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Corsair K100 RGB vs SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini: Comparison

What is the difference between Corsair K100 RGB and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini?

Layout is the dividing line, Corsair K100 RGB Full-Size against SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini 60%. Connectivity is not the same on both, Wired USB on the Corsair K100 RGB versus Wired on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. They differ on backlighting too, 144-Zone Per-Key RGB with iCUE on the Corsair K100 RGB versus Per-key RGB, OLED smart display on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. There is a split on keycap material as well, PBT Double-Shot on the Corsair K100 RGB versus Doubleshot PBT on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.

Corsair K100 RGB vs SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini: which one fits your build

The Corsair K100 RGB suits full-size layout gamers wanting macro keys and iCUE ecosystem users, though it is the wrong buy for compact-desk users and hot-swap enthusiasts. Buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini for competitive gamers who want per-key actuation control and buyers who trust SteelSeries' software ecosystem, though it is not built for budget buyers; OmniPoint switches carry a real premium. The same goes for 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 Corsair K100 RGB (8/10): A feature-loaded full-size flagship for players who want a control wheel and macro keys alongside serious polling speed. 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 Corsair K100 RGB and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini differ on switch type?

Yes. Switch Type reads Cherry MX Speed Silver or Corsair OPX Optical-Mechanical on the Corsair K100 RGB versus OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Corsair
    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    SteelSeries
  • Layout

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Full-Size
    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    60%
  • Model

    Corsair K100 RGB
    K100 RGB
    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    Apex Pro Mini
  • Switch Type

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Cherry MX Speed Silver or Corsair OPX Optical-Mechanical
    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect
  • Connectivity

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Wired USB (USB passthrough included)
    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    Wired (detachable USB-C)
  • Keycap Material

    Corsair K100 RGB
    PBT Double-Shot
    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    Doubleshot PBT
  • Hot-Swappable

    Corsair K100 RGB
    No
    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    No
  • Backlighting

    Corsair K100 RGB
    144-Zone Per-Key RGB with iCUE
    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    Per-key RGB, OLED smart display
  • Polling Rate

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Up to 8000 Hz (Axon)Best
    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    1000 Hz

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Corsair K100 RGB if you want the higher polling rate (Up to 8000 Hz (Axon) vs 1000 Hz).

    Choose SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerCorsair K100 RGBSteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
    Corsair StoreView on Corsair 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

    Corsair K100 RGB

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    A feature-loaded full-size flagship for players who want a control wheel and macro keys alongside serious polling speed.

    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.