Keyboards are exciting to enthusiasts who can’t stop comparing switches, sounds and actuation distances. They’re also a necessary tool for gamers who want to improve their gaming skills. However, many traditional keyboards adhere to cost-saving matrix scanning and hide the negative impact with dissuasive marketing.
The Wooting Two HE is an interesting alternative with its ability to detect analog inputs in some games. It uses Lekker switches that have a dynamic reset point and rapid trigger.
Customizable switches
Whether you’re a practical typist who likes the classic typewriter sound of Cherry MX Blue or a gamer looking for a lightweight linear switch, there are plenty of options out there. Some companies allow you to personalize your switches with engraved labels, unique symbols or custom colors. This allows you to create a look that aligns with your style and interior design theme. You can also choose the actuation point and key travel distance you prefer – for example, most gamers go for a light tactile or clicky switch with a high actuation point. Other notable switch manufacturers include ALPS, Matias, and Topre.
Adjustable pre-travel distances
The Wooting 60HE is a wired mechanical gaming keyboard that uses analog Gateron Lekker switches with adjustable pre-travel distances. These switches use hall-effect sensors to measure how far the key has been pressed, and they can be fine-tuned using this keyboard’s software to adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis. It also features advanced software that allows users to set custom reset points, assign multiple actions to a single keypress, and even toggle an analog mode that measures gradual inputs like controller joysticks.
Another wooting alternative is the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is another keyboard with analog switch functionality and adjustable pre-travel distances. However, the Wooting 60HE is a more compact, 60% smaller form factor than the SteelSeries, and it has several software features the SteelSeries doesn’t, including a Rapid Trigger mode, a low latency Tachyon mode, and the ability to program up to four inputs to a single keypress. It also has full anti-ghosting and n-key rollover.
Gamepad remapping
Video game controllers allow players to remap their buttons and controls to suit their needs. This feature is available on many gaming platforms and devices, and it can be useful for gamers who have accessibility requirements. In addition, remapping controls is an excellent way to improve a gaming experience.
You can remap controls at the system level or within a game. The former allows you to change button placement and alter analog control deadzones. The latter lets you create radial menus for your touchpad, directional pad, and thumbsticks with visual overlays that appear in-game. This can be particularly helpful for shooters and MMORPGs where switching between weapons is done through the number row.
While there are many wooting alternative out there, RetroArch supports per-game remapping via its Core Options menu, accessed by exiting out of the main menu and going to Quick Menu – Inputs – Manage Core Options. These settings take whatever you assign in the remap menu and apply them to a specific core, which is useful for old computer emulators like PUAE/VICE.
Software
Unlike traditional mechanical switches, which use movable metal leaves to complete a circuit when you press a key, the Lekker 60HE uses magnets. This allows it to detect the full switch motion with 0.1mm accuracy from start to finish. This technology, paired with Wooting’s excellent companion software, gives the 60HE an incredible number of features.
In addition to enabling you to adjust pre-travel distances, the software lets you customize your actuation point per key. This can be set anywhere between 0.1 and 4.0mm, which is enough to suit your particular playstyle. This flexibility eliminates the slowest element of input latency.
A new competitor to the wooting alternative has entered the ring, and it looks like it could be a viable option for gamers looking for an affordable solution with premium features. The Arbiter Studio Polar 65 offers rapid trigger tech in a premium chassis for $150 pre-assembled. It comes with a premium CNC’d aluminum frame, PBT keycaps, and lubed Fuji Hall Effect switches.