Wooting 60HE Vs It’s Exact Clone: But Is It Worth It?

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Wooting in 1/4th of the price...

Story Highlights
  • Mad60 is the exact copy of the Wooting 60HE+, with the same size and shape, so that its module even fits perfectly in Wooting’s mount. 
  • It has less dense foams but better stabilisers, so it sounds slightly better than Wooting 60HE.
  • It has Hall effect switches and all the features such as adjustable actuation, Dynamic Key Stroke, Mod tap, toggle switch, and even SOCD.  

When it comes to one of the best keyboards for gaming, Wooting 60HE (formerly HE, now HE+) comes to mind. But the way it’s priced, it is not affordable by any means. But what if there were a budget alternative? Well, there is one. I’m talking about none other than Madlion’s Mad60.  

Wooting 60 HE+ (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)

Mad60: Wooting In 1/4 The Price?

Right out of the box, you’ll see how these two are extremely similar to each other. Madlions has not only managed to make the shape and size of the keyboard similar to Wooting’s, but also the feet placement and even the groove on the top are the same. 

Appearance

If you think it was unintentional, then you’re mistaken because this was designed as a copy of the legendary 60HE+. And we know it because if you swap its module with Wooting’s, it fits perfectly in place. 

Differences In Strap

It also features straps on the keyboard, much like Wooting’s, and even has the same model number placement. Additionally, the details behind the keyboard are located in the same spot and enclosed in the same shape.  

Wooting 60HE Vs Mad60HE
Similar Backside And Strap (Image Credits – YT/Squashy Boy)

Despite the similarities in design, there are still a few notable aspects that set both keyboards apart. Firstly, the strap on the Wooting 60HE+ is very durable, and you can feel the high quality of the material when you touch it.

But the strap on the Mad60 is flimsy, made with a lanyard material that feels downright cheap, if I’m being honest. However, that’s all about the design differences; let’s now examine what’s hiding underneath this keyboard and whether it surpasses Wooting in any way.

PCB & Foams

Taking the keys off this tray-mounted keyboard, you get a dampening foam pad at the bottom, and there’s a sheet in between the PCB and the top plate. Visually, there isn’t much difference from the Wooting setup, but the quality of what it’s being used for makes all the difference.

For instance, the foam used in the Mad60 is extremely light, and there is very little density to it. In comparison, the foam in Wooting 60HE+ is Poron foam between the PCB and its plate and EPDM for the bottom, which is a very dense synthetic rubber.

Mad60 Foams
Foams Used In Mad60 (Image Credits – YT/Squashy Boy)

Better Stabilizers

Despite the poor quality of the foams, the stabilisers on the Mad60 are surprisingly good. They are slightly lubed, and there’s even a little dampening pad behind the space bar as well.

All of these make the Mad60 sound slightly better than the Wooting 60HE+, but the sound aspect is completely objective. What’s impressive is the way it sounds and doesn’t rattle; it doesn’t feel like a cheaper keyboard. 

Switches & Software

Now, let’s talk about what matters the most: the switches. Firstly, there is a bit of rattle on the switches of the Wooting, which is present on the Mad60. While the Wooting 60HE+ uses Lekker switches, the Mad60 uses unbranded Magnetics Axis Pro switches. 

Mad60 Switches
Magnetics Axis Pro switches [2nd One] (Image Credits – Madlions)
These are Hall-effect switches, but their trigger levels can be adjusted to increments as small as 0.08mm. Surprisingly, all the standard Hall-effect features work in this affordable keyboard, including adjustable and rapid triggers, as well as additional sensitivity.

The Mad60 also features all the advanced capabilities of a premium Hall effect keyboard, including Dynamic Key Stroke, Mod Tap, Toggle Switch, and even SOCD – all of which you can access from its software. 

Pricing

You get all of these premium features for only around $45, which is absurd, especially when compared to the Wooting 60HE+, which comes with a price tag of around $175. But you might be wondering how Madlions managed to do this at such a low price.

Wooting 60HE+ Price (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)

What’s The Catch?

Well, when you buy premium products from known brands, you get support from the brand with a warranty and consistency in their software. With brands like Madlions, you’re almost making a gamble.

Firstly, you get only a 30-day warranty if you order directly from the website. It could be different if you do it from other online retailers. Secondly, the software is inconsistent.

Many people have reported that some features haven’t worked for them, while others have reinstalled the driver multiple times, and the features have started to work, which highlights the inconsistency and unreliability of this brand. 

Finally, it is a replica company, which means that it may or may not land in hot water because of ripping off Wooting. If this brand disappears or the software is taken down, the keyboard is essentially abandoned, as it relies on the software for adjustments.  

Mad60 Software
Mad60 Software (Image Credits – Madlions)

Verdict

If you were to ignore the issues mentioned above, it still remains a remarkable option to consider, especially because it features everything the Wooting is designed for. And you get all of it at such a low price, which is quite a bargain to say the least. 

Many people have loved the Mad60 and are still rocking it. Now, Wooting has released their 60HE v2, so I believe Madlions will also have their version of it, and the masses might love it as well. 


 
 
 
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