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Corsair K65 RGB Mini vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: Comparison
Corsair K65 RGB Mini vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 layout compared
Layout is the dividing line, Corsair K65 RGB Mini 60% against SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 TKL. Switch type is not the same on both, Cherry MX Speed Silver on the Corsair K65 RGB Mini 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 Corsair K65 RGB Mini versus USB-C Wired on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. There is a split on backlighting as well, Per-Key RGB with iCUE on the Corsair K65 RGB Mini versus RGB on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. The polling rate figures are near enough to ignore, 8000 Hz on the Corsair K65 RGB Mini versus Up to 1000Hz on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3.
Which should you buy, Corsair K65 RGB Mini or SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3?
The Corsair K65 RGB Mini is the one to take for 60% competitive gamers and LAN and travel setups, though it is not built for users needing dedicated arrow keys and full-size layout 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. It is the wrong buy 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 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 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
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Corsair
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- SteelSeries
Layout
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- 60%
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- TKL
Model
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- K65 RGB Mini
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
Switch Type
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Cherry MX Speed Silver (Linear)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect
Connectivity
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Wired USB-C (detachable)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- USB-C Wired
Backlighting
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Per-Key RGB with iCUE
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- RGB
Polling Rate
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- 8000 Hz (Axon)Best
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Up to 1000Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair K65 RGB Mini if you want the higher polling rate (8000 Hz (Axon) vs Up to 1000Hz).
Choose SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair K65 RGB Mini | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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.