If you’re a keyboard enthusiast, the name NuPhy likely conjures images of sleek, well-engineered peripherals like the Halo and Air series. Lately, the company has been on a tear, from announcing a battery life boost for the Halo V2 to revealing the avant-garde Node75. But now, NuPhy is setting its sights squarely on the competitive gaming keyboard arena with a tantalizing new contender: the NuPhy WH80.
This new tri-mode wireless Hall effect keyboard appears to be NuPhy's direct challenge to the entire segment, seemingly addressing the very compromises that have plagued other wireless HE boards we've tested, such as the Lemokey L1 HE. Let's dive into everything we know so far about this potentially game-changing peripheral.
Pricing and Availability
According to both NuPhy's social media teasers and the dedicated pre-launch site, the WH80 will carry a launch price of $249.95. For early adopters, NuPhy is sweetening the deal with a 15% pre-order discount, which also includes some enticing extras like a set of transparent keycaps and a protective carrying case. This positions the WH80 as a premium offering, but one packed with cutting-edge features to justify the cost.
A Specs Sheet That Checks All the Boxes
On paper, the NuPhy WH80 reads like a gamer's wish list. It’s a tri-mode wireless board (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB-C), features a blistering 8 kHz polling rate for ultra-low latency, and is built on a gasket-mount design with sound-damping foam for a polished acoustic profile.
The star of the show, however, is the Hall effect technology. By using magnetic sensors instead of physical metal contacts, these switches are immune to debounce delay and offer unparalleled customization. The WH80 will support rapid trigger with sensitivities as low as 0.005 mm, a level of precision far beyond human perception, allowing for lightning-fast repeated keypresses crucial in competitive titles.
Despite the gasket mount—a feature beloved for its flex and soft bottom-out feel—NuPhy has opted for an aluminium plate. This suggests the typing experience will be more rigid and sturdy than flexy, appealing to those who prefer a solid foundation for their gaming sessions.
Battery life is another headline feature, with NuPhy claiming a staggering 500 hours of uptime. This isn't entirely surprising given our positive experience with the battery-sipping Kick75, which runs on the same NuPhyIO firmware. The real question, however, is how the 8 kHz polling rate will impact battery life in wireless mode. If trends from gaming mice hold true, such high polling can be a significant power drain, so real-world testing will be crucial.
For a complete overview of the announced specs, you can visit the official NuPhy WH80 pre-launch page.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | 80% / TKL |
| Keycaps | Cherry profile, transparent or smoky translucent |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-C Wired |
| Battery Life | 500 hours (claimed) |
| Backlighting | North-facing per-key RGB |
| Firmware | NuPhyIO with web customisation tool |
| Switch Tech | Hall Effect (N-pole) |
| Mounting | Plastic case, plate gasket mount |
| Polling Rate | Up to 8 kHz |
| Price | $249.95 |
Design and Layout: Retro-Futuristic Flair
The WH80 sports a slightly unconventional 80% layout. It condenses the typical 3x2 navigation cluster above the arrow keys into a more compact 2x3 column layout. This clever design saves precious real estate for your mouse movements without sacrificing the functionality of keys like Insert, Delete, and Print Screen.
Visually, the keyboard leans into a distinct retro-futuristic aesthetic. The pre-launch site reveals several intriguing physical details. There are two dedicated three-way toggle switches: one for cycling through connectivity modes and another mysteriously labeled "M1, M2, M3," likely for switching between on-the-fly user profiles.
A knob sits proudly in the top-right corner, but it's not your standard free-spinning encoder. It features a red indicator and graduations, hinting at a limited range of motion. While this could potentially limit its functionality for things like volume scrolling, it may simply be a bold stylistic choice that fits the board's unique vibe.
The main case appears to be constructed from plastic, though this is yet to be confirmed. It's accented with decorative aluminium plates on the sides and front, which frame a long, sleek RGB light bar, adding to its futuristic character.
Switches and Sound Profile
NuPhy has once again partnered with Gateron to create a custom switch for the WH80: the NuPhy x Gateron Dragon-N. This magnetic switch appears to be a variant of Gateron's Dual-Drive Magnetic Spark and Sakura switches (which currently retail for around $119.99 for a set of 70 on Amazon), but with a POM stem for a smoother, potentially quieter press.
It's important to note the likely sound signature. The combination of transparent keycaps and Hall effect switches often produces a higher-pitched, "clacky" sound profile. If you're a keyboard enthusiast chasing the deep, satisfying "thock," the stock WH80 might not be your endgame. However, the inclusion of a gasket mount and foam could help mellow it out.
The Bottom Line
The NuPhy WH80 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling gaming keyboard releases on the horizon. By combining the limitless potential of Hall effect switches with high-performance wireless connectivity, a massive battery, and a unique design, NuPhy is directly targeting gamers who refuse to choose between cutting-edge performance and cable-free convenience.
While questions remain about real-world battery performance with 8 kHz polling and the final typing feel, the WH80 has undoubtedly set a high bar. If NuPhy can deliver on all its promises, it may well become the new benchmark for wireless Hall effect keyboards.
WH80 | Your Gaming Keyboard, Built to Win
— NuPhy Gaming (@NuPhyHE) November 3, 2025
NuPhy’s first tri-mode Hall Effect keyboard
Launch: 11.04 20:00 (Beijing time)
Price: $212.45 （15% Off!）
Includes: Keyboard + Case + Transparent Keycap Set
⏰ Limited-time offer — don’t miss out!#nuphy #wh80 #keyboard… pic.twitter.com/6UmrBTTf5v
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