I Tried the Wooting 80HE... (So You Don't Have To)

Summary

In this review of the Wooting keyboard, the reviewer delves into its modular, customizable nature, highlighting the ability to swap out components like keycaps and switches. They appreciate the Hall effect switches but feel that the technology is still maturing. While the Wooting keyboard offers premium software and warranty support, the reviewer questions its overall value, noting that similar features can be found in cheaper alternatives. The review concludes with excitement about the future of Hall effect switches but an acknowledgment that Wooting's offerings aren’t yet the go-to choice for most users.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Wooting keyboard offers a unique Hall Effect switch technology, which is innovative but not yet the standard for most keyboards.
• 😀 The keyboard has a modular design, allowing users to swap out parts like keycaps and switches, offering customization and flexibility.
• 😀 Wooting's approach to open-source design means users can create and customize their own cases for the keyboard.
• 😀 The pre-built version of the Wooting keyboard can be modified later by swapping keycaps and switches, but purchasing a module allows more control from the start.
• 😀 The keyboard is priced higher than alternatives, but the premium cost is partly due to better software, warranty support, and brand recognition.
• 😀 The ABS version of the Wooting keyboard is considered subpar due to its cheap feel, making it less satisfying to type on compared to the metal version.
• 😀 The metal version of the Wooting keyboard is more premium in feel and typing experience, but still lacks the quality of other competing keyboards at lower price points.
• 😀 Hall Effect technology in keyboards, while exciting, is still not ready for mass adoption and remains a niche feature in the market.
• 😀 There are similar and more affordable alternatives to the Wooting keyboard, such as the AO Mon Geek M1 V3 and Boog 75, which also use Hall Effect switches.
• 😀 The keyboard enthusiast community is divided into two main sides: those who prefer high-end, luxury items and those who focus on budget and optimization, both of which are valid approaches.
• 😀 Despite its potential, the Wooting keyboard is not yet fully refined, and it may not be worth the investment for most users at this stage of development.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the review?

The main topic of the review is a critique of the Wooting keyboard, focusing on the use of hall effect switches, its design, software, pricing, and comparison to other keyboards on the market.

What are hall effect switches and why are they important to the Wooting keyboard?

Hall effect switches use magnetic sensors instead of physical contact points, offering a smoother and more durable key press. They are central to Wooting's mission to make hall effect technology the standard for keyboards, offering advantages in gaming and typing experiences.

How does the speaker feel about the ABS version of the Wooting keyboard?

The speaker feels the ABS version of the Wooting keyboard is not worth the price. They describe it as having a cheap experience, with less satisfying typing feel compared to other options on the market.

What is the difference between the ABS and metal versions of the Wooting keyboard?

The ABS version feels cheap and unsatisfying to type on, while the metal version has a more premium build and a slightly better typing experience. However, both versions are still not considered top-tier keyboards by the speaker.

What does the speaker think about the customization options for the Wooting keyboard?

The speaker finds the open-source nature of the Wooting keyboard exciting, as it allows users to swap cases, keycaps, and switches, offering greater control over their keyboard build and the potential for future improvements in hall effect switches.

Why does the speaker consider the Wooting keyboard expensive?

The speaker considers the Wooting keyboard expensive because, while it offers hall effect switches and better software, it doesn’t offer a substantial improvement in typing quality compared to other options at a lower price point.

What are some alternatives to the Wooting keyboard that the speaker mentions?

The speaker mentions the AO Mons Geek M1 V3 and the Boog 75 as alternatives to the Wooting keyboard. These keyboards are priced lower but offer similar performance, including hall effect switches.

What does the speaker think about the future of hall effect switches?

The speaker is excited about the future of hall effect switches but believes the technology still has a long way to go before it becomes the standard for keyboards. They emphasize that it is an exciting direction but not yet perfected.

Who does the speaker consider the target demographic for the Wooting keyboard?

The target demographic for the Wooting keyboard, according to the speaker, would be gamers with disposable income who are interested in trying out new technologies, particularly hall effect switches.

What is the speaker's overall opinion of the Wooting keyboard?

The speaker finds the Wooting keyboard intriguing but ultimately not worth the price for most people. While the software and hall effect switches are promising, the product is not yet at the level of other keyboards available at a lower cost.