Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Keychron V3 MaxNumpad or ISO
Get the NuPhy Halo96 V2 for its numpad, aluminum case, and 96% layout; choose the Keychron V3 Max for its ISO layout options, knob support, and lighter 80% form.
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4.7 (160)4.7 · 160 reviews
from$139at Nuphy
4.8 (4)4.8 · 4 reviews
from$150at Keychron (DE)
Which one should you get?
Get the
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $150.
- 96% layout retains a numpad while using a compact full-size arrangement.
- Aluminum top case and POM plate.
- NuPhy describes six sound mods and SignalRGB support for its Halo lighting.
- 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.
Get the
Keychron V3 Max
Knob
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.
- Available in ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, and ANSI layouts.
- Knob support and screw-in stabilizers.
- DIY kit or barebones configuration is offered.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Choose the NuPhy Halo96 V2 if you want a numpad in a compact 96% layout, plus its aluminum top case and POM plate. Choose the Keychron V3 Max if you need ISO layout options, knob support, screw-in stabilizers, or a lighter 80% board with a barebones option.
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 V3 Max
Layout size
96%
80%
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
ABS, Plastic
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Knob
No
Yes
- Nuphy Halo96 V2
- Keychron V3 Max
- Performance
- 7982
- Build quality
- 8186
- Productivity
- 8898
- Customizability
- 8698
- Portability
- 5576
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The Halo96 V2 is the more direct fit when a numpad matters, including office work and number-heavy tasks. The V3 Max has the edge for buyers seeking ISO layouts, lower weight, or a barebones build and knob support. Gaming is a close call: both specify 1000 Hz polling over wired and 2.4 GHz connections, with layout preference deciding between them. For customization, choose based on whether the V3 Max’s DIY option and stabilizers or the Halo’s materials and sound stack better match your plans.
It's a tie
- Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate for wired and 2.4 GHz connections.
- The Halo96 V2 has a numpad in its 96% layout, while the V3 Max has a more compact 80% layout.
- The V3 Max includes knob support, while the Halo96 V2 has a solid unibody aluminum frame described by NuPhy.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Nuphy Halo96 V2
160 owner reviews
“I really like the feel of typing on this keyboard. Setup was easy and it's comfortable to code with it, though it's still pretty new so jury's out on this one.”
“Have emailed multiple times and keep being told it’s normal that it shipped a month ago and has yet to arrive.”
Keychron V3 Max
4 owner reviews
“This keyboard has been great. My first keyboard I've ever had. I had faulty switch, but you guys just gave me a whole new keyboard. Thanks a lot! -Mack”
Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Keychron V3 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 27 specs differ
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Keychron V3 Max
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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 V3 Max
- Go to Keychron
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
Out of stockShips to you
- Go to Keychron (DE)
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Keychron V3 Max: your questions
Yes. Its 96% layout includes a numpad, though it uses a compact arrangement without the gaps of a full-size board.
No. The V3 Max is an 80% layout, so choose the Halo96 V2 if a numpad is essential.
The Keychron V3 Max lists ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, and ISO-UK layouts, among others. The Halo96 V2 is listed as ANSI.
The Keychron V3 Max weighs 895 g, while the NuPhy Halo96 V2 weighs 1150 g. The V3 Max is the lighter option based on those listed weights.
Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate for wired and 2.4 GHz connections. The Halo96 V2 adds a numpad, while the V3 Max has knob support and an 80% layout.
Yes. Both list hot-swappable switches, and the vendor descriptions specify support for 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
The V3 Max is offered as a DIY kit or barebones option and includes screw-in stabilizers. The Halo96 V2 has a POM plate and NuPhy describes a six-part sound stack.
The Halo96 V2 lists an aluminum and ABS case with a POM plate. The V3 Max uses an ABS plastic case and a polycarbonate plate.
Both have south-facing LEDs, and their compatibility notes warn that shine-through legends may stay dark. Some sculpted keycaps can also clip the LEDs.
Both list QMK and VIA support. NuPhy also describes SignalRGB support for Halo lighting on the Halo96 V2.
The NuPhy Halo96 V2 is the direct choice because its 96% layout includes a numpad. The V3 Max's 80% layout does not include one.
Knob support is listed as an extra feature for the V3 Max. It is not listed among the Halo96 V2's extra features.
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