MonsGeek M3 V5 HE vs SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
The MonsGeek M3 V5 HE and the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL are close alternatives. The main differences: the MonsGeek M3 V5 HE is the cheaper of the two at $125 versus $140.
- Lower priceMonsGeek M3 V5 HE$125 versus $140
Choose the MonsGeek M3 V5 HE if
- you want to spend less ($125).
Choose the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL if
- its overall balance fits you: the steelseries apex 9 tkl is an 87-key wired tenkeyless gaming keyboard with hot-swappable optipoint optical switches offering dual actuation points at 1mm and 1.5mm, double-shot pbt keycaps, and an aluminum alloy top plate with adjustable tilt legs.
MonsGeek M3 V5 HE vs SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL, spec by spec
| MonsGeek M3 V5 HE | SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | n/a | PBT double-shot |
| Case | aluminum | aluminum alloy top plate |
| Mount | Gasket (quick-release aluminum case with PORON plate foam) | n/a |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | n/a | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $125 (stronger spec) | $140 |
| Sound (stock) | n/a | Crisp, consistent linear sound from the OptiPoint optical switches with light PBT keycap clack; no factory lube needed since actuation is optical. |
| Released | 2026 | 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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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
49% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the MonsGeek M3 V5 HE; 57% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL.
Where to buy the MonsGeek M3 V5 HE
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.
Where to buy the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
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