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Compare Nuphy Air96 V2 vs Halo96 V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Nuphy's two flagship 96% keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like tri-mode connectivity, QMK/VIA support, and a 1000Hz polling rate. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize the sleek, low-profile design of the Air series or the immersive, acoustically-tuned build of the Halo series.

91
Nuphy Air96V2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard Kit
89
NuPhy Halo96 V2 - Ionic White

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  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Low-Profile Mechanical switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1020 g
  • Sized at 14 x 373 x 133 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS, Plastic case
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Mechanical switch options
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
Scores
  • Performance: 80
  • Build Quality: 81.9
  • Productivity: 88.4
  • Customizability: 94.9
  • Portability: 55.7
Scores
  • Performance: 80
  • Build Quality: 80.7
  • Productivity: 88.3
  • Customizability: 89.6
  • Portability: 52.5
Name
Nuphy Air96 V2
Name
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Low-Profile Mechanical
Switch Options
Mechanical
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
14 x 373 x 133 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1020g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice depends on your primary need for form factor versus typing experience. Select the Nuphy Air96 V2 if you want a sleek, lightweight keyboard that mimics a laptop's feel and is easy to transport. Opt for the Nuphy Halo96 V2 if you prefer a premium, stationary keyboard with a cushioned gasket mount, superior sound tuning, and more vibrant lighting for your desktop setup.

Nuphy Air96 V2

  • +Extremely slim low-profile design at 13.5mm height.
  • +Lightweight at 663 grams for easy portability.
  • +Includes sound-dampening layers like plate poron, PCB IXPE, and spacebar silicone.
  • +Offers a wide variety of low-profile switch options, including short-travel Cowberry for gaming.
  • +Compatible with the NuFolio V3 leather travel case.
  • −Limited to low-profile switches and keycaps.
  • −Typing angle is fixed by foldable feet, not an inherent case design.
  • −Lacks the advanced mounting system and multi-layer sound foam of the Halo96 V2.

Nuphy Halo96 V2

  • +Features a premium PCB gasket mount for a cushioned typing feel.
  • +Includes a six-layer sound dampening stack for a tuned acoustic experience.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with most aftermarket keycap sets.
  • +Offers high-profile mSA keycaps with light-emitting homing bars.
  • +Extensive RGB lighting with side bands and support for SignalRGB.
  • −Very heavy at 1150 grams, making it less portable.
  • −Much taller with a 33mm front height, often requiring the included wrist rest.
  • −Higher price point compared to the Air96 V2.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Air96 V2 wins for office use and travel due to its light weight and slim, low-profile form factor. The Halo96 V2 is the preferred choice for programming, modding, and content creation, thanks to its premium gasket-mounted construction and enhanced acoustics. For gaming, both are equally capable with their high polling rates and hot-swap sockets.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate for low-latency input.
  • •Both are hot-swappable for switch customization.
  • •The Air96 V2's low-profile switches like Cowberry have a short 1.2mm pre-travel for rapid actuation.
  • •The Halo96 V2's Raspberry switch is also designed for early actuation.
OfficeNuphy Air96 V2
  • •The Air96 V2's low-profile design is closer to a laptop keyboard, easing transition.
  • •It is significantly lighter at 663g, making it easier to reposition on a desk.
  • •Its thinner 13.5mm height may be more ergonomic without a wrist rest for some users.
  • •The Halo96 V2 offers silent Cherry switch options, but is much heavier.
ProgrammingNuphy Halo96 V2
  • •The Halo96 V2's gasket mount and POM plate provide a more cushioned, comfortable typing feel for long sessions.
  • •Its included mSA keycap profile offers a taller, more sculpted typing surface.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with more aftermarket keycap sets without interference.
TravelNuphy Air96 V2
  • •The Air96 V2 is less than half the weight of the Halo96 V2 (663g vs 1150g).
  • •It is significantly thinner (13.5mm vs 33mm front height).
  • •Nuphy offers a dedicated NuFolio V3 travel case for the Air96 V2.
ModdingNuphy Halo96 V2
  • •The Halo96 V2 features a PCB gasket mount for a customizable typing feel.
  • •It includes a comprehensive six-layer sound dampening stack with plate foam, switch pad, sound damper, PCB foam, and bottom silicone.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs offer broader keycap compatibility for aftermarket sets.
Content CreationNuphy Halo96 V2
  • •The Halo96 V2's extensive RGB lighting system, including side light bands and a magnetic nameplate LED, offers more visual customization.
  • •It supports SignalRGB for synchronized lighting effects across compatible hardware.
  • •The cushioned gasket mount typing experience can reduce fatigue during long editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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