Tag: Halo65 V2

October 11, 2025
NuPhy Halo V2 Keyboards: 4X Battery Life & Num Pad Option
Key Takeaways
1. NuPhy has launched the Kick75 hybrid profile keyboard and the updated Air75 V3, both featuring Gateron Low-Profile V3 switches.
2. The new NuPhyIO versions of the Halo65 V2 and larger models improve battery life significantly by switching from QMK/VIA to proprietary NuPhyIO firmware.
3. The Halo V2 series includes three models (Halo65 V2, Halo75 V2, Halo96 V2) with a battery life increase, despite retaining the same 4,000 mAh capacity.
4. The Halo96 V2 NuPhyIO version offers a wireless battery life of approximately 1200 hours compared to 307 hours on the QMK/VIA version, though backlighting reduces this gain.
5. NuPhyIO firmware offers features like automatic updates and built-in key binds, but lacks the open-source advantages of QMK, such as deep customization and community support.
NuPhy has been quite busy recently, launching the innovative Kick75 hybrid profile mechanical keyboard and the refreshed Air75 V3. Both of these new models come equipped with the latest Gateron Low-Profile V3 switches. Now, the mechanical keyboard manufacturer has revealed the new NuPhyIO versions of the Halo65 V2 and its larger variants. Although the hardware updates seem minimal, the primary change is in the firmware. NuPhy asserts that switching from QMK/VIA to their proprietary NuPhyIO firmware has significantly improved the battery life of these keyboards.
Pricing and Availability
The NuPhy Halo V2 NuPhyIO series can be purchased directly from the NuPhy store, with prices between $119.95 and $139.95, depending on the layout you choose. Meanwhile, the original Halo75 V2 with QMK firmware is listed on Amazon for $149.95.
Different Models, Same Battery
The Halo V2 series offers three options: the compact Halo65 V2, the somewhat larger Halo75 V2, and the numpad-equipped Halo96 V2. All of these models boast extended battery life, thanks to the NuPhyIO firmware. They maintain the same 4,000 mAh battery capacity as their QMK/VIA versions, but the QMK firmware is known for being less efficient. The PCB in the NuPhyIO versions is claimed to be simpler and more integrated compared to the QMK PCB.
Impressive Battery Life Gains
The switch in PCB and firmware is said to have led to a striking improvement in battery life. For instance, the wireless battery life on the Halo96 V2 NuPhyIO version has been extended to around 1200 hours from roughly 307 hours on the QMK/VIA version—nearly a 300% increase. However, it’s worth mentioning that the situation isn’t as bright when the backlighting is activated, with the new firmware only adding about a 10% boost to battery life.
In our testing of wireless keyboards, such as the Keychron K4 HE, we found that turning up the RGB backlighting also leads to high power consumption, but NuPhy’s specific testing methods remain unclear. Factors like backlighting brightness and connectivity mode do influence power use—though the difference in power consumption between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth polling rates from 125 Hz to 1,000 Hz isn’t as dramatic as one might expect.
Firmware Features and Customization
When contrasting the NuPhyIO and QMK/VIA firmware versions, another vital aspect is the features available in each customization suite. Both offer browser-based customization, but they come with their own pros and cons. QMK is an open-source firmware project, which means that even if NuPhy were to cease operations, you could still customize your keyboard as long as you had the right JSON file. Some users even recommend cloning the QMK and VIA repositories, and in emergencies, direct firmware file edits are possible. QMK provides deep customization options, backed by excellent documentation and a robust community for support.
On the other hand, NuPhyIO includes some handy features that QMK lacks, such as automatic firmware updates and certain built-in key binds for select creative applications. However, it doesn’t have the same open-source advantages as QMK firmware. There have also been reports of NuPhyIO keyboards losing custom key binds and macros if the battery is disconnected or runs out—this could be a deal-breaker for many serious users.
Source:
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Tags: Halo65 V2, NuPhy
August 30, 2025
NuPhy Halo65 V2: QMK/VIA Support, 1000Hz Polling, More Colors
Key Takeaways
1. The Halo65 V2 is priced at $119.95 and comes in five colors: Obsidian Black, Iconic White, Mojito, Blue Lagoon, and Sakura Fizz.
2. Key upgrades include QMK/VIA support for extensive customization and improved 2.4G wireless mode with a 1000Hz polling rate for enhanced speed.
3. The design features a see-through bottom case for the Halo 2.0 glow system, offering brighter LEDs and customizable lighting with SignalRGB.
4. The keyboard uses NuPhy’s custom 5-pin mechanical switches in four variants and has double-shot PBT keycaps, along with a gasket mount and sound-dampening system.
5. The Halo65 V2 is a significant advancement over its predecessor, competing with customizable 65% keyboards like the Keychron Q2.
NuPhy has launched the upgraded version of its 65% Halo gaming keyboard. After teasing it on X, the Halo65 V2 is now available for purchase. This new model enhances the design, keycaps, switch options, and software support, which should lead to quicker input response, better sound, and a more polished overall experience.
Pricing and Color Options
You can buy the Halo65 V2 from NuPhy’s online shop for $119.95. It is offered in five colors: Obsidian Black (black), Iconic White (white), Mojito (green), Blue Lagoon (blue), and Sakura Fizz (pink).
Significant Upgrades
Initially, the Halo65 V2 was thought to be just a minor update, but NuPhy has implemented numerous upgrades. The most notable improvement is the QMK/VIA support, which allows for extensive customization. Similar to the previous version, the new model supports three connectivity modes, but the 2.4G wireless mode has significantly improved with a 1000Hz polling rate for enhanced speed.
NuPhy has also improved the overall design. The Halo65 V2 maintains the aluminum top frame, but the bottom case is now see-through to accommodate the upgraded Halo 2.0 glow system, offering a more balanced and ambient lighting effect along the edges. Alongside this, NuPhy claims that the LEDs are brighter and more powerful, and users can control the lighting entirely with SignalRGB.
Switches and Keycaps
The Halo65 V2 is designed around NuPhy’s custom 5-pin mechanical switches, which come in four variants: Mint, Raspberry, Lemon, and Blush Max. All of these switches are south-facing, hot-swappable, and include a POM stem, PC top housing, and PA66 nylon bottom housing. NuPhy has also substituted the KOP keycaps with its double-shot PBT keycaps in the mSA profile. Additional features consist of a gasket mount and a six-layer sound-dampening system, which are expected to enhance both acoustics and typing experience.
With all its features, the Halo65 V2 appears to be a significant advancement rather than just a small update. Priced at $119.95, it competes directly with other customizable 65% keyboards like the Keychron Q2 (currently $94.99 on Amazon), but the combination of QMK/VIA support, 1000 Hz polling, and NuPhy’s distinctive design should make it more appealing. The keyboard is available now on NuPhy’s website and is likely to be listed on Amazon in the near future.
Source:
Link

Tags: Gaming Keyboard, Halo65 V2, NuPhy