NuPhy Halo65 HE Review! Magnetic keyboard with “that” keystroke sound

It’s okay. The “that” percussion-like percussion sound was still there.

NuPhy is a remarkable example of the recent “magnetic keyboardization” of NuPhy.

Starting with the Field75HE, the Air series has also adopted magnetic keyswitches, and while the Gem and Halo series remain, the Halo series was the first to introduce models with magnetic keyswitches.

The first in the Halo series to use magnetic keyswitches was the Halo65, a compact keyboard that omits the function key row.

Personally, my biggest concern was whether the “Halo series-like keystroke sound” would be retained, but my fears were completely unfounded.

The keyboard has been firmly updated to a magnetic keyboard while maintaining the keystroke sound and feel.

No longer, In purchasing a keyboard from NuPhy, “magnetic” is no longer a concern at all.

It is on par with a regular mechanical key switch keyboard, or rather, it has an advantage because of its gaming function.

This article reviews the Halo65HE, the newest addition to the magnetic keyboard family.

This product was provided by NuPhy Japan for promotional purposes.

Conclusion: NuPhy Halo65HE is the best “entry level” product.

The NuPhy Halo65HE is a great choice for first-time NuPhy keyboard buyers or those looking for a high-performance gaming keyboard at an affordable price.

The biggest reason why it can be called “entry-level” is “price.”

It is hard to believe that this keyboard can be purchased for a little over 20,000 yen, It is very cost-effective. It can be said that this is a very cost-effective keyboard.

In particular, keyboard “feel” and “keystroke sound” vary greatly depending on the price of the keyboard in terms of “structure” and “sound-absorbing material,” so the more expensive the keyboard, the more satisfactory the keystroke feel and sound.

On the other hand, it is very rare to find a keyboard with solid sound-absorbing material and a “good mood” keystroke sound at this price.

Also, in the gaming scene, users will be fully satisfied with the functions unique to magnetic keyswitches, as well as the ultra-low latency input.

Learn more about gaming performance.

Through a partnership between this site and NuPhy, you can get 10% off by entering coupon code “ryo10”.

Halo65HE keystroke sound

Here is a typing video I recorded.

It sounds somewhere between Thocky and Clacky.

The keystroke sound is very pleasant, without being too clattery.

Halo65 HE in pictures

Let’s take a look at the actual photos of Halo65HE.

Let’s start with the outer box.

It comes in a very solid box with the familiar three-dimensional print.

It has a double-layered structure, with the inner box coming out when the outer one is pulled out.

Let’s take a look at the contents.

The contents are very simple: keyswitch/keycap puller, USB Type-A to Type-C cable, instructions, 6 replacement keycaps, and the main unit.

The weight is 775g in actual measurement.

The previous Halo series weighed slightly less than 1000g.

Let’s look at the main unit.

The gray-based keycap color gives the keyboard a chic look, but the orange accents give it a gaming keyboard feel.

The modifier keys are printed in gray, which is soft and nice.

The keycaps are probably made by KeyTok.

The material is PBT, made by two-color molding (double shot), so the printing will not be erased by abrasion.

The orange print on the top line looks like sublimation printing.

The top case is made of aluminum material, with a thicker bezel width only at the top end and very cool “HALO65-HE” lettering.

The top case is a gunmetal color rather than silver, and the bottom case is made of ABS plastic.

The top case is printed throughout, which again creates a premium feel.

Let’s look at the bottom.

It is all in gray, with a mirror badge in the center as a nice accent.

Tilting legs are retractable and can be adjusted in two positions.

Switches and connectors are located only on the upper left rear of the unit.

The left side toward the screen is M1, the center is M2, and the far right is M3. By switching these physical switches, each preset can be switched in an instant.

Of course, you can switch not only the keymap but also all the action settings for magnetic keyswitches.

The switch plate is aluminum-brate, with the same top-mounted shape as the original Halo series, which gives a pleasant, slightly harder feel to the keys.

However, it is not only solid, but also equipped with three solid layers of sound-absorbing material, so that keystroke sounds do not reverberate.

The Coral switch selected for this project is the Coral switch with the stem arranged in an exclusive color.

This is the first time that an option other than Jade / Jade Pro is available.

Compared to Jade, the pressing pressure is slightly heavier, with the same stroke width as a regular MX keyswitch of 4mm, and the dual-rail construction provides very smooth operation.

More than that, it is probably this keyswitch that still produces the “Halo-esque bottoming sound”.

After all, the Halo series is all about “lighting.

The “bands of light” that gave Halo its name are also inherited, and the side views that emerge from the gaps are extremely beautiful.

The Halo65HE also offers detailed settings for lighting with the NuPhy.io online configurator.

Not only are settings intuitive with the Visualizer, but the central effect and peripheral effects can be set separately, allowing for unprecedented flexibility in lighting arrangements.

This is what it looks like when the center part is orange and the periphery is blue.

The effect on the outer perimeter will be the same color as the Halo band.

After all, it is more exciting when the lighting is so beautiful.

This is what it looks like when installed on a desk.

Wrist rests would also be more consistent if they were made exclusively for this purpose.

Advantages of Halo65HE

The benefits of Halo65HE include

Low price

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the number one advantage of Halo65HE is still that it is inexpensive and well worth the price.

When it comes to keyboards, keystrokes and typing sounds tend to be proportional to price, but the Halo65HE does not have the typing sound or feel of a keyboard that can be purchased for the low $20,000 range.

It provides satisfaction that goes above and beyond.

Through a partnership between this site and NuPhy, you can get 10% off by entering coupon code “ryo10”.

Lighting is beautiful.

Secondly, the beautiful lighting is probably one of the most attractive features.

As for the Halo series, the background is that the lighting effect that shines through the gap between the top and bottom cases has been sold, and the “strip of light” that leaks from that gap was named “Halo.

Unfortunately, in the Halo-v2 series, the lighting was a bit too “flashy,” but this time, like v1, it is very “classy,” which is very much appreciated.

Key map change and fine keyswitch adjustment are possible

In addition, the freedom to change the keymap and set up your own magnetic keyswitches would be a great advantage.

By using the NuPhy.io web application, which runs in a browser, you can change the keymap, set simultaneous presses and macros, as well as set actuation points “key ratio by key ratio”.

In many cases, software control is the key to magnetic keyboards, but NuPhy seems to be a step ahead in software technology.

Disadvantages of NuPhy Halo65HE

After all, where there are advantages, there are naturally also disadvantages.

Please be satisfied with these disadvantages before making a purchase.

Hard keystroke feel due to aluminum plate integrated into the top case

The Halo65HE is constructed to mount on an aluminum switch plate that is integrated with the aluminum top case, similar to a so-called “top mount”.

The advantage of top-mounting is that it provides direct keyswitch typing feedback, and is often used in gaming and other situations where high-speed input and low latency are required.

The Halo65HE is still built after the “magnetic gaming keyboard” background.

On the other hand, the disadvantage of the top-mount is that the author believes that the keys are hard to hit, and the fingers may become tired after long hours of typing due to the direct vibration to the fingers.

Currently, there are few options for replacement keyswitches.

After all, it is still early days for magnetic keyswitches, and the fact that there are only a few variations of replacement keyswitches to choose from is a disadvantage.

The following five keyswitches are currently compatible with Halo65HE.

• TTC Magneto
• Gateron Magnetic White
• Gateron Magnetic Coral
• Gateron Magnetic Jade
• Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro

No transparent “fashionable” part on the keycap.

This is quite a “shibui” look, but compared to the Air60HE keycap released at the same time, it seems a little less fashionable.

On the other hand, it is also possible to get a “translucent” look with this coloring by purchasing ” The EM Lab ” keycap set, which is sold separately.

Use coupon code “ryo10” for 10% off.

summary

This is my review of the Halo65HE.

As keyboards become less expensive, more and more keyboards can be purchased in the 10,000-yen range, and many people may feel that a keyboard in the 20,000-yen range is still a “luxury item” for the average person, no matter how much it is for entry-level use.

However, the Halo65HE is a keyboard that is worth more than its price.

Although it is a bit expensive, it is worth the purchase.

If you are looking for your first “slightly better” keyboard, please consider this.

Through a partnership between this site and NuPhy, you can get 10% off by entering coupon code “ryo10”.