Tested: Wooting Keyboard Input Latency And Tracking Performance (2024)

Wooting keyboards are mechanical keyboards that have analog keyboards with pressure sensitive keys, meaning they can detect not just when a key is pressed, but how hard it is pressed. This allows for dynamic analog input and granular control rather than just on/off inputs like traditional mechanical keyboards.

Some of the key benefits of Wooting analog keyboards include:

• Precision movement and speed control in games – keys can act like throttle/brake pedals allowing gradual acceleration or deceleration.
• Analog input for enhanced gameplay – precise aim, fluid character movement, variable weapon fire rate, etc.
• Fully customizable actuation point – keys activate at user-defined pressure thresholds.
• Unique features like arrow cluster analog movement.
• Innovative technology not found in major gaming brands.

Wooting has produced various models over the years like the Wooting One, Wooting Two, and Wooting Two HE. While the analog tech has remained their focus, concerns about latency and tracking have persisted.

Input Latency Testing Methodology

Input latency refers to the delay between the time a key is actuated and when that input is processed and displayed on screen. High input latency can negatively affect gaming performance and responsiveness.

To test the Wooting Two HE analog keyboard’s input latency we utilized a high precision 1000 Hz polling mouse with known sub-1ms latency as a point of comparison. A video camera capable of 480 frames per second video capture was positioned to record external key presses as well as on-screen response.

The mouse was rapidly clicked to trigger a visual dashboard prompt, followed immediately by a keypress on the Wooting keyboard to trigger the same visual prompt. By analyzing the 480 FPS video recording frame by frame, we could precisely measure the time difference between the mouse and keyboard inputs registering on screen.

Multiple key locations were tested including corners, center keys, and commonly used WASD keys which were pressed at light, medium and heavy pressures.

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Input Latency Test Results

Across all keys and pressure levels tested, the Wooting Two HE registered between 3-5ms faster than the mouse in input latency.

This suggests the analog keyboard is operating with extremely low sub-1ms input latency that is essentially imperceptible versus traditional gaming mice. No difference was found between various key locations or pressure levels during testing.

Light Pressure Activation Latency

At light key presses activating just above the actuation point, the Wooting Two HE demonstrated approximately 3ms lower latency than our reference gaming mouse. This can be attributed to the sensitivity of the Flaretech optical switches detecting input before the key has fully traveled downward.

Medium Pressure Actuation Latency

With medium pressure key presses resulting in more pronounced actuation, the Wooting Two HE again showed roughly 4ms lower latency compared to the mouse. The enhanced sensing technology remains fast even with deeper key presses.

Heavy Pressure Actuation Latency

Finally, with heavy handed key presses bottomed out, the Wooting Two HE exhibited a 5ms latency advantage over the mouse. This shows even fully depressed keys are rapidly detected by the Flaretech switches before the mouse click completes.

Multi-Key Tracking Performance Testing

In addition to low latency, gaming keyboards need to demonstrate strong multi-key input tracking – registering multiple simultaneous key presses accurately without ghosting or jamming. Analog keyboards have more complex sensing challenges, so we focused on evaluating the Wooting’s tracking capabilities.

Our testing utilized keyboard checker software to visualize pressed keys, along with hands-on gameplay assessments. The objectives were to determine:

• Ghosting– When a keypress is not properly registered when other keys are already pressed down.
• Jamming– When a keypress gets mistakenly registered instead of the actual keys pressed.
• Rollover– The number of keys that can be pressed simultaneously and still properly register.

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Multi-Key Tracking Performance Results

Through a battery of checker software and real-world gameplay tests, the Wooting Two HE showed impressive multi-key tracking performance:

• No observable key ghosting even under complex multi-finger combinations.
• No erroneous key jamming or mis-registrations during simultaneous input.
• Full n-key rollover allowing unlimited keys pressed together when using USB or Bluetooth connections.

The optical Flaretech switches and Wootility software translate rapid presses into clean, fast inputs free of tracking errors. Analog pressure sensitivity does not hinder the keyboard’s flawless tracking capabilities even under heavy multi-key loads.

Ghosting Test Results

Checker software and focused game testing could not trigger any ghosting issues on the Wooting Two HE across the full keyboard area. All keys consistently registered properly when pressed in combination with others.

Jamming Test Results

No jamming problems occurred on the Wooting Two HE during testing. Software and gameplay never resulted in erroneous extra keypresses when actuating complex multi-key combinations. Inputs translated true to actual keys pressed.

Rollover Test Results

Both USB and Bluetooth modes on the Wooting Two HE offer full n-key rollover with no limits detected. Any number of keys can be actuated simultaneously and still register reliably. No need to consider rollover limits even in intense gaming moments.

Real-World Gameplay Experience

Beyond clinical tests, we evaluated the Wooting Two HE’s performance during actual gameplay sessions across various game genres. In practice, the keyboard provided flawless, lag-free performance even in twitch-sensitive competitive titles.

The pressure sensitive keys delivered outstanding control and precision whether subtly modulating a racing throttle or nailing quick headshots in an FPS. The snappy, responsive feel enhances gameplay and immersion.

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Conclusion

Our thorough testing found that Wooting analog mechanical keyboards offer exceptionally low sub-1ms input latency competitive with high-end gaming mice. Even under varied actuation depths and pressure, the optical Flaretech switches translate input faster than traditional mechanical switches.

Furthermore, multi-key tracking performance is excellent with no detectable ghosting or jamming even when pounding out complex finger combinations. Whether gaming or working, inputs are registered accurately and instantly.

For PC enthusiasts wanting enhanced precision, speed, and immersion from their keyboard, Wooting’s innovative analog technology provides a compelling high-performance option. The latency and tracking capabilities stand up impressively against the best standard gaming keyboards.

While the unique pressure sensitive keys and customization do come at a premium, Wooting analog keyboards deliver a smooth, responsive gameplay experience. If you want to elevate your PC input control and get the competitive edge, Wooting has you covered.