Laser Keyboards – Do they REALLY shoot first?

Laser Keyboards – Do they REALLY shoot first? examines a niche but intriguing area of mechanical input devices: optical switches used in keyboards. The video begins by challenging the long standing belief that mechanical switches are the gold standard for enthusiasts, introducing two main optical switch approaches. One uses a blocking beam and a plunger, with a light sensor detecting a press, exemplified by the Bloody B720 and Tesoro Excalibur SE Spectrum under the Light Strike LK branding. The other method, flare tech, fires light upwards to sense how far a key is pressed, enabling partial actuation similar to analog triggers in gaming controllers. The host then introduces the three keyboards under review, highlighting Wooting One with its two flare tech flavors, the LK based Bloody B720, and the Tesoro Excalibur SE Spectrum, all offering waterproofing and unique design choices. The discussion digs into how each system translates physical key motion into digital input, and why some brands market a more “analog” feel despite fundamental limitations. The segment clarifies that while Wooting markets true analog functionality, the practical effect is described as a range of 256 states rather than true analog levels, aimed at helping viewers understand the perceived differences in responsiveness. The program also teases software customization in the Wooting ecosystem, including multiple profiles and sensitivity curves, while noting the current actuation threshold sits around two millimeters, aligning with standard MX switch behavior for practical triggers. The conclusion from this portion emphasizes that no single keyboard universally outperforms the others across all scenarios, and sets the stage for live testing in gaming contexts. In the latter portion, the hosts compare build quality, typing feel, and price, with hands on impressions from a CS:GO player tester. They crown Wooting One for its solid build and refined typing experience, while Bloody B720 is praised for aggressiveness in response time but criticized for a mushier key feel. The video wraps by weighing value against price, noting Wooting One around 75 US dollars and Tesoro and Bloody options at higher price points, and ends with practical notes on potential future refinements like hair-trigger analogs. Overall, the film blends technical explanation with practical demonstrations, concluding that optical switches offer compelling benefits but may not universally replace traditional MX style keyboards for every gamer or typist.

Topics · technology · computer peripherals · hardware review