KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Nuphy Halo96 vs Halo96 V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Nuphy's two generations of its flagship 96% keyboard. Both share a similar price, layout, and core feature set, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a more modern, cushioned typing experience with enhanced wireless performance, or prefer the specific switch types and mounting style of the original model. We break down the concrete differences to clarify which model suits specific needs.

-10% off
91
NuPhy Halo96 - Matte Black
89
NuPhy Halo96 V2 - Ionic White

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2022
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1500 g
  • Sized at 41 x 377 x 131 mm
  • Released in 2024
Scores
  • Performance: 80.1
  • Build Quality: 85.4
  • Productivity: 94.3
  • Customizability: 92.4
  • Portability: 56.1
Scores
  • Performance: 79.9
  • Build Quality: 80.8
  • Productivity: 88.3
  • Customizability: 89.7
  • Portability: 52.5
Name
Nuphy Halo96
Name
Nuphy Halo96 V2
Release year
2022
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Mechanical
Switch Options
Mechanical
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
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
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
41 x 377 x 131 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1500g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!
Show more

Pros and Trade-offs

The Nuphy Halo96 V2 is the recommended choice for most buyers due to its updated typing feel, improved wireless performance, and lighter build. Its gasket mount and comprehensive sound-dampening package offer a premium, customizable experience out of the box. Only choose the original Halo96 if you specifically require clicky switches or find it at a notably lower price, as the V2 represents a meaningful generational upgrade across key specs.

Nuphy Halo96

  • +Offers a clicky switch type (Gateron G Pro Blue 2.0) not available on the V2.
  • +Includes 18 extra keycaps and 7 extra switches in the box for greater out-of-box customization.
  • +Top mount construction may appeal to users preferring a more direct typing feel.
  • +Vendor description highlights a dedicated GhostBar spacebar for sound suppression.
  • −Does not specify a wireless polling rate in its provided specifications.
  • −Uses a top mount design instead of a gasket mount.
  • −Heavier at 1488g and thicker at 41mm back height compared to the V2.
  • −Lacks the multiple internal foam layers listed for the V2.

Nuphy Halo96 V2

  • +Features a PCB gasket mount with a POM plate and six internal sound mods (foams, pads, silicone).
  • +Specifies a 1000Hz polling rate for both wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes.
  • +Lighter weight (1150g) and slimmer profile than the original.
  • +Includes south-facing RGB LEDs and a translucent bottom case for enhanced lighting effects.
  • +Offers a dedicated silent switch option (Cherry Silent Red Clear-Top).
  • −Includes fewer extra accessories (7 keycaps, 3 switches) compared to the original.
  • −Eliminates clicky switch options from its standard lineup.
  • −Vendor comparison chart indicates the V1 may have a lower starting price point.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Halo96 V2 is the more versatile and modern choice, winning in most categories. It brings tangible upgrades for office users with silent switches, gamers with a specified 1000Hz rate, and travelers due to its reduced weight. Modders will appreciate its comprehensive gasket-mounted sound package. The original Halo96 remains a competent option, particularly if you value its specific switch lineup which includes clicky options absent from the V2. For programming, both are equally capable due to shared layout and firmware support.

GamingNuphy Halo96 V2
  • •The V2 specifies a 1000Hz polling rate for its 2.4GHz wireless mode, which the original's listing does not mention.
  • •The V2 offers a linear Raspberry switch (46gf) designed for gaming, according to its vendor page.
  • •Both support N-key rollover and have similar wired/wireless tri-mode connectivity.
OfficeNuphy Halo96 V2
  • •The V2 includes a dedicated Cherry Silent Red Clear-Top switch option for a quiet environment.
  • •Its vendor description highlights improved battery life with lights off (up to 307 hours vs 205 hours on the V1).
  • •Both have multimedia keys and dual OS support for Mac and Windows.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature the same 96% ANSI layout with a numpad.
  • •Both offer full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Hot-swappable sockets allow easy switch experimentation on either model.
TravelNuphy Halo96 V2
  • •The V2 is significantly lighter at 1150g compared to the original's 1488g.
  • •The V2 has a slightly slimmer back height (32.9mm vs 41mm).
  • •Both have the same 4000mAh battery and tri-mode wireless connectivity.
ModdingNuphy Halo96 V2
  • •The V2 uses a PCB gasket mount with a POM plate, plus multiple foam layers (plate foam, switch pad, sound damper, PCB foam, bottom silicone).
  • •The V2 features south-facing RGB LEDs, improving compatibility with more aftermarket keycap sets.
  • •Both are hot-swappable and support QMK/VIA, but the V2's internal construction offers more modding potential.
Content CreationNuphy Halo96 V2
  • •The V2's vendor page mentions SignalRGB support for synchronized lighting with other compatible hardware.
  • •Its translucent bottom case and enhanced 'Halolight 2.0' are emphasized for aesthetic customization.
  • •Both include extra keycaps for personalization, but the V2's lighting ecosystem is more advanced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

87
$149
Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
98%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

91
$130
Nuphy Air96V2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard Kit
Nuphy Air96 V2
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

76
$139
Nuphy Air100 (ISO-DE) White
Nuphy Air100 V3
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

-21% off
96
$134$106
Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K10 HE
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$114
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

92
$118
Keychron K4 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K4 HE
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

92
$115
Keychron V5 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5 Ultra
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount