The difference between the 80HE and the 80HE TenZ Takeover

With the release of the Wooting 80HE TenZ Takeover, you might be wondering how it compares to the original Wooting 80HE. This blog highlights what sets the TenZ Takeover apart and where the two keyboards remain the same.

In short, the Wooting 80HE TenZ Takeover is more than a visual upgrade. We worked with TenZ to tune the keyboard to meet the standards of competitive FPS play.

Looking at the table above, a lot of changes on the Wooting 80HE TenZ Takeover are visual, but there are also hardware differences, mainly around the switches and overall feel, that match TenZ’s preferences for competitive FPS.

Introducing the TenZ TikkenZ switch

The standard Wooting 80HE comes with the Lekker L60 v2 switch. The TenZ Takeover comes with the TenZ TikkenZ, an updated version of the Lekker Tikken switch (used in the Wooting 60HE v2).

The TenZ TikkenZ switch is more stable than the Lekker L60 v2 thanks to tighter tolerances. The closed-bottom housing helps keep its lubricant in place and typically results in a more muted sound profile.

The TenZ Tikken also has a longer, lighter spring.

A longer spring creates a smoother build-up of resistance across the keypress, while the lighter spring weight reduces overall actuation effort.

The case

The standard Wooting 80HE comes in multiple case variants:

• Zinc alloy (white, black or raw)
• PCR ABS (black, ghost, or frost)

The Wooting 80HE TenZ Takeover has one case option:

• PCR ABS, with a black top and bottom and dark translucent sides

The overall case shape is the same on both versions. The TenZ Takeover’s main visual difference is the dark translucent sides, which let a bit of the RGB lighting show through.

FR4 vs PC switch plate

The Wooting 80HE uses a PC (polycarbonate) switch plate, while the TenZ Takeover features an FR4 switch plate.

FR4 is slightly stiffer than PC, resulting in a less bouncy, more stable key feel that many players prefer for gaming, without introducing the high-pitched resonance typically associated with steel plates.

Since the FR4 plate is black it reflects less RGB which gives the TenZ Takeover a unique look.

Feet colour

Both versions of the 80HE include three sets of interchangeable feet, allowing you to adjust the typing angle to your preference.

The difference is purely cosmetic: the standard Wooting 80HE uses gray feet, while the TenZ Takeover uses black feet.

Keycaps

The Wooting 80HE comes with black (or white) double-shot PBT keycaps in an OEM profile, featuring shine-through legends for backlighting.

The Wooting 80HE TenZ Takeover uses black dye-sub PBT keycaps in a cherry profile, with white ANSI legends and red Kana sub-legends.

Cable

Both keyboards come with an embroidered USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-A dongle.

The only difference is the colour: the Wooting 80HE includes a black/gray or white/gray cable, while the TenZ Takeover features a black/red cable.

Conclusion

The Wooting 80HE TenZ Takeover is a refined take on the 80HE, tuned around TenZ’s preferences for FPS games. If you already own a Wooting 80HE, the differences are subtle enough that upgrading isn’t necessary.

If you’re choosing between the two, the decision mainly comes down to switch feel and aesthetics, with a price difference of roughly $20. The TenZ Takeover features TenZ TikkenZ switches, which feel lighter and more stable than the standard 80HE switches, paired with a distinctive black and red colorway. If you prefer a more neutral look and a slightly heavier switch weight, the regular Wooting 80HE remains the safer pick.