Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Halo65 V2: Full-Size vs Compact Layout Choice

Compare Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Halo65 V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Nuphy's two premium wireless mechanical keyboards. The Halo96 V2 and Halo65 V2 share core features like gasket mounts, QMK/VIA support, and tri-mode connectivity, making the choice difficult. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a full 96% layout with integrated navigation or a compact 65% form factor for a cleaner desk and easier transport.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 96% layout Weighs about 1150 g Sized at 33 x 377 x 135 mm Made with a Aluminum, ABS case	Available in a 65% layout Weighs about 798 g Sized at 28 x 318 x 115 mm Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case
Score	Scores Performance: 79.8 Build Quality: 81.1 Productivity: 88.1 Customizability: 89.7 Portability: 55.7	Scores Performance: 74.9 Build Quality: 81.3 Productivity: 84.4 Customizability: 90.1 Portability: 89.1
Name	Name Nuphy Halo96 V2	Name Nuphy Halo65 V2
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Mechanical	Switch Options Mechanical
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, ABS	Case Material Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 33 x 377 x 135 mm	Dimensions 28 x 318 x 115 mm
Weight	Weight 1150g	Weight 798g

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Available in a 96% layout
Weighs about 1150 g
Sized at 33 x 377 x 135 mm
Made with a Aluminum, ABS case

Available in a 65% layout
Weighs about 798 g
Sized at 28 x 318 x 115 mm
Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case

Scores

Performance: 79.8
Build Quality: 81.1
Productivity: 88.1
Customizability: 89.7
Portability: 55.7

Scores

Performance: 74.9
Build Quality: 81.3
Productivity: 84.4
Customizability: 90.1
Portability: 89.1

Name

Nuphy Halo96 V2

Name

Nuphy Halo65 V2

Release year

2023

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Mechanical

Switch Options

Mechanical

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

96%

Layout Size

65%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum, ABS

Case Material

Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

33 x 377 x 135 mm

Dimensions

28 x 318 x 115 mm

Weight

1150g

Weight

798g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If your workflow relies on a number pad for data entry, finance, or content creation, the Nuphy Halo96 V2 is the logical pick despite its larger size. If you value a clean desk, need to move the keyboard frequently, or simply prefer a minimalist layout, the Nuphy Halo65 V2 delivers the same premium features in a much more portable form. Both are excellent pre-built keyboards with high customizability.

Nuphy Halo96 V2

+Includes a full number pad and navigation cluster in a 96% layout.
+Offers a silent Cherry Clear-Top switch option for quiet environments.
+Heavier aluminum and ABS construction may feel more substantial.
+Vendor description highlights extensive Halolight 2.0 RGB with SignalRGB support.
+Comes with seven extra keycaps and three extra switches.

−Larger and heavier (1150g), making it less portable.
−Occupies more desk space due to its 96% footprint.
−The ABS bottom case may feel less premium than polycarbonate to some users.

Nuphy Halo65 V2

+More compact and lightweight (798g) for easy portability.
+Smaller footprint (65% layout) saves considerable desk space.
+Features a polycarbonate bottom case, which the vendor describes as semi-transparent for enhanced lighting effects.
+Includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box for wider compatibility.
+Offers the silent Blush Max switch as a dedicated quiet option.

−Lacks a dedicated number pad and navigation keys, requiring layer use.
−Fewer total keys (67 vs 99) means more frequent use of function layers for basic tasks.
−The vendor listing does not mention the Cherry Silent Red switch option available on the Halo96 V2.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Halo96 V2 is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a number pad is non-negotiable. For travel and minimalist desk setups, the Halo65 V2's compact form is superior. Gamers may lean toward the Halo96 V2 for its gamer-focused switch option and stable footprint, while programmers and modders will find both keyboards equally capable due to their shared firmware and hardware customizability.

GamingNuphy Halo96 V2

•The Halo96 V2 offers a 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4GHz modes for low latency.
•Its included Raspberry switch option is described by Nuphy as an early actuation linear switch designed to serve gamers.
•The larger, heavier chassis may provide more stability during intense use.

OfficeNuphy Halo96 V2

•The 96% layout includes a full number pad, which is essential for data entry and spreadsheet work.
•It has 99 keys, providing direct access to navigation and function keys without layers.
•The optional silent Cherry Clear-Top switch offers a quiet typing experience suitable for shared spaces.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
•Both feature hot-swappable PCB for easy switch experimentation.
•Choice depends on personal preference: the Halo96 V2 offers dedicated arrow keys, while the Halo65 V2 saves desk space.

TravelNuphy Halo65 V2

•The Halo65 V2 is significantly smaller and lighter (798g vs 1150g).
•Its dimensions (318 x 115 mm) are more compact than the Halo96 V2 (377 x 135 mm).
•The 65% layout is easier to fit in a backpack or carry case.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
•Both use a PCB gasket mount and include multiple sound-dampening foams (plate foam, switch pad, PCB foam, bottom silicone).
•Both run open-source QMK/VIA firmware for deep customization of keymaps and lighting.

Content CreationNuphy Halo96 V2

•The dedicated number pad on the Halo96 V2 is useful for timeline scrubbing and numerical input in editing software.
•The larger layout may accommodate more dedicated macro keys when programmed via VIA.
•The vendor description highlights SignalRGB support for synchronized lighting with other compatible hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

$139

Nuphy Air100 V3

100%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

$119

Nuphy Air75 V3

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

-30% off

$163$114

Keychron K10 Ultra

100%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Plate Mount

$129

Keychron K2 HE

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

HE,

Rapid trigger,

Alu case,

Tray Mount

$149

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

98%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

VIA,

QMK,

HE,

Metal case,

Gasket Mount

$94

Keychron V1 Max

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Gasket Mount

$112

Nuphy Air96 V2

96%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case

$126

Nuphy Halo75 V2

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

$149

Keychron Q3 Pro

80%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

$119

Keychron K2 Ultra

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare Nuphy Halo96 V2 vs Halo65 V2 Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

Nuphy Halo96 V2

Nuphy Halo65 V2

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between the Halo96 V2 and Halo65 V2?

Are both keyboards hot-swappable?

Do they have the same wireless performance?

Which keyboard has better battery life?

Can I remap keys on both keyboards?

What switches are available for the Halo65 V2?

What switches are available for the Halo96 V2?

Do they come with keycap pullers?

What is the build quality like?

Which keyboard is better for Mac users?

Are wrist rests available for both models?

Discover similar products