Wooting 80HE
- + Multi-device Bluetooth pairing
- + QMK/VIA programmable firmware
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- + QMK/VIA programmable firmware
- + Satisfying mechanical tactile feedback
THE VERDICT
Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is the stronger buy for most people because it combines the broader spec lead with a more defensible price. 80HE is not a bad pick, but it only makes more sense if its narrower strengths line up exactly with your workload.
CRITERIA BREAKDOWN
Price Positioning
Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is the easier buy if your goal is maximum value efficiency in this segment.
Overall Score
Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 carries the stronger OverLKD score and therefore the broader all-round recommendation.
Layout
Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 leads on layout based on the harder spec line.
Switches
80HE leads on switches based on the harder spec line.
Connectivity
Both products are close enough on connectivity that this row is not a deciding factor alone.
Hot-swap
Both products are close enough on hot-swap that this row is not a deciding factor alone.
THE BIG DIFFERENCES
- Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 wins the value argument while keeping the gap to 80HE within the same budget segment.
- Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 leads on Layout: TKL 87-key (Hall-effect).
- 80HE still has a case if you care more about switches than balanced value.
| SPEC | Wooting 80HE | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | READOUT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout | 80% (Hall-effect analog) | TKL 87-key (Hall-effect) | Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 leads on layout based on the harder spec line. |
| Switches | Lekker L60 v2 magnetic (hot-swap) | OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic (adjustable) | 80HE leads on switches based on the harder spec line. |
| Connectivity | Wired USB-C (8kHz) | Wired USB-C | Both products are close enough on connectivity that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Hot-swap | Yes | No | Both products are close enough on hot-swap that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Backlighting | RGB | RGB per-key | Both products are close enough on backlighting that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Battery | Wired | Wired | Both products are close enough on battery that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
SPECIFICATIONS
| SPECIFICATIONS | BEST OVERALL Wooting 80HE | EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ACTION | View on Amazon ↗ | View on Amazon ↗ |
| OVERLKD SCORE | 39/100 | 39/100 |
| LAYOUT | 80% (Hall-effect analog) | TKL 87-key (Hall-effect) |
| SWITCHES | Lekker L60 v2 magnetic (hot-swap) | OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic (adjustable) |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wired USB-C (8kHz) | Wired USB-C |
| HOT-SWAP | Yes | No |
| BACKLIGHTING | RGB | RGB per-key |
| BATTERY | Wired | Wired |
BUYING TAKEAWAY
If you want the shortest answer: buy Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 unless 80HE's specific advantage is exactly what you need.
Winner: SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3