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NuPhy Halo96 V2 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$140
  • Layout size: 1800-compact
  • Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

NuPhy Halo96 V2 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

8.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.8

Technical Score

20.0%

8.9

User score

Excellent
7.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

9.2

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.6

Switches

20.0%

9.6

Materials

12.0%

8.0

Features

6.0%

8.0

Design

Very good
8.9

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

9.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(191)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(191)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 7.6
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    5.5

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 10
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    QMK support

    26.0%

    10

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    10

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    10

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The NuPhy Halo96 V2 is a high-profile, 96% layout (99-key) mechanical keyboard featuring a refined gasket mount design and a comprehensive six-layer sound dampening system for a premium, 'thocky' typing experience. Key specifications include a 1000Hz polling rate for both 2.4GHz wireless and wired modes, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for up to four devices, a 4,000mAh battery, and hot-swappable south-facing RGB LEDs compatible with 3/5-pin switches. Main pros include its versatile tri-mode connectivity, robust QMK/VIA customization support, and high-quality double-shot PBT keycaps in the ergonomic mSA profile. Some potential cons are its substantial weight of 1,150g and high-profile design, which often requires a separate wrist rest for optimal comfort, alongside stock keycaps that lack shine-through legends for low-light visibility.

Technical Specifications of NuPhy Halo96 V2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

9.2

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.6

Switches

20.0%

9.6

Materials

12.0%

8.0

Features

6.0%

8.0

Design

7.8
NuPhy Halo96 V2 has a technical score of 7.78 points, which is higher than that of 93.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

9.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(191)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(191)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.9
NuPhy Halo96 V2 has a user score of 8.93 points, which is higher than that of 70.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
9.2
NuPhy Halo96 V2 has a popularity of 9.2 points, which is higher than 63.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

8.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

8.6
NuPhy Halo96 V2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.6 points, which is higher than 96.6% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

Cherry MX
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

42 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.2 mm
NuPhy Halo96 V2 has a minimum actuation distance of 1.2 mm, which is shorter than 59.9% of keyboards and equal to 15.6% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

1800-compact
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

99
NuPhy Halo96 V2 has 99 keys, which is more than 68.8% of keyboards and equal to 1.4% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

high-profile
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
NuPhy Halo96 V2 offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity, which is more versatile than 57.9% of keyboards and equal to 42.1% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

yes
NuPhy Halo96 V2 supports multi-device pairing. 4.5% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
up to 4 devices.
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

5.0
NuPhy Halo96 V2 uses Bluetooth 5.0, which is newer than 46.8% of keyboards and equal to 17.7% of keyboards.
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
NuPhy Halo96 V2 is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
extra Mac keycaps included.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

307 h
NuPhy Halo96 V2 lasts 307 h on a charge, which is longer than 81% of keyboards and equal to 0.6% of keyboards.
backlight off.
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
NuPhy Halo96 V2 has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
NuPhy Halo96 V2 has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

99
NuPhy Halo96 V2 has 99 RGB zones, which is more than 75.9% of keyboards and equal to 1.2% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
NuPhy Halo96 V2 includes underglow lighting. 68.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

south-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum/plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

POM
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

?
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

mSA
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

double-shot
NuPhy Halo96 V2 uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
Show more

NuPhy Halo96 V2 vs the average keyboard

  • 0.4 mm shorter key travel
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    What it is: Measures the full distance a key can move from top to bottom.
    When it matters: When full key movement changes comfort, speed, or the way the keyboard feels under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.6 mm vs 4 mm
  • 141 h longer battery life
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (307 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
    backlight off.
    What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
    When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

    Importance: HIGH

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (307 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.307 h vs 166 h
  • Underglow lighting
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
    What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
    When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
  • Supports QMK
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports QMK firmware for deeper remapping and behavior customization.
    When it matters: When deep remapping, macros, and firmware-level customization matter to your workflow.

    Importance: HIGH

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • Supports VIA
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports VIA for live remapping and configuration without rebuilding firmware manually.
    When it matters: When quick live remapping without rebuilding firmware is important to you.

    Importance: HIGH

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 12 more keys
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has more keys than the average keyboard (99 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has more keys than the average keyboard (99 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.99 vs 87
  • 16 more RGB zones
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (99 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (99 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.99 vs 83
  • 12 more keys
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has more keys than the average keyboard (99 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 5.6 mm lower keyboard height
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 is lower than the average keyboard (32.9 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • 141 h longer battery life
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (307 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
  • 0.4 mm shorter key travel
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • Underglow lighting
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
  • Supports QMK
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 16 more RGB zones
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (99 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.

Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features
  • 17.8% higher weight
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,150 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 97 mm thicker design
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 is thicker than the average keyboard (135 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • 22 mm wider width
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 is wider than the average keyboard (377 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
    When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.5.0 vs 5.2
  • 17.8% higher weight
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,150 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,150 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.1150 g vs 976 g
  • 97 mm thicker design
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 is thicker than the average keyboard (135 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's front-to-back depth or body thickness.
    When it matters: When front height and overall keyboard bulk affect comfort or portability.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 is thicker than the average keyboard (135 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.135 mm vs 38 mm
  • 22 mm wider width
    NuPhy Halo96 V2 is wider than the average keyboard (377 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard from side to side.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to match limited desk width or fit inside a specific setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    NuPhy Halo96 V2 is wider than the average keyboard (377 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.377 mm vs 355 mm
Total
Design
Connectivity & Power

Graphic comparison of NuPhy Halo96 V2 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
191 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
191 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about NuPhy Halo96 V2?

  • Excellent build quality with a premium metallic frame and gasket-mount design.
  • Refined 'thocky' typing experience with a cushioned feel and great sound damping.
  • Highly customizable through QMK/VIA support, which is a major upgrade for Mac and power users.
  • Enhanced 'Halo' RGB lighting with a translucent bottom case that stands out from competitors.
  • Improved 1000Hz polling rate for both wired and 2.4GHz connections, making it viable for gaming.
  • Wide variety of high-quality, consistent switch options like the Lemon tactile and Raspberry linear switches.
  • Compact 96% layout that retains the full number pad while saving desk space.

What customers dislike about NuPhy Halo96 V2?

  • Significant firmware bugs reported by some users, including keystroke lag, repeating keys, and connectivity issues.
  • Battery life drops drastically from ~300 hours to as little as 6–12 hours when RGB lighting is at max brightness.
  • Stock keycaps lack shine-through legends, making it difficult to read keys in dark environments.
  • The 2.4GHz receiver sometimes fits poorly or sticks out of its intended storage slot.
  • High-profile design typically requires a separate wrist rest for comfort, which is not included.
  • Inconsistent wireless performance for some users, specifically with Bluetooth latency or weak 2.4GHz signals.
  • Steep learning curve for those transitioning from a standard full-sized layout due to compressed key spacing.

Expert reviews

S
semiprotechgear.com
12/07/2024
NuPhy Halo96 V2 Review - The Best Prebuilt?

The NuPhy Halo96 V2 is a highly rated, 96% layout prebuilt mechanical keyboard that balances premium build quality with striking aesthetics at a $140–$150 price point. Upgraded with a translucent ABS bottom case for enhanced, south-facing perimeter RGB lighting, it offers a more refined, cushioned typing experience than its predecessor due to its new POM plate, silicone gasket...Read more

R
rtings.com
02/08/2024
NuPhy Halo96/Halo75 V2 Keyboard Review

The NuPhy Halo96/Halo75 V2 wireless mechanical keyboards, as reviewed by RTINGS, are lauded for their exceptional build quality, soft-feeling gasket-mount design, and premium, quiet typing sound profile. They feature vibrant south-facing RGB lighting with a distinctive halo effect, full QMK/VIA support, and strong, low-latency performance suitable for general gaming and office use....Read more

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