The Nuphy Node 100 is a full-sized keyboard with modern design elements and is the successor to the 75% Node 75, which was launched late last year. borrow from Braun’s T3 radio “dot matrix design”the top panel not only looks nice, but also contains some useful features that we’ll discuss later. The Node series comes in low-profile and high-profile versions. The former has slimmer, lower-profile keycaps, while the latter uses standard-height keycaps. The unit we are testing is Nuphy Node 100 features Lunar White discreet keycaps and Red Max linear switches.

Node 100 High-profile is available at: 3 switch options. There is a linear Red Max, a tactile Brown Max, and a silent Linear Blush Max. The switches used on the Nuphy Node 100 High Profile Keyboard are standard MX switches. This means you can easily swap out compatible switches and customize your keyboard with third-party key caps. From our first tests, the Red Max switches produce more midtones and liven up the board on input. Listen:

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This is a nice enough sound, but I prefer swapping out the Red Max switch for a deeper sound. I think the HMX Y2 will sound good if you want something linear, and the Strawberry Cheese Cake V2 if you want a tactile switch.

Out of the box, the keyboard feels well built. Although the chassis is plastic, it has a fair amount of weight and feels reasonably sturdy. The plastic material is textured and has a smooth matte finish for a luxurious feel. The edges are beveled and there are very few sharp edges around the board. The keyboard connects via USB-C, but Nuphy easily provides a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter. Other accessories include a keycap and switch puller combination, and some additional keycaps, including the Windows key. The 2.4G USB receiver has its own slot on the keyboard, so there’s less risk of misplacing the dongle.

mSA profile keycap

Nuphy uses its own mSA profile keycapthe shape is different from the Cherry profile keycaps that most users are probably familiar with. That said, I had no trouble getting used to these new keycaps. It felt natural. Additionally, Nupy’s chosen profiles and fonts give the Node 100 design a softer overall look and feel, giving it a slightly retro-chic look.

The included keycaps are Double shot PBT. This means the legend is injected into the keycaps and will never fade. Additionally, PBT keycaps are more resistant to abrasion and tend to be less shiny even with frequent use.

Goodbye Knob, Hello Touch Bar

Functions on the top right of the keyboard touch bar. The edges of the Touch Bar are marked with two raised dots, allowing users to easily find the limits of the Touch Bar by feel. Also, to my eye, this implementation provides a visually more seamless look across the board compared to using a rotary knob.

The arrangement is reasonable. First, it’s located where most keyboards’ volume knobs would normally be, making it easier to identify as an area for media controls. Second, not placing it near the spacebar also means you won’t accidentally activate it when your thumb is resting on the front edge of the keyboard.

Plenty of LEDs

There is an LED in the upper left corner of the board that provides information about the connection. Come to think of it, I support you. Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz via wireless dongle. You can also use the keyboard in wired mode using a USB-C cable. It also serves as an indicator of typing activity. The faster you type, the faster the light will blink.

It works by clearly indicating which Bluetooth device you’re connecting to, but it looks pretty short and comical on a full-sized keyboard. I wish it had a dot matrix LED display that could be customized to provide other useful information or display the time.

The keyboard has RGB backlighting, but it’s not the brightest. Fortunately, these are configurable, allowing users to create different effects to their liking.

3D printed attachments

Nuphy has designed some interesting features for their Node series of boards. If you have access to a 3D printer, Nuphy offers a variety of 3D printed models that you can download and print as attachments that you can add to your top panel.

For example, you can print a display stand to hold your collectible figures. Alternatively, you can print a charging stand designed to work with the Apple MagSafe Charging Pad. This is very convenient because your phone acts as a secondary display for your system.

physical switching

Node 100 has a physical switch that quickly changes how it operates. There is a switch to toggle between on/off, wired and wireless modes. And there’s another switch to toggle between Windows mode and Mac mode. This is very welcome, as some keyboards rely on physical switches or hard-to-remember key combinations to change modes.

Customization Options – Nuphy IO Software

Node 100 is configurable. You can customize using the web-based configurator or install the Nuphy IO app on your system. Most people will find this app more intuitive to use. You can also remap keys, update firmware, and change and customize RGB lighting. If you are an advanced user, you can also create macro recordings. One thing worth noting is that the web-based configurator relies on the WebHID API to communicate with the keyboard, so it only works in Chrome-based browsers.

That said, I don’t think a configurator is really necessary since a full-sized keyboard already has a full set of keys at its disposal. Such a configurator is useful for small keyboards where layers may be needed so that certain keys can perform multiple functions.

final thoughts

Nuphy Node 100 retail prices are as follows: US$109.95 (~S$142)) above Nuphy.com The colors are Luna White, Ink Gray, and Light Pink. There are also three switch options: Red Max, Brown Max, and Blush Max. Fortunately, shipping is free, but taxes will increase the price.

Nuphy keyboards aren’t usually cheap, but the Node 100 is reasonably priced considering what it includes. First, it’s relatively hard to find a 100% keyboard for enthusiasts, and while there are certainly some who claim there are full metal keyboards for about the same price, they’re often smaller 75% keyboards or TKL keyboards. Additionally, none of them have the funky aesthetic of Node 100.

Importantly, Node 100’s overall quality and feature set are excellent. Even out of the box and without any modifications, I have no qualms about using it as my daily driver keyboard. After all, I can’t think of any other full-size keyboard at this price that comes close to the Node 100 in terms of fun, features, and build quality.