NuPhy Halo65 V2 specifications and in-depth review

NuPhy Halo65 V2

Manufacturer: NuPhy

The NuPhy Halo65 V2 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard built around a gasket mount construction that sits within an aluminum and plastic chassis available in black, white, blue, and pink colorways. It supports wireless use via both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5, alongside a wired USB connection, making it adaptable to a range of setups. A detachable cable, adjustable feet, and an included wrist rest round out the physical package, while south-facing RGB backlighting illuminates PBT double-shot keycaps in an OEM profile.

Under the hood, the Halo65 V2 ships with NuPhy Mint linear switches featuring a 2 mm actuation point, 42 g actuation force, and 3.6 mm total travel distance. The board is hot-swappable, allowing switch changes without soldering, and supports both QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping. N-key rollover is present, the polling rate sits at 1000 Hz, and the battery is rated for up to 240 hours of wireless use. The layout follows the standard ANSI arrangement with media functions accessible via the Fn key.

Pros
  • Hot-swappable switches allow for easy replacements without soldering
  • Tri-mode connectivity via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5, and USB offers flexible setup options
  • Battery life rated at 240 hours reduces the need for frequent charging
  • Gasket mount construction provides a more cushioned typing experience compared to rigid plate mounts
  • QMK and VIA support enable deep key remapping and firmware customization
  • A wrist rest and adjustable feet are included out of the box
Cons
  • No rapid trigger or adjustable actuation, limiting appeal for users who prioritize advanced switch features
  • Media functions are only accessible via the Fn key, with no dedicated media keys
  • No USB passthrough, so the keyboard cannot act as a USB hub
  • Not designed for Mac, meaning Mac-specific key labeling and shortcuts are absent
  • No rotary dial for quick volume or function adjustments
Who is this for?

The Halo65 V2 is a good fit for users who want a wireless mechanical keyboard with the flexibility to switch between 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB connections across multiple devices. Its hot-swappable switches and QMK/VIA support make it well-suited for enthusiasts who enjoy tuning and customizing their setup over time. The included wrist rest, adjustable feet, and 240-hour battery life also make it practical for long desktop sessions where comfort and cordless convenience matter.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on advanced gaming features such as rapid trigger or adjustable actuation will find this board lacking, as none of those capabilities are present. It is also not a strong fit for Mac users, since the keyboard is not designed with macOS-specific key labeling or shortcuts in mind. Additionally, those who prefer a dedicated rotary dial for quick input control or need USB passthrough for connecting peripherals directly to the keyboard will need to look elsewhere.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Compact (65%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wireless & wired
connection type 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB
polling rate 1000 Hz
Mount type Gasket mount
Battery life 240 hours
designed for Mac
has a detachable cable
height 114.5 mm
width 318 mm
thickness 28.3 mm
weight 798 g
Bluetooth version 5

The NuPhy Halo65 V2 is a gaming mechanical keyboard in a compact 65% layout with a standard profile and gasket mount construction. It connects via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5, or USB, and is not specifically designed for Mac. The detachable cable adds convenience for wired use, while the wireless battery is rated at 240 hours. A polling rate of 1000 Hz ensures responsive input. Physically, the board measures 318 mm wide, 114.5 mm deep, and 28.3 mm thick, with a weight of 798 g.

Design:

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

The Halo65 V2 features a case built from a combination of aluminum and plastic, available in four color options: black, white, blue, and pink. It has a backlit keyboard with RGB lighting, with the LEDs oriented in a south-facing direction. A wrist rest is included in the box, and adjustable feet allow for some flexibility in typing angle.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches
Switch name NuPhy Mint
Actuation distance (min) 2 mm
Actuation distance (max) 2 mm
Actuation force 42 g
Total travel distance 3.6 mm

The Halo65 V2 comes equipped with NuPhy Mint mechanical switches, which have a linear feel and actuate at 2 mm with a force of 42 g, and offer a total travel distance of 3.6 mm. The switches are hot-swappable, meaning they can be replaced without soldering, giving users the freedom to swap to a different switch type down the line.

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 VIA support

The Halo65 V2 supports QMK and VIA, giving users a well-established route for remapping keys and customizing firmware behavior. N-key rollover (NKRO) is present, ensuring every simultaneous keypress is registered accurately. The board does not include analog input, rapid trigger, dual actuation, or adjustable actuation, nor does it offer USB passthrough or an onboard display.

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 V2 uses an ANSI (United States) layout with a standard key arrangement and PBT double-shot keycaps in an OEM profile. Media functions are accessible via the Fn key rather than through dedicated keys, and there is no rotary dial on the board.

Final Verdict

The NuPhy Halo65 V2 is a well-rounded compact mechanical keyboard aimed at enthusiasts who value both customization and wireless flexibility. Its gasket mount construction paired with hot-swappable switches and full QMK/VIA support gives it strong appeal for users who like to fine-tune their typing experience, while tri-mode connectivity and a 240-hour battery life make it genuinely practical for wireless desktop use. It does fall short for those who prioritize advanced gaming-oriented features or a Mac-native experience, but within its intended scope — a customizable, wireless 65% board built for everyday and enthusiast use — it covers the essentials without notable gaps.