Wooting’s New Keyboard Feature for Faster Counter-Strafing
Earlier this month, Razer introduced a new keyboard feature that allows players to counter-strafe more quickly in competitive PC games. Now, Wooting has followed suit and implemented a similar feature called Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions (SOCD) beta.
In traditional first-person shooters, players have to fully release one key before pressing the other to switch strafe directions. With Razer’s Tap Snap and Wooting’s SOCD beta, players can rapidly tap the A or D key to counter-strafe without the need to release a key.
Wooting has also developed its own feature called Rappy Snappy, which prioritizes keys based on how far down they’re pressed. While Wooting initially resisted SOCD in favor of its own approach, the company is now offering both options for its keyboards.
Wooting’s implementation of SOCD offers different resolutions and the ability to have both keys active at the same time, providing players with more flexibility. However, the feature has sparked controversy among players of games like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Overwatch 2.
Some players have criticized the feature, claiming it gives an unfair advantage and resembles a macro or script. Professional Counter-Strike 2 player ropz expressed concerns about the feature, prompting a response from Razer’s senior esports ambassador.
The debate surrounding this feature is likely to continue, with the possibility of games implementing null binds to allow all players to achieve similar functionality without specific keyboards. Wooting keyboard owners can access the new features through the company’s beta Wootility software.
