300

I've been looking for a while, but my searches are surprisingly coming up short. I'm admittedly somewhat of a noob when it comes to keyboards, so maybe I just don't know where to look or what exactly to look for

If anyone could help me out with some recommendations, I'd really appreciate it!

If you’re like me and know a bunch of gamers who love fast, responsive keyboards, then you probably heard them talk about the perfect gaming keyboard — low profile, super quick, and with cool features like Rapid Trigger. One keyboard that promised all that was the Zenaim HE, but let’s be honest, it was way too expensive and most people didn’t even know it existed. Now, Nuphy is bringing us the Air60HE, another low-profile keyboard with Rapid Trigger, and this time, it looks like we might have something worth checking out without breaking the bank.Disclaimer: this unit was sent out to me for testing purposed, however, NuPhy had no influence on this review.

Disclaimer: this unit was sent out to me for testing purposed, however, NuPhy had no influence on this review.

SPECS

IN THE BOX

• the Air60HE keyboard

• USB-A to USB-C cable

• Waifu poster with some manual

• spare keycaps

• dust cover

• plastic sleeve

• keycap/switch puller

DESIGN and BUILD QUALITY

Air60HE is actually 2nd low-profile HE keyboard that was released as I've mentioned already. The first one was ZenAim but that was crazy expensive and released only in Japan as far as I know. This one is very sleek, slim and compact 60% layout, wired only, connected through a cable that you insert in the left frame of the keyboard (typically for a portable keyboard that you can connect to a tablet). It features a mechanical profile switch at the back of the board called Rapid Switch by Nuphy (3 profiles available), two side LEDs, south-facing RGB, ABS nSA non shine-through keycaps (also translucent ones), a really good Shenzen Arbiter board, place-mounted stabilizers, a powerful NU2–8k-D-2407 MCU that enables 8k polling/scanning rate (that’s a different unit than the one on Field75HE), and is hot swappable with Gateron Mini Jades or Mini Jades Pro. The keyboard is very low, so I don’t think a wrist rest is required. It also has kick-out feet that enable you to change typing angles.

The bottom is made of ABS plastic that also features a nice-looking steel plate that mirrors your reflection when you look at it, the top is full aluminum. The overall look and feel is that you’re touching a durable and sturdy construction, perhaps the only part that seems a bit different to me are the kick-out feet that seem to me as if they were about to break down. Fortunately, it never happened to me though so it might be only me.

I can imagine that creating a low-profile keyboard with magnetic switches can be hard when it comes to all sound dampers etc. Looks like Nuphy’s main focus was on making sure the latency was exceptional. They skipped skip some popular parts like gasket mounts, PC/POM plates, sound dampers, and switch pads and decided to add PCB foam, plate foam, and silicone at the bottom to get a nice, clean typing sound. It’s a pity they couldn’t incorporate their Ghost Bar solution due to design constraints though, even though there are silicon dampeners around the space bar (but it’s not the same sound and quality as Ghost Bar). Still, for a low profile keyboard with Hall effect, the build quality and solutions they used are very good and you shouldn’t be let down. I can also understand why it is only wired — the technology is not ready yet, because wireless would mean higher latency and that’s not what you need when you are a pro gamer.

SWITCHES

Basically, Air60HE gets shipped with Magnetic Jades Mini as default, but you can also opt for slightly more expensive Jades Pro Mini. The difference is in initial/end force you have to use (Pros are slightly heavier to press) and sound (Pros are slighly thockier and are featured with full POM for top housing, bottom housing and stem). However, the sound difference is subtle, but the typing/gaming feel with heavier switches is noticeable. They are also nicely pre-lubed in Gateron factories, just like the plate-mounted stabs. Somehow, Gateron achieved pretty same travel distance as in regular Jades (by building the spring deep into the switch itself), which is impressive.

I’d say that Jades are becoming now the industry’s standard and are definitely my favourites as of now. But paying extra money for Pros is debatable and I don’t think it’s worth it.

Mind you, in my copy I accidentally removed some keycaps with their corresponding switches when I was doing some changes to the looks of Air60HE (especially applied to the space bar). So be careful while doing it and make sure to repress it down.

KEYCAPS

Air60HE features five-sided dye-sub nSA keycaps, built to handle heavy use with great durability. Plus, the transparent version of the nSA keycaps, introduced for the first time, adds amazing visual appeal to the Air60 HE. They really go well with the overall design choices of this keyboard, but can also be a bit distracting in a dark room if you set your RGB brightness really high.

Yet, I have to say that the texture on the translucent keycaps is more grippy than on the stock, dye-sub ones, which in my opinion are a bit too slippery, especially if you come from Cherry profiles. So, replacing them could be an option here, which I did right away.

I even used cherry profile keycaps on Air60HE which worked really well and gave me this feeling of belonging to two worlds of keebs, normal gaming ones and low profiles. I suggest you tried that because it really did the trick to me.

LATENCY

When Nuphy announced that their Field75HE was only 0.5 ms latency per key, many didn’t believe that, including me. It turned out that the latency per single press was only 0.8 ms per key (tested by RTINGS) which is incredibly fast and made the Field75HE faster than Wooting 60HE. But this arms race never stops so Wooting released their Wooting 80HE (not tested by me yet) while Nuphy accounced that Air60HE would run at 0.1 ms delay…. Taking this with a grain of salt, also knowing that Nuphy cut wireless option out to save on latency, I expected something similar. Even though, I haven’t tested that in a tech lab, I can attest that this board doesn’t choke, it’s very fast, incredibly responsive and the latency is among those 2–3 keyboards that are my main choice in this category. Obviously, to achieve such results you should use the lowest possible RT settings of 0.01 mm (yes, Nuphy software makes is possible). Waiting for some hardware to test it, I’d assume the latency of this one could be even slightly lower than Field75HE (8k polling and scanning rate would alleviate that) but honestly, no human being will be able to differentiate 1–2 ms without proper tech. Diminishing returns is the field we’re getting ourselves into more and more with each passing day.

SOFTWARE

A high-end keyboard is never complete without strong software to reach its best performance, and the Air60HE’s case is similar. Actually, this software is not something just extra — it is main thing that makes this keyboard so powerful. And from my last review on Field75HE, it has received a few updates (the dev team updates it around twice a month), including macro support.

I won’t totally sugarcoat it because bugs happen here and there (for example, there is still a bug on Mod Tap that needs to be addressed), something some profiles won’t import properly and the overall UI could be more intuitive here and there. But here are things you can do via software:

1. SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Directions): For gamers, especially those playing fast-paced shooters like Valorant or Quake, this feature is a game-changer. SOCD enhances your strafing by allowing precise movement inputs, improving your control in-game. Although it’s banned in some games like CS2 due to the advantage it gives, in games where it’s allowed, it’s an absolute must for serious players.

2. Rapid Shift (Rappy Snappy Equivalent): NuPhy’s software offers Rapid Shift, their equivalent of the popular Rappy Snappy feature. This feature allows for near-instantaneous key response changes, making it perfect for competitive gaming, where speed and precision are critical.

3. Hyper Shift (Rapid Dual Trigger Equivalent): Perhaps the most impressive gaming feature is Hyper Shift, which is NuPhy’s answer to DrunkDeer’s Rapid Dual Trigger. Hyper Shift counter-strafes your key input, making it incredibly useful for games like CS where timing your movement is crucial. Frankly, it feels almost overpowered, giving you a serious advantage by perfecting your strafing in intense combat scenarios.

4. 8K Polling Rate & 8000Hz Scan Rate: The software enables an impressive 8000Hz polling rate and a 8000Hz scan rate for the keyboard, something rarely seen among competitors. While many hype up the 8K polling rate, NuPhy’s development team has delivered 8K scan rate, which is actually more critical for delivering faster input times than the polling rate.

5. Rapid Trigger and Actuation Point customization with 0.01mm accuracy: The software allows for Rapid Trigger and Actuation Point customization with a precision of 0.01mm (RT) and 0.1 (AP), giving users unparalleled control over their key actuation points. This level of accuracy is perhaps even too precise for FPS gaming, but I am sure some will appreciate it. One small nitpick: it resets to default 0.01 mm even after I set it to 0.1 mm once I try to customize another key. A bit annoying.

6. Dead Zone configuration, switches recalibration (you might have to do this after a new update is released), DKS, Mod Tap, Toggle Key features.

7. Tick rate (for games that may require it like CS2), anti-wobbliness switches level and gaming optimization — all to enhance your gaming experience and reduce errors and obstacles that may come in your way

8. Comprehensive Customization: Of course, the software also includes all the standard customization options you’d expect from a high-end keyboard — key remapping, macro creation (added recently), RGB adjustments, and more. The ability to assign macros and remap keys is intuitive, allowing you to tailor your layout to suit your workflow or gaming style seamlessly.

There’s one more thing you need to know — some people from CS reported to me that Nuphy’s SOCD is not detected by server software. I checked in Quake on my side and it is true — it is indeed undetectable. That’s something you have to know before purchasing this keyboard. Looks like this war will rage on…

GAMING PERFORMANCE

It took me very little time to get used to the layout while gaming, actually, it was a flawless transition. When I needed function keys, I used Mod Tap in the software, so that I could use two functions at a time with one key. To get a better grip of WASD, I swapped the stock keys with the translucent ones and it helped. Mind you, if you’re coming from Cherry profiles, you will need some time to adapt. But once there, you will appreciate the transition. Low keycaps gave me this impression that I am faster with reaction and movement — it is probably placebo effect but we all know how well placebo feels when you change your gaming gear. Also, a gamer with heavy fingers, I really liked how Jades Mini Pro gave me feedback while gaming — I always press down keys fully, so havinf low profile switches and keycaps did the trick to me. One piece of advice: if you’re afraid it would be too much for you, try cherry keycaps on Air60HE, they work great.Air60HE has become my main now, I had to put Field75HE into a drawer — the layout was something that hooked me in for good and I don’t plan to go back now.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Nuphy deserves some real kudos for creating first (technically second but the Japanese one was not available to buy worldwide) low-profile HE keyboard. They were to choose how to cater to different needs of both gamers and people who use keyboards for productivity. I also have Wooting60HE and I prefer Air60HE in every aspect, both for gaming and productivity. Some solutions may be controversial to some people (like the side cable instead of the back one), some might even question why create a HE low-profile keyboard in the first place, or whatever else… But to me, it is a banger of a keyboard. It is small, very compact, features great switches, offers very good software and is incredibly fast and responsive. My nitpick would only be the keycaps (that you can replace of course), kick-out feet that seem a bit fragile, or some loose switches when you try to hot-swap them. I’d also like Nuphy to offer more colour options of this keyboard.Other than that, if you do like the 60% layout and how Air60HE looks like, I don’t see any reason not to try it, especially that the price is pretty affordable.

BULLET POINTS

• actually the very first low-profile HE keyboard worldwide if you skip ZenAim exclusivity for Japan

• pretty affordable for what it offers

• absolutely minimal latency with 8k polling/scanning rate

• very sleek, ultra compact, great looking

• great switches from Gateron, hot swappable

• no Ghost Bar in this keyboard due to design constraints

• very potent software

• you might wanna use different keycaps though, the stock ones are a bit slippery

• the space bar is unfortunately clacky, compared to overall good sound of the rest of the board

• works and feels also great with cherry profile keycaps

• cool translucent keycaps to pimp up the looks

• manual profile switch at the back of the keyboard (3 profiles)

• the board is only connected from the side

• good support on discord, the dev team also listens to feedback

Looks like this keyboard will stay with me for a while guys.

Thanks for reading.

I'm a programmer interested in getting a new keyboard. I want to consider low-profile options like the Keychron K3 Pro.

I've seen comments and reviews suggesting that they are great for typing.

Previous discussions about low-profile keyboards focused on their lack of customizability. I'm not interested in modding, so this is not a huge deal to me.

But I think those discussions kind of ended with that point. Are there any other reasons not to go for low-profile keyboards?

I've been in the market for a new low profile mechanical keyboard. Years back I had the Logitech G815 and liked it for what it was. Switches were okay, keycaps were meh. I ended up selling it as I wanted something smaller from a full keyboard.

I recently bought the Logitech G515 in tactile and have been using it for 2 weeks now. I like the form factor, the switches, the updated keycaps to PBT. However, there has already been a double clicking problem that has developed on the space bar. I believe I read about that issue before buying it too unfortunately. It happens both in the wireless adapter mode and bluetooth. While it doesn't happen all the time. it's annoying enough that I'm considering returning it and searching for something else.

It was tough for me to choose between the Logitech G915X, Razer Deathstalker v2 pro, or the one I ended up going with the Logitech G515. While I do like the TKL format, some other keyboards I was considering is the NuPhy Air75 v2 and the Lofree Flow 84.

I currently also have a Logitech MX Mini and Keychron Q1 that I was looking to sell to consolidate into one keyboard to use for gaming (windows) and work (mac).

Anyone have any recommendations or advice on how to best proceed?

Edit: I went with the Iquinix mq80 and have really enjoyed it thus far!

Is there no wireless low profile HE keyboards out there? I have found keychron HE keyboards but they are all normal height, and also found nuphy air75 HE, which is low profile but lacks the wireless connectivity.

Am I missing some other good options? Does anyone know if keychron is planning to release a k3 HE version?

Browsing this sub and some youtube channels that talk about ergo keyboards, I see tons of low profile builds, which is a big contrast to r/mk where you see very few.

I can think of a few reasons why people focusing on ergonomics might choose a low profile keyboard but I've never actually used a low profile ergo board so I'm curious to hear from you, the people that made that decision! What drew you to a low profile build? How does it affect the ergonomics of the keyboard?

I have multiple low profile keyboards because they're just so much better for typing. But I wish I enjoyed typing on a full profile board, because there are so many more options for keycaps.

Has anybody tried both and find they prefer the full profile keyboards?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently using an FGG Madlions MAD 68HE keyboard, but the keycaps feel too tall for me and the board doesn’t have adjustable feet for height. I’m looking for a low-profile magnetic switch/Hall Effect keyboard in the 60%–75% size range (nothing too big).

The only option I know so far is the NuPhy Air60, but it’s a bit pricey for me. I mostly play CS and other competitive games, so a magnetic/HE switch is important. I also have relatively short fingers, which makes normal-height keycaps a bit uncomfortable. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello guys i was just wondering if anyone happens to have the hall effect air 60 and if there is a noticable difference in every day typing usage and some gaming with using the mechanical one...I got the air96v2 but i m thinking about preordering the air75HE and i dont know if its worth it, would it make any difference for light gaming and mainly typing?
Do you actually feel the difference in 8khz polling rate vs the 1khz? I dont play shooters, mainly play rpg games but i type a lot... what would you recommend ? what are your thoughts?

Do you prefer normal or low profile mechanical keychron keyboards? And why?

Hey
I don't have much knowledge in the keyboard world so I was looking for some suggestions.
Currently I am using the HP GK100F and honestly it sucks. the keys are way too loud and tall and it just gets in the way of my hands so I'm looking for something softer and rather low profile not like laptop keys but shorter than the basic gaming mechanical keyboards.
I've been eyeing the Logitech G815 but I've heard mixed opinions about it.
So do you guys have any suggestions on a good quality low profile keyboard that gives me a better experience.
also not a big fan of 60% keyboards so 100% would be ideal and I don't care if its wired or not.

1. Type: 75% 84 key compact (alternatively barebones)

2. Profile: Low profile

3. Features: RGB lighting, Hot swap (optionally QMK/VIA)

4. Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, Wired

5. Mounting: Would be great addition if it had Gasket mount for quieter typing but it's not needed

6. Design: Frame similar to NuPhy Air75 V2 to prevent dust accumulation

7. Price: < $100

I have failed multiple times to find anything and I feel like I'd need to pay luxury just to get some decent keyboard

So my girlfriend wants a low profile keyboard with a creamy sound. She fell in love with the Iqunix Magi65 and she also liked the NuPhy Halo75 V2. I even started to look for switches she might like and found the Akko Rosewood who aren’t low profile though. The problems why the favored keyboards aren’t the perfect choice is that they are hard to get in Germany, costing almost 200€ plus she wants a QWERTZ Layout. Since I’m absolutely lost at this topic I thought you guys are the experts so I came to you.

What we are looking for: low profile, creamy sound, wireless, 150€ max, QWERTZ, 75% or higher (100% is what she uses now so that would be perfect but I gave up on that hope ^), RGB would a cherry on top

1. Are there any Keyboards that fit this description ?

2. Are there any low profile switches we could buy to swab them onto a keyboard we‘d buy separately. Is that even an option ?

3. If so, which switches could you guys recommend ?

Thanks for all the help.

So I was looking for a low profile keyboard but I noticed that some of the switches have the same travel distance as regular profile switches. From this I was wondering if it would be be better for me to buy something like a Wooting 80HE as I was not looking for a low profile keyboard for the form factor but potentially for the feel. Just basically wondering if they would provide the same feel.
Thank you sorry for this messy post.

Hi All,

I'm struggling to find a 100% low profile mechanical keyboard that isn't made by Keychron. I would prefer to avoid them if possible after reading all of the support horror stories.

The only other keyboard which I have found that seems to be an option is the Lowfree flow 100 which sadly doesn't come in a uk layout.

What I'm looking for:

Must:

Be full sized UK layout Function wired

Nice to have: Hot swappable key switches Replaceable cable Backlight

Many thanks for taking the time to read this post!

Hello, I've read some posts regarding low profile keyboards.

I bought a Logitech MX Keys in 2021 and some of the keys are starting to feel strange. One of the keycaps is moving (not entirely falling but almost every time I press that key).

I do like how this keyboard feels but now I am looking to replace this since soon.

I am looking for a low profile keyboard with 100% the size (I require to have the numbers on the side).

Here are the requirements:

• Low profile

• 100% or close to that (It must have the number pad the one that is on the right side of the keyboard)

• It will be used for work so no gaming involved.

• To be able to properly use it wireless (that it works without disconnecting since I've read that some keyboard are laggy or have connecting issues).

• To be able to work with Mac, Linux.

• That the lights illuminate the keycaps (I've read that some have lights but don't illuminate the keycaps so I do not really understand the reasoning behind that.

I might end up buying a new Logitech MX Keys S, but wanted to know if any of you had a good recommendation. I've seen this ones:

LoFree, Nuphy, Keychron

• Keychron K5 Max

This seems like a good idea but I've read that there had been some lag and some connection issues and also I've read that the light apparently does not shine through the keycaps (which I find it strange).

• LoFree - Flow Lite100

• NuPhy Air96 V2NuPhy Air96 V2

Please do let me know if you have any other good recommendations

Alright so since my office dont like thocky creamy airy thocki hockey lorry (you get my point)

Any suggestion for low profile keyboard? (Assuming theyre actually going to be more muted)

Dont suggest nuphy air series unless you can also suggest keycaps(dont like white alphas that much)

Preference: Exploded/nonexploded 75%-80% Switches linear/tactile . Silent "switches" if theres any for them

Edit: anyone here own both redragon azure and lofree here? wondering how bad is azure stabs whwn fomparing to lofree

Hello! I’ve been looking for a gaming keyboard for my desk. Any recommendations, suggestions, or opinions are welcome. Thank you very much! :)

📌Minimal Requirements

• Budget: Around $200 USD (give or take)

• Full RGB support

• White keyboard (for my desk color palette)

• At least 65%, but TKL or 100% will be my best option

• Linear or tactile switch + the quieter the better (I have other people living in the house)

• USB-C port for charging/connecting

• Low profile! (duh)

✨Extra Preference

• Hot swappable switches/keys are a plus

• Weight doesn’t matter, it will be sitting on my desk 24/7

• Shine-through keycaps are a plus

• Primarily used for gaming, but great typing experience is a HUGE plus

• Having 1000Hz polling rate or more is a plus

• Wired/wireless doesn’t matter, but wireless is more preferred

• Mechanical keys preferred

🤔 My Current Options

• Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL

• ASUS Falchion RX Low Profile

• Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL

💻 (Extra Info) My Experience With Keebs

• Quite new to mechanical keyboards / custom keyboards

• Frequent laptop/apple keys user, switching to low profile keys after 9 months of high profile use (don’t like arm/wrist rests as well)

• Relatively light typist, does a lot of typing/translation work

• Causal gamer, plays various games from FPS to RPGs

• Familiar with linear switches (silent ones too), don’t prefer clicky noise

• Interested in using tactile switch (never used one before)

• Small hands, short arms

If there are also cheap alternatives that can be used with white shine-through keycaps, I’m also open for those options. I also don’t mind all the little bells and whistles (knobs, buttons etc.) as long as it fits all the preferences that are listed above.

Thanks again for your time and I look forward to hear your opinions about it! :)

Hey everyone. I have been looking for a keyboard for a while now and have still not found one that suits my preferences. I prefer a number pad for my workflow, but the keyboard drawer on my desk isn't wide enough to fit a full size keyboard. I have been able to get away with using 96% keyboards, but my options are limited. I also prefer low-profile keyboards, which reduces my options even further.

Right now I am looking for an analog keyboard. I have heard great things about Wooting, but the only keyboard I'd be able to get is the Wooting 80HE. It has no number pad nor is it low profile, but rapid trigger would be great for gaming. Alternatively, I found the Nuphy Air96 V2, which has the number pad and the low-profile that I am looking for, but I am not sure if it has rapid trigger or if it is good for gaming. I am currently using a Glorious GMMK2 where I swapped the keys with some generic low profile keys from Amazon, but it's still a nightmare to type on.

Maybe I should bite the bullet and go for the 80HE, but the price point is also more than I have ever spent on a keyboard before, especially for one that does not have a number pad. I am also open to any other suggestions. Thanks.