NuPhy Halo75 looks like a complete mechanical keyboard, full of features (including wireless connection and Bluetooth), excellent materials and attractive design. Let’s see together the pros and cons in our full review
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the offering is vast and diverse, with products ranging from simplicity to elegance, from advanced customization to diversified performance. In this scenario, the NuPhy Halo75a pre-assembled mechanical keyboard designed to offer a product that can suit practically any user thanks to its features.
In this review, we will explore the NuPhy Halo75 in detail, highlighting its distinctive aspects and the features that make it unique. We’ll find out if its construction and design combine to create a successful product and if, while not a custom, it can hold its own against higher priced models.
Technical specifications
- Tipo di Switch: Night Breeze, Rose Glacier, BBK, BBR, G-Pro 2.0
- Layout: ANSI 75%
- Number of Keys: 83 keys
- Hot-Swappable Support: Yes
- N-Key Rollover Support: Yes
- Retroilluminazione & Sidelight: LED RGB
- Backlight Modes: 10
- Sidelight modes: 4
- HaloLight modes: 4
- Connection Type: USB Type-C, 2.4G Wireless, Bluetooth 5
- Compatible Systems: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS
- Angle: 5.5º, 8.5º, 11º
- Operating Environment: -10°C to 50°C
Unboxing | Review NuPhy Halo75
Unboxing the NuPhy Halo75 mechanical keyboard reveals a top notch experience, characterized by attention to detail. The model we received for review is in “Matte Black” coloringbut the “Ionic White” model is also available.
Inside the package, in addition to the keyboard itself, there are various accessories designed to enrich the user experience, such as a extra set of switches to try e additional keycaps, which offer more customization options. Of course, the very useful is also present key-switch puller to go and extract the components in a simplified way. A braided USB-C cable completes the package.
We then have the optional palm rest which represents an additional accessory. Available in various colors, the one we got to test is in the “Amethyst” variant and is sold separately at a price of $29.00.
Build Quality | NuPhy Halo75 review
Taking a closer look at the NuPhy Halo75 mechanical keyboard reveals a high focus on build quality from the company. The sober and refined design offers a feeling of solidity right from the start, suggesting that the keyboard was built with durable materials. The model that we have been able to test is in the “Matte Black” variant, which gives an elegant but at the same time playful look thanks to the various combinations offered by the keycaps.
The compact size of the keyboard, following one schema ANSI 75%, result in a slimmer layout that saves desktop space by sacrificing the number pad. During the test, we appreciated that this compactness does not compromise the overall experience, also because there are function keys on the top.
The weight of the keyboard, which reaches i 1180 grams, it gives a feeling of robustness without being overly bulky. The use of aluminum for the top contributes to this feel, while the plastic used in the bottom keeps the weight in check. In use, we found that this combination of materials fully succeeds in offering a balanced keyboard.
The adjustable tilt options, which let you customize the typing angle, are a nice feature. This contributes to overall comfort during longer typing sessions, especially if we pair the keyboard with the palm rest.
Aesthetics | NuPhy Halo75 review
One aspect that cannot go unnoticed in the NuPhy Halo75 mechanical keyboard is its refined aesthetics, which blends harmoniously with the overall build quality. The keyboard exudes elegance, with an understated yet eye-catching design on your desk. Attention to detail is evident from first glances, confirming NuPhy’s commitment to offering a visually appealing product.
A distinctive touch is represented by the presence of RGB lighting, which adds that extra touch. This lighting does not only involve the plate below the keys, but there is also one thin LED strip that surrounds the outer edge of the keyboard, creating an enveloping light effect. The lighting can be customized with a variety of effects and colors, adding a touch of personality. It is obviously possible to customize everything both through a combination of keys and through the program “NuPhy Console“.
The visual appeal also extends to the optional wrist rest, which adds not only ergonomic comfort, but also a touch of style. In our case, the “Amethyst” model has added an element of color that blends harmoniously.
Note also to the NuPhy proprietary keycaps, based on an OEM profile. Made of double-shot PBT plastic, these keycaps offer superior durability and a pleasant tactile feel while typing. The double-shot technique ensures that the characters impressed on the keys remain sharp and resistant over time, avoiding wear. The legends on the keys are really well done and go great with the keyboard itself, both in terms of font and coloring. One addition that we have no doubt appreciated is the implementation of the “ghost bar”. In a nutshell, in the spacebar there are small silicone grafts that allow you to produce a much more pleasant and “full” sound.
Feeling | Review NuPhy Halo75
The typing experience offered by the NuPhy Halo96 keyboard is a real pleasure both under the fingers and on the ears. The particular attention to detail is reflected in the use of silicone inside the shell which attenuates the effect of impact during typing and contributes to an overall excellent experience. However, one of the focal points of this typing experience is the switch Gateron Baby Raccoonpresent in the model that was subjected to the test.
Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switches boast an actuation force of 55±8 gf, offering smooth and effortless keystrokes. However, it is possible to notice a slight friction sensation when pressing the keys, although this is minor and definitely not annoying. Nothing to say instead about the stabilizers which are firm, fluid and precise.
As for typing, the keyboard turns out (also due to the keycaps used) a little high. Obviously with a little habit we will be able to master it to the fullest. In the gaming fieldInstead, there is nothing we can complain about. The feeling is excellent and the response of the keys is perfect even in wireless mode. It is precisely by using wireless that we understood how much NuPhy Halo 75, qualitatively speaking, has nothing to envy to other more famous brands, indeed. First of all, we’ve never had any weird disconnect issues or other. Furthermore, under the body there is a 4000mAh battery which guarantees an autonomy of 260 hours with the lighting off.
While there are no dedicated macro keys, we will be able to map the keys to our liking through the “NuPhy Console” program. The software also allows you to customize the keyboard lighting, choosing both effects for the backlighting and for the band present on the perimeter. Obviously, customization is also possible from the keyboard itself, through a combination of keys that sees the “Fn” key as the protagonist.
Overall, the feel of the keyboard offers a balance of quality, responsiveness and sound, satisfying both the needs for productivity and typing pleasure.
Let’s sum up
In conclusion, the NuPhy Halo75 stands out in the vast panorama of pre-assembled mechanical keyboards for its impeccable build quality and elegant design. Attention to detail is evident from the moment you open the package. The compact dimensions of the keyboard, followed by a 75% form-factor, prove to be an excellent compromise between space saving and functionality. The adjustable tilt option adds further comfort, especially when combined with the optionally available wrist rest. Attractive aesthetics combine with dynamic RGB lighting, creating a visually appealing keyboard that turns heads.
Gateron Baby Raccoon switches offer responsive and smooth typing, although some may notice a slight friction sensation. However, the typing experience is overall very pleasant thanks to the attention to detail, such as the implementation of the “ghost bar” on the space bar.
While some may be dissatisfied with the lack of dedicated macro keys, it is possible to customize the keyboard through the “NuPhy Console” program. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cost of the keyboard, excluding the optional palm rest, amounts to $171.09, which also includes shipping to Italy.
Overall, the NuPhy Halo75 is a great option for anyone looking for a keyboard that’s ready to go right out of the box, not customizing and fiddling around!
Plus points
- Build quality
- Design
- It doesn’t need to be customized
- Well made keycaps, switches and stabs
- Also perfect wirelessly
Points against
- For some users it may be high