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NuPhy Halo65 HE specifications and in-depth review

NuPhy Halo65 HE

Manufacturer: NuPhy

The NuPhy Halo65 HE is a compact 65% gaming keyboard built around Hall effect technology, offering a wired USB connection in a standard profile layout. Its aluminum and plastic construction comes in gray or white colorways, and the package includes a wrist rest and adjustable feet for ergonomic flexibility. The keyboard ships with a detachable cable, making transport and cable management more convenient for everyday use.

At the core of the Halo65 HE are the Magnetic Jade Pro switches, which are linear Hall effect units with a 36 g actuation force and a total travel distance of 3.5 mm. One of the standout technical aspects is the adjustable actuation range spanning from 0.1 mm to 3.3 mm, paired with rapid trigger and dual actuation support, giving users fine-grained control over input behavior. The keyboard also features full N-key rollover (NKRO) and an 8000 Hz polling rate, south-facing RGB backlighting with PBT double-shot OEM-profile keycaps, and a top-mount aluminum plate. Media functions are accessible via the Fn key, and the layout follows the standard ANSI US configuration.

Pros
  • Actuation point is adjustable across a wide range from 0.1 mm to 3.3 mm, giving users precise control over when each keypress registers
  • Rapid trigger and dual actuation support offer responsive input behavior suited to fast-paced use
  • An 8000 Hz polling rate ensures very frequent position reporting to the host system
  • Includes a wrist rest and adjustable feet out of the box, adding ergonomic flexibility without extra accessories
  • The detachable cable makes transport and cable replacement more straightforward
  • Full N-key rollover ensures every simultaneous keypress is registered without conflict
Cons
  • Switches are not hot-swappable, so replacing them requires soldering
  • No support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA firmware, limiting open-source remapping and customization options
  • Media controls are only accessible via the Fn key with no dedicated media keys available
  • There is no USB passthrough port on the keyboard itself
  • Not designed for Mac, which may require additional remapping for Mac users
  • Connectivity is wired only, with no wireless option available
Who is this for?

The Halo65 HE is well suited to users who prioritize precise input control, particularly those who benefit from rapid trigger and adjustable actuation set as low as 0.1 mm for highly responsive keystroke registration. Its compact 65% form factor makes it a practical choice for people with limited desk space or those who prefer a minimalist layout without sacrificing alphanumeric key access. The included wrist rest, adjustable feet, and detachable cable also make it a reasonable fit for users who want a more complete ergonomic setup without sourcing additional accessories, while the 8000 Hz polling rate caters to those who demand frequent and consistent input reporting from their hardware.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely heavily on open-source firmware customization will find the Halo65 HE limiting, as it lacks support for QMK, ZMK, and VIA, leaving them without the deep remapping and macro capabilities those ecosystems provide. The absence of dedicated media keys and a rotary dial makes it less convenient for content creators or productivity-focused users who frequently adjust volume or switch tracks without interrupting their workflow. Additionally, those who prefer a wireless setup or need hot-swappable switches to experiment with different switch feels without soldering will find this keyboard's wired-only connection and fixed switches restrictive.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Compact (65%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wired
connection type USB
polling rate 8000 Hz
Mount type Top mount
designed for Mac ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
height 114.5 mm
width 318 mm
thickness 28.3 mm
weight 788 g
warranty period 1 years

The NuPhy Halo65 HE is a wired gaming mechanical keyboard in a compact 65% layout with a standard profile and top-mount construction, connecting via USB. It operates at an 8000 Hz polling rate and features a detachable cable for easier cable management. The keyboard is not designed for Mac. Physically, it measures 318 mm wide, 114.5 mm deep, and 28.3 mm thick, with a weight of 788 g, and it is backed by a one-year warranty.

Design:

has RGB lighting ✓
Has a backlit keyboard ✓
Case material Plastic, Aluminum
Plate material Aluminum
Case colors Gray, White
has adjustable feet ✓
includes a wrist rest ✓
Backlight facing direction South-facing

The Halo65 HE features a case built from a combination of plastic and aluminum with an aluminum plate, available in either gray or white. It includes RGB backlighting with a south-facing LED direction, and a wrist rest and adjustable feet are both included in the box. These design elements come together in a keyboard that offers some degree of ergonomic and aesthetic customization straight out of the packaging.

Switches:

Switch type Hall effect
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches ✕
Switch name Magnetic Jade Pro
Actuation distance (min) 0.1 mm
Actuation distance (max) 3.3 mm
Actuation force 36 g
Total travel distance 3.5 mm

The Halo65 HE is equipped with Magnetic Jade Pro Hall effect switches that deliver a linear feel with an actuation force of 36 g and a total travel distance of 3.5 mm. A notable characteristic of these switches is their adjustable actuation range, spanning from 0.1 mm to 3.3 mm, which allows for a high degree of input customization. The switches are not hot-swappable, meaning they cannot be replaced without soldering.

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 HE supports a strong set of input-focused features, including rapid trigger, dual actuation, and adjustable actuation, alongside analog input and full N-key rollover (NKRO) for simultaneous keypress registration. On the other hand, it does not include USB passthrough, an onboard display, or support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA firmware, which limits open-source customization options for users who rely on those ecosystems.

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 HE uses an ANSI (United States) layout with a standard key arrangement and PBT double-shot keycaps in an OEM profile, offering good durability and legibility over time. Media functions are accessible through the Fn key rather than dedicated standalone keys, and the keyboard does not include a rotary dial.

Final Verdict

The NuPhy Halo65 HE is a technically focused compact keyboard built around the strengths of Hall effect switch technology, offering a level of input precision that few keyboards in its form factor can match through features like rapid trigger and a 0.1 mm minimum actuation distance. Its 8000 Hz polling rate, full N-key rollover, and dual actuation support reinforce its orientation toward users who demand consistent and highly configurable keypress behavior. However, the absence of open-source firmware support, hot-swap capability, and wireless connectivity means it is best appreciated by users comfortable working within its native software ecosystem. For those whose needs align with its strengths, the Halo65 HE represents a well-equipped Hall effect keyboard in a practical 65% package.

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