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Keychron K2 Pro vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: Comparison
Keychron K2 Pro vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: the layout difference
Layout is the dividing line, Keychron K2 Pro 75% against SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 TKL. There is a split on switch type as well, Keychron K Pro Mechanical on the Keychron K2 Pro versus OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. There is a split on connectivity as well, Bluetooth 5.1 / USB-C Wired on the Keychron K2 Pro versus USB-C Wired on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. Backlighting is not the same on both, South-Facing RGB on the Keychron K2 Pro versus RGB on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. Polling rate is not the same on both, 1000 Hz on the Keychron K2 Pro versus Up to 1000Hz on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3.
Who each one is for
The Keychron K2 Pro is the one to take for buyers wanting QMK/VIA on a budget and multi-device Bluetooth switching, though it is the wrong buy for users wanting a premium aluminum case and competitive gamers needing 8000Hz polling. 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 Keychron K2 Pro (8/10): A dependable, well-supported 75% wireless board that remains one of the easiest ways into QMK/VIA customization. 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
- Keychron K2 Pro
- Keychron
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- SteelSeries
Layout
- Keychron K2 Pro
- 75% (84-Key)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- TKL
Model
- Keychron K2 Pro
- K2 Pro
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
Switch Type
- Keychron K2 Pro
- Keychron K Pro Mechanical (Brown/Red/Banana)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect
Connectivity
- Keychron K2 Pro
- Bluetooth 5.1 (up to 3 devices) / USB-C Wired
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- USB-C Wired
Backlighting
- Keychron K2 Pro
- South-Facing RGB
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- RGB
Polling Rate
- Keychron K2 Pro
- 1000 Hz (wired)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Up to 1000Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose Keychron K2 Pro 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 | Keychron K2 Pro | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Keychron Store | View on Keychron 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 K2 Pro
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A dependable, well-supported 75% wireless board that remains one of the easiest ways into QMK/VIA customization.
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.