Today, we look at the SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum; two of the highest end gaming keyboards available in the market, that warrant a premium, as well. But the goal here is to see whether the high price is actually worth it or not, and most importantly, we also want to find out how they compete with each other. Obviously, for anyone who is looking to buy the best gaming keyboard in the market, at first sight, they think that the most expensive and the latest product would do, but that’s not the case. The keyboards are tested on various grounds such as price, switches, design, build quality, and features.
Price
Price is obviously one of the major determining factors whenever we are looking at a good keyboard or any other product, for that matter. Both Corsair and SteelSeries are known for keeping the prices close to each other, and maintaining the quality, as well. However, with Corsair K95 RGB Platinum being the older keyboard from the two, it is currently available for much cheaper in the market at $176 after discount; for a keyboard that retails for around $200, the discount is pretty nice. On the other hand, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is currently retailing for $237, which certainly is more than what the Corsair warrants. Needless to say, the K95 RGB Platinum is definitely better in terms of the price, but it also leaves us wondering if the Apex Pro has more features. Something that we will be finding out later down the road. Winner: Corsair K95 RGB Platinum.
Switches
Considering how both keyboards are mechanical, the comparison might seem unjust to some mainly due to how similar mechanical keyboard tend to be. However, this is where the differences start to prop up in these keyboards. You see, despite both being mechanical; the keyboards are inherently different all thanks to the fact that they have entirely different switches. The SteelSeries Apex Pro comes in only one switch type known as the OmniPoint Switch. This is created by SteelSeries themselves and happens to be among the few adjustable switches. The OmniPoint switch, as the name would say, allows you to change the actuation point of the switch from 0.4mm all the way up to 3.6mm. Making the SteelSeries Apex Pro the fastest mechanical keyboard not just in theory, but also in practicality. Additionally, the response time is just 0.7ms and most importantly, the switch is rated at 100 million keystrokes. On the other hand, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum comes in two switch types; the Cherry MX Brown and the Cherry MX Speed. Both of these switches have been industry-leading for a long, long time now. Both switches are rated at 50 million clicks, with Cherry MX Speed having a 1.2mm actuation point, and the MX Brown having 2mm actuation point. Needless to say, when you are talking about comparing the switch types of both the SteelSeries Apex Pro, and the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, the SteelSeries Apex Pro wins hands down, and there is no other way to say it. Winner: SteelSeries Apex Pro.
Design
Not many might agree to the fact but the design of the keyboard is actually something that is extremely important. Granted, you can easily get mixed up in the process and go for a design language that is less than impressive, but what you need to know here is that the more cohesive design element there is, the better it is going to be. The design on both SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum are largely the same. They have the gamer aesthetic that you are looking for, wrist rest, the floating key design, and the pretty visible light spill, too. Giving one keyboard preference over the other as far as the design is concerned would be wrong at all fronts. As I have said before, the design on both keyboards look just as good and are as functional when it comes to design with absolutely no gimmicks. Winner: Both.
Build Quality
Granted, you are not going to fight with your keyboard physically when it comes to that, but having a solid build quality is definitely a plus point because, with that, you will not have to worry about the keyboard flexing, or giving up after countless intense gaming sessions, or other work-related incidents. Both keyboards are made out of a combination of aluminum and plastic. While it may not be a surprise to anyone, having this material choice is definitely the way to go as it only shows that the company is doing their best to maintain a good standard. There is absolutely zero flex, and the keyboards can manage to stay in their original shape. True, you will have to clean them regularly in order to make sure that they maintain their original look and feel. Rest assured, if you are looking for something with the solid build quality, you are definitely going to get it here. Winner: Both.
Features
The last factor that is going to decide which keyboard is better is going to be the features that you are going to get. I know it might sound like a very rudimentary factor, but the more you are aware of such things, the better it is going to be. After all, having information about such factors is definitely what most people need to keep in mind. The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum has all the features you would expect from a flagship gaming keyboard; quality switches, RGB lighting, macros, volume wheel, a comprehensive software, detachable wrist rest, and the whole 9 yards. Needless to say, this keyboard does not really feel like it is missing something. The SteelSeries Apex Pro, on the other hand, take a few of the factors up a notch by giving you more advanced features, too. For instance, this particular keyboard comes with an OLED panel on the top right corner. It displays settings, as well as other important information that you can use. A feature that some might consider a gimmick, but it actually works, really well. Especially if you are in a game, or you are working and you do not have the time to tab out. Additionally, the keyboard also offers you to adjust the actuation point of the switches; which does happen to be a pretty clever feature. All in all, in terms of the features, the SteelSeries Apex Pro does take the cake, but not by a long shot. Winner: SteelSeries Apex Pro.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the winner is not that difficult, to begin with. Both keyboards trade blows with each other, and most importantly, are not that different from each other, either. Granted, the Apex Pro by SteelSeries is a lot more advanced when you look at the switches and has a longer lifespan, as well. This is the one blow that changes the entire situation. Simply put, in theory, the SteelSeries Apex Pro will last longer than the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum. Making us choose it as the best gaming keyboard currently available in the market.
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