NuPhy Halo75v2 Review｜What is the difference from the previous version v1?

On April 2, 2024, NuPhy announced the launch of Halo75v2, an improved version of its very popular Halo series with a 75% layout.

The v1 features the new “Gateron Baby Kangaroo” keyswitch, and many of you may have been intoxicated by its unique, smooth keystroke feel.

This article will explain the differences between the very popular v1 and the newly released v2 with photos of actual equipment.

See Halo75v2 in action

About Halo75v2 keystroke feel

Here is what I photographed.

We were concerned about the change in key feel and sound due to the change in mounting method, but our fears were completely unfounded.

The Halo series has been upgraded while maintaining the pleasant “kotokotokoto” keystroke sound that is the most distinctive feature of the Halo series.

Be intoxicated by its superb ASMR!

NuPhy Halo75v2 Overview

coloring

• Obsidian black
• ionic white
• mojito (liqueur flavored soft drink served in small batches with dipping sauce)
• blue lagoon
• cherry fizz

• Price｜$129.9 (Japanese Yen equivalent: 19,992 yen)
• Pre-order starts: April 2, 2024
• Pre-order end date: May 16, 2024
• Product shipping date: May 16, 2024 or later
• General sales start date: May 16, 2024-.

Tilt angle can be changed in 3 steps

Double-shot PBT keycap adopted

Pre-Order Benefits (Ended)

• Transparent keycap included free of charge
• Shine Through Key Caps at 50% off!
• 50% off desk mats.
• Acrylic 2-tone wrist rests at 30% off

NuPhy Halo75v2 Review｜What are the differences and evolutions from v1?

Let us now compare the differences between the old and the new, based on photos of the actual devices.

Enables keymap changes｜QMK/VIA support

Finally, the Halo series is now QMK/VIA compliant, allowing users to change keymaps at will!

This was an area where we were lagging behind while our competitors were rapidly responding to keymap changes, and I am sure that many fans will be pleased to see this improvement.

NuPhy Halo75v2 keymap change in VIA

As of May 21, 2024, the json file has not been merged into VIA and must be loaded manually. However, it is not available to the public at this time and they are working on it by emailing the official.

PS: I asked NuPhy and they said they will post the download link at the URL below.

https://nuphy.com/pages/json-files-for-nuphy-keyboards?_pos=1&_sid=10ab97e5c&_ss=r

Improved polling rate to 1000 Hz for wireless connections

This also gives the impression that we have responded to recent trends.

One of the growing uses for these mechanical keyboards is online gaming.

In online games, the time lag between input and reflection can make the difference between winning and losing, and it is desirable for the system to respond immediately after being pressed.

This delay is expressed in units of “Hz,” and the higher this value, the lower the delay.

Naturally, the wired connection is the “fastest”, but this time, the polling rate for the wireless connection is 1000 Hz, the same as the wired connection, just as our competitors have done.

Therefore, a wireless connection via a USB dongle will allow typing with the same ultra-low latency as a wired connection.

Keycap profile changed to mSA

Starting with v2, the keycap profiles have been changed.

The adopted profile is “mSA”, NuPhy’s original profile adopted from Gem80.

Compared to the usual Cherry profile, the center part of the profile is indented, which is a major feature, and is designed to fit the fingers more comfortably when typing.

Generally, a profile with a depressed center like this tends to be “high-profile (tall),” but the ingenuity of adjusting the overall height to a more comfortable typing height is very impressive.

Of course, Ghostbar, which is extremely quiet, has also been reborn to mSA specifications.

Changed from top mount to gasket mount

There will be a significant improvement in key feel as well.

In v1, the plate was “top-mounted,” meaning that it was fixed directly to the body, but in v2, it was switched to the “gasket-mounted” method, which has become popular worldwide.

Whereas the Gem80 offered a choice of mounting methods, the Halo75v2 only supports the gasket mounting method.

The fact that they dared to abolish the option may indicate that they are that “confident”.

Enhanced lighting, including a change in direction of RGB lights to face south.

The LEDs had previously been north-facing, but the change to south-facing LEDs makes it easier for users to perceive the lighting.

The optional canopy cap, which is available for purchase, transmits more light, making it perfect for those who want to create a sparkling desk.

Together with the Transparent Key Cap, the LEDs will be further emphasized.

The ambient lighting, which is a hallmark of the Halo series, has also been enhanced. The shape and materials of the bottom case have been reviewed, and it appears that the light is now well diffused toward the bottom of the case.

The many variations of lighting effects are also still present.

This is what the actual writing looks like.

It is very beautiful, just like a Halo (band of light).

While v1 was like a “single thread”, v2 has evolved into a strong presence like a “thick band”.

Homing keys partially changed to LED transparency specification

This is a specification not found in other companies.

Especially since the default keycaps are designed to be impervious to light, having the protruding parts of the homing keys glow would be a better accent than you might think.

It shines quite nice.

New key for macOSX

After all, NuPhy is mac-friendly.

Simply flip the switch on the back and the mac’s function keys will work.

This is a very nice point for those who are accustomed to using Magickeyboard on a regular basis.

Adoption of new key switches

Already adopted from Gem80, the default keyswitch selection has been changed.

Two types of linear, one type of tactile, and one type of silent linear.

The colorful, traffic light-like keyswitches are not very quiet, and are more for those who enjoy the sound of keystrokes.

If you like the sound of Gateron BBK or BBR, this will be perfect for you.

On the other hand, if you want to use it for office work, we definitely recommend the silent switch.

etc.

Although not that new since it was first seen in Gem80, a new variation has been added to the desk mat.

Also added is an acrylic two-tone palm rest in the same color as the one from the body.

In addition, the conventional sound-absorbing material consisted of only plate silicone and bottom silicone, but this time it consists of plate foam, switch pad, sound damper, PCB foam, and bottom silicone, which is a large quantity, so you will hear more thocky keystroke sounds.

Summary｜75% fans are must-buy, 65% fans are wait-and-see

This is a summary of the evolutionary points of Halo75v2.

The custom keyboard area has been evolving at a dizzying pace, and the Halo75v2 is a model that has firmly established a trend.

Although there may not be much difference from other companies in terms of gasket mounts and sound-absorbing materials, NuPhy is indeed a leader in design.

The lighting effects in particular are wonderful.

And it is really wonderful that it can be purchased for less than 20,000 yen in this era of a weak yen.

75% fans would be well advised to buy it.

If you are a 65% fan, you will have to wait until v2 comes out.