Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard review
The Kick75 is a colorful hybrid profile keyboard that lowers the threshold for keyboard customization.
People often have to choose between a low-profile and high-profile keyboard, while the Kick75 provides a “why not both” design. You can switch out the key switches, caps, and some plates to switch between different profiles.
The Kick75 was designed over three years, gaining a retro flare inspired from both Nike sneakers and 8-bit games.
Nuphy has been making keyboards for over five years, emphasizing minimalist design and innovation.
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard – Design
Our review unit was the low-profile Kick75. Out of the box, you get some stickers, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a USB-A dongle, and a keycap tool.
The conversion kit is separate and includes a different set of keycaps and other materials to change to a high-profile.
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard review: Closeup of the keycaps, including the battery indicator on the side.
The Kick75 evokes a nostalgic but reimagined retro design. Acrylic around the edge diffuses the RGB lights gently, and small details go along with the “8-Bit Odyssey” theme, with inspired characters featured on the back.
Like a lot of modern keyboards, it has a Win/Mac switch for OS compatibility, and another switch dedicated to setting the mode between cable and Bluetooth.
Regular Bluetooth 5.0 connection has a 145Hz polling rate, and connection to up to four devices by holding fn+1, 2, 3, or 4 to establish Bluetooth pairing. You can pair the Kick75 to your phone, tablet, laptop, and TV this way without the fuss of multiple keyboards.
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard review: Back view of the keyboard.
The wireless connection is 2.4GHz, allowing for polling rates similar to that of a wired connection (1000Hz). This can be achieved through the provided USB-A dongle.
Other than the variety in connections, the Kick75 has two choices of keyboard firmware: NuPhyIO and QMK/VIA.
The choice of key switches for the low-profile version is the Gateron red, silver, brown, and blush nano, while the high-profile version has max versions of those same switch types. All keycap types are PBT.
The entire body is made of various polycarbonate plastics, making it pretty light at 877 grams or almost 2 pounds for the low-profile version.
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard – Specs
| Product Detail | Spec |
|---|---|
| Layout | ANSI 75% |
| Number of Keys | 80 |
| Switches | Red (45gf linear), silver (37gf linear), brown (50gf tactile) and blush (45gf linear) (nano and max versions) |
| Switch Type | High & Low profile |
| Stabilizer Type | Plate Mounted |
| Mount Type | Gasket |
| Backlight | South-facing RGB-LED |
| Backlight Modes | 40+ |
| Compatible System | macOS/Windows/Linux/Android/iOS |
| Wired Polling Rate | 1000Hz |
| 2.4GHz Polling Rate | 1000Hz |
| Bluetooth 5.0 Polling Rate | 125Hz |
| Battery Capacity (NuPhyIO version) | 2500mAh |
| Working Time (NuPhyIO, lights on) | 60.8~61.2 hours (lab test) |
| Working Time (NuPhyIO, lights off) | Up to 294 hours (lab test) |
| Battery Capacity (QMK version) | 4000mAh |
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard review: The Gateron Brown nano switch alongside the key tool and keycap.
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard – Use
The Kick75 provides a comfortable experience between the typing experience and the matching wrist rest.
The Gateron Brown nano tactile switches feel comfortable, and the keycaps are well-made and rounded for thorough daily use. Multi-hour typing sessions could be completed without complaint, accompanied by a satisfying sound.
The bright red volume knob is the most creative one I’ve seen so far on a stock keyboard, the edges making it functionally easier to adjust with one finger.
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard review: Front side of the keyboard.
Having the lights The RGB backlight settings are easy to navigate by using the fn + arrow keys. The backlight has decent longevity, even if you forget to turn it off.
My biggest problem with Kick75 was that I wasn’t too sure if the software had been fully implemented. Both NuPhyIO and VIA couldn’t recognize the Kick75, and I could not customize my keys.
Since it is still in pre-order, the firmware pages and guides do not have anything discussing the Kick75 to my knowledge, but hopefully will be updated as it ships to customers.
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard – A keyboard for experimenting
The Kick75 has a colorful take on this keyboard design, adding to the toy-like customization experience. Nuphy claims it’ll release 3D printing files allowing makers to customize their Kick75 even more.
This keyboard is for starting keyboard enthusiasts, users experimenting with different profiles, and typists and gamers in general.
Other keyboards can switch between high and low profiles given enough tinkering, but Nuphy has marketed its hybrid approach to entice people unfamiliar with keyboard customization.
I imagine people who 3D print their keyboard designs and make custom PCB boards might roll their eyes at the Kick75, but for many, it offers a fun way to mess around with how a keyboard works, given the current software caveat.
As the Kick75 is in pre-order, $89 for a low-profile keyboard with these features is competitive pricing if you don’t mind an all-plastic keyboard body, assuming they can iron out their software issues in the meantime.
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard Pros
- Unique hybrid design
- Extensive customization
- Competitive pricing
Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard Cons
- Not worth it to dedicated keyboard hobbyists
- All plastic design
- Dissapointing trouble with software, for now
Rating: 3 out of 5
Where to buy the Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard
The Nuphy Kick75 Keyboard is available for pre-order on the Nuphy store starting at $89.00.
- Low Profile, NuPhyIO: $89.00
- High Profile, NuPhyIO: $99.00
- Conversion Kit: $19.00
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