9/10
Open rating explainerInformationWIREDSmooth and consistent switches. 8,000 Hz polling. In-depth and intuitive software. Compact and efficient layout. Split spacebar option. Comfortable and great-sounding mounting method. Standardized case design. Easy disassembly. Carrying strap is removable. TIREDWired-only connectivity.The Wooting 60HE v2 does everything right. It takes the already excellent v1 and massively improves the typing experience with better materials and a new mounting method, all while maintaining an affordable entry option that will surely please gamers.
The 60HE v2 isn’t just a terrific Hall Effect keyboard for gaming. Wooting created a fantastic keyboard period. It is refreshing to see a company willing to make bold changes to a successful formula rather than settling for minor, iterative updates.
Split Design, Split Opinions
Photograph: Henri RobbinsGamers may not appreciate that Wooting made some divisive design decisions with the 60HE v2, but fortunately there are plenty of workarounds.
The first is the optional split spacebar. While it requires a bit of a learning curve, it gives both thumbs a dedicated function key, putting shortcuts within easy reach for gaming and productivity. Even though only 20% of customers choose this layout, Wooting continues to offer it alongside a traditional full-length spacebar.
The second is the compact 60% layout. While gamers might miss the dedicated function row and arrow keys from this design, Wooting addresses this through software. You can map arrow keys to a function layer over WASD, IJKL, or the bottom right cluster, or use "Mod Tap" on the Right Shift, Menu, Ctrl, and Fn keys.
Mod Tap allows a key to perform one action when tapped and another when held. While it has become my preferred way to use arrow keys, it does have tradeoffs: it only supports quick taps rather than sustained presses (making it less ideal for spreadsheets), and it introduces a slight, though minor, increase in input latency.
The final design controversy is the large carrying strap attached to the side. Fortunately, if it isn't your style, you can remove it entirely and use the included blocker plates to conceal the attachment points.
Typing Bliss
Photograph: Henri RobbinsThe 60HE v2 builds on the customization-friendly design of the original. By using a standard GH60/Tofu60 PCB layout, it remains one of the few Hall Effect keyboards to offer mechanical-level personalization through aftermarket cases, switches, and community mods.
The biggest difference between a Hall Effect and a mechanical keyboard is that the latter requires a key to be fully pressed to complete the circuit and register a keystroke. Hall Effect keyboards instead rely on magnets and sensors to register changes to the magnetic field, which allows inputs to register without physical contact.
With the v2, Wooting officially incorporates community feedback by including improved versions of popular mods straight out of the box. The keyboard now comes standard with an aluminum case, sound dampening, and a friction-fit mount. (I did not test the $180 version with a plastic case.)
To improve durability, Wooting redesigned the internal mounting mechanism. Instead of a standard O-ring mount—where a rubber ring is stretched under constant stress—the 60HE v2 uses a new gummy mount. According to CEO Calder Limmen, this improves durability and reduces separation between the switches and PCB, all while maintaining a comparable sound and feel.
For sound dampening, the 60HE v2 supports foam, silicone, or just air. Silicone produces the highest-pitched sound, while air delivers the lowest. Though I preferred the silicone profile, all three sounded shockingly good. Combined with the closed-bottom switches, the v2 achieves a full sound profile that lacks the typical hollowness of other Hall Effect keyboards.
The split spacebar unit I reviewed came with smooth, silent stabilizers. While I can't speak for the full-size spacebar—which naturally has more room for error—the excellent build quality of this keyboard and the 80HE suggests it won't be an issue.
Next-Gen Gaming
Photograph: Henri RobbinsThe main draw of the v2 is its performance, highlighted by an 8,000 Hz polling rate and near-limitless software customization.
These customizations are managed through the browser-based Wootility app. Here, you can adjust actuation distances, fine-tune Rapid Trigger for faster inputs, and map multiple actions to a single keypress. It also supports advanced features like Mod Tap and controller emulation, allowing WASD to mimic a joystick or specific keys to act as a car's throttle, brake, and clutch.
For movement-heavy games like Destiny 2, I mapped a half-press to walk (W) and a full-press to sprint (Shift+W) for seamless speed modulation. In games that support hybrid inputs, you can even map WASD to an analog joystick, allowing your movement speed to scale with how far down you press the key. However, since most modern games lock you into either a keyboard or controller, this feature is limited to titles with multi-input support, like GTA V.
With a bit of tinkering, racing games like Forza Horizon 5, Art of Rally, and Assetto Corsa were fully playable on the keyboard, even using a manual transmission. I mapped the throttle, brake, and clutch to Z, X, and C, with steering on J and L, and shifting on Ctrl and Space. While it takes some getting used to, it’s a surprisingly comfortable and viable alternative to a controller.
Photograph: Henri RobbinsThe most controversial feature is Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Direction (SOCD) customization. This allows one key to override another rather than registering both simultaneously, which is ideal for strafing in tactical shooters like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant. The difference in reaction speed is immediately noticeable, making quick peeks far more consistent. However, because of the distinct advantage it provides, the feature has been banned in some competitive games because it reduces the delay between directional movement to near-zero levels without requiring any additional skills.
Testing these features across a variety of shooters and racing games, I was consistently impressed by the level of fine-tuning Wootility offers—something not possible on a traditional mechanical keyboard.
The gaming experience of this keyboard is simply impressive. The switches are incredibly smooth and consistent, offering granular control with near-instantaneous, low-latency inputs. While older Hall Effect keyboards from competitors like Keychron and Asus often lacked the tactile feel of traditional mechanical designs, Wooting's Lekker switches easily bridge the gap.
The RGB lighting also looks great and is deeply customizable. Like most LEDs, it tends to lean slightly blue, but this is easily corrected in the software (I set mine to 203/192/180 for a true white). It is a minor quirk in an otherwise impressive lighting setup.
Peak Repairability
Photograph: Henri RobbinsThe 60HE v2’s simple internal design makes repairs easy, allowing the keyboard to be disassembled in seconds. Despite this ease of access, Wooting’s solid construction ensures everything stays securely in place. Inside, you will find a plate, switches, a silicone layer, a PCB with rubber feet on the underside, your choice of sound dampening layer, and the case.
Switch compatibility is often a weak point for analog keyboards, but the 60HE v2 easily outpaces competitors from Keychron, Razer, and ROG, which typically only support two or three options. By adopting the widely used KS-20 design, the 60HE v2 works with switches from Gateron, Geon, and several other manufacturers, giving users a constantly growing range of options.
My only real complaint is the adherence to the standard GH60 form factor, which places the USB-C port directly on the left side of the PCB. While I would prefer a centered port on a separate daughterboard for convenience and repairability, I understand the choice. The benefits of standardization for both consumers and manufacturers ultimately outweigh this minor design gripe.
I’m impressed by how well this keyboard performs across every metric. The build quality is robust, the switches are smooth and consistent, and nearly every aspect can be tailored to the individual player. Aside from the lack of wireless connectivity, it leaves nothing to be desired.
The 60HE v2 is easily one of the best gaming keyboards available today. While it is currently backordered, if you are willing to be patient, it is absolutely worth the $240 price tag.
$180 at Wooting
