NuPhy Air75 V2: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-06

Summary

The Air75 V2 is a thin 84-key low-profile mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches, tri-mode wireless and a 4000mAh battery. The main ownership risks are 2.4GHz freezes and missed inputs, VIA configuration trouble and a battery-swelling signal after roughly one to 1.5 years. Running costs are low: no required subscription, with optional switch packs at $38 per 100 and a NuFolio case at $29.

Common problems and fixes

2.4GHz freezes and missed inputs — multiple exact-V2 owner threads report random freezes, dropped keys and repeated inputs over the receiver; some owners fixed it with coordinated QMK/RF/dongle firmware updates, others still report problems after official updates.
Dongle pairing trouble — owners report difficulty pairing the 2.4GHz receiver; no widely confirmed fix beyond re-pairing and firmware updates.
VIA recognition and configuration issues — VIA may not recognize the keyboard without loading NuPhy’s exact Air75 V2 JSON, and it works most predictably over USB; a June 2026 report on firmware 2.1.5 describes continued trouble.
Firmware flashing risk — NuPhy warns that incorrect firmware updates can damage the keyboard; one owner reported a bricked dongle after flashing.
Battery swelling — at least two independent V2-specific threads describe a swollen battery and case deformation at around one to 1.5 years; other owners report two-plus years trouble-free. No official replacement battery is listed.
Random RGB flicker — a 2025-26 owner thread reports random RGB flicker; the first unit was replaced and another owner reported two new units with the same symptom.
macOS freeze and fiddly Bluetooth switching — Tom’s Guide encountered a macOS freeze during roughly three weeks of use and called Bluetooth channel switching fiddly.

Parts and consumables

Gateron KS-33 low-profile switches (Cowberry, Wisteria, Moss) — $38 per 100-pack at NuPhy; user-replaceable via hot-swap sockets, no soldering required.
NuFolio V3 case — $29 at NuPhy; optional protective case, not included in the box.
Keycaps — double-shot PBT, user-replaceable; 7 spare keycaps included in the box.
Battery — 4000mAh internal; no official replacement listed, but community owners report the board can be opened and the cell replaced unofficially.

Yearly running cost

Normal ownership has no required subscription. Optional costs: a full compatible NuPhy switch set is $38, and a NuFolio V3 case is $29. Battery replacement is not officially supported; unofficial replacement cost is not documented. Electricity use is negligible. A typical owner who does not replace switches or buy accessories spends $0 per year beyond the initial purchase.

When it is a good buy

At or below $90 is excellent, $91-105 is very good, $106-120 is good, $121-130 is fair, and above $130 is weak. A documented November 2025 official Black Friday sale dropped the Air75 V2 to $83.97.

Named alternatives:

Keychron K3 Max at $109.99 — the better choice when wireless robustness and support matter more than battery capacity.
Lofree Flow84 at $119 sale / $159 regular — the better choice when typing feel is the priority.
NuPhy Air75 V3 at $139.95 — the better choice when you want a newer platform and are willing to pay a small premium.