Low-profile mechanical keyboard comparison: NuPhy Air75 V2 vs Lofree Flow. Both target the same audience—gamers and typists who want a slim, portable mechanical board without sacrificing feel. But beneath the similar 75% layouts, these two keyboards diverge sharply in build, switch ecosystem, and connectivity. NuPhy’s Air75 V2 packs hot-swap versatility and a 2.4GHz dongle into a lightweight plastic frame. Lofree’s Flow goes all-in on luxury with a CNC aluminum unibody, sacrificing some features for premium aesthetics. Here’s how they really compare in daily use.
Comparison Table
| Feature | NuPhy Air75 V2 | Lofree Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $109.95 | $129.00 |
| Layout | 75% (84 keys) | 75% (84 keys) |
| Switch options | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 (Brown/Red/Blue); NuPhy Dawn, Night, Chickey | Kailh Choc V1 (Brown/Red/Blue) |
| Hot-swappable | Yes (5-pin low profile) | Yes (Choc only) |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz | USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0 (no 2.4GHz) |
| Battery | 2500 mAh | 1500 mAh |
| Keycaps | PBT, OEM profile | PBT, sculpted low-profile |
| RGB | Per-key RGB | Per-key RGB |
| Weight | ~520 g | ~680 g |
| Dimensions | 316 x 130 x 22 mm | 330 x 130 x 22 mm |
| Software | NuPhy Console (beta) | None (hardware FN combos) |
| Sound dampening | Silicone pads + porous foam | EVA foam + silicone sheet |
| Build material | ABS plastic top, steel plate | CNC aluminum unibody |
| Additional | 2.4GHz dongle, USB-C pass-through | Carrying case, premium packaging |
Design & Build Quality
The first thing you’ll notice grabbing both: the Lofree Flow is a tank. Its CNC aluminum case weighs nearly 700 grams, making it feel solid and premium. The Air75 V2, by contrast, is a plastic board—lighter, cooler to the touch, and more prone to flex if you grip the corners. That lightness helps portability (it’s easier to slide into a backpack), but the build quality difference is obvious side-by-side.
Both keyboards use low-profile keycaps (PBT), but the profiles differ. NuPhy’s OEM-profile caps have a more pronounced sculpt—taller at the top rows, shorter at the bottom—which gives a more traditional mechanical feel. Lofree’s caps are flatter across rows, more like a scissor-switch laptop keyboard. Typists used to standard mechanical boards will likely prefer the Air75 V2’s curvature; those coming from a laptop will find Lofree’s profile more familiar.
The Lofree Flow’s aluminum case also includes a subtle wedge angle (about 6°), while the Air75 V2 offers two-stage feet (4.5° and 8°). Lofree’s fixed angle is adequate but not adjustable—a minor oversight at this price. NuPhy’s feet give more ergonomic flexibility. Both boards have USB-C ports centered on the rear, but the Air75 V2 includes a USB-C pass-through port on the left side, handy for plugging in a mouse or flash drive.
Stabilizers on both keyboards are pre-lubed plate-mounted units. The Air75 V2’s stabilizers are slightly rattly out of the box on larger keys (spacebar, shift), while Lofree’s are quieter and more consistent. However, neither is exceptional—expect to do some aftermarket lubing if you’re an audio obsessive.
Performance
Switch Feel and Typing Experience
The Air75 V2 supports a wider range of switches. Stock options include Gateron Low Profile 2.0 (linear, tactile, clicky) and NuPhy’s own in-house switches (Dawn – linear, Night – tactile, Chickey – clicky). All are hot-swappable. The Gateron LP 2.0 reds I tested have a smooth linear travel with minimal scratchiness, and the tactile browns have a distinct, snappy bump—more pronounced than Cherry MX Brown equivalents. NuPhy’s Night switch feels softer and slightly mushier than the Gateron tactile, so stick with Gateron if you want crisp feedback.
Lofree Flow uses only Kailh Choc V1 switches (Red, Brown, Blue). The travel and actuation are similar (3.0 mm total travel, 1.5 mm actuation), but the Choc Brown’s tactile bump is smaller and less defined than the Gateron LP 2.0 Brown. The Choc Reds are smooth and quiet, but the linear feel lacks the refinement of NuPhy’s offerings. Importantly, the hot-swap sockets on the Lofree Flow are Choc-only—you cannot install Gateron low-profile switches (they have a different pin layout). This severely limits long-term switch variety.
Latency and Wireless Performance
NuPhy’s Air75 V2 offers three connectivity modes: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4GHz wireless via an included dongle. In wired mode, latency is sub-1ms; over 2.4GHz it’s around 1–2ms; Bluetooth adds roughly 10–15ms. The 2.4GHz option makes the Air75 V2 a real contender for gaming—no noticeable lag in fast-paced shooters. Lofree Flow lacks a 2.4GHz dongle entirely; you’re stuck with Bluetooth or wired. Over Bluetooth, Lofree’s latency is comparable to NuPhy’s BT (about 12–15ms), but the absence of a low-latency wireless mode is a clear disadvantage for gamers.
Both keyboards support NKRO over USB and 6KRO over Bluetooth. Connection stability is solid on both: I experienced no dropped keystrokes during 2-hour typing sessions. The Air75 V2’s 2.4GHz dongle also supports multi-device pairing (you can bind it to a second computer via the same dongle using FN keys), a feature Lofree can’t match.
Key Features
Hot-Swappable Switches
NuPhy’s Air75 V2 uses a 5-pin low-profile socket that accepts almost all low-profile mechanical switches—Gateron, Kailh Choc, and NuPhy’s own. This is the best switch compatibility in the low-profile market. Lofree Flow uses Kailh Choc-specific sockets, limiting you to Choc V1/V2 variants. If you ever want to try a different switch feel, NuPhy gives you far more options.
Software and Customization
NuPhy offers the NuPhy Console (beta), a desktop application for remapping keys, adjusting RGB, and saving profiles to onboard memory. It’s still rough around the edges—some UI elements are in Chinese, and the initial setup requires a firmware update—but it works. Lofree Flow has no software. All customization (RGB patterns, FN layers) is done via hardware FN combos. This means no per-key macro recording, no keymap layers, and no way to reassign media keys beyond the default. For power users, NuPhy’s software is a clear win.
Battery Life
The Air75 V2’s 2500 mAh battery lasts about 200 hours with Bluetooth and no RGB. With RGB at 50%, expect ~40 hours. Lofree Flow’s 1500 mAh battery manages around 120 hours in Bluetooth only, and ~25 hours with RGB. NuPhy’s larger battery is a genuine advantage for daily wireless use—you can go weeks without charging.
RGB and Aesthetics
Both boards offer per-key RGB with vibrant, uniform lighting. NuPhy’s keycaps have legends that allow light to bleed through nicely; Lofree’s keycaps are shine-through as well. Lofree’s aluminum case gives the RGB a more diffused, premium glow, while NuPhy’s plastic housing reflects light more directly. Subjectively, the Lofree Flow looks better in low light because of the metal’s subtle reflection.
Price & Value
At $109.95, the NuPhy Air75 V2 undercuts the Lofree Flow ($129.00) by about $20. That $20 gets you a lighter keyboard, but you also get a 2.4GHz dongle, larger battery, usable software, and far more switch options. Lofree Flow’s main value proposition is its CNC aluminum build—a premium that many buyers will pay extra for. However, the lack of 2.4GHz and software support makes it harder to justify unless you specifically want a stylish, static desk piece.
If you need a low-profile keyboard for both typing and gaming, the Air75 V2 is the better value. If you prioritize a solid metal chassis and are fine with Bluetooth-only wireless, the Lofree Flow’s build quality is excellent for its price.
Verdict
NuPhy Air75 V2
Pros
- Cheaper by $20
- 2.4GHz wireless for low-latency gaming
- Hot-swap accepts Gateron, Kailh Choc, and NuPhy switches
- Larger battery (2500 mAh)
- NuPhy Console software (beta but functional)
- Adjustable feet and USB-C pass-through
Cons
- Plastic case feels less premium
- Stabilizers slightly rattly out of box
- Software still in beta with occasional bugs
Lofree Flow
Pros
- CNC aluminum unibody feels fantastic
- Quieter stabilizers out of the box
- Excellent keycap quality and sculpted low-profile
- Carrying case included
Cons
- No 2.4GHz wireless
- Only supports Kailh Choc switches (no cross-compatibility)
- No software customization
- Smaller battery (1500 mAh)
- Fixed typing angle (no feet)
Recommendation: If you want the best all-around low-profile mechanical keyboard with gaming-ready wireless, hot-swap flexibility, and solid battery life, get