KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Nuphy Halo65 vs Halo96 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between NuPhy's compact and full-size wireless offerings. Both share high-quality materials, tri-mode connectivity, and a similar acoustic design, making the choice difficult. The core trade-off is between the Halo65's smaller footprint and the Halo96's dedicated number pad and function row. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize desk space and portability or need a complete layout for data entry and advanced key remapping.

92
NuPhy Halo65 - Matte Black
-10% off
91
NuPhy Halo96 - Matte Black

Select a keyboard to compare

4.7 (638)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Mechanical, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Sized at 38 x 322 x 115 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Has Mechanical switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Weighs about 1500 g
  • Sized at 41 x 377 x 131 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
Scores
  • Performance: 77.6
  • Build Quality: 87
  • Productivity: 92
  • Customizability: 93.7
  • Portability: 89.7
Scores
  • Performance: 80.2
  • Build Quality: 85.4
  • Productivity: 94.1
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 56.1
Name
Nuphy Halo65
Name
Nuphy Halo96
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Mechanical, Linear
Switch Options
Mechanical
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
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
4000 mAh
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
Gasket 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, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
38 x 322 x 115 mm
Dimensions
41 x 377 x 131 mm
Weight
1000g
Weight
1500g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a full number pad for data entry, extensive key remapping via QMK/VIA, or simply prefer a larger keyboard, the NuPhy Halo96 is the better tool. If saving desk space, portability, or a minimalist setup is your goal, the more compact and slightly more affordable NuPhy Halo65 is the recommended pick. Both deliver high-quality construction, versatile connectivity, and a satisfying typing experience straight out of the box.

Nuphy Halo65

  • +More portable 65% layout measuring 318 x 114 x 28 mm.
  • +Lighter weight at 1000 grams (2.2 lbs).
  • +Includes a gasket mount design for a softer typing feel.
  • +Vendor claims up to 320 hours of battery life with lights off.
  • +Comes with 17 extra keycaps and 7 extra switches in the box.
  • −Lacks a number pad, arrow keys, and dedicated function row.
  • −No stated support for QMK or VIA firmware customization.
  • −Smaller size may require learning layers for some functions.

Nuphy Halo96

  • +96% layout includes a full number pad, arrow keys, and function row.
  • +Supports QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • +Includes 18 extra keycaps and 7 extra switches for customization.
  • +Vendor description notes a comprehensive silicone dampening system.
  • −Larger and heavier at 377 x 135 x 41 mm and 1488 grams (3.28 lbs).
  • −Vendor claims a shorter max battery life of 205 hours with lights off.
  • −The larger footprint requires more desk space.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Halo96 is the clear winner for office work and programming due to its full layout and QMK/VIA support. The Halo65 is superior for travel thanks to its compact size and lower weight. For gaming and content creation, the decision is a tie, hinging on whether you value a smaller mouse pad area or the convenience of a number pad. Modders will prefer the Halo96 for its advanced firmware customizability.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for low-latency options.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing for gaming-optimized linear switches.
OfficeNuphy Halo96
  • •The Halo96's 96% layout includes a full number pad, essential for data entry.
  • •It includes dedicated arrow keys and a full function row for productivity shortcuts.
  • •Both have multimedia keys and Mac/Windows support, but the Halo96's layout is more complete for office tasks.
ProgrammingNuphy Halo96
  • •The Halo96 supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •The inclusion of a full function row provides quick access to IDE shortcuts.
  • •The Halo65 lacks stated QMK/VIA support, limiting software customization for workflows.
TravelNuphy Halo65
  • •The Halo65 is significantly smaller (318mm long) and lighter (1000g).
  • •Its 65% layout saves space in a bag or on a cramped desk.
  • •Both have the same 4000mAh battery, but the Halo65's vendor page claims up to 320 hours of battery life with lights off.
ModdingNuphy Halo96
  • •The Halo96 explicitly supports QMK and VIA for extensive firmware customization.
  • •Both are hot-swappable and come with extra switches and keycaps.
  • •The Halo96's vendor description mentions a built-in Plate & PCB Silicone, Bottom Silicone, and Spacebar Silicones for acoustic tuning.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both feature dedicated multimedia keys for playback and volume control.
  • •Both have RGB backlighting with multiple effects for aesthetic setups.
  • •The choice depends on personal layout preference: compact (Halo65) or with number pad for timeline scrubbing (Halo96).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

80
$120
NuPhy Halo65 V2 - Ionic White
Nuphy Halo65 V2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

89
$126
NuPhy Halo96 V2 - Ionic White
Nuphy Halo96 V2
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

87
$149
Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
98%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

91
$130
Nuphy Air96V2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard Kit
Nuphy Air96 V2
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

96
$170
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
Nuphy Gem80
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

76
$139
Nuphy Air100 (ISO-DE) White
Nuphy Air100 V3
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount