SteelSeries Apex 3
Score: 76/100
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
Score: 83/100Rankings
The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard featuring an aluminum chassis, HyperX Aqua linear switches and per-key RGB lighting, delivering solid performance in a compact form factor. Its non-hotswappable switches, lack of wireless connectivity and modest brightness levels are notable trade-offs. Best suited for competitive FPS and esports gamers who value a sturdy build and extra mouse space.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
104 keysbest | 87 keys | |
| ↓ lower better | 1,270 g | 900 gbest |
— | 45 gbest | |
1 years | 2 yearsbest | |
10 zonesbest | — | |
— | 5 levelsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Switch Type | Whisper quiet gaming switches | HyperX Aqua |
Key Count (keys) | 104 keys | 87 keys |
Weight (g) | 1270 g | 900 g |
Dimensions (W×H×L) (mm) | 445×39.9×150.9 mm | 129.5 x 35.6 x 358.1 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the Alloy Origins Core for its solid aluminum construction, balanced linear switches, and compact TKL layout that benefits competitive gamers needing extra mouse space. They also appreciate the intuitive NGENUITY software and per-key RGB customization. However, they criticize the non-hotswappable design, modest speed advantage of the 1.8 mm actuation point, and the relatively high bottoming force, as well as the absence of any wireless capability.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for durability, RGB customization and the detachable cable, while noting the lack of hot-swap and wireless as drawbacks.
