Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against mechanical keyboards at a similar price

The Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard scores 7.4/10 overall, ahead of the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) at 6.1/10.

The Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard leads on typing feel, customisation, connectivity and battery and software.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) leads on build quality.

They score the same on layout and ergonomics.

The biggest difference is connectivity, where the Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard scores 9/10 to the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)'s 4/10.

Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

7.4/10verdict: buy

The Keychron K10 HE is for people who want a full-size keyboard with a number pad and adjustable magnetic switches. It suits desk users who move between Windows, macOS and Linux and want QMK firmware with wireless options. It is built for a fixed desk, not a bag.

Typically about £129.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK

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SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

6.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is for people who want a compact, wired keyboard with adjustable key actuation. It suits gamers and typists who like to set how far a key travels before it registers. It is a poorer fit for anyone who needs wireless connections.

Typically about £159.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard	SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Typing feel	25%	7/10	6/10
Build quality	20%	7/10	8/10
Customisation	20%	8/10	6/10
Connectivity	15%	9/10	4/10
Layout and ergonomics	10%	6/10	6/10
Battery and software	10%	7/10	6/10
Overall		7.4/10	6.1/10

Specifications

Spec	Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard	SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Layout	100% full size	TKL (tenkeyless)
Switches	Gateron Double-rail Magnetic Switch / Keychron Ultra-Fast Lime Magnetic Switch; actuation adjustable 0.2-3.8 mm	OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic (Hall-effect), 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range
Hot-swappable	Hot-swappable	not listed
Connectivity	2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, wired USB-C; 1000 Hz polling rate (125 Hz over Bluetooth per user guide); switches between 3 devices	Wired, detachable USB-C cable
Firmware (QMK / VIA)	QMK firmware; Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros; Windows, macOS, Linux	not listed
Keycaps	Double-shot PBT; Standard: Cherry profile; Special Edition: OSA profile	Double-shot PBT
Battery	4000 mAh, up to 120 hours (backlight setting not stated); charging around 5 hours	not listed

Strengths and weaknesses

Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

+ Actuation adjustable from 0.2 to 3.8 mm
+ 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired, with three-device switching
+ QMK firmware and a web app on all three platforms
− Heavy and large, so poor for travel
− Only Keychron's magnetic switches are supported
− Battery life falls with full RGB brightness

Skip it if:

Buyers who want to fit any switch type they like
Anyone who carries their keyboard between locations
Users who run full RGB brightness and want long wireless battery life

Read the full Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard review ›

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

+ Actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0 mm
+ Aluminium top plate and double-shot PBT keycaps
+ Three tilt positions: flat, half and full
− Wired only, with no wireless connection on this model

Skip it if:

Buyers who want Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless connections
People who need a full-size layout with a number pad
Anyone who has no use for adjustable key actuation

Read the full SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) review ›

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