In this comparison, we will closely examine two popular 75% mechanical keyboards: the Keychron K3 Pro and the NuPhy Air75. These keyboards cater to different preferences and needs, offering a compact yet functional layout.
Pros and Cons
| Keychron K3 Pro | NuPhy Air75 |
|---|---|
| Great size and layout | Great size and layout |
| Supports both wireless and wired | Feels and sounds great |
| QMK and VIA programmability | Connectivity including 2.4GHz |
| Hot-swappable switches | Nice thick PBT keycaps |
| Thin ABS keycaps | RGB is hard to see |
| No 2.4GHz wireless option | Battery life could be better |
We’ll compare their key features, highlighting what sets them apart. Both keyboards comes with low-profile RGB designs and hot-swappable switches, appealing to enthusiasts seeking customization and aesthetics. However, there are some differences that may influence your decision. Let’s get into the details to help you make an best choice for your daily needs.
Specifications: Keychron K3 Pro vs NuPhy Air75
| Keychron K3 Pro | NuPhy Air75 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Released | Sep 29, 2022 | Oct 27, 2021 |
| Layout | ANSI 75% (84 keys) | ANSI 75% (84 keys) |
| Material | Aluminum body, ABS keycaps | Aluminum body, PBT keycaps |
| Switch Options | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1, Type-C cable | 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, Wired |
| Compatibility | Mac/Windows/Android/iOS | Mac/Windows/Android/iOS |
| Frame | Aluminum top plate | Aluminum |
| Bottom case | ABS | ABS |
| Keycap | PBT, double-shot | Double-shot PBT, nSA profile |
| RGB | Yes | Backlight & Sidelight |
| Dimensions | 306 x 116 x 22 mm | 315.7 x 132.6 x 16.0 mm |
| Weight | 1.16 lbs (525g) | 1.16 lbs (523g) |
| Battery | 1550mAh | 2500mAh |
Key Differences: Keychron K3 Pro vs NuPhy Air75
Physical Dimensions and Weight:
K3 Pro: 22mm thickness, 525g weight
Air75: 16mm thickness, 523g weight
Battery Capacity and Connectivity:
K3 Pro: 1550mAh battery, Bluetooth 5.1
Air75: 2500mAh battery, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi option
Build Materials and Keycaps:
K3 Pro: Aluminum body, ABS keycaps
Air75: Aluminum body, PBT keycaps
Switch Options:
K3 Pro: Keychron’s optical low-profile switches, Gateron low-profile switches
Air75: Gateron low-profile switches (tactile, linear, clicky options)
Sound and Lighting:
K3 Pro: Enclosed housing for pronounced typing sound, ABS keycaps with light-transmitting properties
Air75: Open look design for a quieter typing experience, PBT keycaps with no light-transmitting properties, illuminated bars for caps lock and battery status
Dimensions and Weight
Both the Keychron K3 Pro and the NuPhy Air75 fall into the compact 75% keyboard category. The K3 Pro measures approximately 22 millimeters in thickness, while the Air75 comes in slightly slimmer at around 16 millimeters. However, the difference in height is barely noticeable when observed in person. These keyboards share a similar form factor, ensuring a satisfying typing experience without taking up excessive desk space.
Keychron K3 Pro
The Keychron K3 Pro is a compact 75% ANSI layout keyboard with 84 keys. It sports a floating key design, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. The case combines an aluminum top with an ABS plastic bottom. Keychron offers different versions of the K3 Pro, including an RGB hot-swappable option, and solid white-only backlight variants. The keyboard features Gateron low-profile 2.0 switches (red, brown, or blue) and includes PBT keycaps. Notably, Keychron provides Mac keycaps for Mac users. The K3 Pro offers multiple connectivity options, including USB-C wired and Bluetooth 5.1 with three Bluetooth profiles. It also boasts 22 RGB backlighting modes and adjustable typing angles with fold-out feet. The battery capacity is 1550mAh, providing up to 100 hours of use with the backlighting off and up to 33 hours with the backlighting on the lowest setting.
NuPhy Air75
The NuPhy Air75 is another low-profile mechanical keyboard with a 75% layout. Like the K3 Pro, it uses Gateron low-profile 2.0 switches (red, brown, or blue). The keyboard comes with PBT keycaps, and its unique design features a flat top profile on the keycaps. It offers a magnetic detachable feet design that provides one extra typing position. The Air75 comes with 21 RGB backlighting modes and offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB-C wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless. The Air75 boasts a larger battery capacity of 2500mAh, providing up to 300 hours of use with the backlighting off and 24 to 50 hours with the backlighting on, depending on brightness levels.
Design
The Keychron K3 Pro looks sleek and modern with a matte finish, giving it a subtle and professional appearance. Its key feature is the presence of bezels, which add a level of ergonomic comfort when carrying the keyboard from one place to another. The bezels provide a comfortable grip and prevent accidental presses when picking up the keyboard. On the other hand, the NuPhy Air75 comes in a shiny and more eye-catching design, offering a premium look. Unlike the Keychron K3 Pro, the NuPhy Air75 lacks bezels. This makes it more suitable for use in a stationary office environment where portability is not a primary concern.
Build Quality and Keycaps
Both the Keychron K3 Pro and the NuPhy Air75 incorporate an aluminum body, ensuring durability and a premium feel. However, they differ in terms of keycap material. The K3 Pro features ABS keycaps, while the Air75 utilizes PBT keycaps. PBT keycaps are known for their enhanced durability and resistance to shine over time compared to ABS keycaps. If you prioritize longevity and premium keycap quality, the Air75’s PBT keycaps may sway your decision.
Switch Options
Switch options play a significant role in defining the typing experience of a mechanical keyboard. The Keychron K3 Pro offers two choices: Keychron’s own optical low-profile switches or Gateron low-profile switches. On the other hand, the NuPhy Air75 comes with Gateron low-profile switches, offering tactile, linear, and clicky variants. Both keyboards feature a cross-style stem, allowing for interchangeability between different compatible switches. Thus, users have the freedom to select their preferred switch type for a
Typing Experience: Keychron K3 Pro vs NuPhy Air75
The Keychron K3 Pro and the NuPhy Air75 offer distinct sound profiles due to their different designs. The Air75’s open look design contributes to a quieter typing experience, while the enclosed housing of the K3 Pro enhances the keyboard’s sound. If you prefer a quieter keyboard, the Air75 might be more suitable for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced typing sound, the K3 Pro might be the better option.
Lighting
When it comes to RGB lighting, both keyboards excel with customizable lighting effects. The Keychron K3 Pro includes a dedicated light button for quick style changes, while the NuPhy Air75 requires holding down the function key and using the arrow keys for lighting adjustments. Additionally, the Air75 boasts unique illuminated bars on both sides, displaying useful information such as caps lock and battery status. The K3 Pro’s ABS keycaps enable light to shine through the letterings and numbers, while the Air75’s PBT keycaps do not offer this feature.
Wireless Connectivity
Both keyboards offer wireless connectivity options, making them convenient for users on the go. The Keychron K3 Pro supports Bluetooth and can connect up to three devices, making it versatile for multi-device usage.
The NuPhy Air75 goes the extra mile by offering 2.4 gigahertz wireless support in addition to Bluetooth. Users can enjoy reduced lag and reliable performance when using the 2.4 gigahertz connection.
Customization
The Keychron K3 Pro has an edge in terms of customization. It is QMK/VIA compatible, enabling users to remap keys, add macros, and create multiple layers easily.
On the other hand, the NuPhy Air75 uses the NuPhy Console software for customization, which might be less intuitive for some users. Additionally, the NuPhy Console software is currently available only for Windows, limiting its accessibility to Mac users.
Battery Life
Regarding wireless functionality, both keyboards offer Bluetooth connectivity, making them compatible with both Mac and Windows devices. The Keychron K3 Pro utilizes Bluetooth 5.1, while the NuPhy Air75 employs Bluetooth 5.0. Moreover, the Air75 goes the extra mile by also providing a 2.4 gigahertz Wi-Fi band connectivity option, accompanied by an included receiver. On the battery front, the Air75 boasts a larger battery size of 2500 milliamps compared to the K3 Pro’s 1550 milliamps. These features grant users the flexibility to connect to multiple devices without the constraints of wired connections.
Price
Both keyboards offer a competitive price for their features and performance. The Keychron K3 Pro is available in different configurations, with the full RGB hot-swappable version priced at around $119. The NuPhy Air75 is priced at $129.99
Conclusion: Keychron K3 Pro vs NuPhy Air75
Both the Keychron K3 Pro and the NuPhy Air75 are excellent 75% mechanical keyboards with their own set of advantages. The K3 Pro offers a sturdier build, the option for optical low-profile switches, and keycaps with light-transmitting properties. On the other hand, the Air75 provides a slimmer design, PBT keycaps for improved durability, and unique illuminated bars for additional functionality.
Ultimately, the choice between these two mechanical keyboards will depend on your personal preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience and a sleek design, the NuPhy Air75 might be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you prioritize a pronounced typing sound and appreciate the ability to use optical low-profile switches, the Keychron K3 Pro could be the better fit for you.
When selecting a keyboard, it’s essential to consider factors such as switch type, keycap material, lighting, and design aesthetics, as they can significantly impact your overall satisfaction with the keyboard. Whichever option you choose, both the Keychron K3 Pro and the NuPhy Air75 are excellent contenders that offer high-quality features and a delightful typing experience.
