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Keychron C3 Pro vs SteelSeries Apex 7: Comparison
What is the difference between Keychron C3 Pro and SteelSeries Apex 7?
The first real difference is layout: Keychron C3 Pro TKL against SteelSeries Apex 7 Full-Size. They differ on switch type too, Keychron K Pro Mechanical on the Keychron C3 Pro versus SteelSeries QX2 Mechanical on the SteelSeries Apex 7. They differ on connectivity too, Wired USB-C on the Keychron C3 Pro versus Wired USB on the SteelSeries Apex 7. There is a split on backlighting as well, South-Facing RGB on the Keychron C3 Pro versus Per-Key RGB on the SteelSeries Apex 7. They differ on keycap material too, Double-Shot ABS on the Keychron C3 Pro versus ABS on the SteelSeries Apex 7. There is a split on hot-swappable as well, Yes on the Keychron C3 Pro versus No on the SteelSeries Apex 7.
Who each one is for
The Keychron C3 Pro is the one to take for first-time mechanical keyboard buyers and budget-conscious hot-swap seekers, though it is the wrong buy for wireless users and enthusiasts wanting premium acoustics. The SteelSeries Apex 7 suits gamers wanting an at-a-glance OLED display and full-size layout preference, though it is not built for buyers wanting adjustable actuation and hot-swap tinkerers. Our rating of the Keychron C3 Pro (7/10): the cheapest legitimate way to get a hot-swappable QMK-capable mechanical keyboard from a known brand. Our rating of the SteelSeries Apex 7 (7/10): A solid full-size gaming board whose OLED display is a genuinely useful, distinctive feature.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, polling rate included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Keychron C3 Pro
- Keychron
- SteelSeries Apex 7
- SteelSeries
Layout
- Keychron C3 Pro
- TKL (87-Key)
- SteelSeries Apex 7
- Full-Size (also available TKL)
Model
- Keychron C3 Pro
- C3 Pro
- SteelSeries Apex 7
- Apex 7
Switch Type
- Keychron C3 Pro
- Keychron K Pro Mechanical (Brown/Red/Banana)
- SteelSeries Apex 7
- SteelSeries QX2 Mechanical (Red/Brown/Blue)
Connectivity
- Keychron C3 Pro
- Wired USB-C
- SteelSeries Apex 7
- Wired USB (braided cable)
Keycap Material
- Keychron C3 Pro
- Double-Shot ABS
- SteelSeries Apex 7
- ABS
Hot-Swappable
- Keychron C3 Pro
- Yes
- SteelSeries Apex 7
- No
Backlighting
- Keychron C3 Pro
- South-Facing RGB
- SteelSeries Apex 7
- Per-Key RGB
Polling Rate
- Keychron C3 Pro
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Apex 7
- 1000 Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose Keychron C3 Pro if you want the higher polling rate (1000 Hz vs 1000 Hz).
Choose SteelSeries Apex 7 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Keychron C3 Pro | SteelSeries Apex 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Keychron Store | View on Keychron Store | |
| SteelSeries Store | View on SteelSeries 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
Keychron C3 Pro
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The cheapest legitimate way to get a hot-swappable QMK-capable mechanical keyboard from a known brand.
SteelSeries Apex 7
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid full-size gaming board whose OLED display is a genuinely useful, distinctive feature.