34 facts in comparison
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 vs Logitech G512 X 98
Both use magnetic switches, and the difference is what they let you do with them. The SteelSeries commits the whole board to adjustable actuation; the Logitech puts swappable beds under the keys that matter for games and leaves ordinary mechanical switches everywhere else.
That flexibility is the real argument, because analog switches are not universally better — they are excellent for movement keys and vague for typing. Layout is the other fork: tenkeyless against a 96% board with a numpad.
Where the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 beats the Logitech G512 X 98
No standout advantages.
Where the Logitech G512 X 98 beats the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- A lighter actuation force ?30 g vs 45 g
- Has hot-swappable switches ?
- Has analog input ?
- A much higher polling rate ?8,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz
Key real-world differences
The spec sheet pulls in both directions. These are the gaps big enough to shape the decision — with the actual figures, and what each one means in real-world use.
- Polling ratePerformance1,000 Hz vs 8,000 Hz — 8× more for the Logitech G512 X 98
How often the keyboard reports input; higher can reduce latency.
- Hot-swappableSwitches & typingNo vs Yes — only the Logitech G512 X 98 has it
Swap switches without soldering.
- Analog inputSwitches & typingNo vs Yes — only the Logitech G512 X 98 has it
Keys report their travel depth for variable gamepad-style input and multi-stage actions.
Which one should you buy?
There is no single answer — it depends on what you will actually use it for. Match your priority to the pick below.
- Best for switches & typing Logitech G512 X 98 takes the category 100 to 58 — driven by hot-swappable (No vs Yes).
- Best for performance Logitech G512 X 98 takes the category 100 to 42 — driven by polling rate (1,000 Hz vs 8,000 Hz).
- The safe all-rounder Logitech G512 X 98 wins more of the categories that carry real weight, topping the overall VS Score at 100.
Where each one falls short
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Polling rate: 1,000 Hz vs 8,000 Hz
- Hot-swappable: No vs Yes
- Analog input: No vs Yes
- 13 specs are unreported (shown as Unknown) and excluded from its scores.
Logitech G512 X 98
- No major spec weaknesses in this matchup — the gaps that exist are small.
- 8 specs are unreported (shown as Unknown) and excluded from its scores.
What matters to you?
Drag the sliders to weight each category and re-rank the products to suit your priorities.
Score breakdown
Switches & typing
The key switch technology; later types are generally more responsive.
The specific switch used (e.g. Cherry MX Red).
The force needed to register a key; lower is lighter to type on.
Swap switches without soldering.
Registers every simultaneous keypress.
Set the actuation point per key (analog / Hall-effect boards).
Keys report their travel depth for variable gamepad-style input and multi-stage actions.
Performance
How often the keyboard reports input; higher can reduce latency.
End-to-end keypress latency over a wired connection; lower is better.
End-to-end keypress latency over the fastest wireless mode; lower is better.
Resets a key dynamically as it moves, enabling faster repeated inputs.
Layout & size
The keyboard size and layout.
The number of keys.
The overall width.
The overall depth.
The front case height without keycaps; lower boards can reduce wrist extension.
The keyboard's weight.
Connectivity
The supported connection types.
How many paired devices it can switch between.
Battery life for wireless models.
The rated capacity of the internal battery.
A built-in USB port for other devices.
Build & sound
Keycap plastic; PBT resists shine and wear better than ABS.
The case material (e.g. aluminium, ABS plastic).
The switch plate material, which influences stiffness and typing sound.
How larger keys are stabilised (e.g. screw-in PCB or plate-mounted).
The plate / PCB mounting style (e.g. gasket mount).
Internal foam or dampening for a quieter, fuller sound.
The per-key lighting.
Features
Remap keys and record macros.
Dedicated volume and playback controls.
A control knob for volume or custom actions.
Stores layouts on the board itself.
Companion configuration software (e.g. VIA / QMK).
Specs last verified August 2, 2026SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: 21 of 34 specs verified (62%)Logitech G512 X 98: 26 of 34 specs verified (76%)Unverified specs show as Unknown — never estimated, never scored
What reviewers say
The bottom line
The Logitech G512 X 98 is the clear winner, scoring 100 to 73 on our VS Score. It leads on Switches & typing and Performance.
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