Wooting 60HE v2 Review: The Best Gaming Keyboard Gets Better
▼ Summary
– The Wooting 60HE v2 is an upgraded version of a popular gaming keyboard, focusing on improved sound and feel with features like a new aluminum case and dampening options.
– Key technical upgrades include new “Lekker Tikken” Hall effect switches, true 8KHz polling for lower latency, and a screwless, pressure-fit case design.
– The author found the keyboard offers a premium, modded-like experience out of the box but would not rush to upgrade from a fully modded original 60HE.
– A tested split-spacebar layout offers extra programmable keys but has usability trade-offs and limited keycap compatibility.
– While Wooting faces new competition, the 60HE v2 remains a top-tier option, though more affordable Hall effect keyboards are now available.
For many PC gamers, the original Wooting 60HE wasn’t just another keyboard; it was a revolution. By bringing Hall effect switches and the Rapid Trigger system into the mainstream, it redefined what a gaming peripheral could do. Now, the Wooting 60HE v2 arrives, not to reinvent the wheel, but to refine it. This updated version focuses intently on improving the out-of-the-box sound and tactile feel, delivering a premium experience that previously required extensive aftermarket modifications.
After spending a week with the $239.99 Wooting 60HE v2, my initial impressions are strong. However, if you already own a heavily customized original 60HE, this might not feel like an essential upgrade. The core 60% layout remains identical, meaning no dedicated function row or arrow keys. Wooting’s clever “mod tap” system is still present, allowing you to enable arrow keys using the right shift area.
The most significant changes are found in the construction and included components. Wooting has focused on making the v2 feel complete from the moment you unbox it. The company has moved away from screws, adopting a pressure-fit design for the new aluminum case, which is now standard. This case, reminiscent of the optional alumaze cases for the original, includes your choice of sound-dampening material: a new silicone option or the traditional EDPM foam.
I preferred the EDPM foam during testing, as the silicone option seemed to mute the switch sounds a bit too much for my taste. You can also choose to use no dampening at all. Additional factory enhancements include a PET film to prevent switch contact with the PCB and a tape mod on the rear of the board. Together, these elements work to create a richer, more pleasant acoustic profile straight from the factory.
The switches themselves have been upgraded to the new “Lekker Tikken” model. These are closed-bottom Hall effect switches with a 4.0mm actuation range. While Hall effect technology uses magnets for precise actuation tracking, earlier versions often suffered from a less appealing sound compared to traditional mechanical switches. The new Lekker Tikken switches address this, offering a noticeably improved sound. They use a longer 22mm spring, which gives them a slightly heavier feel than some aftermarket options. Personally, I found myself gravitating back to my preferred Geon Raw switches for their specific sound and feel, but Wooting’s new defaults are excellent, with greatly reduced stem wobble compared to the past.
Performance sees a technical boost as well, thanks to true 8kHz polling and an ultra-low input latency of just 0.125ms. In practical terms, you’re unlikely to perceive this difference, but it matches the spec sheet of Wooting’s larger 80HE model and represents the cutting edge of responsiveness.
I tested the split-spacebar variant, which replaces the single space bar with three separate keys. The concept is intriguing for granting extra, easily accessible binds in competitive games. In practice, I found the middle key too easy to press accidentally. A workaround is to assign it as a function key that requires a combination press. The right-hand key felt a bit too far for reliable use in fast-paced moments. A minor hurdle is the relative scarcity of third-party keycap sets that support this layout, though Wooting’s included double-shot PBT keycaps are high quality.
Ultimately, the 60HE v2 is a thoughtful and solid evolution. It doesn’t shock the way the original did, but it excels by offering a fully modded keyboard experience directly out of the box. The easy-to-swap dampening options and refined construction mean you get top-tier sound and feel without any tinkering. At its price point, it sits firmly in the premium category, especially now that competitors from Logitech, Razer, and others have entered the Hall effect arena with more budget-friendly models. While those alternatives haven’t dethroned Wooting’s offering, they provide valid choices for cost-conscious buyers.
For me, with a pair of heavily modified original 60HEs already on my desk, an immediate upgrade isn’t necessary. But if you’ve been hesitant to dive into the world of keyboard modifications and want what is arguably the best-performing gaming keyboard available today, the Wooting 60HE v2 represents a compelling and worthy investment.
(Source: The Verge)
