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Keydous NJ80 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini: Comparison
What is the difference between Keydous NJ80 and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini?
The first real difference is layout: Keydous NJ80 75% against SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini 60%. Switch type is not the same on both, Gateron Pro / TTC Hot-Swap Mechanical on the Keydous NJ80 versus OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. Connectivity is not the same on both, Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired on the Keydous NJ80 versus Wired on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. There is a split on backlighting as well, South-Facing RGB on the Keydous NJ80 versus Per-key RGB, OLED smart display on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. Keycap material is not the same on both, PBT Double-Shot on the Keydous NJ80 versus Doubleshot PBT on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.
Which should you buy, Keydous NJ80 or SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini?
The Keydous NJ80 suits budget custom-keyboard entrants and QMK/VIA wireless seekers, though it is not built for premium aluminum-case purists and full-size numpad users. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is the one to take for competitive gamers who want per-key actuation control and buyers who trust SteelSeries' software ecosystem, though it is the wrong buy for budget buyers; OmniPoint switches carry a real premium. It also earns its place with players who want a small OLED display for quick profile switching. Avoid it for hobbyists who want to swap switches later, this board isn't hot-swappable. Our rating of the Keydous NJ80 (8/10): one of the best value entries into gasket-mounted, QMK/VIA wireless custom keyboards. Our rating of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (9/10): per-key actuation tuning in the smallest layout SteelSeries makes, one of the most genuinely useful implementations of Hall Effect switching on the market.
What Keydous NJ80 and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini have in common
Everything else lines up. Polling rate read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Keydous NJ80
- Keydous
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- SteelSeries
Layout
- Keydous NJ80
- 75%
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- 60%
Model
- Keydous NJ80
- NJ80
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Apex Pro Mini
Switch Type
- Keydous NJ80
- Gateron Pro / TTC Hot-Swap Mechanical
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect
Connectivity
- Keydous NJ80
- Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Wired (detachable USB-C)
Keycap Material
- Keydous NJ80
- PBT Double-Shot
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Doubleshot PBT
Backlighting
- Keydous NJ80
- South-Facing RGB
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Per-key RGB, OLED smart display
Polling Rate
- Keydous NJ80
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- 1000 Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose Keydous NJ80 if you want the higher polling rate (1000 Hz vs 1000 Hz).
Choose SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Keydous NJ80 | SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Keydous | View on Keydous |
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
Keydous NJ80
8 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the best value entries into gasket-mounted, QMK/VIA wireless custom keyboards.
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
9 / 10 Expert Rating
Per-key actuation tuning in the smallest layout SteelSeries makes, one of the most genuinely useful implementations of Hall Effect switching on the market.