In the ever-evolving world of mechanical keyboards, where new models often blur into a sea of similarity, NuPhy has consistently managed to turn heads. Following the success of the knob-equipped Kick75, the brand is back with a new crowdfunding sensation that swaps the rotary dial for something far more futuristic. Meet the NuPhy Node75, a wireless mechanical keyboard that dares to combine a distinctly retro aesthetic with a customizable touch bar and a staggering claim of 1,000 hours of battery life.
Slated for an official pre-order launch on November 10 at a compelling launch price of $99.95, the Node75 is poised to be a standout contender in the hybrid-profile market. In a tantalizing teaser for keyboard enthusiasts craving more, NuPhy has also confirmed that a full-size version, the Node100, is in the works and will carry the same retro-inspired design DNA.
The Node75's Triple Threat: Retro Looks, a Touch Bar, and Epic Battery
The NuPhy Node75 isn't shy about its headline features. Its appeal rests on a powerful trifecta:
- Retro-Futuristic Aesthetics: Drawing inspiration from the classic keyboards of yesteryear from giants like Apple and IBM, the Node75 arrives in a palette of beige, pink, and charcoal grey. This nostalgic feel is amplified by NuPhy's nSA and mSA keycap profiles, which echo the high-profile, sculpted look of classic SA keycaps.
- The Customizable Touch Bar: The most unorthodox and intriguing feature is undoubtedly the textured touch bar that runs along the top of the keyboard deck. This isn't just for show; it's a fully programmable input surface. Through NuPhy's in-house NuPhyIO web-based customization suite, users will be able to remap the bar's functions to suit their workflow, whether for media control, application switching, or macros. Early teasers suggest a 5x2 grid of white LEDs embedded within the bar will provide clear visual feedback for battery status or active modes.
- 1,000-Hour Battery Life: In an age of constant charging, NuPhy's battery claim is nothing short of audacious. The company states that the Node75 can achieve up to 1,000 hours of use on a single charge via Bluetooth, a feat that likely requires the vibrant RGB backlighting to be disabled. While this needs real-world verification, our previous testing of the Kick75—which runs the same NuPhyIO firmware—found NuPhy's battery estimates to be surprisingly accurate, lending credibility to this impressive claim.
For those eager to see the design for themselves, you can find more details and get ready for the pre-order on the official NuPhy Node75 pre-launch page.
Performance and Customization: A Spec Sheet That Delivers
Beyond its flashy features, the Node75 is built to perform. It offers the holy trinity of modern connectivity: 2.4 GHz for a lag-free wireless experience, Bluetooth for multi-device pairing, and reliable USB-C wired mode. Gamers and fast typists will appreciate the 1,000 Hz polling rate available in both the 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
Of course, the heart of any mechanical keyboard is its typing feel. The Node75 is expected to use the same PCB gasket mount structure as the Kick75, promising a flexy, comfortable typing experience. It also continues NuPhy's tradition of switch versatility, supporting both Gateron x NuPhy Low Profile 3.0 (Nano) and Gateron full-height 5-pin (Max) mechanical switches.
The selection is comprehensive, including linear, tactile, and silent variants. Switches like the pre-lubricated Gateron x NuPhy Red Max, which impressed in our Kick75 review, are available, alongside silent Blush and tactile Brown options. These switches use quality materials like POM and LY stems with nylon or PC housings, ensuring a smooth and satisfying actuation straight out of the box.
A key point of flexibility is the ability to use both low-profile and full-height switches with a simple case swap. However, it remains unclear if the keyboard will be sold as a complete kit with both case options. Based on the Kick75's precedent, it's highly likely that these conversion kits will be offered as after-sales add-ons. You can check the current pricing and availability of the Kick75, which shares much of its DNA with the new model, over on Amazon to get a sense of NuPhy's market positioning.
The Finishing Touches
The design details extend beyond the keycaps. The Node75 appears to feature an aluminum or dense opaque plastic top case, giving it a premium, solid feel, while the bottom case is a translucent plastic—a subtle nod to modern design trends. Furthermore, it inherits a clever feature from NuPhy's Air series: integrated feet that allow the keyboard to sit perfectly on top of a standard Apple MacBook keyboard without accidentally pressing the laptop's keys, creating a seamless dual-keyboard setup for desktop users.
The NuPhy Node75 represents a bold fusion of past and future. It wraps the nostalgic feel of classic typing in a package equipped with a modern touch interface and endurance that aims to redefine wireless expectations. If it delivers on its promises, the Node75 won't just be another keyboard; it will be a statement piece for the modern, multi-device workspace.
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