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NuPhy Air60 HE specifications and in-depth review

NuPhy Air60 HE

Manufacturer: NuPhy

The NuPhy Air60 HE is a compact 60% low-profile mechanical keyboard built around hall effect switch technology, offering a slim 13.2 mm profile housed in a plastic and aluminum case available in black or white. Its 8000 Hz polling rate places it firmly in gaming-oriented territory, while the detachable cable and south-facing RGB backlight round out a design that balances portability with performance-focused features.

At the heart of the Air60 HE are the Low-Profile Magnetic Jade Pro switches, which are linear in feel and deliver a 40 g actuation force across a total travel distance of 3.5 mm. The keyboard supports adjustable actuation between 0.1 mm and 3.3 mm, alongside rapid trigger, dual actuation, analog input, and full NKRO — all managed via a top-mount construction with a standard ANSI layout, DSA-profile PBT keycaps, and media key access through the Fn layer.

Pros
  • The 8000 Hz polling rate ensures highly responsive input registration, well-suited for fast-paced gaming
  • Adjustable actuation ranging from 0.1 mm to 3.3 mm, combined with rapid trigger and dual actuation, gives users precise control over switch sensitivity
  • Full N-key rollover (NKRO) ensures every simultaneous keypress is accurately detected
  • The 60% compact form factor frees up significant desk space and makes the board easy to transport
  • A detachable cable adds convenience for storage, transport, and cable management
  • The case combines plastic and aluminum construction, and is available in two color options with adjustable feet for tilt customization
Cons
  • No hot-swap support means switches cannot be changed without soldering
  • QMK, ZMK, and VIA firmware are all unsupported, limiting remapping and customization options for enthusiast users
  • Media functions are only accessible via the Fn key, with no dedicated media keys on the board
  • No wrist rest is included, which may affect comfort during extended use given the compact layout
  • The keyboard is wired-only with no wireless connectivity option
  • No USB passthrough is available, reducing desk connectivity for users who rely on it
Who is this for?

The Air60 HE is well-suited for competitive gamers who prioritize input precision, thanks to its 8000 Hz polling rate, rapid trigger, dual actuation, and adjustable actuation down to 0.1 mm. The compact 60% layout makes it a practical choice for users with limited desk space or those who frequently move their setup, while the low-profile build and hall effect switches appeal to typists and gamers who prefer a shallower keystroke feel. NKRO support further ensures that demanding, multi-key inputs are handled reliably during intensive gaming sessions.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on open-source firmware customization through QMK, ZMK, or VIA will find the Air60 HE restrictive, as none of these are supported. The absence of wireless connectivity makes it a poor fit for those who prefer a cable-free desk setup, and the lack of hot-swap support means users who enjoy experimenting with different switches will face significant limitations. Additionally, the 60% form factor omits dedicated function, navigation, and media keys, making it a less practical choice for users who depend on those inputs regularly in productivity workflows.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Compact (60%)
Profile Low-profile
connectivity Wired
connection type USB
polling rate 8000 Hz
Mount type Top mount
designed for Mac ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
height 107.2 mm
width 297.2 mm
thickness 13.2 mm
weight 534 g
warranty period 1 years

The NuPhy Air60 HE is a wired, gaming-oriented mechanical keyboard with a compact 60% layout and a low-profile build, connecting via USB with a detachable cable. Its 8000 Hz polling rate reflects its gaming focus, while the top-mount construction keeps the design structurally straightforward. Physically, the board measures 297.2 mm wide, 107.2 mm deep, and just 13.2 mm thick, with a weight of 534 g. It is not designed for Mac and comes with a one-year warranty.

Design:

has RGB lighting ✓
Has a backlit keyboard ✓
Case material Plastic, Aluminum
Case colors Black, White
has adjustable feet ✓
includes a wrist rest ✕
Backlight facing direction South-facing

The Air60 HE features a backlit keyboard with RGB lighting directed south-facing, set into a case made from a combination of plastic and aluminum, available in either black or white. The board includes adjustable feet for tilt customization, though no wrist rest is included in the package.

Switches:

Switch type Hall effect
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches ✕
Switch name Low-Profile Magnetic Jade Pro
Actuation distance (min) 0.1 mm
Actuation distance (max) 3.3 mm
Actuation force 40 g
Total travel distance 3.5 mm

The Air60 HE uses Low-Profile Magnetic Jade Pro switches, which are hall effect in type and linear in feel, delivering a light 40 g actuation force across a total travel distance of 3.5 mm. The actuation point is adjustable anywhere between 0.1 mm and 3.3 mm, allowing for a wide range of sensitivity tuning. The switches are not hot-swappable.

Features:

has analog input ✓
has rapid trigger ✓
has dual actuation ✓
has adjustable actuation ✓
has NKRO ✓
has USB passthrough ✕
Has a display ✕
has QMK support ✕
has ZMK support ✕
has VIA support ✕

The Air60 HE comes equipped with a strong set of gaming-oriented features, including rapid trigger, dual actuation, adjustable actuation, analog input, and full N-key rollover (NKRO). On the other hand, it does not offer USB passthrough, an onboard display, or support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA firmware customization.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type PBT
Keycap profile DSA
uses a standard key layout ✓
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial ✕

The Air60 HE uses a standard ANSI (United States) layout with PBT keycaps in a DSA profile, keeping key compatibility straightforward for replacements. Media controls are accessible via the Fn key rather than dedicated keys, and there is no rotary dial on the board.

Final Verdict

The NuPhy Air60 HE is a focused, gaming-oriented 60% keyboard that makes a clear case for users who value input precision above all else. Its hall effect switch system with rapid trigger and adjustable actuation — paired with an 8000 Hz polling rate — positions it firmly in the competitive gaming space, and the low-profile form factor adds a degree of portability that suits users who move between setups. Where it falls short is in flexibility: no hot-swap support, no wireless option, and the absence of QMK, ZMK, or VIA compatibility narrow its appeal for enthusiasts who prioritize customization. For those whose needs align with its strengths, however, the Air60 HE delivers a technically well-specified package in a compact, aluminium-accented build.

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