We compared two RGB mechanical gaming keyboards: the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL and the TECKNET Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
What we looked at
Form factor, water/dust resistance, and price.
The verdict
If you want a compact tenkeyless design with IP32 water and dust resistance from an established gaming brand, the SteelSeries is the pick at £34.99. If you would rather pay £1.00 more for a full-size 109-key layout with red mechanical switches and 24 LED lighting presets, the TECKNET is the alternative, at £35.99.
A £34.99 tenkeyless keyboard with IP32 water and dust resistance.
A £35.99 full-size mechanical keyboard with red switches and 24 LED presets.
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard — Compact & Durable
Intended for: Marketed as a tenkeyless (TKL) gaming keyboard with whisper-quiet gaming switches rated for over 20 million keypresses, anti-ghosting technology, IP32 water and dust resistance, 8-zone PrismSync RGB illumination, dedicated multimedia controls including a clickable volume roller, and customisable macros via SteelSeries software.
What we liked
- Compact tenkeyless form factor saves desk space, per the listing
- IP32 water and dust resistant, not stated on the TECKNET
- Whisper-quiet switches rated for 20 million keypresses
- Dedicated multimedia controls with a volume roller
Worth knowing
- Slightly cheaper than the TECKNET, but no full number pad
- No stated switch colour/type beyond "silent gaming switches"
Best for
- Buyers who want a compact, space-saving layout
- Anyone who wants water and dust resistance
- Those who want dedicated media controls
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants a full-size keyboard with a number pad
- Buyers who want traditional mechanical switch feel
TECKNET Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Red Switches, 109 Keys — Full-Size Layout
Intended for: Marketed as a full-size 109-key mechanical gaming keyboard with red switches for low actuation force, full anti-ghosting keys, a metal plate with non-slip pads, 24 LED lighting presets with adjustable brightness, fully programmable keys via included Windows-only software, and plug-and-play USB-A connectivity.
What we liked
- Full-size 109-key layout including a number pad, unlike the SteelSeries TKL
- Red mechanical switches for low actuation force, per the listing
- 24 LED lighting presets
- Fully programmable macros via included software
Worth knowing
- Costs £1.00 more than the SteelSeries on these listings
- No stated water or dust resistance rating
Best for
- Buyers who want a full-size keyboard with a number pad
- Anyone who wants traditional mechanical red-switch feel
- Those who want the most LED lighting presets
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants the most compact desk footprint
- Buyers who want water/dust resistance
