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| Spec | Air100 V3 | Node100 (Low-Profile) |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Price (USD) | $149.95 | $99.95 |
| Layout | ANSI 100% | ANSI 100% (1800-style) |
| Number of keys | 99 | 103 |
| Available colors | Nebula Dark, Nova White | Ink Gray, Lunar White, Light Pink |
| Compatible systems | macOS / Windows / Linux / Android / iOS | macOS / Windows / Android / iOS |
| Operating environment | −10 to 50 °C | |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 380.6 × 133.6 × 13.2 mm | 398.6 × 141.1 × 13.2 mm |
| Weight | 950 g (2.09 lb) | 787.3 g (1.74 lb) |
| Typing angles | 4° / 8° / 10° | 4° / 8° / 11° |
| Top case | Aluminium alloy | ABS plastic |
| Bottom case | Polycarbonate (PC) | ABS plastic |
| Plate material | PC (Polycarbonate) | |
| Switches & Typing | ||
| Switch type | Nano Switch 3.0 (Gateron × NuPhy) | Low-Profile 3.0 (Gateron LP 3.0) |
| Switch options | Blush Nano (silent linear) / Red Nano (linear) / Brown Nano (tactile) | |
| Hot-swappable | Yes | |
| Mount type | Gasket | PCB gasket |
| Stabilizers | Plate mounted | |
| N-key rollover | Yes | |
| Keycaps | ||
| Material, method & profile | Double-shot PBT, nSA profile | |
| Connectivity | ||
| Modes | Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4 GHz / USB-C wired | |
| Multi-device pairing | Up to 5 devices | Up to 5 devices |
| Polling rate (2.4G / wired) | 1000 Hz | |
| Polling rate (BT) | 125 Hz | |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Life — RGB on (lab) | 24–73 hours | 60–100 hours |
| Life — RGB off (lab) | Up to 1000 hours | |
| Lighting | ||
| Backlight | North-facing RGB LED, 20 modes | |
| Rhythm light bar | Yes | No |
| Dot-matrix indicators | No | Yes (battery, Caps Lock, typing pace) |
| Features & Controls | ||
| Media control | Rotary knob (hi + lo profile included) | Touch-sensitive bar (swipe / tap) |
| Software | NuPhyIO 2.0 (web-based) | |
| Key remapping / macros | Yes | |
| In the box | ||
| Keyboard | ✓ | |
| USB-C to USB-C cable | ✓ | |
| 2.4G dongle / receiver | ✓ | |
| USB-C to USB-A adapter | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hi-profile knob module | ✓ | ✗ |
| Lo-profile knob module | ✓ | ✗ |
| Screwdriver | ✓ | ✗ |
| Keycap / switch puller | ✓ | |
| Extra keycaps (ANSI-US) | 8 | 6 |
Source: nuphy.com official product pages — Air100 V3 & Node Series Low-Profile (verified May 2026). Blue = Air100 V3 only · Green = Node100 only · Grey italic = identical spec.
Choosing between the Air100 V3 and Node100 comes down to priorities rather than raw specs. On paper, both target the same full-size audience, but the execution is quite different.
The Air100 V3 sits in the premium tier at $149.95, while the Node100 is notably cheaper at $99.95. That price gap reflects materials and overall positioning more than pure functionality. The Air100 V3 uses an aluminium top case paired with a polycarbonate bottom, while the Node100 goes fully plastic with ABS. In practice, that means the Air100 feels denser and more rigid, while the Node100 trades some solidity for lower weight and cost.
Size and layout are close but not identical. The Air100 V3 has 99 keys, while the Node100 uses a slightly expanded 1800-style layout with 103 keys. The Node100 is also physically larger, though lighter at around 787 g compared to 950 g. If desk space matters, the Air100 is more compact. If you want extra dedicated keys, the Node100 has a small advantage.
Typing experience is where the gap becomes more noticeable. The Air100 V3 uses Nano Switch 3.0 co-developed with Gateron, with options including silent linear, standard linear, and tactile. Combined with a gasket mount and aluminium structure, it is tuned for a softer, more controlled feel. The Node100 uses low-profile Gateron LP 3.0 switches with a PCB gasket structure. That results in a flatter, faster typing experience, but typically with less depth and cushioning. Neither is objectively better, but they serve different preferences. If you want something closer to a traditional mechanical feel, the Air100 V3 is the safer choice.
Both keyboards support hot-swapping, N-key rollover, and come with double-shot PBT keycaps in nSA profile, so durability and customization are strong on both sides.
Connectivity is essentially identical. You get Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C, with support for up to five devices. Polling rates are also the same, reaching 1000 Hz over 2.4 GHz and wired, and 125 Hz over Bluetooth. There is no meaningful difference here.
Battery performance is less straightforward. The Air100 V3 has a larger 4000 mAh battery, but its RGB-on runtime ranges from 24 to 73 hours. The Node100, despite a smaller 3000 mAh battery, is rated for 60 to 100 hours with RGB on. This likely comes down to differences in lighting implementation and efficiency. With RGB off, both can stretch toward very long usage, up to around 1000 hours.
Lighting and visual features differ in approach. The Air100 V3 includes a north-facing RGB system with 20 modes and adds a rhythm light bar, which is more decorative than functional. The Node100 skips the light bar but adds dot-matrix indicators for battery, Caps Lock, and typing activity, which are more practical in daily use.
Controls are another key distinction. The Air100 V3 uses a rotary knob, with both high-profile and low-profile modules included. This is generally more precise and tactile, especially for volume or timeline control. The Node100 replaces this with a touch-sensitive bar, which supports swipe and tap gestures. It looks modern, but in practice it can be less reliable and harder to control without looking.
In terms of included accessories, the Air100 V3 is more generous. You get both knob modules, a screwdriver, and more extra keycaps. The Node100 includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter but skips the more enthusiast-focused extras.
So the decision is relatively clear.
The Air100 V3 is the better choice if you care about build quality, a more refined typing feel, and tactile controls. It is closer to what enthusiasts expect from a premium mechanical keyboard.
The Node100 is more practical if budget matters, you prefer low-profile switches, or you want a lighter board with longer RGB battery life and simpler visual feedback.
Neither is universally better. They target slightly different users, and choosing based on typing preference and build expectations will matter more than the spec sheet.