Corsair K70 PRO TKL (Black, North American layout) vs SteelSeries Apex 3 (Black, Full Size)
Is a smaller tenkeyless footprint and adjustable magnetic-key actuation more useful to you than a full-size layout and the Apex 3's rubber-dome switch and media-control setup?
Products compared
ASIN B0D83TJ5RB
Corsair K70 PRO TKL (Black, North American layout)
You want a tenkeyless layout that leaves the numpad off the desk and prefer configurable actuation on the K70's magnetic-switch keys.
Last observed offer
$139.99
List Price: $169.99
- Confirm offer eligibility on Amazon
Size: TKL
Price checked
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
ASIN B07ZGDPT4M
SteelSeries Apex 3 (Black, Full Size)
You rely on a full-size numpad and prefer the Apex 3's POM rubber-dome switch design with its dedicated volume roller and media button.
Last observed offer
$54.99
- Confirm offer eligibility on Amazon
Size: Apex 3
Price checked
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
Prices are per listed package. Pickoryx may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the paid Amazon links on this page, at no added cost to you.
Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-21 · Source checked 2026-10-21 17:52 UTC
The main trade-off
The K70 PRO TKL removes the numpad and adds configurable actuation on its magnetic-switch keys; the Apex 3 keeps a full-size numpad and uses a different rubber-dome switch design.
Quick verdict
For a desk where numpad access matters, the full-size Apex 3 is the straightforward fit. If you can give up that pad and will actually configure the K70 PRO TKL's magnetic-key actuation, its tenkeyless layout and tuning options answer a different need; neither keyboard has a proven gaming-speed advantage here.
Choose Corsair K70 PRO TKL (Black, North American layout) if
- You want a tenkeyless layout that leaves the numpad off the desk and prefer configurable actuation on the K70's magnetic-switch keys.
- You are comfortable using Corsair iCUE for deeper configuration, or you want to use the keyboard's documented hardware shortcuts.
Choose SteelSeries Apex 3 (Black, Full Size) if
- You rely on a full-size numpad and prefer the Apex 3's POM rubber-dome switch design with its dedicated volume roller and media button.
- You want the Apex 3's documented profile and on-the-fly macro controls rather than configuring magnetic-key actuation.
When the recommendation changes
- A required numpad changes the choice toward the full-size Apex 3; a need for more open space beside the keyboard changes it toward the K70 PRO TKL.
- If configurable magnetic-key actuation is not a feature you plan to set up, the K70 PRO TKL's extra control options may not justify its current-offer premium.
- A preference for a particular typing sound or feel should be checked hands-on; these sources do not establish a better-feeling or quieter result.
The differences that matter
| Decision point | Corsair K70 PRO TKL (Black, North American layout) | SteelSeries Apex 3 (Black, Full Size) |
|---|---|---|
| Layout And Desk Fit | Tenkeyless; the North American specification lists 87 keys and dimensions 366 × 135 × 39.8 mm.[1, 2] | The SteelSeries US page offers the Apex 3 in Black, English (USA), and Full Size options; its product guide illustration shows a numpad. Exact body dimensions were not confirmed.[3, 4] |
What this changes: A numpad need favors the full-size layout; if it is unnecessary, the K70's tenkeyless format leaves that section of the desk open.[1, 2, 3, 4] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
| Switch And Control Workflow | The K70 PRO TKL uses MGX Hyperdrive magnetic switches on its ANSI magnetic-key group, with actuation adjustments from 0.1 to 4.0 mm in 0.1 mm increments and Rapid Trigger; Corsair separately lists 23 MLX Plasma mechanical keys. iCUE controls deeper software configuration.[1, 2] | SteelSeries identifies the Apex 3 switch as a POM rubber-dome sheet designed to lower acoustic vibrations. The manual describes roller-based volume control, a media button, profile switching and on-the-fly macro recording.[5, 4] |
What this changes: The documented switch mechanisms and control workflows differ, but the sources do not establish superior real-world speed, sound or feel for either keyboard.[1, 2, 5, 4] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
Best for your routine
A buyer wants a full-size numpad on a wired keyboard.
Best fit: SteelSeries Apex 3 (Black, Full Size)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
The selected Apex 3 configuration is full size and the manual diagram shows the numpad; the K70 PRO TKL is specified as tenkeyless.
A buyer wants a tenkeyless board and plans to adjust actuation on the magnetic-key section.
Best fit: Corsair K70 PRO TKL (Black, North American layout)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Corsair documents adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger for the MGX magnetic keys, which suits buyers who want those controls and plan to configure them. This recommendation does not claim faster play.
Value and trade-offs
One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.
If current offers put the K70 PRO TKL at a meaningful premium, weigh that premium against your need for a tenkeyless layout and configurable magnetic-key actuation. Recheck the exact variant and offer when shopping.
There is not enough price history to recommend buying now or waiting. Compare current offers for the exact black US/North American variants.
Limitations
- This comparison uses published manufacturer information. No hands-on test or controlled comparison of input latency, typing noise or typing feel was performed.
- The K70 PRO TKL technical guide distinguishes its MGX magnetic keys from its MLX mechanical keys; do not assume every key has adjustable magnetic actuation.
- The Apex 3 product page offers more than one size variant. Confirm the current Amazon offer is the black full-size 64812 configuration before ordering.
- The exact body width and depth for this full-size Apex 3 version were not confirmed. Measure your available desk space and compare it with the seller's current product details before ordering.
- Offers change, and the available price history is too limited to identify a typical price or advise buying now versus waiting. Compare current offers for the exact black US/North American variants.
Questions shoppers ask
Are all keys on the K70 PRO TKL magnetic?
No. Corsair's technical guide lists MGX magnetic switches for the ANSI magnetic-key group and separately lists 23 MLX Plasma mechanical keys. Do not assume every key gets adjustable magnetic actuation.
Does the K70's polling-rate specification prove it will be faster in games?
No. The manufacturer publishes a polling-rate specification, but comparable controlled input-latency tests for both keyboards were not available for this comparison. Choose on layout and controls unless you have independent testing that matches your game and setup.
Methodology and sources
The keyboards are compared on number-pad and desk-layout needs, then on documented switch design and control options. Manufacturer descriptions are not treated as measured evidence of gaming speed, noise, typing feel or latency superiority.
AI helped organize and summarize manufacturer information. Neither keyboard was hands-on tested.
View 5 sources
- 1.K70 PRO TKL High-Performance Hall Effect Programmable Gaming Keyboard with Rapid TriggerCORSAIR · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-21 17:52 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- SKU CH-911911G-NA; Features; Adjustable Actuations; Tech Specs; Package Contents: The exact North American SKU CH-911911G-NA is the black K70 PRO TKL. Corsair describes adjustable MGX Hyperdrive magnetic switches, Rapid Trigger, dual actuation, iCUE support, TKL form factor and an included detachable palm rest. Its published technology claims are not treated as measured comparative performance.
- 2.K70 PRO TKL Manual | Quick Start GuideCORSAIR · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-21 17:52 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Technical Specifications; Operating Modes; Hardware Actuation Setting; Software Overview: The guide identifies a tenkeyless form factor and 366 × 135 × 39.8 mm dimensions. It separately lists MGX Hyperdrive magnetic switches for 61 ANSI keys and 23 MLX Plasma mechanical keys; explains hardware and iCUE software modes; and describes actuation controls and FlashTap. The guide asks users to install the latest firmware before first use.
- 3.Apex 3 USSteelSeries · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-21 17:52 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Black, English (USA), and Full Size options; Dedicated Multimedia Controls; Three-Way Cable Routing: The US product page lists Black, English (USA), and Full Size options. It describes the Apex 3's volume roller, media keys, and three-way cable routing. The family also has a TKL size, so verify the black Full Size 64812 version in the offer.
- 4.Apex 3 Product Information GuideSteelSeries · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-21 17:52 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- English Product Overview; Product Information; Package Contents; Functions: The Apex 3 guide's product illustration shows the full-size keyboard and number pad. It lists the Apex 3 keyboard and magnetic wrist rest in package contents and explains the volume roller, media button, profile switching and on-the-fly macro recording controls.
- 5.How loud is the Apex 3, and how does it feel?SteelSeries Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-21 17:52 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Answer paragraph on switch design: SteelSeries says the Apex 3 switch uses a POM rubber-dome sheet designed to lower acoustic vibration. This is a design statement, not a measured noise level or a comparative typing-feel result.