Keychron Q1 HE vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024)
Keychron Q1 HE (#3) vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) (#4): in our Gaming Keyboards scoring the Keychron Q1 HE totals 8.7/10 and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) 8.4/10, the Keychron Q1 HE leading on Build Quality and Typing Feel and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) on Features.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Keychron Q1 HE | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239 | $173 |
| Layout | 75% | TKL |
| Switches | Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic | OmniPoint 3.0 Magnetic |
| Case | CNC Aluminum | — |
| Features | Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation | — |
| Connection | USB-C | 2.4GHz/Bluetooth/USB-C |
| Actuation | — | 0.2-3.8mm |
| Battery | — | 40 hours |
How they differ in real use
Built from our gaming keyboards scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Keychron Q1 HE and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) made our Top 5 Gaming Keyboards, at #3 and #4. Premium CNC aluminum build meets Hall effect switches. QMK/VIA compatible for ultimate customization. The enthusiast's choice for quality and flexibility. The rapid trigger pioneer now with wireless. OmniPoint 3.0 switches with 0.2-3.8mm adjustable actuation. The first to bring this tech mainstream.
We score gaming keyboards on Switch Quality (30%), Build Quality (25%), Features (20%), Typing Feel (15%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Keychron Q1 HE totals 8.7 out of 10 and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) 8.4. The widest gap is Build Quality, where the Keychron Q1 HE scores 9 against 8 for the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) — materials and construction. Features also separates them: 9 for the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) versus 8 for the Keychron Q1 HE.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Layout — 75% on the Keychron Q1 HE versus TKL on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024); Switches — Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic on the Keychron Q1 HE versus OmniPoint 3.0 Magnetic on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024); Connection — USB-C on the Keychron Q1 HE versus 2.4GHz/Bluetooth/USB-C on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024).
Pricing as of February 1, 2026: $239 for the Keychron Q1 HE and $173 for the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024), a $66 difference in the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024)'s favor. Owners praise the Keychron Q1 HE for CNC aluminum case and hall effect switches; the most common complaint is heavy at 1.7kg. Owners praise the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) for wireless 2.4GHz option and omniPoint 3.0 switches; the most common complaint is very expensive.
Keychron Q1 HE
- CNC aluminum case
- Hall effect switches
- Rapid trigger support
- QMK/VIA compatible
- Heavy at 1.7kg
- No wireless in HE version
- Limited switch options
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024)
- Wireless 2.4GHz option
- OmniPoint 3.0 switches
- Adjustable actuation 0.2-3.8mm
- OLED display
- Very expensive
- OLED screen gimmicky
- Magnetic wrist rest sold separately
Which should you buy?
The Keychron Q1 HE is the better fit for keyboard enthusiasts wanting gaming features and mac users — it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Build Quality and Typing Feel. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) is the better fit for wireless gaming needs and competitive FPS players, and the stronger choice if Features matters more to you than the overall score. If the $66 saving matters more than Build Quality, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) is the better value. The Keychron Q1 HE is a poor fit for portability focused; the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) is a poor fit for budget shoppers.
Choose the Keychron Q1 HE if
- Keyboard enthusiasts wanting gaming features
- Mac users
- Premium build seekers
Skip it if
- Portability focused
- Budget shoppers
Choose the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) if
- Wireless gaming needs
- Competitive FPS players
- SteelSeries ecosystem users
Skip it if
- Budget shoppers
- Those not needing rapid trigger
Common questions
Is the Keychron Q1 HE better than the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024)?
In our Gaming Keyboards ranking the Keychron Q1 HE scores higher overall, 8.7 to 8.4, with the biggest advantage in Build Quality. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) is stronger on Features, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
How much more does the Keychron Q1 HE cost than the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024)?
$66 more as of February 1, 2026: $239 for the Keychron Q1 HE against $173 for the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024). Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure. What the extra buys is mostly Build Quality — 9 versus 8 in our scoring.
What is the main difference between the Keychron Q1 HE and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024)?
The headline spec difference is Layout: 75% on the Keychron Q1 HE versus TKL on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024). In use, the gap that matters most is Build Quality (9 vs 8 in our scoring): materials and construction.