Average score
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.0
Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.1
acoustics
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.6

Across reviews, the Air60 HE is repeatedly described as sounding unusually good for a low-profile board, with a deeper and more premium tone than expected.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.2

Reviews describe the acoustics as improved and pleasing overall, with quieter thockier notes than earlier models, though a few still mention some hollowness or remaining rattle.

actuation consistency
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.5

Reviewers describe the low-profile magnetic switches as stable and predictable, with travel and adjustable actuation behavior that feel consistent in use.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.9

The adjustable actuation system is praised for its range and usefulness, but evidence is mixed on precision because some reviews found the programmed points less accurate than expected.

analog input support
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.0

One review explicitly highlights Hall Effect support for analog control in addition to multi-function key behavior.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
2.0

One review says the keyboard lacks deeper analog-style gamepad emulation, so analog-style switch behavior is present but full analog control support appears limited.

backlight brightness
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.5

The south-facing RGB is described as bright and easy to notice, even without relying on shine-through legends.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.0

Backlighting is usable and visibility is generally good, but multiple reviewers wanted brighter lighting or found the illumination less bright than expected.

battery life
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
No score yet
Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.0

Wireless reviews point to roughly 35 to 45 hours of use, with one reviewer also describing about two days of heavy gaming before recharge.

build quality
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.3

Reviewers generally describe the board as solid and sturdy, with few complaints about the overall chassis construction.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.6

Build quality is a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling the board sturdy, tank-like, and premium-feeling across full-size, TKL, and mini variants.

cable quality
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.0

The included USB-C cable is described positively, especially its right-angled design and matching finish.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

The detachable braided cable is consistently described as a quality inclusion that feels less intrusive and easier to live with or transport.

compatibility
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.4

Reviews mention support across Windows, Mac, and Linux, with one review also calling out Android and iOS compatibility.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

A review highlights compatibility with MX-style keycaps, suggesting the board works well with existing keycap collections and aftermarket cap swaps.

connectivity
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
2.7

Wired USB-C helps keep performance fast, but the lack of wireless is the most common connectivity complaint.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.3

The keyboard supports wired and wireless connections, and setup is often smooth, with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz options appearing prominently in the evidence.

customization options
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.8

The browser-based configurator gives users broad control over remaps, actuation, layers, and gaming behaviors.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.8

Customization is extensive, with reviewers citing deep per-key tuning, presets, profiles, RGB controls, and enthusiast-level adjustment options.

desk space efficiency
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.8

The compact 60% footprint is repeatedly praised for reclaiming desk space and leaving more room for mouse movement.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.9

Desk-space efficiency depends heavily on the chosen size: mini and TKL models free up room, while the full-size board is clearly space-hungry.

durability
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.3

Materials and construction suggest decent longevity, but one reviewer reports scratch-prone caps and underside surfaces.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

Durability is presented positively through sturdy frames, durable-feeling construction, and long-wearing keycap or switch claims.

ease of switch replacement
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.0

Switch changes are possible thanks to the hot-swappable PCB, though the ecosystem is still limited.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

Ease of replacement is helped by included pullers and removable parts, but the broader switch-swapping story is not universally simple across variants.

ergonomics
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.0

The low profile and adjustable feet help comfort, but convenience is reduced by wired-only use and some foot design complaints.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

Ergonomics are generally strong, with comfortable angles, reachable layouts, and palm-rest support helping longer sessions feel easier.

extra gaming features
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.7

Rapid Trigger, SOCD/LKP-style functions, DKS, HyperTap, and related Hall Effect tools are a major strength of this keyboard.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, Protection Mode, dual-action bindings, and similar features give the Apex Pro Gen 3 one of its clearest gaming-specific advantages.

frame rigidity
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
5.0

Multiple reviews call the case rigid and sturdy, with no meaningful flex or creaking.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
5.0

Frame rigidity is a strength, with reviewers noting dense construction, little wobble, and cases that stay planted on the desk.

gaming performance
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.7

Across reviews, gaming performance is a standout, with especially strong praise for responsiveness in fast-paced games.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.8

Gaming performance is repeatedly described as fast, precise, and especially strong for shooters, esports titles, and other quick-response games.

hot-swappable switches
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.3

Hot-swap support is present, but reviewers repeatedly note that compatible low-profile magnetic switch choices are scarce.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
2.4

Hot-swap support is mixed in the review set: several reviewers say the switches are not hot-swappable, while others describe at least partial hall-switch swapping.

keycap quality
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.0

Keycap impressions are mixed: some reviewers praise the material choice and feel, while others dislike slipperiness, thinness, light bleed, or scratching.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

Keycaps are generally praised for textured, premium-feeling double-shot PBT construction and good overall feel under the fingers.

key responsiveness
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.5

Reviews describe the keys as quick and responsive, with fast, accurate behavior once actuation is tuned.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.8

Key responsiveness is one of the most consistently praised traits, with reviews emphasizing quick registration, snappy response, and precise inputs.

key spacing
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
2.5

The flat low-profile layout can make mis-hits and typos easier for some users, especially if they rely on key shape for guidance.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.3

Key spacing and reach are generally comfortable, with reviewers saying keys are easy to access and not overly stretched or cramped.

key stability
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.3

Main keys are often described as stable, but the space bar and a few stabilizer-related behaviors draw criticism.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.3

Key stability is mostly positive thanks to reduced wobble and steadier larger keys, though a few reviews still note some rattle or inconsistency.

latency
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.5

Low latency is a recurring positive, with reviewers consistently framing the board as fast and responsive.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.2

Latency is usually low in wired use, but wireless evidence is more mixed because at least one reviewer reports noticeable latency or connection-related delay.

layout options
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
2.5

The Air60 HE is firmly a compact 60% board, and reviews note limited layout flexibility plus no ISO option.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.3

The lineup offers multiple layout choices, including full-size, TKL, and mini or 60 percent variants depending on the review source.

legend visibility
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
2.3

Legend visibility is mixed, with complaints about soft legend clarity, visual busyness, and light bleed on some caps.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
5.0

Legend visibility is strong in the evidence, with labels staying readable and backlighting helping the legends remain clear.

macro customization
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.7

Macro support appears in the specs and software coverage, but one review reported it missing at the time, so the experience looks mixed across review dates.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

Macro customization is well supported through software and onboard controls, with reviewers noting macro recording, reassignment, and dual-action possibilities.

materials quality
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.3

Reviewers consistently mention the aluminum top frame, ABS bottom, and PBT caps as good material choices for the price.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.8

Material quality is usually seen as premium through aluminum plates, sturdy plastics, textured surfaces, and PBT caps, though some mini-case criticism appears.

media controls
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.5

Media functions are available through layers rather than dedicated keys or controls.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.4

Media controls are included and useful in principle, but several reviewers say the wheel or screen-based controls can feel awkward or cumbersome.

noise level
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.3

The Air60 HE is generally described as quieter and more office-friendly than many gaming boards, even if it is not silent.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.0

Noise levels are generally moderate and improved over older or louder gaming boards, with multiple reviews saying the board avoids being distractingly loud.

onboard memory
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.5

The board stores a small number of programmed layouts/profiles on-device, but that capacity is limited.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.3

Onboard memory and hardware-stored presets are a real convenience, allowing profiles or settings to travel with the keyboard without constant software reliance.

passthrough features
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
No score yet
Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
1.8

USB passthrough is absent or missing in the reviewed units, and that omission is called out as a downside more than once.

per-key lighting control
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.0

One review explicitly lists RGB per-key lighting alongside the board’s side lights.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.6

Per-key lighting control is widely supported, with reviewers citing individual-key RGB customization and fine-grained lighting adjustments.

polling rate
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
5.0

High polling is a core part of the Air60 HE’s performance story, with 8,000Hz repeatedly mentioned across reviews.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.0

The 1000Hz polling rate is considered adequate for most use cases, though some reviewers note it is no longer class-leading at this price.

portability
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.9

The board is compact and easy to pack, but wired-only operation reduces some of its natural portability advantages.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.3

Portability is decent for detachable-cable and compact versions, but full-size models remain less travel-friendly than TKL or mini options.

profile management
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.6

The physical switch makes profile changes quick, but the three-profile limit is one of the more common complaints.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.4

Profile management is robust, with QuickSet menus, multiple saved profiles, and easy switching called out across several reviews.

rapid trigger support
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
5.0

Rapid Trigger is widely highlighted and reviewers generally describe it as working as expected.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.8

Rapid Trigger support is a headline feature and is consistently described as effective for faster resets and quicker repeated inputs.

reliability
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.5

Everyday behavior is mostly described as solid, but one reviewer hit firmware-update bugs before reverting and recalibrating.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.3

Reliability is mostly positive in typing and gameplay, but one wireless review introduces some caution by reporting intermittent dropouts.

RGB customization
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.5

Reviews note a healthy range of lighting effects and app-based RGB controls.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

RGB customization is broad and feature-rich, with Prism, effects, reactive lighting, and per-key color changes repeatedly mentioned.

RGB lighting quality
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.8

RGB looks bright and eye-catching, especially with the translucent accent caps, though some reviewers dislike the stock cap look or light bleed.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.1

Lighting quality is usually attractive and even, but not perfect, since some reviews mention limited brightness or imperfect color accuracy.

size and form factor
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.0

The ultra-compact low-profile 60% form is central to the product’s appeal, even if that shape is not ideal for everyone.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

Form-factor choice is a core part of the product family, with TKL and mini options praised for compactness while full-size boards stay substantial.

software quality
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.7

NuPhy.io is one of the board’s biggest strengths, with repeated praise for being web-based, capable, and easy to use.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.8

SteelSeries GG is feature-rich and usually workable, but many reviewers describe it as bloated, cluttered, or less intuitive than it could be.

sound dampening
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.5

Foam and silicone layers are repeatedly credited with softening the board’s sound and giving it a more muted tone.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

Sound dampening is a real improvement point, with multiple layers of foam or dampening material frequently credited for the quieter, fuller sound.

stabilizer quality
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
2.8

Stabilizers are acceptable overall, but the space bar is repeatedly singled out for wobble, rattle, or weaker sound.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.8

Stabilizer quality shows improvement in several reviews, especially on larger keys, though some reports still mention spacebar noise or inconsistent tuning.

switch feel
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.5

The low-profile Jade and Jade Pro switches are widely praised for smoothness and satisfying feel, with Pro switches often preferred for control.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.3

Switch feel is usually described as smooth, buttery, light, and fast, but a few reviewers think the switches are too light or not especially impressive.

switch options
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.6

Switch choice is narrow right now, with reviewers only pointing to the Jade and Jade Pro low-profile magnetic options.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.3

Switch options vary within the family, with size and wireless choices available, but some reviews note mixed switch types on certain rows or keys.

typing comfort
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.8

Many reviewers find the Air60 HE comfortable for long sessions, especially given its low profile and optional wrist-rest support.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.7

Typing comfort is a standout strength for many reviewers, especially with the included wrist rest, though a few ergonomic caveats appear on some variants.

typing feel
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
3.8

Typing is often described as surprisingly enjoyable for a gaming-focused low-profile board, though some reviewers still report tradeoffs in accuracy or excitement.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.3

Typing feel is widely praised for writing and general use, with smooth travel and enjoyable feedback, although one mini-focused review found it less special.

value for money
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.3

Most reviews frame the Air60 HE as strong value for its feature set and performance, though a few are less convinced against specific alternatives.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.4

Value for money is the most divided attribute: some reviewers think the features justify the premium, while others say the price remains hard to defend.

volume control
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
No score yet
Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.5

The volume wheel or roller is one of the more appreciated hardware controls, with multiple reviews specifically calling out easy volume adjustment.

wireless performance
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
No score yet
Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
3.7

Wireless performance is convenient and sometimes near-wired in feel, but the evidence is mixed because one review reports latency and intermittent issues.

wrist rest quality
Product 1: NuPhy Air60 HE
4.0

The optional wrist rest is described as comfortable, though one reviewer felt the low profile made it nonessential.

Product 2: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
4.2

The magnetic wrist rest is a commonly praised inclusion for comfort and stability, even if some reviewers find it firmer or less cushioned than they prefer.