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Keychron Q3 Max vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: Comparison
Keychron Q3 Max vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: the layout difference
There is a split on switch type as well, Keychron K Pro Mechanical on the Keychron Q3 Max 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 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired on the Keychron Q3 Max 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 Q3 Max versus RGB on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. Polling rate is not the same on both, 1000 Hz on the Keychron Q3 Max versus Up to 1000Hz on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3.
Which should you buy, Keychron Q3 Max or SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3?
The Keychron Q3 Max is the one to take for enthusiasts wanting a wireless custom board and QMK/VIA power users, though it is not built for ultra-lightweight travel setups and buyers on a tight budget. 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. Avoid it 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 Q3 Max (9/10): one of the best all-in-one wireless custom keyboards, combining Q-series build quality with genuine tri-mode flexibility. 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 Q3 Max
- Keychron
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- SteelSeries
Layout
- Keychron Q3 Max
- TKL (80%)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- TKL
Model
- Keychron Q3 Max
- Q3 Max
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
Switch Type
- Keychron Q3 Max
- Keychron K Pro Mechanical (Banana/Brown)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect
Connectivity
- Keychron Q3 Max
- Bluetooth 5.1 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- USB-C Wired
Backlighting
- Keychron Q3 Max
- South-Facing RGB
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- RGB
Polling Rate
- Keychron Q3 Max
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Up to 1000Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose Keychron Q3 Max 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 Q3 Max | 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 Q3 Max
9 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the best all-in-one wireless custom keyboards, combining Q-series build quality with genuine tri-mode flexibility.
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.