Nuphy Halo75 V2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 ProCompact vs Full Layout
Choose the Nuphy Halo75 V2 for a premium, compact build with extensive lighting, or the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for a full numpad and wide international layout support.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Nuphy Halo75 V2
Compact
- Aluminum top case combined with an ABS bottom case for a premium, solid feel.
- Extensive RGB lighting system with side 'Halo' light bands, translucent bottom case, and magnetic nameplate LED.
- Includes a variety of proprietary switch options (Mint, Raspberry, Lemon) and Cherry Silent Red.
- Lacks a numpad, which can be a drawback for data entry or users accustomed to a full layout.
- Only supports the ANSI layout, with no mentioned support for ISO or other international layouts.
- The typing angle is fixed at 5°, lacking the adjustable kickstands found on the Minilo98 Pro.
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Full Layout
- 98% layout retains the numpad in a relatively compact form factor compared to a full-sized keyboard.
- Extensive support for ISO layouts, including over a dozen European language variants.
- Features a detailed gasket sound stack with listed foam layers (Plate Poron, IXPE pad, PCB Poron, Bottom Silicone).
- Primarily plastic case construction, though it includes copper and metal inlays according to the metadata.
- Larger physical dimensions make it less portable and desk-space efficient than the 75% Halo75.
- Vendor listings show it is frequently sold out, indicating potential availability issues.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad, work with numbers, or need specific European keycap layouts, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the clear and only option. If you prioritize a more compact, premium-feeling keyboard with extensive lighting customization and a focus on wireless gaming performance, the Nuphy Halo75 V2 is the better pick. Both are excellent, highly customizable boards, so let your layout and material preferences guide you.
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 Halo75 V2
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Layout size
75%
98%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Copper, Metal, Plastic
Switch options
Mechanical
Silent
Weight
1,020 g
1,000 g
- Nuphy Halo75 V2
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Performance
- 8074
- Build quality
- 8174
- Productivity
- 8888
- Customizability
- 8989
- Portability
- 8156
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro wins for office use and content creation due to its numpad and international layout support, while the Nuphy Halo75 V2 is better for gaming and travel thanks to its compact form and emphasized wireless performance. For programming, both are equally capable with their QMK/VIA support. Modders may appreciate the Minilo98 Pro's explicitly detailed internal foam layers.
Pick the Nuphy Halo75 V2
- The Halo75 V2's vendor page highlights a 1000Hz polling rate for a 'wired-like, pro-gaming level wireless performance' on its 2.4GHz connection.
- Its more compact 75% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
- The aluminum top case may provide a more solid, premium feel during intense use.
Nuphy Halo75 V2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 26 specs differ
Nuphy Halo75 V2
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
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
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Nuphy Halo75 V2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro: your questions
Only the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a numpad. It uses a 98% layout that includes a number pad while saving some space compared to a full-sized keyboard. The Nuphy Halo75 V2 is a 75% layout and does not include a numpad.
Yes. The Nuphy Halo75 V2 is compatible with macOS, according to its specifications. Its vendor description also highlights a dedicated physical OS switch located next to the connection mode switch for easily toggling to Mac layout, which provides access to Mac-specific function keys.
Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports both QMK and VIA firmware. The manufacturer states this allows for key remapping, macro creation, and shortcut customization. This is a shared feature with the Nuphy Halo75 V2.
Both offer silent switch options. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro's specifications list a 'Silent' switch type and includes Kailh Prestige Silent switches. The Nuphy Halo75 V2 also offers silent switches, including the Cherry Silent Red Clear-Top. The Minilo98 Pro's larger size and included numpad may make it more practical for office data entry.
Yes, both the Nuphy Halo75 V2 and the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro are hot-swappable. This means you can change the mechanical switches without soldering. The Minilo98 Pro's vendor page notes it supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
Both keyboards have a 4000mAh battery. The Nuphy vendor page provides specific lab test results for battery life with different lighting settings, ranging from 9 hours with all lights on to up to 307 hours with lights off. The Varmilo listing states over 20 days of working time with all lights off.
The Nuphy Halo75 V2 has a more extensive and emphasized lighting system. Its vendor description details 'Halolight 2.0' with side light columns, a translucent bottom case, a magnetic nameplate LED, and support for SignalRGB. It also features south-facing RGB LEDs and keycaps with illuminated homing bars.
Yes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers extensive ISO layout support. The manufacturer provides replacement keycap sets for numerous languages, including ISO-UK (English) and ISO-DE (German), as part of specific layout options. The default ISO keyboard is Swedish, with extra keycaps included for other languages.
The Nuphy Halo75 V2 uses an aluminum top case and an ABS plastic bottom case. The vendor description mentions a 'solid unibody aluminum frame' and a 'semi-transparent bottom case' made of ABS that contributes to its lighting effects.
The Nuphy Halo75 V2 does not include a wrist rest in the standard box contents as listed, but the vendor sells optional Twotone acrylic and hardwood wrist rests separately. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro's listed in-box contents do not mention a wrist rest.
Both use a gasket mount for a cushioned typing feel. The Nuphy Halo75 V2 uses a POM plate, while the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a Polycarbonate (PC) plate, which can influence sound and flex. The Minilo98 Pro's vendor page also details its specific internal foam layers (Poron, IXPE), which are designed to affect the sound signature.
The Nuphy Halo75 V2 is more portable. It is significantly narrower (320mm wide) compared to the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro (388mm wide), making it easier to fit in a backpack or laptop bag. Both have similar weights and wireless capabilities, but the Halo75's smaller footprint is the key advantage.
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