The NuPhyX BH65 is a wired gaming keyboard designed for competitive performance. It's the debut model in NuPhy's new gaming-focused NuPhyX sub-brand. The keyboard features an all-aluminum case and Hall effect switches, allowing per-switch customization of actuation and reset points. It also offers an 8000Hz polling rate. The BH65 also includes robust web-based configuration software with support for advanced features like Rapid Trigger and SOCD. In terms of aesthetics, it provides full RGB backlighting, two RGB light strips on the sides, and an RGB indicator near the Escape key. It also features built-in mounting points designed for optional 3D-printed accessories like a tablet mount.
Our Verdict
The NuPhyX BH65 is an excellent gaming keyboard that delivers outstanding latency performance. Its build quality is excellent, with a solid all-aluminium case and factory-lubed switches and stabilizers that feel smooth and refined right out of the box. The web-based configuration software supports per-switch customization of actuation and reset points, along with advanced analog features like multi-action key bindings and Rapid Trigger. These capabilities improve input speed and consistency, which is especially beneficial in fast-paced scenarios like counter-strafing in FPS games.
Excellent build quality.
Outstanding web-based software with in-depth customization.
Excellent latency performance.
Up to 8000Hz polling rate.
No shine-through keycaps means legends aren't easy to read in darker rooms.
The NuPhyX BH65 is okay for office use, though it isn't specifically designed with that purpose in mind. It offers excellent build quality, and its pre-lubed switches and stabilizers provide a satisfying typing experience. However, the keyboard is loud, particularly the spacebar, which has a hollow sound that may be distracting in quiet environments. The lack of incline adjustment can also lead to discomfort during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it lacks wireless connectivity, and its compact 65% layout may not fit all workflows, as it omits a full function row and a numpad. While these functions can be accessed through customizable layers, you will need to rely more on shortcuts.
Excellent build quality.
No shine-through keycaps means legends aren't easy to read in darker rooms.
65% layout lacks several keys that can be important for some workflows.
On the louder side, especially the spacebar, which sounds particularly hollow.
No additional typing angles.
The NuPhyX BH65 is a wired-only keyboard that isn't suitable for use with mobile devices or tablets.
The NuPhy BH65 is decent for programming, with excellent build quality and smooth, consistent factory-lubed switches and stabilizers that offer a satisfying typing experience. However, it lacks wireless support, and its compact 65% layout may not suit every programming workflow, as it omits many keys found on full-sized keyboards. It's also fairly loud, which may be disruptive in shared spaces. While it features full RGB backlighting, the keycaps lack shine-through legends, making them harder to read in low-light environments. Finally, the missing keys can still be accessed through programmable layers, but this requires frequent use of shortcuts.
Excellent build quality.
No shine-through keycaps means legends aren't easy to read in darker rooms.
65% layout lacks several keys that can be important for some workflows.
On the louder side, especially the spacebar, which sounds particularly hollow.
No additional typing angles.
The NuPhyX BH65 isn't ideal for entertainment or home theater use, mainly due to its wired-only design. It's also relatively heavy and loud. The keyboard lacks dedicated media keys, and although it features RGB lighting, the keycaps don't have shine-through legends, making them difficult to read in the dark.
No shine-through keycaps means legends aren't easy to read in darker rooms.
Wired-only.
Lacks dedicated media keys.
The NuPhyX BH65 delivers remarkable raw performance, making it a strong choice for competitive gaming. It maintains very low and consistent single-key and multi-key latency and supports a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz. Chord split performance is also quite good, making it suitable for games that require fast or simultaneous inputs.
Excellent latency performance.
Up to 8000Hz polling rate.
Changelog
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Updated Oct 02, 2025:
Added a reference to the IQUNIX EZ80/EZ75 as an alternative with a TKL or 75% form factor in the Dimensions test box.
- Updated Oct 02, 2025: Our 1.4.2 Test Bench Update makes changes to the Hardware Customizability test group. We've created a new Magnetic Switch Compatibility test and renamed our previous PCB Socket test to Mechanical Switch Compatibility. See our full changelog.
- Updated Aug 26, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.4.1. This update removes the Key Release test and a video element from the Multi-Key Latency section, resulting in minor score changes. See our full 1.4.1 changelog for details.
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Updated Jul 17, 2025:
Added the Adjustable Input Granularity test text box following the update to Test Bench 1.4.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The NuPhyX BH65 is available with either Gateron Magnetic Jade Gaming or Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches and comes in a single black and purple colorway.
You can see a photo of our unit's label here.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The NuPhyX BH65 shares the same overall shape and design language as the NuPhy Halo65 HE but includes an all-aluminum case. It swaps out NuPhy's signature grey and orange color scheme for a black and purple aesthetic, along with some added 3D-printed customization options.
The NuPhyX enters the rapidly expanding magnetic switch gaming keyboard market, competing with compact models like the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra and the well-established Wooting 60HE, as well as slightly larger boards such as the Wooting 80HE and the NuPhy Field75 HE. The BH65 performs admirably, especially in terms of raw responsiveness and build quality. NuPhy's robust software also supports advanced features like Rapid Trigger and SOCD, and comes impressively close to the high-end software experience found in pricier Wooting keyboards. This is a standout choice if you're looking for a compact 65% Hall effect board with strong competitive performance and versatile software.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best keyboards, the best 60% keyboards, and the best gaming keyboards.
The Wooting 80HE and the NuPhyX BH65 are both gaming keyboards with Hall effect switches and robust configuration software, but they differ in size and some features. The larger Wooting has a very slight performance edge and has a somewhat unconventional TKL layout that includes almost a full set of navigation keys. It's also much quieter and comes with shine-through keycaps, which allow you to read legends in the dark, something the NuPhyX lacks. In contrast, the more compact BH65 omits a dedicated function row and includes fewer navigation keys, though it still provides dedicated arrow keys. It also features an RGB light strip on both sides and two 3D-printed accessories mounting points.
The NuPhy Halo65 HE and the NuPhyX BH65 are very similar keyboards. They have very similar dimensions, performance, and software experience. The BH65's all-aluminum build quality feels slightly more premium. It also features two small mounting points and STL files for creating aftermarket hardware attachments. That said, the Halo65 has an adjustable incline and a dampened space bar. It's also slightly lighter and easier to carry around.
The NuPhy Field75 HE and the NuPhyX BH65 are quite similar gaming keyboards with Hall effect switches and robust web-based configuration software. The Field75 HE has several physical extra features the BH65 lacks, including dedicated macro buttons and a decorative metal handle. It also has a larger layout with a function row. While the Field75 has a plastic case, the BH65 has an all-aluminum build that feels solid. Although it doesn't have a metal handle, it features two 3D-printed accessory mounting points.
The MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra and the NuPhyX BH65 provide very comparable performance. The Monsgeek benefits from wireless compatibility, working with both Bluetooth and the included 2.4GHz wireless adapter. The NuPhy has a slightly larger 65% layout, which adds arrow keys and several navigation keys missing on the MonsGeek. While both keyboards are made from aluminum, the NuPhyX BH65 lacks shine-through keycaps, has a dimmer backlighting, and is louder, with an especially hollow-sounding spacebar. Both keyboards also have a very feature-complete software experience with advanced features like Rapid Trigger and SOCD and per-key actuation customization.
Test Results
This keyboard features a compact layout and a fixed profile height. Its smaller footprint frees up desk space, providing more room for broad mouse movements. Its aluminum case is quite weighty for such a small board, which makes it very stable.
The 65% form factor includes dedicated arrow keys, which are usually missing on smaller 60% keyboards. It also retains many navigation keys like Delete, End, and Page Up/Page Down. However, it omits both the function row and the numeric keypad.
If you're looking for a keyboard with a similar performance and build in a TKL or 75% form factor, consider the IQUNIX EZ80/EZ75.
This keyboard's build quality is excellent, with an all-aluminum case construction that results in a very rigid board with no noticeable deck flex.
The keyboard's weight, combined with two rounded rubber strips on the underside, provides excellent stability.
The switches and stabilizers are pre-lubed from the factory and provide a very consistent feel. There is no rattling whatsoever, and the keys are very stable. The double-shot PBT keycaps have a slightly textured, pleasant feel, though they tend to attract fingerprints. The aluminum case is also prone to fingerprints and may need to be cleaned often if you move it a lot.
Notably, the keyboard lacks NuPhy's signature GhostBar spacebar, which reduces hollow acoustics thanks to added silicon dampeners. As a result, the spacebar sounds noticeably clacky and can be disturbing.
The NuPhyX BH65 features a standard profile with a single incline setting. It's generally comfortable to type on and doesn't put much strain on the wrists, but using a wrist rest is recommended for extended typing sessions.
The NuPhyX BH65 has south-facing LEDs, offering optimal compatibility with aftermarket keycaps.
It has a hot-swappable PCB that supports magnetic Hall effect switches, though NuPhy and the broader industry provide unclear guidance on exact compatibility.
The configuration software supports calibration for certain TTC and Gateron magnetic switches. Others can still fit physically but may lack automatic calibration support. You can check the Configuration Software section for more information on switch compatibility.
This keyboard features fully customizable RGB backlighting, which can be adjusted using hotkeys or through the configuration software. It also includes two side light bars and a small RGB indicator above the Escape key, all of which are entirely adjustable as well.
The backlight is relatively dim, even at maximum brightness, and the keycaps don't have shine-through legends, making them hard to read in low light. The NuPhyX BH65 uses a top-emitting LED design that, according to NuPhy, improves heat dissipation. However, it also impacts lighting quality. When set to white, the LED emits noticeable pink, green, and blue hues, which can be a bit distracting. Testing the keyboard with shine-through keycaps taken from a separate keyboard in our inventory yields similarly lackluster results.
The included color-matched cable is rubber-coated and fairly flexible.
The NuPhy BH65 features LED strips on both sides of the board and a status indicator next to the Escape key. This indicator changes color based on various functions, such as Caps Lock, battery level, and connection mode. You can customize these lighting effects using the software or programmable shortcuts. You can find more details in the online version of the user manual.
The BH65 includes two mounting points secured by pairs of screws, one located along the top edge and a smaller one on the underside of the left edge. NuPhy offers 3D printing files to produce custom accessories for these spots. They include blueprints and example pictures for a tablet stand for the rear mount and a small hook for attaching a strap on the left side.
Note that the screws used are not standard Phillips screws but Torx ones that require a T6 screwdriver that isn't included with the keyboard.
The NuPhyX BH65 delivers a satisfying typing experience. The factory-lubed switches and stabilizers feel smooth, with no noticeable scratchiness or rattling. The switches are firmly seated with minimal wobble. The keycaps are made of high-quality, textured PBT and offer a slightly grippy surface.
The 65% layout features standard key spacing, making it easy to adapt to. Key travel is responsive and consistent across all keys, including larger ones. While overall comfort is good, the lack of incline options may cause fatigue during long sessions. A wrist rest is recommended for extended use.
We tested this keyboard with Gateron Magnetic Jade Gaming switches. They are smooth, linear switches that produce a slightly clacky sound. Overall, the keyboard is fairly loud and not ideal for office environments. The spacebar is particularly distracting due to its loud, hollow sound. This is unexpected, as NuPhy typically includes their GhostBar spacebar, which features a silicone dampener. However, that keycap is compatible and available for purchase separately.
We bought and tested this keyboard with Gateron Magnetic Jade Gaming switches, which are medium linear switches that come pre-lubed from the factory and feel smooth and consistent. They offer a customizable actuation range from 0.1 mm to 3.4 mm, with increments as small as 0.02 mm.
We took measurements using the gaming mode default setting: actuation was set at 0.8 mm, no Deadzone and Rapid Trigger set to off. We confirmed that the actual measured actuation is typically within 0.1 mm of the software setting. Here are some of the measurements we took:
- Setting 0.1 mm: Actual: 0.31 mm
- Setting 0.5 mm: Actual: 0.56 mm
- Setting 1.0 mm: Actual: 1.08 mm
- Setting 1.2 mm: Actual: 1.28 mm
- Setting 1.5 mm: Actual: 1.57 mm
- Setting 2.0 mm: Actual: 2.06 mm
- Setting 2.5 mm: Actual: 2.54 mm
- Setting 3.0 mm: Actual: 3.04 mm
- Setting 3.4 mm: Actual: 3.33 mm
This keyboard provides excellent input granularity. The switches exhibit virtually no dead zones, and their real-world performance aligns closely with the configurations you set in software. The NuPhyX BH65's high detection resolution and minimal actuation depth capture even the most delicate keystrokes with precision.
While true analog input isn't supported, this limitation doesn't make a difference in most games. However, it restricts the ability to emulate gradual control inputs, such as those used in racing titles or flight simulators.
The NuPhyX BH65 offers exceptionally low single-key latency, delivering a highly responsive and consistent experience ideal for all types of games, including competitive play.
We conducted this test using the following settings:
- Polling rate: 8000Hz
- Actuation: 0.1 mm
- Rapid Trigger: 0.01 mm release
- Rapid Trigger Stabilizer: Off
- Continuous Rapid Trigger: Off
- Deadzone: Off
- No tick rate
Multi-key latency is outstanding, with extremely low press and release delays. It's perfectly well-suited for playing any game that requires additional keystrokes while multiple keys are pressed and maintained.
We conducted this test using the following settings:
- Polling rate: 8000Hz
- Actuation: 0.1 mm
- Rapid Trigger: 0.01 mm release
- Rapid Trigger Stabilizer: Off
- Continuous Rapid Trigger: Off
- Deadzone: Off
- No tick rate
NuPhy advertises that this keyboard can reach up to 16,000Hz scan rate to go along with the 8,000Hz polling rate. The scan rate dictates how often the keyboard checks for inputs, while the polling rate is the rate at which your computer then checks your keyboard for input. Theoretically, a higher scan rate ensures that the most up-to-date key states are captured and sent with every poll. While we can't measure the scan rate with our current methodology, we can confirm there are no bottlenecking issues, and the keyboard is able to saturate its advertised polling rate.
The NuPhy BH65 has very good 4-chord, making it well-suited for playing rhythm titles or other games requiring many simultaneous inputs.
The NuPhy BH65 uses a web-based configuration utility that you can access on NuPhy's website. The platform provides impressive fine-grained control and customization.
The software includes all the standard features you'd expect. While the keyboard can automatically detect the installed switches, you can also manually select the switch type if needed. The calibration section currently supports various Hall effect switches from TTC and Gateron.
This keyboard supports several advanced features ubiquitous with modern Hall effect switches. Note that these settings are somewhat unintuitively located in the Key Bindings section rather than under Trigger Settings. They can be accessed by right-clicking on individual switches to open a pop-up menu:
Dynamic Keystroke: Allows you to map up to four different actions to a single key based on actuation distance.
Mod Tap: Allows you to map two actions to a single key based on actuation distance: a held key for the first action and a tap for the second.
Toggle Key: Toggle a command between on/off states by tapping a key. Holding the key activates the normal key behavior.
Rapid Shift: Allows you to pair two keys and prioritize the one that is pressed more deeply.
SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Directions): Specifies a pair of two keys with custom trigger behavior along three optional parameters: 1) Last input priority, where the last pressed key overrides the first if both exceed the actuation point. 2) No priority, where neither key triggers if both exceed the actuation point. 3) Absolute priority, where one key always overrides the other if both exceed the actuation point.
Hyper Tap: Automatically triggers another key the moment a specific key stops registering.
Tachyon Mode: This preset is found separately under the Mode Settings tab. It applies the switch profiles that NuPhy has designated as optimal dead zone, actuation, and rapid trigger points.
Disclaimer: Some settings, such as SOCD and Toggle Key, may not be allowed in some competitive games.
You can program and switch between different operating system layers. By default:
FN+W = Windows mode (Blue color on the status indicator light next to the Escape key)
FN+E = Mac mode (White on the indicator light)