Ducky - One 3 TKL vs SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Ducky - One 3 TKL | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Polling rate | 1000 Hz | 8000 Hz |
| Hot-swappable | true | false |
Between the One 3 TKL and Apex Pro TKL (2023), the One 3 TKL comes out ahead in hot-swappable, while the Apex Pro TKL (2023) wins on polling rate. Overall, the One 3 TKL scores 64.5 and the Apex Pro TKL (2023) scores 56.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The One 3 TKL edges ahead on the Mars Score (64.5 vs 56.6), but the 7.9-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
Pick the One 3 TKL if you care most about hot-swappable. The biggest gaps in its favor are hot-swappable. The single most decisive one: Has Hot-swappable.
Pick the Apex Pro TKL (2023) if you care most about polling rate. Its strongest claims are polling rate. The single most decisive one: Polling rate — 700.00% more. 8000 Hz vs 1000 Hz.
Both ship with comparable size, wireless, rotary knob, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the One 3 TKL is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Ducky - One 3 TKL or SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023)?
Ducky - One 3 TKL leads the current Mars Score by 7.9 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare hot-swappable against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Ducky - One 3 TKL if…
Ducky - One 3 TKL has the measurable edge on is hot swap.
Choose SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) if…
SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) has the measurable edge on polling rate hz.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Ducky - One 3 TKL wins
- ▲Has Hot-swappable.
Why SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) wins
- ▲Polling rate — 700.00% more. 8000 Hz vs 1000 Hz.
Spec comparison
Switches
| Spec | Ducky - One 3 TKL | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Switch type | Cherry MX | OmniPoint 2.0 Hall-effect |
| Hot-swappable | truelead | false |
Layout & Build
| Spec | Ducky - One 3 TKL | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| RGB | true | true |
| Rotary knob | false | false |
| Case material | Plastic | Aluminum |
Connectivity
| Spec | Ducky - One 3 TKL | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | false | false |
| 2.4 GHz | false | false |
| Battery | 0 h | 0 h |
| Polling rate | 1000 Hz | 8000 Hzlead |