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ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: Comparison
What is the difference between ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3?
They are built to different briefs, and layout shows it, ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 96% against SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 TKL. Switch type is not the same on both, ROG NX Snow on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. Connectivity is not the same on both, Wired USB-C on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus USB-C Wired on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. There is a split on backlighting as well, Per-Key Aura Sync RGB on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus RGB on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. There is a split on polling rate as well, 1000 Hz on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus Up to 1000Hz on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3.
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: which one fits your build
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. Take the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 for competitive gamers who want adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger with on-board OLED settings feedback. This board's display is a genuine convenience other Hall Effect boards lack. Avoid it for buyers who want open hot-swap compatibility with any third-party switch. The OmniPoint ecosystem limits hot-swap options to SteelSeries-compatible switches. 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 TKL Gen 3 (9/10): A genuine competitive-grade Hall Effect board whose built-in OLED display sets it apart from other adjustable-actuation keyboards, at the cost of switch-ecosystem lock-in.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ASUS
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- SteelSeries
Layout
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- 96%
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- TKL
Model
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ROG Strix Scope II 96
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
Switch Type
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ROG NX Snow (Linear, Pre-Lubed)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect
Connectivity
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- Wired USB-C (detachable)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- USB-C Wired
Backlighting
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- Per-Key Aura Sync RGB
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- RGB
Polling Rate
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Up to 1000Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 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 TKL Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 TKL Gen 3
9 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuine competitive-grade Hall Effect board whose built-in OLED display sets it apart from other adjustable-actuation keyboards, at the cost of switch-ecosystem lock-in.