TurboVS
NuPhy Halo65 specifications and in-depth review

NuPhy Halo65

Manufacturer: NuPhy

The NuPhy Halo65 is a 65% layout mechanical keyboard that balances a reduced footprint with a full wireless feature set. Built around a tri-mode connection system supporting Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB, it gives users flexibility across different setups. The case combines plastic and aluminum construction and is available in both black and white colorways, with RGB backlighting and adjustable feet rounding out its physical design.

Under the hood, the Halo65 ships with Gateron G Pro Red 2.0 linear switches, which have a 45g actuation force and 4mm total travel distance. The switches are hot-swappable, making it straightforward to replace them without soldering. The keyboard uses PBT double-shot keycaps in OEM profile on a standard ANSI layout, includes full N-key rollover, and features a detachable cable. Battery life is rated at 320 hours, and the keyboard carries a one-year warranty.

Pros
  • Hot-swappable switches allow for easy replacement without soldering
  • Tri-mode connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB offers flexible setup options
  • Rated battery life of 320 hours makes frequent recharging unnecessary
  • N-key rollover ensures every simultaneous keypress is accurately registered
  • PBT double-shot keycaps are durable and resistant to shine over time
  • Detachable cable adds convenience for transport and cable management
Cons
  • No QMK, ZMK, or VIA support limits firmware and layout customization options
  • Media controls are only accessible through the Fn key, with no dedicated media keys
  • Does not include a wrist rest, which must be purchased separately if desired
  • Lacks rapid trigger and adjustable actuation, which may matter to users who want advanced switch features
  • No USB passthrough port, reducing desk connectivity options
Who is this for?

The Halo65 is well-suited to users who want a compact, wireless typing setup without giving up connectivity flexibility, thanks to its tri-mode Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, and USB support. The 320-hour battery life makes it a practical choice for those who work across multiple locations or prefer long stretches between charges. Users who like to experiment with their hardware will also appreciate the hot-swappable linear switches, which make it easy to change switch feel without technical expertise. The standard ANSI layout and OEM-profile PBT keycaps also make it accessible to typists who prefer a familiar, no-surprises key arrangement.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on advanced firmware customization through QMK, ZMK, or VIA will find this keyboard limiting, as none of these are supported. The absence of rapid trigger or adjustable actuation makes it a poor fit for competitive gamers who depend on precise, low-latency switch behavior for fast-paced gameplay. Additionally, users who prefer a highly ergonomic workstation setup may find the lack of an included wrist rest and the fixed 65% layout restrictive, particularly if they require dedicated media keys or a numpad for their daily workflow.

General info:

Keyboard type Mechanical, Standard
Keyboard layout size Compact (65%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wireless & wired
connection type Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB
polling rate 1000 Hz
Battery life 320 hours
designed for Mac ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
height 114.4 mm
width 318.1 mm
thickness 28.3 mm
weight 1000 g
Bluetooth version 5
warranty period 1 years

The NuPhy Halo65 is a standard-profile mechanical keyboard in a compact 65% layout, measuring 318.1 mm wide, 114.4 mm deep, and 28.3 mm thick, with a total weight of 1000 g. It supports three connection modes — Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB — and includes a detachable cable for wired use. When running wirelessly, the keyboard offers a battery life of 320 hours, making extended use between charges practical. It operates at a polling rate of 1000 Hz and is not specifically designed for Mac. The keyboard is not designed for Mac systems, and it carries a one-year warranty.

Design:

has RGB lighting ✓
Has a backlit keyboard ✓
Case material Plastic, Aluminum
Case colors Black, White
has adjustable feet ✓
includes a wrist rest ✕

The Halo65 features a case built from a combination of plastic and aluminum, available in black and white colorways. It includes a backlit keyboard with RGB lighting, allowing for per-key illumination customization. The keyboard has adjustable feet for typing angle preference, though it does not come with a wrist rest.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches ✓
Switch name Gateron G Pro Red 2.0
Actuation force 45 g
Total travel distance 4 mm

The Halo65 comes equipped with Gateron G Pro Red 2.0 mechanical switches, which offer a linear feel with a 45g actuation force and 4mm of total travel distance. The switches are hot-swappable, meaning they can be replaced without soldering, giving users the freedom to swap in different switches as needed.

Features:

has analog input ✕
has rapid trigger ✕
has dual actuation ✕
has adjustable actuation ✕
has NKRO ✓
has USB passthrough ✕
Has a display ✕
has QMK support ✕
has ZMK support ✕
has VIA support ✕

The Halo65 supports N-key rollover (NKRO), ensuring that every simultaneous keypress is registered accurately. It does not include analog input, rapid trigger, dual actuation, or adjustable actuation functionality. There is no USB passthrough port or onboard display, and the keyboard does not support QMK, ZMK, or VIA firmware customization.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type PBT, Double-shot
Keycap profile OEM
uses a standard key layout ✓
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial ✕

The Halo65 uses a standard ANSI (United States) key layout with PBT double-shot keycaps in an OEM profile, offering a familiar typing experience with durable, legible legends. The layout follows a standard keycap arrangement, which makes finding replacement keycap sets straightforward. Media functions are accessible via the Fn key rather than dedicated keys, and the keyboard does not include a rotary dial.

Final Verdict

The NuPhy Halo65 is a well-rounded 65% mechanical keyboard that delivers where it counts for everyday wireless use. Its tri-mode connectivity paired with a 320-hour battery life makes it a genuinely practical choice for users who want a cable-free desk setup without constantly managing battery levels. Hot-swappable Gateron G Pro Red 2.0 switches and durable PBT double-shot keycaps add long-term flexibility and reliability to the package. That said, the absence of QMK, VIA, or ZMK support, along with no rapid trigger functionality, means it is not positioned for users who prioritize deep customization or competitive gaming performance. For those seeking a compact, wireless-first mechanical keyboard with a familiar layout and solid build, the Halo65 makes a coherent and capable choice.

Popular Comparisons

NuPhy Halo65
NuPhy Halo65
VS
Glorious GMMK 3 65%
Glorious GMMK 3 65%