Ducky One X vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
The Ducky One X and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Ducky One X is the cheaper of the two at $179 versus $240; the Ducky One X runs wireless where the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is wired-only; the Ducky One X is a full layout and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is a TKL.
- Lower priceDucky One X$179 versus $240
- More ways to connectDucky One X3 connection modes versus 1
3.833 ratings· Amazon
4.7516 ratings· Amazon
Choose the Ducky One X if
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you want to spend less ($179).
- you need wireless.
Choose the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 if
- its overall balance fits you: the steelseries apex pro tkl gen 3 is a wired esports tkl built on omnipoint 3.0 adjustable hall-effect magnetic switches (0.1-4.0mm actuation, rapid trigger, rapid tap/socd) with an oled display; switches are not hot-swappable and it uses steelseries gg software, not qmk.
Ducky One X vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, spec by spec
| Ducky One X | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | full | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | No | No |
| Keycaps | PBT double-shot, OEM profile, backlit | PBT double-shot |
| Case | plastic with stainless steel plate | plastic with aluminum alloy top plate |
| Mount | Gasket (QUACK Mechanics+, 7-layer dampening) | Tray (triple-layer dampened) |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | 2500 mAh | n/a |
| Typical price | $179 (stronger spec) | $240 |
| Sound (stock) | muted, heavily dampened | dampened, muted for a gaming board |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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
72% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Ducky One X; 88% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3.
16% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Ducky One X.
Where to buy the Ducky One X
Where to buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
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.