Corsair K70 Core TKL vs SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
The Corsair K70 Core TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL are close alternatives. The main differences: the Corsair K70 Core TKL is the cheaper of the two at $100 versus $140; the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is hot-swap while the Corsair K70 Core TKL is soldered; stock, the Corsair K70 Core TKL sounds deeper, more muted tone than typical budget gaming boards thanks to dual-layer foam dampening around the pre-lubed mlx red v2 switches. and the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL crisp, consistent linear sound from the optipoint optical switches with light pbt keycap clack; no factory lube needed since actuation is optical..
- Lower priceCorsair K70 Core TKL$100 versus $140
- Easier to modSteelSeries Apex 9 TKLhot-swap sockets
Choose the Corsair K70 Core TKL if
- you mainly want it for budget.
- you want to spend less ($100).
Choose the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL if
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you want to swap switches without soldering.
Corsair K70 Core TKL vs SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL, spec by spec
| Corsair K70 Core TKL | SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Hot-swap | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Keycaps | ABS double-shot | PBT double-shot |
| Case | aluminum top plate | aluminum alloy top plate |
| Mount | n/a | n/a |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $100 (stronger spec) | $140 |
| Sound (stock) | Deeper, more muted tone than typical budget gaming boards thanks to dual-layer foam dampening around the pre-lubed MLX Red v2 switches. | Crisp, consistent linear sound from the OptiPoint optical switches with light PBT keycap clack; no factory lube needed since actuation is optical. |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
35% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Corsair K70 Core TKL; 57% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL.
Where to buy the Corsair K70 Core TKL
Where to buy the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
KeebScout is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes specs or rankings.
Still torn? The keyboard finder ranks all 502 boards for your size, budget, and use case in five quick questions.