Keychron Q3 vs SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
The Keychron Q3 and the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron Q3 is the cheaper of the two at $90 versus $140; stock, the Keychron Q3 sounds deep thock 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 priceKeychron Q3$90 versus $140
- Easier to modKeychron Q3hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
Choose the Keychron Q3 if
- you mainly want it for typing.
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you want to spend less ($90).
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Choose the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL if
- you mainly want it for gaming.
Keychron Q3 vs SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL, spec by spec
| Keychron Q3 | SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | PBT double-shot, OSA profile | PBT double-shot |
| Case | Full CNC 6063 aluminum | aluminum alloy top plate |
| Mount | Gasket | n/a |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $90 (stronger spec) | $140 |
| Sound (stock) | deep thock | Crisp, consistent linear sound from the OptiPoint optical switches with light PBT keycap clack; no factory lube needed since actuation is optical. |
| Released | 2022 | 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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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
26% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron Q3; 57% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL.
Where to buy the Keychron Q3
Where to buy the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
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