NuPhy Halo75 v2
A beautiful, thocky mechanical keyboard that's almost perfect—if you can stomach the price and the battery life.
Design & Build
Let’s get one thing straight: the NuPhy Halo75 v2 is gorgeous. The aluminum frame, the retro-futuristic font on the PBT keycaps, the subtle RGB underglow—it’s a looker. The build quality is rock solid; no flex, no creaking, just a satisfying heft. The included coiled USB-C cable is a nice touch, but the dongle storage in the bottom case is a joke—it’s a loose slot that barely holds the thing. Also, no USB-C passthrough? In 2024? Come on, NuPhy.
Typing Experience
This is where the Halo75 v2 shines. I tested it with the pre-lubed Night Breeze linear switches, and they are smooth. The factory lube is generous but not excessive, and the PBT keycaps have a pleasant texture that doesn’t get greasy. The sound is a deep, satisfying thock—not quite as creamy as a custom build, but damn close. The gasket mount gives a uniform, bouncy feel that’s addictive. If you’re a keyboard snob, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail.
Performance & Connectivity
Wireless performance is flawless. I used the 2.4GHz dongle for gaming and Bluetooth for productivity, and I never noticed any lag or disconnects. The battery life, however, is a letdown. NuPhy claims 40 hours with RGB off, but in my mixed usage (RGB on low, 2.4GHz), I got about 25 hours. That’s not terrible, but it’s not great either. The charging time is also slow—around 4 hours for a full charge. If you forget to plug it in, you’ll be tethered to a cable more often than you’d like.
Software & Features
The NuPhy Console software is functional but barebones. You can remap keys, adjust RGB, and create macros, but it’s Windows-only and the UI feels like a beta. The onboard memory is a plus, but the lack of QMK/VIA support is a missed opportunity for enthusiasts. Per-key RGB is bright and vibrant, but the south-facing LEDs mean some shine-through keycaps won’t look great.
The Verdict
The NuPhy Halo75 v2 is a fantastic keyboard for those who prioritize typing feel and aesthetics over battery life and software polish. It’s a joy to type on, looks stunning, and performs admirably. But at $179.95, it’s competing with the Keychron Q1 Pro and the Lofree Flow, both of which offer better battery life or more features. If you can live with the compromises, it’s a solid pick. If not, wait for a sale.