MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming 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 SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) scores 6.1/10 overall, ahead of the MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard at 5.7/10.

The MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard leads on connectivity and battery and software.

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

They score the same on typing feel and layout and ergonomics.

The biggest difference is customisation, where the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) scores 6/10 to the MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard's 3/10.

MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

5.7/10verdict: good, not the best

The MageGee MK-Box suits buyers who want a compact wired mechanical keyboard that works the moment it is plugged in. It fits people who value a metal-topped build and a quiet-leaning sound profile over deep customisation. It is a sensible pick for a first mechanical board on Windows, macOS or Linux.

Typically about £29.59 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at 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	MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard	SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Typing feel	25%	6/10	6/10
Build quality	20%	7/10	8/10
Customisation	20%	3/10	6/10
Connectivity	15%	6/10	4/10
Layout and ergonomics	10%	6/10	6/10
Battery and software	10%	7/10	6/10
Overall		5.7/10	6.1/10

Specifications

Spec	MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard	SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Layout	65% layout with 68 keys	TKL (tenkeyless)
Switches	not listed	OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic (Hall-effect), 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range
Hot-swappable	No	not listed
Connectivity	Wired (detachable), USB A-C	Wired, detachable USB-C cable
Firmware (QMK / VIA)	Plug and play, no drivers or software required	not listed
Keycaps	Double-colour injection keycaps	Double-shot PBT

Strengths and weaknesses

MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

+ Metal top plate on a plastic base
+ Plug and play, no software needed
+ Works on Windows, macOS and Linux
− No hot-swap listed, so switches stay fixed
− Spacebar stabiliser rattles and feels mushy
− Heavy at 580g, and left shift is short

Skip it if:

Buyers who want hot-swap sockets or key remapping software
Anyone who needs wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
People who want a light board to carry daily

Read the full MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming 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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