Keyboards · Head-to-head
Wooting 80HE vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3)
Two Hall-effect gaming keyboards with adjustable actuation — a wired 8 kHz enthusiast board versus a premium wireless TKL.
Quick verdict
Choose the Wooting 80HE if…
Choose the Wooting 80HE if you want the lowest possible latency — adjustable magnetic switches, Rapid Trigger and true 8 kHz polling in a gasket-mounted 80% board.
Choose the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3) if…
Choose the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless if you want adjustable magnetic switches with reliable low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless, plus Bluetooth and an OLED display.
What you'll actually notice
The differences that change which one you should buy, rather than every difference there is.
Switches
Decides itDifferent switch types — Lekker V2 magnetic (Hall-effect) on the Wooting 80HE, OmniPoint 3.0 magnetic (Hall-effect) on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3). This is the thing you feel on every keystroke, and it is the hardest part of a keyboard to change your mind about later.
Connection
Decides itThe SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3) is wireless (2.4GHz + Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C wired) and the Wooting 80HE is USB-C wired. Wireless buys a cleaner desk and a battery to think about; wired removes both.
Layout
Decides it80% against TKL. Layout decides how much desk the keyboard takes and whether you keep a number pad and a dedicated function row.
What the price difference means
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3) sits about $101 more by reference price ($280–$300 against $199–$225 for the Wooting 80HE). That premium is buying specific capabilities rather than a generally better product.
Reference prices are our own editorial figures for a typical street price, not live retailer quotes.
Key differences
The specifications that meaningfully differ between the two. A highlighted value is the stronger figure where it can be compared objectively.
| Specification | Wooting 80HE | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 80% | TKL |
| Mounting | Gasket | — |
| Keycaps | — | Double-shot PBT |
| Switches | Lekker V2 magnetic (Hall-effect) | OmniPoint 3.0 magnetic (Hall-effect) |
| Rapid Trigger | Yes | Yes (+ Rapid Tap) |
| Polling Rate | Up to 8000 Hz | — |
| Connectivity | USB-C wired | 2.4GHz + Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C wired |
| Software | Wootility | — |
Full side-by-side specs
| Specification | Wooting 80HE | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 80% | TKL |
| Switches | Lekker V2 magnetic (Hall-effect) | OmniPoint 3.0 magnetic (Hall-effect) |
| Actuation | 0.1–4.0 mm adjustable | 0.1–4.0 mm adjustable |
| Rapid Trigger | Yes | Yes (+ Rapid Tap) |
| Polling Rate | Up to 8000 Hz | — |
| Connectivity | USB-C wired | 2.4GHz + Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C wired |
| Mounting | Gasket | — |
| Software | Wootility | — |
| Compatibility | Windows / Mac | Windows / Mac |
| Display | — | OLED Smart Display |
| Keycaps | — | Double-shot PBT |
| Backlight | — | Per-key RGB |
Who should buy each one
Wooting 80HE
Competitive and enthusiast gamers who want adjustable actuation and the lowest possible latency.
- Wired only
- Frequently out of stock
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3)
Gamers who want adjustable magnetic switches plus reliable low-latency wireless.
- Expensive
- Software can be heavy
Final verdict
There is no single winner here — the right choice depends on what you need.
Better for wired latency and value.
Read the full Wooting 80HE reviewBetter for wireless flexibility.
Read the full SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3) reviewThe Wooting 80HE scores higher overall (9.3 against 9.0), but that is an editorial judgement across five criteria rather than a formula, and it does not override the trade-offs above — how we score.
Keep exploring
Want to line these up against other options, or get a tailored recommendation?