Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 ProAluminum vs Hall Effect
Choose the Nuphy Halo96 V2 for its aluminum construction and extensive sound mods, or the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for its Hall Effect switches and wide ISO layout support.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Aluminum
- Aluminum top case combined with an ABS bottom case for a solid feel.
- Comprehensive six-layer sound dampening stack including multiple foams and silicone.
- Advanced RGB lighting system with Halolight 2.0, translucent bottom case, and SignalRGB support.
- Heavier at 1150 grams, which may affect portability.
- Limited to ANSI layout, lacking the ISO options of the competitor.
- The vendor description does not mention included multimedia keys.
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Hall Effect
- Features Hall Effect switches, which are listed in its specifications.
- Extensive support for ISO layouts, including over a dozen European language variants.
- Includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick media control.
- Primary case material is listed as plastic, though it includes copper and metal inlays.
- No user reviews are available in the provided metadata for performance verification.
- The plate material is polycarbonate/plastic, which may feel different from metal or POM plates.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value a sturdy aluminum build, deep sound customization, and flashy RGB, the Nuphy Halo96 V2 is the clear pick. Opt for the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro if you require Hall Effect technology, specific ISO keyboard layouts, or dedicated multimedia keys, and are comfortable with a primarily plastic construction.
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
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Layout size
96%
98%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Copper, Metal, Plastic
Switch options
Mechanical
Silent
Weight
1,150 g
1,000 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Nuphy Halo96 V2
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Performance
- 8074
- Build quality
- 8174
- Productivity
- 8888
- Customizability
- 8989
- Portability
- 5656
- 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 holds advantages for office users needing specific international layouts and for travelers due to its slightly lower weight. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 is the stronger choice for modders and content creators focused on sound customization and advanced lighting. For gaming and programming, the keyboards are evenly matched on core performance and programmability features, making the choice more subjective.
It's a tie
- Both keyboards feature a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes for low latency.
- Both support N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- The Halo96 V2's listed switch options include a linear 'Raspberry' switch marketed for gamers.
- The Minilo98 Pro's vendor page highlights its 1ms ultra-low latency as suitable for competitive games.
Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 26 specs differ
Nuphy Halo96 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 Halo96 V2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro: your questions
The Nuphy Halo96 V2 features an aluminum top case. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro's case is listed with plastic, copper, and metal materials, but its primary construction is not described as aluminum.
Yes, Hall Effect is listed in the extra features for the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 does not list Hall Effect technology in its provided specifications.
Both offer silent switch options. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 lists a Cherry Silent Red Clear-Top switch. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lists Kailh Prestige Silent switches, which its vendor page describes as 'thocky & silent'.
Yes. Both the Nuphy Halo96 V2 and Varmilo Minilo98 Pro support QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports a wide range of ISO layouts for European languages, including ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, and many others. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 is listed with ANSI layout support only.
Both keyboards have a 4000mAh battery. The Nuphy Halo96 V2's vendor page provides detailed lab test results ranging from 6 to 307 hours depending on lighting. The Minilo98 Pro's vendor page states over 20 days with all lights off.
Yes, both the Nuphy Halo96 V2 and Varmilo Minilo98 Pro are hot-swappable, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
Neither keyboard includes a wrist rest in the standard box contents. However, Nuphy sells optional twotone wrist rests separately for the Halo96 V2.
Both keyboards offer a 1000Hz polling rate in their 2.4GHz wireless mode, according to their specifications. This is aimed at providing low-latency performance for gaming.
The Nuphy Halo96 V2 is heavier, weighing 1150 grams. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro weighs 1000 grams.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps. The Nuphy Halo96 V2's listing also includes ABS, likely referring to optional keycaps or the case, while its included keycaps are PBT in the mSA profile.
The provided metadata states no reviews are available for the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro. The Nuphy Halo96 V2 has a 4.6/5 rating from 153 reviews.
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