HK Gaming GK61
Score: 73/100
SteelSeries Apex 3
Score: 76/100Rankings
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a full-size membrane gaming keyboard offering 10-zone RGB, water resistance, and whisper-quiet switches at a budget price. Its main limitation is the lack of mechanical feel and hot-swap support. Best for gamers who value quiet operation, durability, and affordability.
The GK61 is a 60% mechanical keyboard offering hot-swap support, per-key RGB, and a 1000 Hz polling rate. Its compact layout omits arrow keys and its Windows-only software can be glitchy, while the ABS build feels less premium. Suited for budget gamers who prioritize customization over full keysets.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
61 keys | 104 keysbest | |
1,000 Hzbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 600 gbest | 1,270 g |
50 gbest | — | |
— | 1 yearsbest | |
— | 10 zonesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Connection Type | Wired | Wired USB |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Switch Type | Optical | Whisper quiet gaming switches |
Key Count (keys) | 61 keys | 104 keys |
Weight (g) | 600 g | 1270 g |
Dimensions (W×H×L) (mm) | 100x30x290 mm | 445×39.9×150.9 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers, such as KeebWorks, rate the GK61's daily performance highly for responsiveness (8/10) and praise its hot-swap durability, fast polling rate, and RGB features. However, they criticize the cramped 60% layout and note occasional software instability, recommending it mainly for budget gamers who can tolerate the layout trade-offs.
Everyday users love the hot-swap convenience, the satisfying sound after mods, and the vibrant RGB lighting, seeing it as a great value. Recurring frustrations center on the Windows-only software that sometimes won't install, the lack of dedicated arrow keys for productivity, and the entry-level ABS build that feels less premium.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the Apex 3 for its solid construction, minimal flex, and attractive floating-key RGB design.
Everyday users appreciate the keyboard's durability, spill-proof rating, vibrant RGB, and silent switches, often noting the comfort added by the magnetic wrist rest.
“sounds and feels pretty good”
