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ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini: Comparison
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini: the layout difference
The first real difference is layout: ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 96% against SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini 60%. Backlighting is not the same on both, Per-Key Aura Sync RGB on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus Per-key RGB, OLED smart display on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. Keycap material is not the same on both, PBT Double-Shot on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus Doubleshot PBT on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.
Who each one is for
Buy the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 for numpad-dependent users wanting a compact 96% and hot-swap experimenters, though it is not the pick for wireless-only buyers and minimalist 60%/65% preference. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is the one to take for competitive gamers who want per-key actuation control and buyers who trust SteelSeries' software ecosystem, though it is the wrong buy for budget buyers; OmniPoint switches carry a real premium. It also earns its place with players who want a small OLED display for quick profile switching. It is not the one for hobbyists who want to swap switches later, this board isn't hot-swappable. Our rating of the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 (8/10): A well-damped, hot-swappable 96% board that proves numpad layouts can still sound and feel premium. Our rating of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (9/10): per-key actuation tuning in the smallest layout SteelSeries makes, one of the most genuinely useful implementations of Hall Effect switching on the market.
Frequently asked questions
Do the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini differ on switch type?
Yes. Switch Type reads ROG NX Snow on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.
Is the Polling Rate the same on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini?
It is. Both are listed at 1000 Hz, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ASUS
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- SteelSeries
Layout
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- 96%
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- 60%
Model
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ROG Strix Scope II 96
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Apex Pro Mini
Switch Type
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ROG NX Snow (Linear, Pre-Lubed)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect
Connectivity
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- Wired USB-C (detachable)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Wired (detachable USB-C)
Keycap Material
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- PBT Double-Shot
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Doubleshot PBT
Backlighting
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- Per-Key Aura Sync RGB
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Per-key RGB, OLED smart display
Polling Rate
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- 1000 Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 if you want the higher polling rate (1000 Hz vs 1000 Hz).
Choose SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 | SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS Store | View on ASUS Store |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A well-damped, hot-swappable 96% board that proves numpad layouts can still sound and feel premium.
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
9 / 10 Expert Rating
Per-key actuation tuning in the smallest layout SteelSeries makes, one of the most genuinely useful implementations of Hall Effect switching on the market.