Apex Pro vs. Wooting 60HE

Introduction

In the high-octane world of competitive gaming, milliseconds matter. That’s where keyboards like the SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Wooting 60HE come in, boasting features designed to give you the edge.

Both are 60% keyboards, meaning they ditch the number pad and function keys for a compact, minimalist design. But beneath the similar form factor lies a battle for the title of the fastest keyboard.

This breakdown will delve into the key differences between Apex Pro vs. Wooting 60HE, which are these two contenders, helping you decide which one reigns supreme for your gaming setup.

Apex Pro vs. Wooting 60HE – Diving Deep into Switches, Performance, and Software

The heart of any keyboard lies in its switches, and both the Apex Pro vs. Wooting 60HE boast innovative technologies.

Let’s break down their strengths and weaknesses for gaming and typing:

Switches:

• Apex Pro: Adjustable Actuation Point (OmniPoint 2.0 Switches)
  • Pros for Gaming: The key feature here is adjustability. The OmniPoint switches allow you to set the actuation point (the point at which a keypress registers) anywhere between 0.2mm and 3.8mm. This lets you choose hair-trigger responsiveness for lightning-fast in-game actions (0.2mm) or a more deliberate typing experience (closer to 3.8mm) to minimize accidental presses.
  • Cons for Gaming: While adjustability is excellent, it can also be a double-edged sword. Constantly tweaking the actuation point might disrupt your gameplay flow. Additionally, some users report a slightly mushy key feel compared to traditional mechanical switches.
  • Pros for Typing: The ability to adjust the actuation point for a deeper press can benefit touch typists, reducing typos.
  • Cons for Typing: The potentially mushy key feel might not be ideal for everyone, especially those who prefer a more tactile typing experience.
• Wooting 60HE: Analog Hall Effect Lekker Switches with Lower Actuation Point
  • Pros for Gaming: The Lekker switches utilize Hall Effect sensors, offering a low, fixed actuation point of 0.1mm. This translates to speedy response times, which are ideal for competitive gamers where milliseconds can make a difference. Additionally, these switches boast a smooth and linear keystroke, which some gamers prefer for rapid key presses.
  • Cons for Gaming: The fixed low actuation point can lead to accidental key presses, especially for those with a lighter touch. This might require some adjustment and getting used to. The linear keystroke might not provide the same level of feedback as some tactile switches preferred by some gamers.
  • Pros for Typing: The smooth keystroke can be enjoyable for some typists, but the low actuation point might still lead to more typos compared to a switch with a higher actuation point.
  • Cons for Typing: Similar to the Apex Pro’s adjustability, the Lekker switches’ fixed low actuation point might not be ideal for everyone who types a lot, potentially leading to more typos.

Performance:

• Actuation Point Comparison: As mentioned, the Apex Pro offers an adjustable actuation point between 0.2mm and 3.8mm, while the Wooting 60HE has a fixed, lower actuation point of 0.1mm. Due to its lower actuation point, the Wooting should have a slight edge in responsiveness. However, the perceivable difference might be minimal for most users.
• Polling Rate and Latency: Both keyboards boast a high polling rate of 1000Hz, meaning they report their key presses to your computer 1000 times per second. This translates to very low latency, ensuring near-instantaneous responsiveness.
• Anti-Ghosting: Both keyboards have full N-key rollover (NKRO) anti-ghosting technology. This ensures that all your key presses are registered accurately, no matter how many keys you press simultaneously.

Software:

• SteelSeries Engine vs. Wooting Software:
  • SteelSeries Engine: This software is known for being user-friendly and comprehensive. It allows for extensive customization options, including key remapping, macro creation, RGB lighting control, and, uniquely, the ability to adjust the actuation point of the OmniPoint switches on the Apex Pro.
  • Wooting Software: While not as feature-rich as SteelSeries Engine, Wooting offers essential functionalities like key remapping, macro creation, and RGB lighting control. However, its standout feature is implementing analog input for specific keys. This allows for more nuanced control in certain games, especially racing titles, where the depth of a key press can determine acceleration.

Highlighting Unique Software Features:

• Apex Pro: The ability to adjust the actuation point through SteelSeries Engine is a clear advantage for the Apex Pro, allowing users to tailor the keyboard’s responsiveness to their specific needs.
• Wooting 60HE: The Wooting software’s implementation of analog input for specific keys unveils a unique functionality not found on the Apex Pro. This can be particularly beneficial for gamers who want even more precise control in certain games.

Apex Pro vs. Wooting 60HE Design & Build Quality – A Tale of Two Minimalists

The Apex Pro vs. Wooting 60HE shares the minimalist charm of the 60% keyboard layout, sacrificing function keys and the number pad for a compact footprint.

This translates to valuable desk space saved, which is ideal for cramped setups or maximizing mouse movement area.

However, let’s delve deeper into the materials and details that set them apart:

• Material Quality and Overall Build Impression:
  • Apex Pro: SteelSeries boasts a reputation for premium build quality, and the Apex Pro reflects that. The chassis is constructed from a sturdy aluminum alloy, conveying a sense of solidity and durability. The keycaps are made of ABS plastic, which is standard for most keyboards but might feel less luxurious than PBT keycaps found on some premium offerings.
  • Wooting 60HE: Wooting takes a slightly different approach. The Wooting 60HE utilizes a high-density plastic chassis, which feels lightweight yet sturdy. The keycaps are also made of ABS plastic. While the overall build quality is good, some users might find the Apex Pro’s aluminum build to feel a bit more substantial.
• Hot-Swappable Switch Capability:
  • Apex Pro: Unfortunately, the Apex Pro does not offer hot-swappable switches. This means that if you want to change the switch type, you’ll need to desolder and solder new switches, which is more involved.
  • Wooting 60HE: The Wooting 60HE’s clear advantage lies in its hot-swappable switch capability. This allows you to easily experiment with different switch types without requiring soldering. Pop out the existing switches and replace them with your preferred choice, offering more significant customization potential.

Connectivity: Wired Warriors (for Now)

Currently, Apex Pro vs. Wooting 60HE are exclusively wired keyboards. This eliminates the potential for wireless latency, ensuring the fastest possible response times for competitive gaming. However, some users might prefer the convenience of a wireless option.

• USB Connection Type and Passthrough:
  • Apex Pro: The Apex Pro utilizes a standard USB Type-A connection. It does not feature a USB passthrough port, meaning you’ll lose one USB port on your computer for every Apex Pro you connect.
  • Wooting 60HE: Like the Apex Pro vs. Wooting 60HE utilizes a standard USB Type-A connection. However, it boasts a convenient USB passthrough port, allowing you to connect another peripheral through the keyboard, like a mouse or headset. This can be a space-saver on setups with limited USB ports.

Conclusion

The battle between the Apex Pro vs. Wooting 60HE is close, with each keyboard excelling in specific areas. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

• For Gamers Who Prioritize Absolute Speed and Customization, The Wooting 60HE takes the lead with its incredibly low actuation point switches and hot-swappable functionality. This allows you to experiment and find the perfect switch for your needs. The analog input capability adds another layer of control for specific game genres.
• For Gamers Who Value Adjustability and a Premium Build: The Apex Pro offers a compelling counterpoint with its adjustable actuation point switches, catering to those who want to fine-tune their keyboard’s responsiveness. The SteelSeries Engine software is also a powerhouse for customization, and the aluminum chassis exudes quality.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you crave maximum speed and customization, the Wooting 60HE might be your champion.

If adjustability and a premium feel are more important, the Apex Pro could be your perfect match.

It’s important to note that the keyboard landscape is constantly evolving. New features and technologies emerge frequently, so staying up-to-date with the latest offerings is crucial.

SteelSeries and Wootingdoublemovement are known for innovation, so it’ll be interesting to see how these keyboards, or their potential successors, fare in the future.

FAQs

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