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Corsair K65 RGB Mini vs SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini: Comparison
Corsair K65 RGB Mini vs SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini switch type compared
They are built to different briefs, and switch type shows it, Corsair K65 RGB Mini Cherry MX Speed Silver against SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect. They differ on keycap material too, PBT Double-Shot on the Corsair K65 RGB Mini versus Doubleshot PBT on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. There is a split on hot-swappable as well, Yes on the Corsair K65 RGB Mini versus No on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.
Which should you buy, Corsair K65 RGB Mini or SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini?
Buy the Corsair K65 RGB Mini for 60% competitive gamers and LAN and travel setups, though it is the wrong buy for users needing dedicated arrow keys and full-size layout 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 not built 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 the wrong buy for hobbyists who want to swap switches later, this board isn't hot-swappable. Our rating of the Corsair K65 RGB Mini (8/10): A compact, hot-swappable 60% board that brings Corsair's fastest polling tech down to LAN-party size. 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 K65 RGB Mini and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini differ on connectivity?
Yes. Connectivity reads Wired USB-C on the Corsair K65 RGB Mini versus Wired on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Corsair
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- SteelSeries
Layout
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- 60%
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- 60%
Model
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- K65 RGB Mini
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Apex Pro Mini
Switch Type
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Cherry MX Speed Silver (Linear)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect
Connectivity
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Wired USB-C (detachable)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Wired (detachable USB-C)
Keycap Material
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- PBT Double-Shot
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Doubleshot PBT
Hot-Swappable
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Yes
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- No
Backlighting
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Per-Key RGB with iCUE
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Per-key RGB, OLED smart display
Polling Rate
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- 8000 Hz (Axon)Best
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- 1000 Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair K65 RGB Mini if you want the higher polling rate (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
| Retailer | Corsair K65 RGB Mini | SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Store | View 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 K65 RGB Mini
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A compact, hot-swappable 60% board that brings Corsair's fastest polling tech down to LAN-party size.
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.