Nuphy Halo65 HE
Score: 86/100
Corsair Vanguard 96
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Halo65 HE is a wired 65% gaming keyboard featuring magnetic Hall-Effect switches, 8000 Hz polling and vibrant RGB lighting. Its main limitations are the lack of wireless support, a heavy aluminum build, and limited color/layout options. It is best suited for competitive gamers who demand ultra-low latency and premium build quality.
The Corsair Vanguard 96 is a wired 96% mechanical keyboard featuring ultra-fast 8,000 Hz polling, hot-swappable MLX switches and an integrated 1.9-inch LCD. Its premium build and extensive macro suite come at the cost of significant weight and the lack of wireless connectivity. Ideal for competitive gamers and streamers who prioritize performance over portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
67 | 96best | |
| ↓ lower better | 788.5 gbest | 994 g |
8,000 Hzbest | 8,000 Hzbest | |
— | 1.8 mbest | |
114.5 mm | 141 mmbest | |
28.3 mm | 43 mmbest | |
317 mm | 388 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(2) | ||
Number of Keys | 67 | 96 |
Keyboard Layout | 65% | 96% (96 keys) |
Features(1) | ||
Switch Type | Magnetic Jade Pro (Hall effect) | MLX Fusion/Plasma/Quantum |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Connection Type | Wired | Wired USB 3.0/3.1 Type-A |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 788.5 g | 994 g |
Width (mm) | 114.5 mm | 141 mm |
Height (mm) | 28.3 mm | 43 mm |
Depth (mm) | 317.0 mm | 388 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Halo65 HE for delivering esports-grade latency, ultra-fast 0.1 mm magnetic actuation, and a premium aluminum build that feels solid and thocky. The 65% layout with arrow keys is praised as a sweet spot for daily use, and the web-based driver is lauded for its depth. However, critics note the lack of ISO layout, wired-only connectivity, slightly softer top-mount feel, and the absence of macro keys compared to higher-end models like the Field75 HE.
Everyday users love the keyboard's premium aluminum finish, addictive thocky sound, and responsive magnetic switches, often recommending it outright for competitive gaming. Recurring complaints focus on the single gray color, the lack of ISO layout, the wired-only design, and a minor hollow sound from the spacebar, though weight is rarely a major issue.
Professional reviewers commend the Vanguard 96 for its ultra-fast 8,000 Hz polling, smooth MLX switches, and the unique integrated LCD that doubles as a Stream Deck. They also praise the extensive macro suite, hot-swap capability, and premium build, while noting software stability issues and the lack of a wireless model as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users generally praise the keyboard's quiet, premium feel, customizable RGB and LCD, and the ergonomic wrist rest. Common frustrations revolve around the steep software learning curve, the keyboard's weight, and the absence of spill-resistance or wireless connectivity.
“Sound 'eargasm' with perfect 'THOCK'”
“Christ Centered Gamer praises the MLX Plasma switches for smooth performance, 8,000 Hz polling utility in Game Mode (switchable for efficiency)”
