NuPhy Gem80 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
The NuPhy Gem80 and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 are close alternatives. The main differences: the NuPhy Gem80 is the cheaper of the two at $150 versus $240; the NuPhy Gem80 is hot-swap while the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is soldered; the NuPhy Gem80 runs wireless where the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is wired-only.
- Lower priceNuPhy Gem80$150 versus $240
- Easier to modNuPhy Gem80hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectNuPhy Gem803 connection modes versus 1
4.7516 ratings· Amazon
Choose the NuPhy Gem80 if
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you mainly want it for typing.
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you want to spend less ($150).
Choose the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 if
- you mainly want it for gaming.
NuPhy Gem80 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, spec by spec
| NuPhy Gem80 | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Keycaps | n/a | PBT double-shot |
| Case | CNC 6063 aluminum | plastic with aluminum alloy top plate |
| Mount | Gasket | Tray (triple-layer dampened) |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | n/a |
| Typical price | $150 (stronger spec) | $240 |
| Sound (stock) | deep, thocky | dampened, muted for a gaming board |
| Released | 2023 | 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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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
61% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the NuPhy Gem80; 88% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3.
34% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the NuPhy Gem80.
Where to buy the NuPhy Gem80
Where to buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
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