Wooting 60HE Keyboard Review

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Welcome, keyboard enthusiasts and gamers alike! Today, we’re diving into the world of the Wooting 60HE keyboard. If you’re on the hunt for a keyboard that’s compact yet mighty, packed with innovative features, and offers a gaming experience that’s nothing short of legendary, then you’re in the right place. Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Wooting 60HE a game-changer.

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First Impressions: Size and Build

The Wooting 60HE is a 60% keyboard, which means it’s compact and space-saving. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, a 60% keyboard omits the number pad, function keys, and navigation keys, leaving you with the essentials. This size is perfect for gamers who need extra desk space for their mouse movements or anyone who appreciates a minimalist setup.

Despite its compact form factor, the Wooting 60HE doesn’t skimp on build quality. It feels solid and robust, ready to withstand the most intense gaming sessions. The keyboard’s casing has a premium finish that feels good to the touch and adds to its overall durability. It’s the kind of keyboard that can take a beating and still perform like new.

Hot-Swappable Switches: A Game-Changer

One of the standout features of the Wooting 60HE is its hot-swappable switches. Yes, you read that right. You can swap out the switches without soldering. This feature is a dream come true for anyone who loves to customize their keyboard experience. The Wooting 60HE uses Gateron Lekker switches, which are analog and hall-effect based.

These switches are not your run-of-the-mill mechanical switches. The hall-effect sensors detect how far down you’ve pressed a key, allowing for an unparalleled level of customization. With the Wooting software, you can adjust the pre-travel distance, set custom reset points, and even program up to four inputs per key. Imagine having a single key perform multiple actions based on how far you press it. That’s like giving your keyboard superpowers!

Wired Connectivity: Reliable and Latency-Free

In a world that’s increasingly going wireless, the Wooting 60HE stays true to its wired roots. Why? Because when it comes to gaming, reliability and low latency are crucial. Wired connectivity ensures that there’s no lag between your keypress and the action on screen. For competitive gamers, this can be the difference between victory and defeat.

The cable is detachable, which adds to the portability of the keyboard. You can easily pack it up and take it with you, whether you’re heading to a LAN party or just moving it to another room.

N-Key Rollover (NKRO): Every Key Counts

Another feature that gamers will appreciate is the N-Key Rollover (NKRO). This ensures that every keypress is registered, no matter how many keys you press at once. In fast-paced games where you might be mashing multiple keys simultaneously, NKRO guarantees that every action is captured accurately. No more missed moves or misfired commands – just pure, responsive gameplay.

Gaming Performance: A Closer Look

When it comes to gaming, the Wooting 60HE shines. The analog switches provide a level of control that’s unmatched by traditional mechanical switches. You can fine-tune the actuation point of each key to suit your gaming style. Whether you prefer a hair-trigger response or a deeper press, the Wooting 60HE has you covered.

The keyboard’s software allows for extensive customization. You can create different profiles for different games, each with its own set of keybindings and actuation points. Switching between profiles is a breeze, ensuring that you’re always ready for whatever game you’re diving into next.

Customization Galore: Tailor Your Experience

Customization is where the Wooting 60HE really stands out. The Wootility software is powerful and user-friendly, making it easy to tweak every aspect of your keyboard’s performance. Here are some of the customization options available:

  • Pre-Travel Distance: Adjust the distance a key must travel before it actuates. This can be set individually for each key, allowing for a truly personalized typing experience.
  • Analog Mode: Enable analog mode to use your keyboard like a joystick. This is perfect for racing games or any game that benefits from gradual input.
  • Custom Reset Points: Set custom reset points to control how quickly a key can be pressed again after being released. This is great for rapid-fire actions.
  • Multiple Inputs: Program up to four different inputs for a single key based on how far it’s pressed. This feature alone opens up a world of possibilities for complex macros and commands.

Ergonomics: Room for Improvement

While the Wooting 60HE excels in many areas, ergonomics is one where it falls a bit short. The keyboard has a high profile, which can be uncomfortable for extended typing sessions without a wrist rest. Unfortunately, the wrist rest is sold separately, which is a bit of a letdown considering the premium nature of the keyboard.

However, if you invest in the wrist rest, it does make a significant difference. It provides the necessary support to keep your wrists comfortable during long gaming or typing sessions. If ergonomics are a priority for you, I’d recommend getting the wrist rest along with the keyboard.

Sound Dampening: Quiet and Efficient

Nobody likes a noisy keyboard, especially if you’re in a shared space. The Wooting 60HE addresses this with layers of sound-dampening foam inside the board. This helps to minimize the noise produced by the switches, making it quieter than many other mechanical keyboards. The linear switches are inherently quiet, but the added dampening foam takes it to another level. You can game or type away without disturbing those around you – a win-win situation!

Office Use: More Than Just a Gaming Keyboard

While the Wooting 60HE is clearly designed with gamers in mind, it’s also a solid choice for office work. The ability to fine-tune the typing experience makes it versatile enough for different tasks. The analog switches are smooth and responsive, and the sound dampening makes it a quiet companion in an office environment.

However, the same ergonomic issues apply here. Without the wrist rest, long typing sessions can become uncomfortable. But if you’re looking for a keyboard that can handle both your work and play needs, the Wooting 60HE is a great option.

Pros and Cons: A Quick Rundown

Before we wrap up, let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of the Wooting 60HE:

Pros:

  • Great build quality
  • Low latency
  • Highly customizable with powerful software
  • Hot-swappable switches
  • Quiet operation with sound-dampening foam

Cons:

  • Wrist rest sold separately
  • High profile might not be comfortable for everyone

Final Thoughts: Is the Wooting 60HE for You?

So, after all this talk, is the Wooting 60HE the right keyboard for you? If you’re a gamer who values customization, precision, and build quality, then the answer is a resounding yes. The analog switches provide a level of control that’s hard to find in other keyboards, and the customization options are extensive. The ability to swap out switches easily is another huge plus, especially if you like to experiment with different switch types.

However, if you’re someone who spends long hours typing and values ergonomics above all, you might want to consider getting the wrist rest or looking at other ergonomic options. The high profile can be a bit of a challenge without the extra support.

Recommendation: A Gamer’s Delight

In conclusion, the Wooting 60HE is a fantastic keyboard that excels in the areas that matter most to gamers. Its build quality, low latency, and extensive customization options make it a top choice for anyone serious about their gaming setup. While it has some ergonomic drawbacks, these can be mitigated with a wrist rest.

For those looking to elevate their gaming experience with a keyboard that offers unparalleled control and customization, the Wooting 60HE is an investment worth making. It’s a keyboard that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of even the most demanding gamers. Happy gaming, folks!

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