Wooting 60HE V2 Review: Is This the Best Hall Effect Keyboard?

Unboxing and First Impressions

• 📦 The Wooting 60HE V2 is presented, with the reviewer noting initial skepticism towards gaming keyboards like Wooting, Asus, and Razer.
• 💰 Pricing is detailed: $179.99 for the plastic version and $239.99 for the aluminum version.
• 🛠️ The website offers customization for case style (aluminum/plastic), layout (split spacebar option available but backordered), and keycaps.
• 📦 The unboxing experience is described as basic, similar to budget keyboards, including the keyboard, cable, keycap/switch puller, and a Wooting strap.
• ⚠️ The 60% layout means no dedicated arrow or F keys, requiring use of macro layers, which can be awkward due to large modifier keys.

Hall Effect Technology Explained

• 💡 Hall effect switches use a magnet and a PCB sensor to detect key presses, allowing for more control than traditional mechanical switches.
• ⚙️ The Wooting Wutility software is praised for its user-friendliness and advanced customization options.
• ⚡ Key features include adjustable actuation points (from very sensitive to fully pressed) and Rapid Trigger, which allows for near-instantaneous key resets and rapid inputs.
• 🕹️ Rapid Trigger is highlighted as revolutionary for games requiring rapid spamming (like OSU) but potentially causing accidental inputs in other games.
• 🔄 SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Directions) cleaning allows prioritization of the last input, enabling fast movement and counter-strafing, though it has been banned in some games like CS:GO.

Improvements and Moddability

• ✨ The Leer Tickens switches in the V2 are noted as a significant improvement, sounding much closer to good mechanical switches than previous Hall effect switches.
• 🔧 The keyboard is designed for easy disassembly and modding, featuring a friction-fit case, an FR4 plate for better sound, and tape modding on the PCB.
• 🔊 The included silicone dampening is recommended over the additional foam, which made the keyboard sound worse.
• 🚀 The reviewer suggests buying the Wooting module separately and building it into a different tray mount case for a potentially better overall experience.

Competitive Landscape and Value

• 🏆 While Wooting offers the best software, competition is increasing with brands like Keychron, Drunk Deer, and Asus offering Hall effect keyboards.
• 💰 Echo's Fun 60 is mentioned as a compelling budget option for Hall effect functionality, despite having weaker software and build quality.
• 🤔 The reviewer acknowledges that while the V2 is the best Wooting keyboard yet, it comes with a