When it comes to mechanical keyboards,NuPhy is a brand that stands out for its high-quality offerings in various price ranges. This article aims to provide a detailed comparison between two of their popular models – the NuPhy Air96 and the Halo96. Both keyboards have their unique features and cater to different user preferences. This comparison will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Specifications
| NuPhy Air96 | NuPhy Halo96 | |
|---|---|---|
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Brand | NuPhy | NuPhy |
| USD | $119.95 | $159.99 |
| Layout | ANSI 96% (100 keys) | ANSI 96% (99 keys) |
| Hotswappable | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | 2.4G wireless, bluetooth 5.0 or wired | 2.4G wireless, bluetooth 5.0 or wired |
| Compability | mac/windows/iOS | mac/windows/iOS |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Bottom Case | ABS | ABS |
| Keycap | Double-shot PBT, nSA profile | Double-shot PBT, KOP profile |
| Dimensions | 373.4 x 132.6 x 17.5 mm | 377 x 135 x 41 mm |
| Weight | 1.46 pounds (663 grams) | 3.28 pounds (1488 grams) |
| Battery | 4000mAh | 4000mAh |
Common Features
Before we check out the differences, it’s worth noting the common features that both the Air96 and Halo96 share. Both keyboards offer wireless connectivity with Bluetooth for up to three devices, a 2.4GHz receiver, and a USB-C wired connection. They both feature an aluminum top case, ABS bottom, and layers of silicone insulation. The thickness of insulation is likely a bit less in the Air96 due to its overall thinner case.
Both keyboards provide a switch for changing between Windows and MacOS layouts and utilize NuPhy’s console software for remapping and adding custom functions. However, it’s worth noting that the NuPhy console is currently only available on Windows, and the software experience can be a bit clunky.
The Air96 and Halo96 also have two-position adjustable feet and a 4,000mAh battery. However, the expected battery life differs between the two models, which we will discuss later.
Key Difference
NuPhy Air96:
- Low-profile, compact design with a number pad
- Lightweight and portable
- Hot-swappable switches, including a sample set of Daisy linear switches
- Backlit double-shot PBT keycaps (limited shine-through)
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz dongle
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS
- Comes with built-in feet for inclined typing
- Suitable for fast typing and gaming with Daisy linear switches
Halo96:
- Full-size layout with a number pad
- Heavier build with a polycarbonate case (non-see-through)
- Hot-swappable switches, switch options not specified in the reference article
- Backlit Halo Bar surrounding the inner and outer edges
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz dongle
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS
- Comes with built-in feet for inclined typing
- Suitable for a different typing experience with night breeze switches (linear and heavy)
Design and Build Quality
NuPhy Air96: The Air96 features a low-profile, compact design with a number pad. It has a polycarbonate case that allows you to see through to the PCB. It comes with built-in feet for inclined typing.
Halo96: The Halo96 has a more substantial build and a full-size layout with a number pad. It has a polycarbonate case but lacks the see-through feature. It also comes with built-in feet for inclined typing.
NuPhy Air96: The Air96 is lightweight, making it more portable and suitable for travel.
Halo96: The Halo96 is heavier due to its more substantial build and may be less ideal for frequent travel.
Differences in Price and Dimensions
The Air96 is priced at $129.95, while the Halo96 is slightly more expensive at $139.95. This does not include shipping charges if you buy directly from NuPhy.
In terms of dimensions, the Air96, being a low-profile mechanical keyboard, is less than an inch tall at 0.69 inches, while the Halo96 stands taller at 1.6 inches. The Air96 is slightly smaller in length and width compared to the Halo96, but this difference is hardly noticeable unless measured in millimeters.
The Air96 weighs 1.46 pounds, while the Halo96 weighs a hefty 3.28 pounds. Despite both having a 4,000mAh battery, the expected battery life for the Air96 is 25 to 55 hours with the RGB backlighting on (depending on the level of brightness) and 300 hours with the RGB backlighting off. In contrast, the Halo96 is expected to get about 5 to 10 hours with the RGB backlighting on or 205 hours with the backlighting off.
Keycaps
The Halo96 features a Halo ring of light that goes around the outside of the keys, visible around the perimeter of the keys and the exterior of the case. This is in addition to having individual key RGBs and a corner indicator light. On the other hand, the Air96 has individual key RGBs and two side indicator RGB lights, but it lacks the Halo perimeter lighting.
The profile of the keycaps also differs between the two. The low-profile Air96 has flat keycaps with no height difference between any of the rows of keys. In contrast, the keycaps that come with the Halo96 have a height difference between the rows of keys, which is traditional for most high-profile keyboard keycap profiles.
Backlighting
NuPhy Air96: The Air96 has backlit double-shot PBT keycaps with lighting around the edges of the keys. Shine-through keycaps can be purchased separately for improved lighting through the key legends.
Halo96: The Halo96 has a backlit Halo Bar surrounding the inner and outer edges of the keyboard, providing a vibrant lighting effect.
Differences in Layout and Switch Options
Both keyboards have a 96 layout, but the Air96 has one more key than the Halo96. The Air96 contains all three command, function, and control keys to the right of the space bar, resulting in a total of 100 keys. In contrast, the Halo96 only retains two keys before a tiny space and then the arrow keys, resulting in 99 keys.
NuPhy Air96: Gateron Low Profile 2.0 / Nuphy Daisy, Aloe, Wisteria.
Halo96: Night Breeze/Rose Glacier/Baby Kangaroo/Baby Raccoon/Gateron G-pro 2.0
The Air96 is available with three different low-profile Gateron 2.0 switches (red, blue, and brown), which are factory lubed. NuPhy also offers their own Gateron collaboration switches, providing a total of six different switch options for the Air96.
The Halo96, on the other hand, offers Gateron G Pro Brown 2.0 or Red 2.0, as well as Gateron baby raccoon and baby kangaroo switches. You can also choose NuPhy’s Gateron collaboration switches, which are the Knight Breeze linear or the Rose Glacier tactile.
Connectivity Options
NuPhy Air96: The Air96 can be used wirelessly through Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz dongle. It can also be used wired with a USB-C cable.
Halo96: The Halo96 likely offers similar connectivity options with Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz dongle, as well as wired USB-C.
Compatibility
NuPhy Air96: The Air96 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and includes dedicated Windows and Mac buttons.
Halo96: The Halo96 is also compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and allows users to switch between them using the function key.
Key Feel and Sound
NuPhy Air96: The Air96’s Daisy linear switches offer a light and smooth typing experience, suitable for fast typing and gaming.
Halo96: The Halo96’s night breeze switches are linear and heavy, providing a different typing experience with a heavier actuation force.
General Differences Between Low Profile and High Profile Keyboards
Low-profile keyboards like the Air96 generally require less finger movement to complete the same series of keystrokes compared to most high-profile keyboards like the Halo96. However, this is subjective and depends on individual preference.
Low-profile keycaps and switches don’t come in the same wide range of styles and varieties as high-profile ones. While NuPhy offers some great switches, high-profile keyboards that use traditional switches have a huge range of switch options to choose from across many different manufacturers.
Final Thoughts!
Choosing between the NuPhy Air96 and the Halo96 can be a tough decision as both are excellent keyboards. If you are someone who likes to tinker with your mechanical keyboards and prefers a wide variety of different keycaps and switches to choose from, high-profile keyboards like the Halo96 offer more options. However, if you need something more travel-friendly, the Air96, with its lighter weight, could be a better choice.
In the end, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you go with the low-profile Air96 or the high-profile Halo96, you can be assured of a quality product from NuPhy.
