The Wooting 60HE is a wired mechanical gaming keyboard with analog Gateron Lekker switches. These switches use magnetic hall-effect sensors to detect how far down they've been pressed, and you can fine-tune various settings using this keyboard's software to change how these switches operate. You can customize the pre-travel distance of individual keys, program up to four inputs to the same key, set custom reset points, or even toggle an analog mode that measures gradual inputs like a controller joystick.
Our Verdict
The Wooting 60HE is an amazing gaming keyboard. It has excellent build quality and remarkably low latency. Its analog switches provide a high degree of customizability, letting you adjust the pre-travel distance of individual keys and enable joystick-like analog control or rapid trigger behavior, among other settings. The keyboard has mediocre ergonomics as it has a high profile and fixed incline. It also lacks an included wrist rest, though Wooting sells one separately.
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Excellent build quality.
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Exceptionally low latency.
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Lots of software features to customize gaming performance.
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Mediocre ergonomics; wrist rest is sold separately.
The Wooting 60HE is a satisfactory keyboard for office work, but it isn't specifically for this use. It feels very well-built, and you can fine-tune the typing experience by adjusting the pre-travel distance of individual keys using the customization software. There are also layers of sound-dampening foam inside the board, and the linear switches are quiet to type on and unlikely to disturb anyone around you. Unfortunately, its ergonomics are mediocre since it has a fairly high profile and lacks an included wrist rest, though one can be bought separately from Wooting.
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Excellent build quality.
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Customizable typing experience.
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Mediocre ergonomics; wrist rest is sold separately.
The Wooting 60HE is a wired-only keyboard that isn't suitable for use with mobile devices or tablets.
The Wooting 60HE is good for programming but isn't specifically for this use. It feels very well-built, and you can customize your typing experience by adjusting the pre-travel distance of individual keys using the customization software. While it lacks dedicated media keys, and you can't program macros directly onboard, you can download a dedicated program for complex macros on the manufacturer's website. Unfortunately, the ergonomics are mediocre since this keyboard has a fixed incline and lacks an included wrist rest, so you might want to buy one from Wooting separately.
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Excellent build quality.
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Customizable typing experience.
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No dedicated macro keys or onboard macro programming.
The Wooting 60HE performs poorly in an entertainment or home theatre setup and isn't for this use. It's a wired-only keyboard, so you'll have to sit close to your computer to use it. It also lacks dedicated media keys and has no extra navigation controls, like a control wheel or trackpad, meaning you'll also need to use a mouse to navigate on-screen menus.
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Excellent build quality.
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Wired-only.
The Wooting 60HE offers amazing raw performance with outstanding single-key and excellent multi-key latency. It also has full n-key rollover and an effective update rate of 1000Hz that isn't bottlenecked by other latency components. Overall, this keyboard provides an exceptionally consistent and responsive experience suitable for gaming in any genre at any competitive level.
- 8.8 Gaming
- 7.0 Office
- 2.8 Mobile/Tablet
- 7.5 Programming
- 2.9 Entertainment / HTPC
- 8.9 Raw Performance
- Updated Sep 01, 2023: We've added text to the Single Key Latency and Multi Key Latency sections of this review to include information about what settings were used for testing.
- Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.3.
- Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed DrunkDeer A75 in the Dimensions section of this review.
- Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Jun 20, 2023: We've corrected an error in the result of the Switch PCB Socket test in the Hardware Customizability section of this review. The result has been changed from Non-Cherry Pinout to Non-Customizable Design because the PCB has no conventional sockets and was designed specifically for Gateron Lekker switches.
- Updated Jun 12, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated May 04, 2023: We incorrectly stated that Wooting doesn't sell a Compact (60%) wrist rest separately for this keyboard. The review has been updated to reflect that they do.
- Updated Apr 18, 2023: Review published.
- Updated Apr 12, 2023: Early access published.
- Updated Apr 07, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Mar 31, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Jan 13, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
- Updated Jan 12, 2023: The product has won our suggestion poll, so we’ll buy and test it soon.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Wooting 60HE keyboard is available in a standard ANSI United States layout or several ISO language layouts. All layouts are only available in a single colorway: black. ISO language layouts can be purchased with PBT or ABS keycaps or without keycaps entirely. We bought and tested the ANSI United States layout, and you can see the label for our unit here.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The Wooting 60HE is a mechanical gaming keyboard with the same overall feature set as Wooting's previous release, the Wooting two HE. However, this new version has a much smaller, compact form factor. This keyboard stands out from most gaming keyboards due to its analog Gateron Lekker switches and companion software that allow for much more customization than standard mechanical gaming keyboards. There are analog gaming keyboard models from other major manufacturers that offer similar functionality, including the SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog. Both of these other keyboards allow you to customize the pre-travel of individual keys, but they don't feel as well built and premium and don't allow you to customize the pre-travel as precisely. These other keyboards also lack some of the more specific modes that the Wooting 60HE offers, detailed in our Extra Features section.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best gaming keyboards.
The Wooting two HE and the Wooting 60HE are similar mechanical gaming keyboards that use Gateron Lekker Linear 60 switches. Both keyboards offer exceptional gaming performance and a high degree of customizability via companion software. The primary difference between these two keyboards is their size. The Wooting two HE is a full-size keyboard. It also has a pair of flip-out feet that provide an additional incline angle. On the other hand, the 60HE is much smaller with a compact (60%) form factor. It has a fixed incline and includes a carrying strap, which the Wooting two HE lacks.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini and the Wooting 60HE are mechanical gaming keyboards with Compact (60%) form factors. Both keyboards have exceptional gaming performance and analog switch functionality that allow you to adjust the pre-travel of individual keys. However, the Wooting has some additional software features the SteelSeries lacks, including a low latency Tachyon Mode, Rapid Triggers, the ability to assign up to four inputs to a single keypress, customizable reset points, and an Analog Mode that mimics the gradual inputs of a controller joystick.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Wooting 60HE are mechanical gaming keyboards with exceptional gaming performance and analog switch functionality that allow you to adjust the pre-travel of individual keys. The SteelSeries is a full-size keyboard and includes a wrist rest. It also has some hardware features the Wooting lacks, including a USB passthrough, a volume wheel, and a small OLED screen. On the other hand, the Wooting 60HE is a smaller, Compact (60%) model. The Wooting has several additional software features the SteelSeries lacks, including a low latency Tachyon Mode, Rapid Triggers, the ability to assign up to four inputs to a single keypress, customizable reset points, and an Analog Mode that mimics the gradual inputs of controller joysticks.
The Razer Huntsman Mini Analog and the Wooting 60HE are Compact (60%) mechanical gaming keyboards with exceptional gaming performance and analog switches that allow you to adjust the pre-travel on a per-key basis. However, the Wooting also includes several additional software features the Razer lacks, including a Rapid Trigger mode, a low latency Tacyhon Mode, the ability to assign up to four inputs to a single keypress, customizable reset points, and an Analog Mode that mimics the gradual input of a controller's joystick.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) and the Wooting 60HE are mechanical gaming keyboards with outstanding gaming performance and analog switch functionality that allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance of individual keys. The SteelSeries is a TenKeyLess (80%) model and has an included wrist rest. It also has an OLED screen and a control wheel, which the Wooting lacks. On the other hand, the Wooting 60HE is a smaller, Compact (60%) model. The Wooting has several software features the SteelSeries doesn't, including a low latency Tachyon Mode, Rapid Triggers, the ability to assign multiple inputs to a single keypress, adjustable reset points, and an Analog Mode that reproduces the gradual inputs of controller joysticks.
The Wooting 60HE and the DrunkDeer A75 are wired gaming keyboards that use hall-effect switches, allowing you to customize the pre-travel distance of individual switches. The Wooting is a compact 60% model with considerably better build quality, more comprehensive and intuitive software, and lower latency. It also supports some advanced software features the DrunkDeer doesn't, including dynamic reset points, multiple actions in the same keypress, and analog control mimicking controller input. On the other hand, the DrunkDeer has a slightly larger 75% form factor and has a control knob, which the Wooting lacks.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the Wooting 60HE are mechanical gaming keyboards with outstanding gaming performance and Hall effect analog switches that allow you to adjust the pre-travel on a per-key basis. The Razer is a full-size keyboard with an included wrist rest. On the other hand, the Wooting has a smaller, Compact (60%) form factor. The Wooting also includes several additional software features the Razer lacks, including a Rapid Trigger mode, a low latency Tacyhon Mode, the ability to assign up to four inputs to a single keypress, customizable reset points, and an Analog Mode that mimics the gradual input of a controller's joystick.
Video
Test Results
This keyboard has a Compact (60%) layout, which means it's significantly smaller than a full-size keyboard. It lacks a Numpad, dedicated arrow keys, a navigation cluster, and a function row, but it provides much more space on your desk for mouse movements and is much more portable. Note that the Weight measurement is without the included nylon strap or its associated mounting hardware.
If you're interested in a similar gaming keyboard with hall-effect switches but in a slightly larger Compact (75%) layout that includes dedicated arrow keys and several navigation keys, check out the DrunkDeer A75.
This keyboard has excellent build quality overall. It has a sturdy-feeling plastic chassis and a steel base plate. The keycaps are made of doubleshot PBT plastic and have a slight texture that feels pleasant to type on. There are four rubber feet on the bottom of the keyboard that do a great job of keeping the keyboard in place.
This keyboard has mediocre ergonomics. It has a fixed incline and doesn't include a wrist rest. While this is less likely to be an issue when using this keyboard for gaming, you may experience fatigue if you plan on typing on this keyboard for long stretches. However, Wooting sells wrist rests separately on their website.
The Wooting 60HE has a hot-swappable PCB, letting you easily remove or replace switches without soldering. However, it's designed only to accept Hall Effect switches, which don't use standard 3- or 5-pin sockets like most mechanical switches. Currently, you can only hotswap Gateron Lekker Linear60 switches onto this PCB. For the moment, we've indicated that this keyboard has a non-customizable Switch PCB Socket design for this reason. However, If future switches are released that are compatible with this keyboard, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Out of the box, this keyboard's switches are North-facing. Due to the design of the Gateron Lekker switches, they can be installed North or South-facing and retain full functionality. This means you can rotate the switches to avoid any potential North-Facing interference with Cherry MX-style keycaps. However, some users have suggested that doing this is likely unnecessary as Gateron has reportedly modified their recent switch designs to mitigate North-facing interference.
Wooting also advertises that this keyboard has a 'universal tray mount' design, allowing you to remove the internal components and install them in a third-party case.
This keyboard has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys. The key legends are shine-through, making them easier to read in the dark.
This keyboard has excellent backlight clarity. That said, the white-only lighting has a red hue visible in the photo.
This keyboard includes a braided black and yellow USB-A to USB-C cable. The cable feels high quality, but it does retain some kinks from its packaging.
This is a wired-only keyboard.
This keyboard has no dedicated macro keys, and you can't program macros using the keyboard alone. You can program macros to any key using Wootomation software, a standalone macro programming application separate from Wootility, the primary customization software.
This keyboard has several more common extra features, including Windows Key lock, full anti-ghosting, and n-key rollover. There's also an attachment point for an included nylon carrying strap on the left side of the keyboard. Wooting has a video with instructions for attaching the strap.
Due to its specialized switches, this keyboard has several additional software modes and features detailed below.
- Adjustable pre-travel distance: You can adjust the pre-travel distance of each individual switch between 0.1mm and 4.0mm in increments of 0.1mm.
- Rapid Trigger: This mode eliminates key release travel. In other words, this allows you to quickly repeat a key press mid-motion without passing a fixed reset point and 'finishing' your keystroke like you need to do with most mechanical switches.
- Analog Mode: This mode allows you to map Xbox controller buttons to your keyboard, and the switches measure gradual inputs. This feature is useful for games like flight simulators or racing games to give you more precise control. It's important to note that this feature is only compatible with games that support Xinput or DirectInput.
- Mod Tap: This is the ability to set two different actions to a single key behavior based on whether you tap or hold down the key.
- Tachyon Mode: This setting is designed to optimize for input latency and disables any RGB lighting effects. Note that Wooting indicates using this setting may affect the stability of analog mode settings.
- Wooting 60HE
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- 2x Extra Gateron Lekker Linear60 switches
- Keycap puller
- Wooting post card
- Nylon strap, silicone attachment, and screws
This keyboard delivers great typing quality. The linear Gateron Lekker switches feel very smooth, and the keycaps are made of doubleshot PBT plastic with a pleasant, slightly textured finish. There's some minor wobbling in the keys, notably on the Tab, Caps Lock, and Backslash keys, as they're larger keys without stabilizers. However, the larger keys with stabilizers, like the Enter, and Spacebar keys, are very stable, and the minor wobbling on smaller keys isn't noticeable while typing. That said, this fairly high-profile keyboard doesn't include a wrist rest, so you may experience fatigue after using it for longer periods. You can buy a wrist rest separately on Wooting's website.
The Wooting 60HE has good typing noise and doesn't make any distracting high-pitch clicking noises while typing. It's unlikely to bother those around you while typing on it. Compared to the older Wooting two HE, this keyboard includes pre-installed poron and EPDM foam layers, making it somewhat quieter.
The Wooting 60HE uses Gateron Lekker Linear60 switches which operate with magnets rather than standard metal contact points. These switches allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance between 0.1mm and 4.00 in increments of 0.1mm.
We took measurements with various actuation point settings and confirmed the actual pre-travel distance is typically within 0.1mm of the programmed pre-travel distance, indicating that the settings are accurate and consistent. The measurements for this test were taken with the default actuation point setting (1.0mm). Changing the actuation point distances does not affect the activation or operation force.
The Wooting 60HE has exceptionally low single-key latency and delivers an extremely responsive in-game experience for gaming in any genre.
These measurements were achieved with keystroke actuation at its lowest setting (01. mm), Rapid Trigger mode enabled and set to its High (most sensitive) setting (0.15mm), and with Tachyon Mode enabled in the software, which disables all RGB effects, ensuring the lowest possible latency.
This keyboard provides amazing multi-key latency performance, making this keyboard a standout choice for playing any game that requires additional keystrokes while multiple keys are pressed and maintained.
These measurements were achieved with keystroke actuation at its lowest setting (01. mm), with Rapid Trigger mode enabled and set to its highest (most sensitive) setting (0.15mm), and with Tachyon Mode enabled in the software, which disables all RGB effects, ensuring the lowest possible latency.
This keyboard has excellent data transmission performance. It can send multiple keys per USB report and has full n-key rollover. It also has an effective polling rate of 1000Hz, making it capable of taking full advantage of its 1000Hz polling rate.
This keyboard has excellent chord split performance, with very low 4-chord and 8-chord split delay, making it an amazing candidate for playing rhythm games requiring many simultaneous inputs.
This keyboard uses Wootility companion software. The software is easy to use and clearly laid out. Settings are arranged on multiple pages, but there are helpful definitions for some of the various features. In addition to standard features like key mapping, macro programming, and backlighting, this software allows you to adjust the pre-travel distance of individual keys. You can also toggle the keyboard to work in analog or digital mode. In analog mode, the keystrokes can measure gradual inputs, like those of a joystick controller. This software has a web-based version that offers the same functionality if you'd rather not install the software locally on your machine. There's also an additional separate program called Wootomation used for macro programming.