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In recent months, NuPhy has been aggressively updating its keyboard lineup, releasing V2 versions of their acclaimed models. Following the Air 75, Air 60, and Air 96 V2, NuPhy now presents the eagerly anticipated Halo 75 V2. As a longtime fan of the original Halo series, I was keen to see if the improvements in this new version justify an upgrade.

In this review, we’ll dissect the Halo 75 V2’s features, specifications, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against its predecessor. NuPhy supplied the Halo 75 V2 for the purpose of this review, however they had no say in my opinion. My full video review is also embedded below.

Features and Specifications

The Halo 75 V2 builds upon the strong foundation of its predecessor, introducing significant enhancements while retaining the key elements that made the original popular. The Halo 75 V2 retains the original’s 75% layout, consisting of 83 ANSI layout keys with no ISO layout option, at least not yet. The top aluminum frame and ABS bottom remain, but there’s a difference with the case bottom that becomes apparent with the RGB lighting is turned on – rather than a thin strip for the halo lighting to shine through, the whole perimeter of the case bottom is translucent and it allows more of the lighting to show. There are still 2-position adjustable feet for a total of three typing angles. In addition to the white and black color options, there are now three new ones including blue, green, and pink, all with color-matched keycaps.

Wireless connectivity still includes bluetooth for three devices and 2.4GHz, but the polling rates are now improved. Both the 2.4GHz and USB-C wired connections feature 1,000Hz polling which is better for gaming than the polling rates of the original Halo75. Bluetooth remains at 125Hz so that is best reserved for non-gaming use. The battery is also still 4,000mAh but the battery life is a bit better than the original, with an estimated 307hrs max life when all the lighting is turned off. With loads of RGB lighting, the battery life significantly decreases when you turn it on. With all the lights on, it decreases to 9 to 90 hrs, depending on the brightness level of each light.

Speaking of that lighting, you still get full per-key RGB lighting but it’s now south-facing. The included keycaps, though not shine-through, do have small shine-through accents on the home keys and up arrow key. The perimeter halo light remains, as does the LED light bar in the top left corner which provides important indicators like connection and battery status. There is also a new “Halo” badge in the top right corner with an LED ring around it. There is a set of shine-through keycaps available for separate purchase if you want to unleash the full force of the backlighting, but even without them, the Halo75 V2’s lighting stands out from the competition.

Internals have some changes from the original, including a new POM plate and silicone gasket mounts on the PCB vs the firm top mount of the original. Significant sound damping is by now a trademark of NuPhy and we have plenty here, with foam between the PCB and plate, a switch pad, and silicone padding in the case bottom. Stabilizers are still plate-mounted and there’s no support for screw-in stabilizers (the Halo line is not marketed as a keyboard to open up and customize like the Gem80).

NuPhy also continues to offer multiple switch options, which now are the same as the selection for the Gem80. The mint and raspberry linear and lemon tactile are all NuPhy x Gateron collaborations, while the red silent switches are made by Cherry. Keycaps are mSA profile (close to cherry height but a more rounded & sculpted shape), and are double-shot PBT.

There is still a Mac/Win OS switch on the back, but the firmware is now QMK which allows customization with VIA, a user-friendly (well, more so than coding the QMK firmware directly) web app that allows for re-mapping across multiple layers and creation of custom macros. VIA is available for use on Windows, Mac, and Linux which is a big improvement over the proprietary NuPhy Console software that the original Halo75 used, which was only available on Windows.

Pros and Cons

There is a lot to like with the Halo75 V2! In my experience, the majority of the upgrades were well-implemented.

• The RGB now stands out from the competition even more than the original, with the translucent bottom case. If you are looking for unique RGB, the Halo V2 line is worth a look.
• The upgraded wireless polling rate for 2.4GHz now make the Halo75 V2 a capable option for gamers.
• The new internals & mounting create a more cushioned, refined typing feel vs the original without being overly “bouncy”.
• More color options than the original.
• The switches are great quality and very consistent. I’ve tried a full set of all the switch options and never came across any lubing issues or pingy springs.
• The sound profile is free from any unpleasant resonance or rattles right out of the box – there’s nothing to “fix” here.
• QMK firmware with VIA customization is a big upgrade over the original.

With all that said, there are still a few cons here that leave some room for improvement.

• I experienced some bugs with the 2.4GHz connection – specifically it froze on me and repeated the last entry in a long string until I turned off the keyboard. That happened twice while I tested my sample, which I had never experienced before with a NuPhy keyboard. This may be sporadic and not impact all units, but it was an unfortunate issue. **NuPhy has released a firmware update in June 2024 which I have tested. I did not experience the repeat-entry issue since the firmware update, but I have experienced some missed entries over bluetooth.
• This may seem a bit nit-picky but I find it odd: the 2.4GHz receiver does not fit in the slot intended for it. The original Halo75 had a magnetic slot where the 2.4GHz receiver fits perfectly so it won’t fall out when not in use. The V2 still has the slot, but it ships with a rubber plug there rather than the receiver, and that’s because the updated receiver is now deeper and sticks out of the slot. I’m confused why the slot wasn’t adjusted to acommodate the new receiver.
• This one is a temporary con – there is no ISO layout available. NuPhy has never released any of their keyboards in an ISO layout. But I did see an answer posted on their FAQ page which states that they are planning an ISO option for the Halo75 V2 in Q4 2024. So at the time of writing we’re still months away from that, but better late than never.

Is it Worth It?

Is it worth upgrading if you have the original Halo75? Well, that depends. The original Halo75 is a nice keyboard, and it really depends on whether the new features of the V2 will solve a problem for you. If you are wanting to do customizations and were limited by NuPhy Console with the original, the QMK firmware with VIA compatibility of the V2 may be a welcome upgrade. But if you’re generally happy with the original and none of the new features would make your life easier, it may be less worth it unless you simply would prefer the more cushioned typing feel of the V2.

Overall, the NuPhy Halo75 V2 is a terrific pre-built 75% keyboard, and one of the best pre-built keyboards I’ve tested in terms of features and quality for the price. The only thing keeping me from saying it is the best pre-built keyboard of 2024 is the bug I experienced with the 2.4GHz connection, so if a firmware update addresses that, the Halo75 V2 (and potentially the upcoming Halo96 V2) will be a top pick for anyone looking for a pre-built mechanical keyboard in the $120 – $150 range. The price keeps it firmly in-between some competitor options, including the $94 Keychron V1 Max which offers all the features and functions but not the premium-feeling build or terrific lighting, and the $209 Keychron Q1 Max which gets you an all-metal case. A solid competitor at a more affordable price, especially if you enjoy opening up your keyboard to do some customizing, would be the all-aluminum Bridge75.

Check out the Halo75 V2

Use code SEMIPRO for 10% off at NuPhy!

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