Nuphy Gem80 vs Halo96 V2Barebones Custom vs Pre-Built Layout
Choose the Gem80 for deep customization and a TKL form factor, or the Halo96 V2 for an out-of-the-box experience with a full numpad.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Nuphy Gem80
Barebones Custom
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.
- Sold as a barebones kit for maximum personalization from the start.
- Omni-mount design allows switching between gasket, top, and bottom mount styles.
- Offers a wired-only variant for users who prioritize simplicity or travel.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Get the
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Pre-Built Layout
Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $150.
- Comes pre-built with switches and keycaps for immediate use.
- 96% layout includes a numpad in a relatively compact form factor.
- Features enhanced RGB lighting (Halolight 2.0) with side columns and a translucent bottom case.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Your choice fundamentally comes down to layout and how you want to engage with the keyboard. If you need a numpad and want a complete, flashy keyboard ready to use, the Halo96 V2 is the straightforward pick. If you prefer a more compact TKL layout and see the building process as part of the fun, with deep control over sound and mounting, the Gem80 barebones kit is the superior platform. Both share excellent core features like QMK/VIA, 1000Hz wireless, and hot-swap sockets.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Nuphy Gem80
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Layout size
80%
96%
Case material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
ABS, Aluminum
Weight
1,120 g
1,150 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE
ANSI
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Plate material
Aluminum, FR4, Polycarbonate, POM
POM
- Nuphy Gem80
- Nuphy Halo96 V2
- Performance
- 7980
- Build quality
- 8481
- Productivity
- 8888
- Customizability
- 9489
- Portability
- 7655
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Mechanical
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The Halo96 V2 wins for office use and content creation due to its numpad and strong out-of-the-box RGB presentation. The Gem80 is the clear choice for modding and has an edge for programming and travel due to its smaller TKL form factor and barebones design. For gaming, both are technically matched on core wireless performance specs, making it a tie.
It's a tie
- Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes for low latency.
- Both are hot-swappable for trying different switch types.
- The Gem80's omni-mount may offer more feel customization, while the Halo96 V2's pre-built nature offers immediate readiness.
Nuphy Gem80 vs Halo96 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 25 specs differ
Nuphy Gem80
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Nuphy Gem80
Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Nuphy Halo96 V2
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Nuphy Gem80 vs Halo96 V2: your questions
The Gem80 is primarily sold as a barebones 80% (TKL) kit, requiring you to add switches and keycaps. The Halo96 V2 is a pre-built 96% keyboard that includes switches and keycaps and features a more extensive, integrated RGB lighting system.
The Halo96 V2 is better for beginners. It arrives fully assembled and ready to use. The Gem80 requires you to source and install switches and keycaps, which involves additional decisions and assembly steps.
Yes, both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity with wired USB-C, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. The Gem80 also has a specific wired-only variant available.
Yes. Both the Nuphy Gem80 and Halo96 V2 feature hot-swappable PCB sockets, allowing you to easily change MX-style switches without soldering.
The Halo96 V2 is described as having a more comprehensive lighting system. Its vendor page highlights 'Halolight 2.0' with side light columns, a translucent bottom case for effects, and support for SignalRGB software.
No. According to Nuphy's product page, the Gem80 is shipped as a barebone kit. This includes the assembled chassis, PCB, and stabilizers, but switches and keycaps must be purchased separately.
The Halo96 V2 uses a 96% layout. This compact form factor includes a full numpad and navigation cluster but removes some of the spacing found on a full-size keyboard.
Yes. Both keyboards support the open-source QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for deep key remapping, macro creation, and layer customization directly through a browser-based interface.
The Gem80 is more portable. It has a smaller width (358mm vs 377mm), is slightly lighter (1120g vs 1150g), and its TKL layout is generally easier to pack than the 96% layout with a numpad.
According to Nuphy, the Gem80's omni-mount is a design that allows users to change the keyboard's mounting style. You can configure it as a gasket mount, top mount, or bottom mount to alter the typing feel and sound signature.
Both keyboards are listed with a 4000mAh battery capacity. Actual battery life will vary based on usage, lighting settings, and connection mode.
The Gem80 is built for sound customization. Its barebones kit includes multiple sound-dampening foams, and the vendor emphasizes its six sound mods and the ability to change plates and mounting styles to fine-tune the acoustic profile.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.