Run by a software developer, today’s M1 Pro MacBook Pro setup doesn’t just rock two external displays. It also features a very cool input-device duo — the mouse we see more than any other in setups, which is the Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse, and the super-cool NuPhy Air96 V2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard.
Developer favors NuPhy mechanical keyboard for use with his MacBook Pro
Developer and Redditor Mother-Till-981 showcased the dual-monitor setup with cool input devices in a post entitled, “I was wrong. Dual monitors are better.” Till runs a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro driving two Studio Displays, but only arrived at that configuration after some serious experimentation, concluding that two is the best number of external displays and size really does matter. We dug into that last week. Today we look at Till’s cool, low-profile NuPhy Air96 V2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard.
NuPhy Air96 V2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: Thin but capable
The slim and portable Air96 V2 features an aluminum alloy frame with an ABS base and two-tone PBT keycaps. The keyboard is known for its textured feel and its thinness, at just 13.5mm thick at its thinnest point. So with this one, you don’t need a wrist rest. It’s more like a Magic Keyboard or any membrane keyboard. They’re lower profile because they don’t need space for tallish switches under the key caps, whereas some mechanical keyboards rise up pretty high off the desk, with their sturdy contruction. So a wrist rest is all but required to avoid hand and arm strain.
Great connectivity, RGB lighting, high polling rate
Photo: NuPhy
Air96 V2 works with up to four devices at a time via Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz or wired (USB-C) connectivity. It supports QMK/VIA customization, so you can define the key functions as you like and switch between macOS, Windows or Linux operating systems as needed. And a console lets you adjust the keyboard’s RGB backlighting easily, too.
NuPhy uses Nordic’s NRF52810 SoC and STM32F072 MCU to give the Air96 V2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard a polling rate up to 1000Hz, which will reduce latency, or lag, in wireless mode. That’s especially helpful for applications like gaming, where you can’t wait even a split-second for every key stroke to register.
Air96 V2 also comes equipped with a 4000mAh battery. “You can enjoy 35~120 hours of gaming time on a single charge (with the keyboard backlight on), and if you turn off the keyboard backlight during use, the usage time will reach 220 hours, and the LED light bar on the side of the keyboard will also show the keyboard power at any time (the above data is the result of lab tests),” NuPhy said.
And f you like the wallpaper showing on the screens, you can find it here.
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If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
