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Glorious GMMK 2 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: Comparison
What is the difference between Glorious GMMK 2 and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3?
Layout is the dividing line, Glorious GMMK 2 75% against SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 TKL. There is a split on switch type as well, Glorious Panda or Fox Hot-Swap on the Glorious GMMK 2 versus OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. There is a split on connectivity as well, Wired USB-C on the Glorious GMMK 2 versus USB-C Wired on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. They differ on backlighting too, South-Facing Per-Key RGB on the Glorious GMMK 2 versus RGB on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. They differ on polling rate too, 1000 Hz on the Glorious GMMK 2 versus Up to 1000Hz on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3.
Who each one is for
Buy the Glorious GMMK 2 for budget custom-keyboard builders and QMK/VIA users wanting factory switches, though it is not the pick for wireless-only buyers and premium aluminum-case seekers. 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 not the one 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 Glorious GMMK 2 (8/10): A well-rounded, affordable QMK/VIA custom board that improves on the original GMMK in every meaningful way. 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
- Glorious GMMK 2
- Glorious
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- SteelSeries
Layout
- Glorious GMMK 2
- 75% (also available Full-Size / TKL / Compact)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- TKL
Model
- Glorious GMMK 2
- GMMK 2
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
Switch Type
- Glorious GMMK 2
- Glorious Panda (Tactile) or Fox (Linear) Hot-Swap
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect
Connectivity
- Glorious GMMK 2
- Wired USB-C (detachable)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- USB-C Wired
Backlighting
- Glorious GMMK 2
- South-Facing Per-Key RGB
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- RGB
Polling Rate
- Glorious GMMK 2
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Up to 1000Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose Glorious GMMK 2 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 | Glorious GMMK 2 | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Glorious | View on Glorious |
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
Glorious GMMK 2
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A well-rounded, affordable QMK/VIA custom board that improves on the original GMMK in every meaningful way.
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.