Wooting 80HE+ Is In Pre-Order

Will Wooting's 80HE+ be the next best thing to hit our desktops? What changes set the 80HE+ apart from its predecessor?

For The Record

Full disclosure: I own an 80HE keyboard. I'm not a gamer, and the 80HE is not my daily driver. I type a lot and am very interested in finding the ideal keyboard.

I'm not a fan of Wooting's switches.

Unlike most keyboards on the market, Wooting offers a four (4) year warranty on the 80HE+ Moduler (2 years on LEDs). 30-Day return policy.d

The cover picture is taken from the Wooting 80HE+ web page.

What Makes The 80HE+ Different?

The 80HE+ builds on the original 80HE with an updated FR4 switch plate (was a PC plate), Lekker Tikken medium switches (was Lekker V2 Switches), different case options, split spacebar layout for the Module, and the zinc version will come with our new large knob pre-installed.

The plastic versions offer a Ghost or Frost case.

Unlike the 80HE, the 80HE+ does not come with a travel case.

Watch Wooting's video describing the changes: So... where did the Wooting 80HE go?

80HE+

There are two "Build Paths" for the 80HE+: Prebuilt ($256.00 - $412.00 CA) or Custom (from $213.00 CA).

Prebuilt

1. Prebuilt, as the word implies, is a pre-assembled keyboard with Lekker Tikken Medium switches. ANSI includes installed double-shot PBT keycaps. ISO keycaps are packed separately.

2. Keyboard Layout: ANSI ($284.00 CA), ISO ($256.00 CA)

3. Style (Material and Colour):

   1. Plastic, Dark or Frost ($0.00 included in base price)

   2. Zinc Alloy - Black (+$128.00 CA)

4. Review before placing your order

Custom

1. Custom lets you choose from more options than the prebuilt keyboards.

2. Module $213.00 CA

3. Layout with Split spacebar option for ANSI

4. Case:

   1. 80HE+ Plastic Case (Dark or Frost) $21.43 CA (57% off)

   2. 80HE+ Zinc Alloy Case $106.67 CA (17% off)

5. Knob: Optionald

   1. Black or Silver $42.75 (25% off)

6. Switches: Choose your favourite switch, or none at all to install your own

   1. Lekker Tikken Light $35.50 (50% off)

   2. LekkerTikken Medium $35.50 (50% off)

   3. Lekker V2 L45 Linear ($21.38 63% off)

   4. Lekker V2 L60 Linear ($21.38 63% off)

   5. KOM POM Linear ($108.90 CA 10% off)

   6. KOM RGB Linear ($102.60 CA 10% off)

   7. RAW L50 Linear ($63.90 CA 10% off)

7. Keycaps (OEM + Backlit): Optional

   1. ANSI United States - Just Black ($28.50 CA 50% off)

   2. ANSI United States - Just White ($28.50 CA 50% off)

8. Review Your Order

Accessories

80HE Wrist Rest - Black or White $38.70 CA

80HE Travel Case - $38.70 CA

Premium Cable Set - $38.70 CA

PC Switch Plate - Black or White $29.00 CA

You can also purchase Lekker Tikken Light and Medium switches separately in packs of 20, 70, and 90 pieces for $18.00 CA, $57.00 CA, and $71.00 CA (on sale now for $35.50 CA), respectively.

Shipping, Duties, Taxes

FedEx - Economy Export to Canada costs $34.00 CA and takes 3-13 Business days to deliver.

The total cost of the keyboard delivered to my door is CA $566.22. The question is, "Is it worth it?"

Will I Buy One?

Are the changes enough to abandon my current 80HE? I can buy the Lekker Tikken switches separately and swap them for the ones on my current 80HE. As for the FR4 plate and the knob, how significant is the change to warrant buying a new keyboard?

The landed cost of CA $566.22 is a little steep for my liking. If the switches don't make the cut, I can't see making the investment.

How does the HE80+ compare to others in my collection?

If measured on latency alone, my ATK RS6 series keyboards and my Gravastar V60 Ultra keyboard are at least as good as, if not better than, the HE80+. My Syntech 75 Keyboard is equally as good.

As for switches, ATK's Ice Blade and Gravastar's Dual Light-Guide Custom UFO HE switches are smooth and feel great, offering a great keyboard experience.

Wooting is, without a doubt, a leader in the realm of HE keyboards. They keep pushing the envelope with new features and explore new possibilities that keep the competition at bay.

Related Articles and Resources

• So... where did the Wooting 80HE go?

• Wooting 80HE+ Sound Test (ABS Plastic) (YouTube)