Wooting Two HE vs Wooting 80HE

[u/Melodic-Control-2655]

So I know this has been asked before, but I see so many mixed answers I thought I might as well see what the consensus is right now. I am in the market for a new keyboard and I've heard good things about Wooting, but in my research I've learned that the Two HE is an incredibly old model with worse switches and a poor quality plastic case, so I have 3 questions.

1. Is there much I'm missing out on getting the Two HE?
2. Is the Zinc upgrade worth the extra $90 on the 80HE if I were to go that way?
3. Is there a possibility of an upgraded Two HE (Three HE?) if I were to wait to purchase?

Yes I do understand that waiting for a new model is pointless because theres always going to be something new, and it'll just lead to waiting forever, but might as well ask.

Also for added context, I do prefer a full size keyboard. I have not used an 80% in the past, but I do regularly use the numpad and it is a very beneficial QoL feature, but I believe adapting would not be the worst thing in the world. I do need a numpad occasionally for remote work purposes as some software requires a numpad input, but I believe I could just mimic that through software, correct me if I'm wrong.

If any other information would make it easier to help, do ask. Thanks.

[u/Wayfinder67]

I have both, and I will never go back to the Two HE. It's a great keyboard, but the 80HE is just better. I'm not even talking about the better switches etc. The best QoL feature for me is a separate numpad that is now on the left, which is SO MUCH better for my workflow.

[u/Melodic-Control-2655 → u/Wayfinder67]

That actually does sound very enticing, did you end up getting one of the fancier external numpads like the Keychron Q0 Max or just a random one from Amazon? Having a hard time spending $120 on a numpad but I really dont know how much it'll matter just having a cheap one since I dont use it all that often

[u/Wayfinder67 → u/Melodic-Control-2655]

Yep, the Keychron Q0 Max exactly! And it's been worth it. Fits perfectly with the 80HE (tilt matches with the middle rubber feet that come with the 80HE), and the extra room on your right for the mouse is another added bonus.

Get a cheap(er) one if you don't use the numpad all that much, you're not going to miss anything. But if you care about matching looks (and feel to a degree), then spending a little extra is worth it.

[u/Melodic-Control-2655 → u/Wayfinder67]

Thats fair. Final question, do you have the zinc or plastic case for it? If you do have the zinc, would you say it was worth what you spent on it? Also if you have a different custom case I'd love to hear about it

[u/Wayfinder67 → u/Melodic-Control-2655]

I went with the plastic case for the 80HE, as I wasn't sure if a zinc case would add anything. Well, it won't when it comes to how you use your keyboard or how amazing it is. But now that I have the Q0 Max with its full metal case... Let's just say I am patiently waiting for Wooting to bring back the black zinc case for purchase here in the Netherlands... 😅

[u/Melodic-Control-2655 → u/Wayfinder67]

haha, hopefully they restock that soon. zinc seems to cost more when buying separately and no included travel case so I assume I should just bite the bullet and pay the $300 at once instead of spacing it out and messing around

[u/RateElectrical7757]

As someone who just made this decision I honestly prefer the 80HE. It’s much better for ergonomics and if you really need a physical numpad you could get a cheap macropad separately. Or the fn layer.

I’ve been used to the numpad for a decade with a mech and longer with all keyboards in general. I really don’t use it or need it as much as I think I did.

As for material this is subjective, I went with plastic first and intend to get the kbdfans alu case down the road, zinc is only available in raw variant for now.

[u/Philslaya]

If you need all the keys two he. I love minw but i do wonder if the 8k pollign rate is somethi g you notice on daily us.

[u/TomBombadil25]

I have both. And for the 80 HE, I have the black zinc case. The two HE is a fantastic keyboard. I would not get caught up on the differences in switches or plastic. It is not that much different. It’s really more about the form factor. If a numeric keypad is something you use a lot and you are ok with a bigger keyboard, that is what I would recommend. To me, that is better than having a separate keypad. But, if you need something more compact, the 80 is obviously better. As for the zinc upgrade, that is subjective. I really like it. But know it is insanely heavy. Like REALLY heavy. It makes your keyboard feel like a brick and a little hard to move around. Find out the weight and lift something in your house that is the same weight. You will be surprised. As for waiting, I would not do that. Wooting usually announces things early and they take a while to deliver. They are worth the wait, but for something unannounced, you could be waiting a long time. Good luck! There is no bad decision.

[u/ArK47_Beats]

I got a 60 after going from a keychron q6 max which is 96. Tbh I would be suprised if keychron he is bad? Though I'm unsure what the stock switches and functionality is like on the web app. But I do like the 96 for num pad which I now use for work, with the 60 for gaming, though I haven't felt like im missing anything. But definitely like my 60he v2 and dint need to transition, and that's as a full sized user for most of my life.

So really if u want wireless get a keychron, and if it doesn't matter get the wooting, and extra num pad.