NuPhy positions the WH80 as a premium wireless Hall effect TKL keyboard, priced at $249.95, with a 15% pre-order discount and added bonus items such as transparent keycaps and a carrying case. Based on the available pre-launch details, the product appears designed to compete directly with high-end gaming and enthusiast boards, but several elements merit a closer, more cautious evaluation.
Build and Design
The WH80 uses a plastic chassis with a plate gasket mount and an aluminium plate. The aluminium plate indicates the board will likely feel firm, with limited flex, despite the gasket structure. This raises a question about whether the gasket design is implemented primarily for acoustics rather than for soft typing feel.
The board adopts a condensed 80% layout, integrating a non-standard 3×2 navigation cluster. This saves desk space, but users accustomed to traditional TKL navigation blocks may need a short adjustment period.
Keycaps and Acoustics
NuPhy highlights transparent or smoky translucent Cherry-profile keycaps, most likely polycarbonate. In combination with Hall effect switches, users should expect a higher-pitched sound profile. Enthusiasts seeking deeper “thock” acoustics may not find the WH80 aligned with their preferences.
Switching and Input Technology
Hall effect switches enable extremely low actuation distances, with rapid trigger sensitivity claims down to 0.005 mm. While this is technically impressive, such precision is well beyond human perceptibility. What actually matters is how NuPhy tunes activation curves, travel, and reset points in real-world gaming scenarios. That information is not yet available.
The claimed 8 kHz polling rate positions the WH80 as a direct competitor to fast-response gaming keyboards. However, how consistently the board maintains high polling in wireless modes remains an open question.
Wireless and Battery
NuPhy reports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C connectivity, with up to 500 hours of battery life. Given our experience with the Kick75 running on NuPhyIO, long runtimes are plausible, but it is unclear whether 500 hours applies at default settings or at maximum wireless polling rates. Historically, high polling rates reduce battery runtime significantly. NuPhy will need to clarify this.
Software and Customisation
The board will leverage NuPhyIO with a web-based tool for customisation. Based on previous devices in the ecosystem, this should enable remapping, lighting control, and Hall-effect-specific configuration such as adjustable actuation points.
Specification Summary
- Form factor: 80% / compact TKL
- Keycaps: Transparent / smoky Cherry profile (likely PC)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-C
- Battery: 500 hours (claim)
- Backlight: North-facing per-key RGB
- Firmware: NuPhyIO with web configuration
- Switch compatibility: Standard Hall effect (downward-facing N-pole)
- Mounting / Case: Plastic chassis, gasket-mounted aluminium plate
- Polling: Up to 8 kHz
- Price: $249.95 (15% off for pre-orders)
Preliminary Verdict
Based on the disclosed data, the WH80 appears engineered to check many boxes valued in high-speed gaming and modern Hall effect keyboards. However, several aspects remain uncertain: wireless behaviour at high polling rates, real-world acoustic character, and whether the gasket mount meaningfully affects feel with an aluminium plate. These will determine whether the WH80 justifies its premium price in practice.