Is the Halo96 V2 worth it over the original Halo96?

The V2 keeps the 96% gasket-mounted layout and adds QMK/VIA support and a 1000 Hz wireless polling rate. If you remap keys or game wirelessly, the V2 is the better pick; otherwise the difference is modest.

Can I remap keys without installing software?

Yes. It is QMK/VIA compatible, so you can remap keys and layers in a browser over a wired connection. Settings are stored on the board.

How many devices can it connect to?

It uses tri-mode connection: 2.4 GHz via a dongle, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C. Bluetooth supports pairing with multiple devices you switch between.

Does it work with a Mac?

Yes. It is listed as compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux, and VIA lets you swap the modifier layout for Mac keys.

You get the keyboard, a USB-C cable, a 2.4 GHz receiver and keycap/switch tools. Check the listing for the exact bundle.

Is the 96% layout hard to get used to?

The numpad and main block are standard, but arrow and navigation keys are compressed into the right column. Most users adapt within a week.

Where is the NuPhy Halo96 V2 cheapest?

At NuPhy, for $139.95, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the NuPhy Halo96 V2?

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 212 ratings.

NuPhy Halo96 V2

Best price now

$139.95at NuPhyChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit NuPhy

NuPhy Halo96 V2

Best price now

$139.95at NuPhyChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit NuPhy

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Price facts

Last seen at $139.95 at NuPhy on Nov 10.

Our take on the NuPhy Halo96 V2

The NuPhy Halo96 V2 is a 96-key (1800-style) wireless mechanical keyboard with a PCB gasket mount, mSA-profile keycaps and tri-mode connection over 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired USB-C. It runs QMK/VIA firmware, so every key and layer can be remapped in the browser, and it polls at 1000 Hz on the 2.4 GHz link. That puts it against other gasket-mounted 96% boards such as the Keychron Q5 and V-series, where the Halo96 V2's edge is the compact layout with a numpad plus open firmware. It suits typists and gamers who want a numpad without a full-size footprint and are willing to tune a board themselves.

Best forNumpad users short on desk spaceQMK/VIA tinkerersMixed Windows, macOS and Linux setupsGamers wanting a wireless 96% board

Pros

96% layout keeps the numpad in a shorter footprint
PCB gasket mount softens the typing feel
QMK/VIA remapping without vendor software
Tri-mode: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and USB-C
1000 Hz polling on the 2.4 GHz connection
Works across Windows, macOS and Linux

Cons

Compact layout crowds arrow and nav keys
Gasket mount feel depends on how it is tuned
Wireless lighting and high polling drain battery faster
mSA keycaps take adjusting to

NuPhy Halo96 V2 prices at every store

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$139.95Checked Nov 10
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What reviewers say

4.7 / 5212 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 across 212 ratings, owners largely praise the sound and feel of the gasket mount and the convenience of QMK/VIA. Complaints center on the crowded 96% key cluster and battery life with lighting on.

What people mention

Typing feelPraisedOwners describe the gasket mount as soft and consistent across the board.
FirmwarePraisedVIA remapping is called simple and quick, with no vendor app needed.
LayoutMixedThe numpad is welcome, but the squeezed arrow and nav cluster draws complaints.
BatteryCriticisedReviewers say runtime drops sharply with lighting on and high polling.
KeycapsMixedThe mSA profile is liked for looks but takes time to adjust to.
ConnectivityPraisedSwitching between 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired is reported as reliable.

About the NuPhy Halo96 V2

The NuPhy Halo96 V2 is a keyboard with a PCB gasket mount and mSA profile keycaps. It connects three ways: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth and wired USB-C.

It supports QMK/VIA, so keys can be customized through compatible firmware. It has a 1000Hz polling rate and works with Windows, macOS and Linux. Lighting comes in 8 modes.

Connectivity: Tri-mode: 2.4G, Bluetooth and wired USB-C
Polling rate: 1000Hz
Mount type: PCB gasket mount
Keycap profile: mSA
Firmware: QMK/VIA compatible
Compatibility: Windows, macOS and Linux
Lighting: 8 lighting modes

Specifications

Polling rate: 1000HzSource
Connection modes: Tri-mode connections, 2.4G, Bluetooth and wired USB-CSource
Mount type: PCB Gasket MountSource
Firmware support: QMK/VIA compatibilitySource

Questions and answers

Is the Halo96 V2 worth it over the original Halo96?: The V2 keeps the 96% gasket-mounted layout and adds QMK/VIA support and a 1000 Hz wireless polling rate. If you remap keys or game wirelessly, the V2 is the better pick; otherwise the difference is modest.
Can I remap keys without installing software?: Yes. It is QMK/VIA compatible, so you can remap keys and layers in a browser over a wired connection. Settings are stored on the board.
How many devices can it connect to?: It uses tri-mode connection: 2.4 GHz via a dongle, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C. Bluetooth supports pairing with multiple devices you switch between.
Does it work with a Mac?: Yes. It is listed as compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux, and VIA lets you swap the modifier layout for Mac keys.
What is in the box?: You get the keyboard, a USB-C cable, a 2.4 GHz receiver and keycap/switch tools. Check the listing for the exact bundle.
Is the 96% layout hard to get used to?: The numpad and main block are standard, but arrow and navigation keys are compressed into the right column. Most users adapt within a week.
Where is the NuPhy Halo96 V2 cheapest?: At NuPhy, for $139.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the NuPhy Halo96 V2?: Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 212 ratings.