Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Keychron Q5 Pro
Choose the Nuphy Halo96 V2 for its lighter weight, 2.4GHz wireless, and vibrant RGB ecosystem, or the Keychron Q5 Pro for its all-metal build, heavier construction, and knob support.
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No reviews
from$135at Nuphy
5.0 (3)5.0 · 3 reviews
from$159at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $150.
- Includes a 2.4GHz wireless mode with a 1000Hz polling rate for low-latency connectivity.
- Lighter weight (1150g) and slightly more compact dimensions for easier portability.
- Vendor offers extensive matching accessories like themed wrist rests, deskmats, and multiple keycap sets.
- 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.
Get the
Keychron Q5 Pro
Knob
Build quality in the top 10% of 96% boards under $200.
- Full CNC-machined aluminum body for a premium, solid feel.
- Includes a programmable aluminum rotary encoder (knob) for macros and controls.
- Available in both fully assembled and barebones kit versions.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For a feature-complete, gaming-ready wireless keyboard with vibrant RGB and a lighter build, the Nuphy Halo96 V2 is compelling. If you value an all-metal chassis, a programmable knob, and the option to build from a barebones kit, the heavier and more customizable Keychron Q5 Pro is the better investment. Consider the missing 2.4GHz dongle on the Q5 Pro if wireless latency is a critical factor.
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 Halo96 V2
Keychron Q5 Pro
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Aluminum
Switch options
Mechanical
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Knob
No
Yes
Weight
1,150 g
2,310 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Nuphy Halo96 V2
- Keychron Q5 Pro
- Performance
- 8082
- Build quality
- 8188
- Productivity
- 8897
- Customizability
- 8996
- Portability
- 5556
- Layout size: 96%
- 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 Keychron Q5 Pro holds advantages for users focused on customization, with its knob, barebones option, and screw-in stabilizers making it strong for programming, modding, and content creation. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 is the better choice for gamers needing 2.4GHz wireless and for anyone prioritizing a more portable setup due to its significantly lower weight. For general office use, both keyboards are equally capable.
Pick the Nuphy Halo96 V2
- Includes a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless mode with a 1000Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming.
- The vendor description highlights a state-of-the-art 1000Hz 2.4G SoC for 'pro-gaming level wireless performance'.
- Lighter weight at 1150g may be preferable for quick desk adjustments.
Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Keychron Q5 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 27 specs differ
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Keychron Q5 Pro
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
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 Halo96 V2
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron Q5 Pro
Keychron
ISO
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
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 Halo96 V2 vs Keychron Q5 Pro: your questions
The Nuphy Halo96 V2 offers tri-mode connectivity, including a 2.4GHz wireless mode with a 1000Hz polling rate. The Keychron Q5 Pro connects via Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C, but its product description does not mention a 2.4GHz dongle.
Yes, significantly. The Keychron Q5 Pro weighs 2310g (over 5 lbs), while the Nuphy Halo96 V2 weighs 1150g. This is due to the Q5 Pro's full aluminum body compared to the Halo96's aluminum top and ABS bottom.
Yes, both the Nuphy Halo96 V2 and the Keychron Q5 Pro are compatible with the open-source QMK and VIA firmware for key remapping and macro programming.
The Keychron Q5 Pro includes a programmable aluminum rotary encoder (knob). The Nuphy Halo96 V2 does not have a knob.
Yes. The Keychron Q5 Pro is offered in a 'Barebone Knob' version, which includes the case, PCB, and plate but not switches or keycaps. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 is only sold as a pre-built keyboard.
The Keychron Q5 Pro uses screw-in PCB stabilizers. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 uses plate-mounted stabilizers, according to its technical specifications.
Both have south-facing RGB LEDs. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 offers optional 'Canopus' shine-through keycaps. The Keychron Q5 Pro's included KSA PBT keycaps are listed as 'not shine-through' in its specs.
Both are fully compatible with macOS and include system toggles and Mac-specific keycaps. The Nuphy vendor description highlights a dedicated OS switch for accessing Mac shortcuts like Spotlight and Do Not Disturb.
Both have a 4000mAh battery. Vendor tests show similar ranges: up to 307 hours (lights off) for the Halo96 V2 and up to 300 hours (Bluetooth, backlit off) for the Q5 Pro. Actual life varies with usage and lighting.
Yes, both utilize a gasket mount design. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 uses a PCB gasket mount, while the Keychron Q5 Pro features a 'double-gasket' design with additional silicone pads between the cases.
The Nuphy Halo96 V2's vendor description emphasizes its 'Halolight 2.0' system with a translucent bottom case and support for SignalRGB, suggesting a strong focus on RGB customization. The Keychron Q5 Pro lists 22 RGB backlight settings.
Yes. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 offers Cherry Silent Red Clear-Top switches. The Keychron Q5 Pro's vendor page lists Keychron Silent K Pro Red switches as a separate purchase, and its pre-built options include tactile and linear switches.
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