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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

Nuphy Halo IO Series vs Halo65 V2Full-Size vs 65% Layout Choice

Choose the Halo65 V2 for its compact layout, tri-mode connectivity, and open-source firmware, or the Halo V2 IO if you require a full-size keyboard with dedicated number pad.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Nuphy Halo IO Series

Full-Size

If you want

  • Full-size layout with dedicated number pad for data entry.
  • Includes a two-stage foot stand for adjustable typing angle.
  • Web-based NuPhy IO 2.0 software for configuration and macro recording.

And can live with

  • Only supports 2.4 GHz wireless and wired connectivity, lacking Bluetooth.
  • Larger and heavier form factor, less portable.
  • Does not support QMK or VIA open-source firmware.

Get the

Nuphy Halo65 V2

65% Layout Choice

If you want

  • Compact 65% layout saves desk space and is highly portable.
  • Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C.
  • Full QMK and VIA firmware support for limitless customization.

And can live with

  • Lacks a dedicated number pad, which may require adaptation.
  • The 65% layout uses function layers for some keys, which has a learning curve.

Bottom line

For most users, the Nuphy Halo65 V2 is the recommended choice. Its superior portability, flexible tri-mode connectivity, and powerful QMK/VIA firmware make it a more future-proof and versatile board. Only choose the Halo V2 IO if your daily workflow is heavily dependent on a full-size keyboard with a number pad and you do not need Bluetooth connectivity.

What actually differs

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 Halo IO Series

Nuphy Halo65 V2

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Plastic

    Aluminum, Polycarbonate

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

  • Weight

    1,028 g

    798 g

  • QMK

    No

    Yes

  • VIA

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Nuphy Halo IO Series
  • Nuphy Halo65 V2
Performance
78
75
Build quality
78
82
Productivity
91
84
Customizability
79
89
Portability
98
89

What they share

  • Layout size: 65%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 4,000 mAh
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Switch options: Mechanical
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Halo65 V2 is the more versatile choice, winning in gaming, programming, travel, and modding due to its compact size, tri-mode wireless, and open-source firmware support. The Halo V2 IO is specifically better for office work where a number pad is essential. For content creation, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize a number pad or advanced macro programming.

For gaming

Pick the Nuphy Halo65 V2

  • Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate for responsive input.
  • The Halo65 V2's 65% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
  • Its vendor description highlights a 'pro-gaming level wireless performance' with a 1000Hz 2.4G connection.

Full specs

Nuphy Halo IO Series vs Halo65 V2 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

10 of 27 specs differ

Nuphy Halo IO Series

Nuphy Halo65 V2

Typing & switches

Switch options

Mechanical
Mechanical

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

65%
65%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

4,000 mAh
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Plate material

Polycarbonate, POM
POM

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

1,028 g
798 g

Dimensions

20 x 320 x 135 mm
28 x 318 x 115 mm

Typing angle

12°
5°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • NuphyUS

    In stock
    $120Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$120Visit
  • NuphyUS

    In stock
    $108Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    Visit

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FAQ

Nuphy Halo IO Series vs Halo65 V2: your questions

The primary difference is the layout. The Halo V2 IO is a full-size keyboard, while the Halo65 V2 is a compact 65% layout without a number pad or function row. The Halo65 V2 also adds Bluetooth connectivity and QMK/VIA firmware support, which the Halo V2 IO lacks.

The Halo65 V2 offers more wireless options. It supports tri-mode connectivity, including Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C. The Halo V2 IO is limited to 2.4GHz wireless and wired connections only.

Yes, but the method and depth differ. The Halo V2 IO uses the web-based NuPhy IO 2.0 software for remapping and macros. The Halo65 V2 supports the open-source QMK and VIA firmware, which allows for more advanced and granular key remapping, layer creation, and customization.

Yes. Both the Nuphy Halo V2 IO and the Halo65 V2 feature hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to easily change switches without soldering.

Based on their descriptions, the Halo65 V2 has a more elaborate sound-dampening construction. Its vendor page lists a PCB gasket mount and a stack of six sound mods, including plate foam, a switch pad, and PCB foam. The Halo V2 IO also has sound dampening and a gasket mount, but its specific mod layers are not detailed in the same way.

Yes. Both keyboards are listed as compatible with Mac and Windows systems. The Halo65 V2's description also explicitly mentions Linux compatibility.

Both keyboards have a large 4000mAh battery. The Halo65 V2's tech specs provide specific estimates: up to 85 hours with lights on and up to 240 hours with lights off in lab tests. The Halo V2 IO's vendor description claims up to 1200 hours of battery life, but the testing conditions for this figure are not specified.

Both have RGB lighting, but the implementation varies. The Halo65 V2 features south-facing RGB LEDs, which are better for compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps and reduce glare. It also has a more extensive lighting system called Halolight 2.0 with a translucent bottom case and support for SignalRGB. The Halo V2 IO has a distinctive light band on its side.

The Halo65 V2 is significantly more portable. It is a 65% layout measuring 318mm wide and weighs 798g. The Halo V2 IO is a full-size keyboard and is heavier at 1000g, with larger overall dimensions, making it less convenient to transport.

According to its vendor page, the Halo65 V2 comes with a pre-built keyboard, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, a 2.4G receiver, a keycap/switch puller, six extra keycaps, three extra switches, a sticker set, and a quick guide.

The Halo V2 IO does not come with a wrist rest in the box, but its product description mentions and shows Twotone wrist rests as available accessories for purchase separately. It does include a two-stage foot stand.

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