If you’ve been eyeing a sleek, wireless mechanical keyboard but have been held back by fears of constant charging, NuPhy might have just solved your problem. The popular peripheral maker has stealthily dropped updated versions of its well-regarded Halo65 V2 and Halo75 V2 keyboards, and they’re boasting a staggering improvement that’s all about endurance: up to four times the battery life.
Dubbed the “NuPhyIO” series, these new models shift from the popular open-source QMK/VIA firmware to an in-house operating system, a move that NuPhy claims unlocks unprecedented efficiency from the same sized battery. And for those who can’t live without it, the larger Halo96 V2 model brings a full numpad back into the fold.
The Star of the Show: Unprecedented Battery Efficiency
The core story here is battery life. The new Halo V2 NuPhyIO series retains the same 4,000 mAh battery as its predecessors but manages it far more intelligently. According to NuPhy’s internal testing, the results are dramatic.
The most significant gains are seen with the RGB backlighting turned off. The Halo96 V2 with the new firmware, for instance, is rated for an incredible 1,200 hours of wireless use—a massive leap from the approximately 307 hours offered by the QMK/VIA version. That’s a nearly 300% increase, effectively allowing for months of use on a single charge for the average office worker.
The gains are more modest when the LEDs are blazing. With backlighting enabled, the new firmware only extends battery life by around 10%, a reminder that RGB lighting remains one of the biggest power drains on any wireless keyboard. This aligns with our experience testing other wireless models, where a brightly lit keyboard can see its battery life plummet.
You can explore the new models and their specific battery ratings directly on the NuPhy Halo V2 IO product page.
NuPhyIO vs. QMK/VIA: A Trade-Off of Convenience and Control
The switch to NuPhyIO firmware is a double-edged sword, and it’s the key differentiator for enthusiasts deciding between the new and old models.
QMK/VIA is the darling of the custom keyboard community for a reason. It’s open-source, incredibly powerful, and offers near-limitless customization. If NuPhy were to ever disappear, your keyboard’ programmability would remain intact. As noted in a recent analysis from GSMGotech, "The community support and long-term viability of QMK is a significant factor for power users who invest time in perfecting their layouts and macros."
NuPhyIO, on the other hand, prioritizes user-friendliness. It offers a streamlined, browser-based customization suite with convenient features like automatic firmware updates and dedicated key binds for creative apps like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro out of the box.
However, this convenience comes with potential downsides. Some users have reported issues with the NuPhyIO firmware, such as custom key binds and macros being erased if the keyboard’s battery is fully drained or disconnected—a significant concern for those who rely on complex setups.
Pricing, Availability, and Which to Choose
The new NuPhy Halo V2 NuPhyIO series is available now, with a competitive price structure:
- Prices start at $119.95 on the official NuPhy store.
- The original Halo75 V2 with QMK/VIA firmware is still available for $149.95 on retailers like Amazon, offering a clear choice for buyers.
So, which one is for you?
- Choose the NuPhyIO version if: Your top priority is maximum wireless battery life and you value a plug-and-play experience with easy software. The Halo96 V2 is the obvious pick for data entry professionals and anyone who needs a numpad.
- Stick with the QMK/VIA version if: You are a customization purist who values open-source software, deep community support, and the absolute assurance that your keymap will survive any power event.
Ultimately, NuPhy’s latest move gives consumers a meaningful choice: unparalleled battery life with streamlined software, or the proven, deeply customizable platform that put them on the map. It’s a compelling update that directly addresses one of the last major pain points of wireless mechanical keyboards.
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