Average score
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.0
Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.3
acoustics
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.5

Keyboard sound is mixed: one review praised the low case ping, while another found the switch sound less pleasant overall.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.8

Reviewers praise the GX87’s stock sound as a standout, describing it as refined, lively, and unusually satisfying for a prebuilt board.

actuation consistency
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
No score yet
Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.5

One review specifically says the switches deliver a consistent key press.

analog input support
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.5

Several reviews say the adjustable and dual-stage switches can mimic analog-style input, enabling walk-and-run behavior from a single key.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
backlight brightness
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.1

Brightness is serviceable to strong overall. One review found the RGB less than especially bright, while another said full brightness remained easy to see.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
battery life
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.7

Wireless battery life is usually described around 30 to 40 hours, which reviewers treated as usable rather than class-leading, especially given sleep and charging quirks.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.9

Battery life is a clear strength, with multiple reviews calling out the large 8,000mAh capacity and very long runtime.

build quality
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.9

Build quality is generally solid enough for regular use, but the plastic-heavy shell and occasional squeak or premium-feel complaints keep it from feeling universally luxurious.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.6

Multiple reviewers describe the GX87 as very well built, with strong assembly, solid casework, and no obvious quality-control issues.

cable quality
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.4

The included USB-C cable is a consistent positive, with multiple reviews calling it braided, sturdy, heavy-duty, or durable.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
2.8

One video calls the included cable cheap and unimpressive.

compatibility
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.6

One review explicitly confirms support across Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, and Mac, though it also notes not every software feature is available on macOS.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.5

Key mappings are described as persisting across multiple devices, which supports multi-device use.

connectivity
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.4

Connectivity is broad on the wireless model, with repeated praise for wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz support, while the wired-only version obviously drops those wireless options.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.0

The board offers Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless modes, but one review also reports minor connectivity issues.

customization options
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.6

Customization is one of the board’s biggest strengths, with repeated mentions of remapping, actuation tuning, lighting changes, dual bindings, and deep software control.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.8

Reviewers consistently say the GX87 is easy to customize, thanks to straightforward disassembly and mod-friendly design, with one video also mentioning swappable top colors.

desk space efficiency
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.5

The compact 60% layout consistently frees desk space and shortens hand movement, making it especially appealing for minimalist or gaming-focused setups.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.2

The TKL layout is described as saving desk space versus full-size boards while keeping a familiar key set.

durability
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.7

Durability is repeatedly framed as a strength thanks to the quoted 100 million keypress lifespan and generally confident long-term expectations.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
5.0

One review explicitly says the GX87 feels built to last.

ease of switch replacement
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
2.2

Switch replacement or deeper switch-side maintenance is inconvenient because the switches are not hot-swappable and reviewers warn that working on them requires care.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
5.0

Switch replacement is described as very easy because switches can be removed and replaced without soldering.

ergonomics
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.0

Ergonomics are decent overall thanks to adjustable feet and the compact hand position, though one review notes the raised feet could use rubber tips.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.0

The fixed typing angle is presented as standard enough that it should not bother most users.

extra gaming features
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.3

Dual actuation, multi-action keys, and layered gaming functions are standout features, though several reviews also mention a learning curve before they feel natural.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.2

A dedicated ultra low latency mode is explicitly mentioned in the software.

frame rigidity
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.1

Frame rigidity is better than the plastic-heavy exterior suggests, with several reviews noting little flex in normal use even if some versions show minor flex under pressure.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.3

The chassis is praised for having no flex or rattles, though one video notes the quick-release design may feel less rigid than a screwed-in case.

gaming performance
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.7

Gaming performance is one of the clearest strengths, with reviews describing the board as fast, seamless, and especially compelling for competitive or shooter-focused play.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.4

Reviewers say the GX87 handles gaming well, especially for hybrid work-and-play use, even if it is not framed as a specialist Hall Effect board.

hot-swappable switches
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
1.5

Hot-swappability is a weakness here because at least one review explicitly states that the switches are not hot-swappable.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
5.0

Hot-swap support is clearly confirmed across reviews, making switch swaps part of the board’s appeal.

keycap quality
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.5

Keycap quality is a broad positive. Reviews repeatedly highlight PBT caps, solid texture, durable feel, and good overall finish.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.5

One review specifically praises the included PBT keycaps as high quality.

key responsiveness
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.7

Responsiveness is consistently praised, with reviews citing very fast reaction, fewer missed keystrokes, and an immediate feel in games.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.0

One review says the switches feel fairly responsive in play.

key spacing
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
2.9

The tight 60% spacing can feel cramped at first and may cause adjustment issues or typos until muscle memory catches up.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
key stability
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.3

One review specifically calls out little to no switch wiggle, suggesting solid key stability.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
latency
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.7

One wireless review explicitly reports no noticeable input lag during play, reinforcing the board’s speed-focused design.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.4

Latency is framed positively for normal gaming use, with reviewers noting reduced latency concerns and immediate-feeling keypresses.

layout options
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.5

The 60% layout uses layered functions intelligently, but the lack of dedicated keys remains a real tradeoff for productivity and adaptation.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
legend visibility
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.5

Legend visibility is mixed. Some reviewers found the function legends easy enough to spot, while others said side legends or secondary markings were hard to read or hidden in use.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
macro customization
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.3

Macro support is treated as flexible and useful, especially through SteelSeries GG where reviewers mention assigning macros and secondary actions.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.5

Macro support is explicitly mentioned as part of the board’s deeper customization toolkit.

materials quality
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.0

Materials are generally competent, usually mixing plastic outer parts with aluminum or metal structural elements, but not everyone felt the materials justified the premium price.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

The materials are consistently praised, especially the aluminum chassis and PBT keycaps, with one reviewer also highlighting the smooth finish.

media controls
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.9

Media controls are present as secondary functions rather than dedicated buttons, giving access to playback features without adding extra keys.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
noise level
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.3

The board is not especially quiet, with reviews describing it as loud, clacky, or on the louder side for typing.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.5

The sound profile is described as muted rather than sharply loud, keeping the board’s thock controlled.

onboard memory
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.7

Onboard memory is useful but not perfect, with reviews mentioning saved profiles or Bluetooth slots alongside at least one lighting-related limitation.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.8

Customizations are explicitly described as being stored on the keyboard itself.

per-key lighting control
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.4

Per-key lighting control is a clear feature highlight, with reviewers calling out individual-key RGB adjustment and strong lighting flexibility.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
polling rate
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
No score yet
Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.2

The keyboard is repeatedly described as running at 1,000Hz, with one video also discussing a low-latency mode.

portability
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.7

Portability is strong thanks to the compact size, with reviewers explicitly highlighting bag-friendly travel use.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
2.5

Its heavy all-metal build makes it less convenient to carry around or reposition frequently.

profile management
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.3

Profile handling is a positive, with reviewers mentioning multiple saved profiles for games, devices, or different actuation preferences.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
reliability
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.9

Reliability trends positive overall, though not flawless: one review reports trouble-free daily use while another notes an initial unit with connection issues.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.2

One review reports rare duplicate key registrations and a fringe long-hold input issue, so reliability is good but not flawless.

RGB customization
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.3

Lighting customization is a real strength, with reviews citing software-based control, per-key adjustment, preset effects, and the option to shut lighting off when preferred.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.9

Lighting customization exists and can be adjusted, but the experience is not unanimously polished, with one review calling it clunky.

RGB lighting quality
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.5

RGB presentation is generally praised for looking bold, vivid, and attractive, with smooth gradients or clean shine-through, though not every reviewer considered it especially bright.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
size and form factor
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.5

The tiny 60% form factor is central to the board’s identity and is repeatedly described as very compact and space-saving.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.0

The GX87 is explicitly described as an 80% TKL, giving it a compact-but-not-tiny footprint.

software quality
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.6

SteelSeries GG is feature-rich and powerful, but several reviews mention bugs, confusing steps, or a learning curve that softens the overall experience.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.2

Software support is generally seen as good for the category, with QMK/VIA support and dedicated software, though one reviewer still found VIA basic.

sound dampening
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
2.9

Sound dampening is only average, with one review specifically noting hollow-sounding impacts rather than a tightly muted profile.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

Internal foam and damping layers are specifically credited with reducing ping and cleaning up the typing sound.

stabilizer quality
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
3.8

Stabilizers are decent to good for a mass-produced keyboard, though several reviews still mention some rattle or note that extra tuning would help.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.8

Stabilizers are mixed but acceptable overall: one review says they are nearly silent, while another wanted a bit more lube.

switch feel
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.6

Switch feel is one of the board’s strongest fundamentals, with reviews repeatedly describing the switches as smooth and pleasant to use.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.5

The stock linear switches are described as satisfying, bouncy, crisp, and snappy in everyday use.

switch options
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.7

Adjustable actuation is the signature feature here, with wide per-key tuning ranges repeatedly praised across both written and video reviews.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
2.8

Switch choice at purchase is limited, with one review explicitly noting only two similar linear options and no tactile choice.

typing comfort
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.6

Typing comfort is strong once adjusted to the layout, with reviewers noting long-session comfort even if the form factor takes some adaptation.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.5

Typing comfort is positively described, with reviewers calling out a soft, bouncy, comfort-focused feel.

typing feel
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.4

Typing feel is generally positive thanks to smooth switches and solid caps, although linear behavior is not every typist’s favorite.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

Typing feel is strongly positive, with reviewers describing the GX87 as joyful, smooth, and satisfying to type on.

value for money
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
2.4

Value is the most consistent complaint. Review after review questions the high asking price, especially on the wireless model, even when the feature set is respected.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.9

Reviews repeatedly frame the GX87 as unusually strong value, pairing premium-feeling features with a budget-friendly price.

volume control
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.0

Volume control is available through layered secondary functions rather than a dedicated wheel or knob.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
wireless performance
Product 1: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
4.6

Wireless performance is commonly described as stable, responsive, and effectively lag-free, with sleep and wake behavior being the main recurring complaint.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.8

Wireless behavior is praised for reconnecting quickly after idle and feeling responsive in use.