My Honest Opinion on Keyboards: Are Big Brands Really Worth It?
When it comes to keyboards, especially for competitive gaming, there’s a lot of hype around big-name brands like SteelSeries and Wooting. Don’t get me wrong—keyboards like the Apex Pro TKL and Wooting 60HE are impressive. They pack innovative tech and sleek designs, but are they really the best options for competitive gamers? Let’s break it down.
The Hype Around the Apex Pro TKL and Wooting 60HE
The Apex Pro TKL and Wooting 60HE are often hailed as the “best” keyboards on the market. And sure, they have some standout features:
- Apex Pro TKL: Boasts a 0.7ms response time and customizable actuation points, making it a favorite among gamers who want precision.
- Wooting 60HE: Offers analog input and can achieve a single key latency as low as 1.8ms, with average key press latency around 2.7ms and key release latency at 7.0ms.
Both keyboards have a 1000Hz polling rate, which is the standard for most gaming peripherals. They’re well-built, responsive, and packed with features that appeal to gamers. But here’s the thing: they come with a hefty price tag, often exceeding $200. And for that price, I can’t help but wonder—are they really worth it?
Why I Prefer the Wooting 60HE for Gaming
If I had to choose between the two, I’d lean toward the Wooting 60HE. Why? It has a couple of advantages that make it stand out:
1. Analog Input: This feature allows for more precise control in games, especially in titles where subtle movements matter.
2. Adjustable Actuation: Like the Apex Pro, the Wooting lets you customize how deep a key needs to be pressed to register, which is great for tailoring your experience.
That said, while the Wooting is my pick between the two, I still think there are better options out there—especially if you’re willing to go the custom route.
The Case for Custom Keyboards
Here’s where things get interesting. While the Apex Pro and Wooting are solid choices, they’re not the only players in the game. In fact, I’d argue that custom keyboards offer a lot more value for competitive gamers. Here’s why:
1. Higher Polling Rates: Many custom keyboards offer 8000Hz polling rates, which is overkill for most games but can make a difference in competitive scenarios where every millisecond counts.
2. Lower Latency: Some custom boards boast 0.1ms latency and 0.1ms response delay, outperforming even the Apex Pro and Wooting.
3. Cost-Effective: You can often build a high-performance custom keyboard for less than the price of a premium branded board.
4. Personalization: From switches to keycaps to cases, custom keyboards let you tailor every aspect of your setup to your preferences.
The Reality of Competitive Gaming
Let’s be real—most gamers won’t notice the difference between 0.7ms and 0.1ms latency. But if you’re a competitive player, those fractions of a second can matter. The question is: do you need to spend $200+ on a keyboard to get that edge? I don’t think so.
There are plenty of budget-friendly options on the market that offer exceptional performance. Sure, they might not have the flashy branding or the same level of marketing hype, but they deliver where it counts. And if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, building a custom keyboard can give you the best of both worlds: top-tier performance and a setup that’s uniquely yours.
My Final Thoughts (For Now)
The Apex Pro TKL and Wooting 60HE are great keyboards, but they’re not the be-all and end-all of competitive gaming. If you’re looking for the absolute best performance, I’d recommend exploring custom keyboard builds. They offer better value, higher performance, and the satisfaction of creating something tailored to your needs.
That said, I’m still in the process of testing various keyboards and configurations. I’ll be updating this blog with my professional recommendations for competitive gamers once I’ve gathered more data. So, stay tuned!
What’s Your Take?
Do you think the Apex Pro TKL and Wooting 60HE are worth the hype? Or are you team custom keyboard? [Let me know on Twitter] —I’d love to hear your thoughts!
