The Wooting 60HE v2, as reviewed by WIRED, represents a significant step forward in Hall Effect keyboard design, offering enterprise IT buyers a compelling option for high-performance input hardware. Building on the original 60HE, the v2 improves the typing experience through better materials and a new mounting method, while maintaining an affordable entry point that appeals to both gamers and professionals.
Hall Effect Technology for Enterprise Input
Unlike traditional mechanical keyboards that require a full keypress to complete a circuit, Hall Effect keyboards use magnets and sensors to register changes in the magnetic field, allowing inputs without physical contact. This results in smoother, more consistent switches and a rated polling rate of 8,000 Hz, according to WIRED. The reduced latency and increased durability make the technology suitable for environments where input speed and reliability are critical.
Wooting has also incorporated community feedback by including improved versions of popular modifications out of the box. The v2 comes standard with an aluminum case, sound dampening, and a friction-fit mount. (A $180 version with a plastic case was not tested by the reviewer.) The internal mounting mechanism was redesigned: instead of a standard O-ring mount, the 60HE v2 uses a new gummy mount. According to CEO Calder Limmen, as quoted by WIRED, this improves durability and reduces separation between the switches and PCB, all while maintaining a comparable sound and feel.
Design Tradeoffs and Customization
The 60HE v2 makes several divisive design decisions, but offers workarounds. The optional split spacebar, chosen by only 20% of customers according to Wooting, gives both thumbs a dedicated function key. A traditional full-length spacebar remains available. The compact 60% layout lacks dedicated function rows and arrow keys, but Wooting's software allows remapping via function layers or the "Mod Tap" feature, where a key performs one action when tapped and another when held. However, Mod Tap supports only quick taps, not sustained presses, and introduces a slight increase in input latency, WIRED notes.
The keyboard also features a large carrying strap that can be removed entirely, with included blocker plates to conceal attachment points. Using a standard GH60/Tofu60 PCB layout, the 60HE v2 remains one of the few Hall Effect keyboards to offer aftermarket case and switch customization, according to WIRED.
Sound Dampening and Typing Feel
For sound dampening, the 60HE v2 supports three options: foam, silicone, or air. Silicone produces the highest-pitched sound, while air delivers the lowest. The reviewer preferred the silicone profile but noted all three sounded "shockingly good." Combined with closed-bottom switches, the v2 achieves a full sound profile that lacks the typical hollowness of other Hall Effect keyboards, according to WIRED. The split spacebar unit tested came with smooth, silent stabilizers.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Switch type | Hall Effect (magnetic) |
| Polling rate | 8,000 Hz |
| Case options | Aluminum (default), Plastic ($180) |
| Mounting | Gummy mount (new) |
| Spacebar | Split (optional, ~20% adoption) or full-length |
| Software remapping | Mod Tap, function layers |
| Carrying strap | Removable with blocker plates |
| Customization | Standard GH60/Tofu60 PCB, aftermarket cases |
The Wooting 60HE v2 is a testament to iterative design, taking an already excellent product and improving materials and mounting while preserving modularity. For IT professionals evaluating input devices for high-performance workstations, the v2 offers a durable, low-latency, and highly configurable platform that justifies its consideration beyond gaming.
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