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Compare Nuphy Halo96 vs Varmilo VA108 CMYK V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a compact wireless powerhouse and a traditional wired full-size board. The choice is difficult because the Halo96 offers extensive connectivity and modding support in a smaller form, while the VA108 provides a standard 100% layout. Your decision hinges on whether wireless flexibility and hot-swap capability outweigh the need for a full numpad and separate navigation cluster.

-10% off
91
NuPhy Halo96 - Matte Black
VARMILO CMYK 108keys Wired EC SWITCH V2 Keyboard

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  • Has Mechanical switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1500 g
  • Sized at 41 x 377 x 131 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.1
  • Build Quality: 85.4
  • Productivity: 94.3
  • Customizability: 92.4
  • Portability: 56.1
Scores
  • Performance: 42.1
  • Build Quality: 38.1
  • Productivity: 48.7
  • Customizability: 42.7
  • Portability: 42
Name
Nuphy Halo96
Name
Varmilo VA108 CMYK V2
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Mechanical
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
100%
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
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
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
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
41 x 377 x 131 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1500g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Nuphy Halo96 is the clear recommendation for most users, offering superior versatility with its wireless modes, customizability, and modern features. Only consider the Varmilo VA108 CMYK V2 if your workflow is strictly desk-bound, demands a full-size layout with clear separation between keys, and you have no need for wireless operation or hardware modifications. The Halo96 provides significantly more value and future-proofing for a similar price.

Nuphy Halo96

  • +Tri-mode connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, wired) for multi-device use.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB with support for QMK and VIA firmware.
  • +Comprehensive sound dampening with silicone layers for the plate, PCB, bottom case, and spacebar.
  • +Includes 18 extra keycaps and 7 extra switches for customization.
  • +Aluminum frame construction with a 4000mAh battery.
  • −The 96% layout may require adjustment for users accustomed to full-size spacing.
  • −At 1488 grams, it is a heavy keyboard, limiting portability.
  • −Battery status is indicated by color codes rather than a precise percentage.

Varmilo VA108 CMYK V2

  • +Standard 100% layout includes a dedicated numpad and navigation cluster.
  • +Uses a reliable wired USB-C connection.
  • +PBT keycaps are listed, which are generally durable.
  • −Wired-only connectivity offers no wireless flexibility.
  • −Lacks hot-swappable sockets, limiting switch customization.
  • −No mention of advanced firmware support like QMK or VIA.
  • −No user reviews are available to gauge real-world experience.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Nuphy Halo96 is the decisive winner across all defined use cases. Its advantages in connectivity, customizability, and included accessories make it a more versatile tool for gamers, office workers, programmers, and creators. The Varmilo VA108's primary appeal is its traditional 100% layout with a full numpad and navigation cluster, but it lacks the wireless options, hot-swap capability, and firmware support that define modern mechanical keyboards.

GamingNuphy Halo96
  • •The Halo96 offers tri-mode connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, wired) for flexible, low-latency setups.
  • •It features N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • •Its hot-swappable design allows for installing gaming-focused switches like the Gateron G Pro Silver 2.0 mentioned by Nuphy.
OfficeNuphy Halo96
  • •The Halo96 supports seamless switching between up to 4 Mac/Windows devices via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz.
  • •It includes dedicated multimedia keys and MacOS/Windows shortcut support.
  • •Its 4000mAh battery provides long wireless usage, with up to 205 hours claimed with lights off.
ProgrammingNuphy Halo96
  • •The 96% layout retains the numpad while saving desk space compared to a full-size board.
  • •Hot-swappable PCB and support for QMK/VIA firmware enable deep keymap customization.
  • •The package includes 18 extra keycaps for layout personalization.
TravelNuphy Halo96
  • •The Halo96's 96% layout is more compact than a full-size keyboard.
  • •Its wireless operation eliminates the need to carry a cable for use.
  • •It includes a built-in battery for cordless use on the go.
ModdingNuphy Halo96
  • •The Halo96 is confirmed as hot-swappable, allowing easy switch changes.
  • •It supports QMK and VIA for firmware and keymap customization.
  • •It features sound dampening with built-in plate, PCB, bottom, and spacebar silicone layers.
Content CreationNuphy Halo96
  • •RGB backlighting with 17 effects and software customization aids visual setup matching.
  • •Dual-OS support with multimedia keys is useful for cross-platform workflows.
  • •The included extra keycaps and switches allow for personalized aesthetic setups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Nuphy Halo96 vs Varmilo VA108: Wireless vs Wired Full-Size Choice