Rappy Snappy Tappy

We’ve added 2 new features, Rappy Snappy and Snappy Tappy (SOCD). And you may have heard that the latter caused some fuzz and controversy in CS2.

To give you a better understanding of the new features, SOCD and what the controversy is all about, here’s everything you need to know.

What is SOCD?‍

SOCD or “Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions” refers to a situation where two opposite directions (left + right or up + down) on a directional input device (D-pad, arcade stick or keyboard) are activated at the same time. The term ‘Cardinal Directions’ refers to the primary directions: left, right, up and down.

In some cases, SOCD can cause problems. A good example is the fighting game Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Originally, this game had no way of handling SOCD, meaning that both directions would be active when pressed at the same time. This made it possible for players to block in 2 directions simultaneously. Players using a joystick for movement didn’t have this advantage, simply because they couldn’t activate both directions at the same time.

To avoid unfair advantages like this, it shouldn’t be possible to have two opposing directions active at the same time. But what should happen?

SOCD cleaning

SOCD cleaning refers to what input is registered when two opposing directional keys are pressed at the same time.

There are different ways of handling SOCD:

No resolution - When SOCD occurs, both inputs are activated

Neutral - When SOCD occurs, both inputs are deactivated.

Absolute priority - When SOCD occurs, only 1 set direction is active.

Last input priority - When SOCD occurs, the input that was activated the last is active.

Last input controlled priority - When SOCD occurs, the first input is deactivated until the last input is released.

Null-bind scripts

SOCD cleaning has been available for PC gamers through the use of so-called null-bind scripts that apply a specific resolution when SOCD occurs. The use of these scripts has been prohibited in most tournaments.

Rappy Snappy & Snappy Tappy

We originally didn’t plan on adding Snappy Tappy, thinking it wouldn’t be allowed to set ‘last input priority’ as it could be unfair in some games. Rappy Snappy on the other hand, is something different, as it doesn’t simply add a null-bind script to the keyboard, but instead utilizes the analog signal in our keyboards to adjust the actuation point of opposing directional keys.

Snappy Tappy

By default, Snappy Tappy activates ‘last input priority’, meaning that when two opposing directional keys are pressed at the same time, the keyboard will only activate the last pressed key, while deactivating the other key.

We also added other ways of handling SOCD:

Last input priority - Prioritize the key that was pressed the last.

Absolute Priority (A key) - Always prioritize the A key.

Absolute Priority (D key) - Always prioritize the D key.

Neutral - When both keys are activated, neither is registered.

Rappy Snappy

This feature utilizes the analog signal in our keyboards to resolve SOCD. By comparing the press depth of two opposing directional keys, the keyboard is able to prioritize the key that is pressed down the furthest.

CS2 controversy

While we were close to releasing Rappy Snappy, Razer introduced Snap Tap (Last input priority SOCD), which is basically a null-bind script built into the keyboard. This feature completely removes the skill from counter strafing.

Initially we were against releasing a feature like this, as it ventures deep into the gray area of what is cheating and what is not. Then Optimum opened pandora’s box when he published his video discussing the feature. The online debate spread like a wildfire.

With games seemingly allowing the feature and us having a commitment to our users, we launched a poll on whether or not to add an SOCD cleaning feature. The results were clear, most people wanted us to add the feature. So the next day we added Snappy Tappy (originally called ‘SOCD’) to Wootility and made it available on all Wooting keyboards.

Valve restored order

Thankfully, Valve has now banned both Snap Tap and Snappy Tappy from use in CS2. But sadly, they banned Rappy Snappy as well. Although we think Rappy Snappy raises the skill ceiling, instead of removing it, we don’t make the rules and only time will tell what games will allow it.

We’re still in the early stages of analog keyboards and have yet to discover their full potential. So we’ll continue developing new features that will inevitably be considered cheating in one game, while being the norm in another.

For us, it’s all about giving you the best tools to help you reach new highs, closing the gap between gamer intention and in-game execution.

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