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ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 vs NuPhy Halo96: Comparison
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 vs NuPhy Halo96 switch type compared
Switch type is the dividing line, ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 ROG NX Snow against NuPhy Halo96 Gateron Jupiter Banana / Brown / Red Hot-Swap. Connectivity is not the same on both, Wired USB-C on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired on the NuPhy Halo96. Backlighting is not the same on both, Per-Key Aura Sync RGB on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus South-Facing Per-Key RGB on the NuPhy Halo96.
Which should you buy, ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 or NuPhy Halo96?
Buy the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 for numpad-dependent users wanting a compact 96% and hot-swap experimenters, though it is not the pick for wireless-only buyers and minimalist 60%/65% preference. The NuPhy Halo96 suits NuPhy design fans wanting standard-height switches and numpad users seeking gasket mount, though it is not built for low-profile switch preference and budget buyers. Our rating of the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 (8/10): A well-damped, hot-swappable 96% board that proves numpad layouts can still sound and feel premium. Our rating of the NuPhy Halo96 (8/10): A clean, well-built standard-height 96% that brings NuPhy's design sensibility to a more mainstream switch format.
What ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 and NuPhy Halo96 have in common
Everything else lines up. Layout, polling rate and keycap material read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ASUS
- NuPhy Halo96
- NuPhy
Layout
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- 96%
- NuPhy Halo96
- 96%
Model
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ROG Strix Scope II 96
- NuPhy Halo96
- Halo96
Switch Type
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ROG NX Snow (Linear, Pre-Lubed)
- NuPhy Halo96
- Gateron Jupiter Banana / Brown / Red Hot-Swap
Connectivity
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- Wired USB-C (detachable)
- NuPhy Halo96
- Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired
Keycap Material
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- PBT Double-Shot
- NuPhy Halo96
- PBT Double-Shot
Backlighting
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- Per-Key Aura Sync RGB
- NuPhy Halo96
- South-Facing Per-Key RGB
Polling Rate
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- 1000 Hz
- NuPhy Halo96
- 1000 Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 if you want the higher polling rate (1000 Hz vs 1000 Hz).
Choose NuPhy Halo96 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 | NuPhy Halo96 |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS Store | View on ASUS Store | |
| NuPhy | View on NuPhy |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A well-damped, hot-swappable 96% board that proves numpad layouts can still sound and feel premium.
NuPhy Halo96
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A clean, well-built standard-height 96% that brings NuPhy's design sensibility to a more mainstream switch format.