Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Halo IO SeriesFull-Featured vs Streamlined Choice
Choose the Halo96 V2 for extensive firmware customization and tri-mode connectivity, or the Halo V2 IO for a simpler, more affordable wireless experience.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Full-Featured
Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $150.
- Open-source QMK and VIA firmware support for extensive key remapping and macros.
- Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C options.
- Comprehensive sound-dampening mods including plate foam, PCB foam, switch pad, and bottom silicone.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Nuphy Halo IO Series
Streamlined Choice
Build quality in the top 25% of 65% boards under $150.
- More affordable price point.
- Wireless 2.4GHz connectivity with a 1000Hz polling rate.
- Hot-swappable design for easy switch changes.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
The Nuphy Halo96 V2 is the recommended choice for enthusiasts and power users who require maximum customization through QMK/VIA, tri-mode device switching, and a meticulously tuned typing experience. Opt for the Nuphy Halo V2 IO if your primary need is a reliable, wireless mechanical keyboard at a more accessible price, and you are satisfied with the customization offered through its proprietary NuPhyIO software.
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
Nuphy Halo IO Series
Layout size
96%
65%
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Aluminum, Plastic
Knob
No
Yes
Weight
1,150 g
1,028 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Nuphy Halo96 V2
- Nuphy Halo IO Series
- Performance
- 8078
- Build quality
- 8177
- Productivity
- 8891
- Customizability
- 8979
- Portability
- 5698
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Mechanical
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The Halo96 V2 is the clear winner for users who need advanced customization, whether for gaming latency, programming keymaps, or content creation macros, thanks to its QMK/VIA support and tri-mode connectivity. It also holds a strong advantage for modders due to its detailed sound-dampening construction. The two keyboards tie for travel primarily on shared wireless and battery specs, though the Halo96 V2's confirmed heavier weight is a slight drawback. The Halo V2 IO's value proposition lies in its lower price for core wireless functionality.
Pick the Nuphy Halo96 V2
- The Halo96 V2 offers a 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4GHz modes, as stated in its tech specs.
- It supports N-key rollover, a feature confirmed in its metadata.
- Its vendor description highlights low-latency wireless performance for pro-gaming.
Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Halo IO Series specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 27 specs differ
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Nuphy Halo IO Series
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
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Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Halo IO Series: your questions
The core difference is in firmware and connectivity. The Halo96 V2 supports open-source QMK/VIA firmware and offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired). The Halo V2 IO uses the proprietary NuPhyIO software and is a 2.4GHz wireless-only keyboard.
Yes, but through NuPhy's proprietary software. The vendor description for the Halo V2 IO states it is configurable via the web-based NuPhyIO 2.0 application for key mapping, macros, and lighting. It does not support the open-source QMK or VIA firmware.
Yes. Both the Nuphy Halo96 V2 and Halo V2 IO are listed as hot-swappable in their metadata, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
The Halo96 V2 has a confirmed dedicated OS switch for toggling between Mac and Windows layouts, as per its vendor page. While the Halo V2 IO listing mentions multi-OS compatibility, the Halo96 V2's specific hardware switch may offer a more seamless experience.
The Nuphy Halo96 V2 is a 96% layout keyboard, which includes a numpad in a compact form factor. The layout for the Halo V2 IO is not explicitly stated in the provided metadata, so it cannot be confirmed if it has a numpad.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount system, according to their metadata. The Halo96 V2 vendor description specifies it is a PCB gasket mount.
The Halo96 V2 vendor page lists several switch options including NuPhy's Herb series (Mint, Raspberry, Lemon), Blush, and Cherry Silent Red Clear-Top switches. The Halo V2 IO description mentions Red Max, Brown Max, and Blush Max switches.
The Halo96 V2's vendor description details a more extensive lighting system called Halolight 2.0, with a translucent bottom case, south-facing LEDs, and support for SignalRGB. The Halo V2 IO has RGB with a light bar, but the Halo96 V2's lighting features are more explicitly documented.
Both have a 4000mAh battery. The Halo96 V2 vendor page provides specific lab test results for battery life with lights on and off. Similar detailed battery life metrics are not provided for the Halo V2 IO.
The Halo96 V2 is marketed with a focus on sound, featuring a stack of six sound mods according to its vendor description. These include plate foam, a switch pad, sound damper, PCB foam, and bottom silicone, which are designed to create a tuned, hifi typing sound.
The vendor description for the Halo V2 IO mentions that Twotone wrist rests are available for it, but it does not state that one is included in the box. The Halo96 V2 also lists wrist rests as separate accessories.
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