I researched Magnetic Keyboards so you don’t have to — … and I entered the Wooting
The backstory behind the success
In 2015, in the heart of Holland, a group of fervent gamers, fueled by their dissatisfaction with the status quo in the gaming industry, ignited a revolutionary change. Disenchanted with the offerings from big tech gaming companies, they channeled their passion and expertise into a groundbreaking venture. This led to the birth of Wooting, a company not just founded on the principles of innovation and gamer-centric design, but also embodying a bold rebellion against the conventional. Wooting emerged as more than just a keyboard manufacturer; it became a symbol of transformation in the gaming world, pushing the boundaries of what gamers expect from their gear. Their journey from passionate gamers to industry changemakers is not just inspiring but also a testament to the power of community-driven innovation in the tech space.
Before we go on, I have to state the following: as the trailblazer in this arena, Wooting deserves utmost respect and recognition from gamers worldwide. Its dedication to advancing gaming technology and empowering players with superior tools underscores its significance within the industry. Even if there will be many betters keyboards in the future (it’s pretty probable), Wooting should always be revered as the trailblazer that started it all, shaping the future of gaming keyboards and setting a standard for innovation and excellence that others strive to emulate.
So, I have been thoroughly testing their Wooting Two HE keyboard and here is what I’ve found.
In a nutshell
The Wooting two HE is a wired gaming keyboard equipped with specialized Gateron Lekker switches that enable precise adjustment of pre-travel distance in increments as fine as 0.1mm. Unlike traditional mechanical or optical switches, these switches utilize magnetic Hall Effect sensors instead of metal contact points or lasers to detect key presses. Similar to its predecessor, the Wooting one, this model also boasts Analog Mode for joystick-like input emulation and Tachyon Mode for minimized input latency. However, the Wooting two HE introduces significant enhancements such as PBT keycaps replacing ABS and an expanded range for adjusting pre-travel distance. It is also a full layout keyboard, a nice and wanted addition to their first Wooting 60 HE unit, and comes only in black.
In comparison to Wooting 60HE, the Wooting 2 HE experiences a marginally increased latency due to the larger number of keys it needs to scan. Nonetheless, it offers a “focus mode” feature, enabling users to designate certain segments of keys to match the latency of the 60HE, while accepting higher latency for the rest as a compromise.
Another point of differentiation between the 60 HE and 2 HE lies in their modding capabilities, should that be of interest. While the 60HE can be fitted into third-party cases adhering to the same standard, full-size keyboards like the 2 HE lack a standardized option, necessitating the creation of a custom case if desired.
Build quality
All I can say is that the craftsmanship is really satisfactory, though not exceptional or the absolute top notch of the best custom keyboards, but quite respectable.
The keyboard doesn’t have a gasket-type build; it’s made of plastic, albeit of high quality. Unfortunately, a few of my switches exhibit some wobbliness. It’s not overly problematic, but it’s noticeable during typing.
Furthermore, I find the key cap quality could be improved. After just a month of use, the most frequently used keys have developed noticeable shine. Additionally, while the keys initially sound acceptable, there’s room for improvement in terms of lubrication and stability. It’s a minor issue, but something worth mentioning because Wooting out of the box is louder than DrunkDeer or Lamzu, to my astonishment. However, Wooting compared to DrunkDeer in the quality department is a much better offer.
Typing experience
The typing experience provided by the Wooting two HE is commendable. Its keycaps are crafted from double-shot PBT material, featuring a slightly textured surface that enhances grip while typing. Notably, there’s some lateral movement noticeable in the keys, particularly the alphanumeric and arrow ones, although the larger keys remain stable with minimal wobbling.
With a standard layout, the keys don’t feel cramped, facilitating ease of use without a learning curve. The Gateron Lekker switches contribute to a pleasant typing feel. Although linear, they offer a satisfying level of resistance, and with the ability to adjust pre-travel distance, users have control over the sensitivity of their keystrokes.
However, prolonged use may lead to wrist fatigue due to the absence of a wrist rest (typing angle from 4.5 degree to 10.5). Additionally, the keyboard’s acoustics may not be as pleasing, as frequent bottoming out of keys is likely without sound-dampening features around the switch housing. This is the area Wooting should be improved, you can do that yourself as well by lubing and modding your keyboard, however, for the price asked I’d love to see that provided by Wooting out of the box.
Wootility and Wootomation
The Wooting 2 HE leverages the Wootility software for its customization capabilities. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, providing clear explanations for all its features. Beyond basic functionalities like key remapping, macro programming, and customizing lighting effects, Wootility allows you to tweak pre-travel distance, introduce a plethora of additional features, and switch your board between analog and digital modes. In analog mode, you can map your keys to mimic a joystick controller. This is especially cool in driving or flying games, where the depth of your key press can dictate whether you make a gentle or a sharp turn. Moreover, you can shape the analog input to your liking from preset options, creating the exact “feel” you desire. You can also map Xbox or classic controller buttons directly to your keyboard. Additionally, Wootility Web, the software’s web version, offers all these customization options and features. Yet, some aspects could be improved- for instance, integrating diverse shortcuts for RGB customization directly, without needing to access the web-based Wootility, would be a significant step forward.
The convenience of having an online-based platform like Wootility cannot be overstated. It’s a game-changer in the industry, largely due to the innovative efforts of the Wooting Team, which are setting new standards for software integration and functionality.
Gaming gadgets often arrive packed with their own macro software, hidden within heaps of bloatware, cleverly pulling you into their world. They don’t stop there, though — they often toss in a dash of almost-spyware and a mix of unnecessary drivers, which might just stir up trouble with your other devices.
Looking elsewhere for macro software? Prepare for a letdown — it’s usually a choice between shelling out cash, wrestling with outdated tech, dealing with performance lags, or scratching your head over complex interfaces.
Enter Wootomation — a really unique ultimate macro solution designed for the everyday user. It’s a breath of fresh air in terms of efficiency, barely touching your PC’s resources. Say goodbye to delays — we’re talking an almost nonexistent lag of just 0.002ms/2μs. And the best part? It doesn’t play favorites with brands or devices as you can use it on multiple platforms and in different games.
I am not experienced in creating macros, it’s something new to me. However, I was able to craft some crude macros in Wootomation in just minutes that can affect my movement in Quake. Impressive, even though it needs severe testing. Sounds like a real competitive advantage and almost like cheating, doesn’t it?
Gaming experience
The Wooting two HE stands out as an exceptional gaming keyboard. It boasts remarkably low latency (around 1 ms in Tachyon mode) and comes with companion software that unlocks numerous extra features aimed at boosting gaming capabilities. A notable aspect is the ability to fine-tune the pre-travel distance for each key, allowing for personalized keypress sensitivity. However, its lack of an included wrist rest may lead to discomfort during extended use.During my testing specifically, Tachyon Mode was activated, and the pre-travel distance was adjusted to a minimal 0.1mm, rapid trigger 0.15 mm both up and downstroke.
After two weeks of testing, I noticed that the feeling and feedback of the Lekker switches is a bit different than the Raesha switches used on the DrunkDeers: their tactility is different, therefore, I used lowest possible AP and RT settings on the Wooting, while on DrunkDeers I used 1mm for AP and 0.5mm for RT. Interesting, huh? Looks like the Raeshas are a bit more smooth and sensitive or… is their software a bit buggy and has problems with cutting off? We will see, I think it’s the software on DrunkDeers though.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t change the fact that Wooting is superb in the gaming category and if only I didn’t have to lube the switches and stabilizers and keys would be a bit less wobbly, I’d take it over DrunkDeer any time. Fortunately, you can mod it yourself (apart from the switches), but that adds up to the cost.
I got the Wooting Two HE, but should you too?
I will list some bullet points for you to help you decide:
- good build quality, not entirely premium though
- wrist rest may be required for longer gaming/typing session as the keycaps and the board it self are pretty high
- the 100% layout may be too much for some and if you are not comfy it it, get the Wooting 60 HE instead
- the lowest latency on the market as of now
- great software (both Wootility and Wootomation) easy to use
- very limited possibilities to mod
- devoted community and good support
- great performance in games
The Wooting 80HE
Wooting, renowned for its innovative approach to keyboard design, has once again demonstrated its commitment to community feedback with the launch of the Wooting 80HE. This cutting-edge keyboard features a groundbreaking 8K polling rate, ensuring an ultra-responsive experience with a mere 0.125 ms keyboard scanning interval. Embracing the popular gasket mount design, the Wooting 80HE offers enhanced typing comfort and sound dampening. The use of sustainable PCR ABS plastics and robust zinc alloy in its construction not only elevates its durability but also aligns with environmental consciousness. Thoughtfully designed, the final version boasts a comfortable 2.8 typing angle with flat feet, maintaining a total front height of 28.4mm with OEM keycaps. For those who prefer a sleeker profile, the keyboard measures just 19.4mm in height without keycaps, striking the perfect balance between ergonomic design and aesthetic appeal. This meticulous attention to detail and responsiveness to user input cements Wooting’s position as a forward-thinking leader in the keyboard industry.
The real 8k polling rate is a sort of gimmick, if you ask me, but it’s needed for marketing as many other manucturers are going that way. However, the Wooting 80HE looks slick and very promising and I can’t wait to review it for you once it hits the market sometime Q2/Q3 2024.
🌟 Attention QuakeWorld Champions! 🌟
So, I talked to Wooting and they are ready to greet us with a small offer for our dedicated QuakeWorld community.
👊Ready to try out Wooting and get an advantage in gaming? Use this link for a 5% discount!👊
Click the official Wooting site
If you are interested in this topic, check the previous episodes:
Episode 1: the Intro
Episode 2: DrunkDeer
Coming up next — Lamzu Atlantis Pro!
Disclaimer: this review is not a paid endorsement. I want to ensure transparency and let you know that I am not receiving any compensation, monetary or otherwise, for evaluating or discussing this tech product.
The views and opinions expressed in this review are solely based on my experiences and observations with the product. While I strive to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s essential to keep in mind that individual experiences may vary.
My goal is to offer you an honest and impartial assessment to assist you in making informed decisions about the product in question. If you have any concerns or questions about the review process, feel free to reach out for further clarification.