Royal Kludge - RK R98 Pro vs SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Between the RK R98 Pro and Apex Pro TKL (2023), the RK R98 Pro comes out ahead in hot-swappable and rotary knob, while the Apex Pro TKL (2023) wins on polling rate and size. Overall, the RK R98 Pro scores 44.3 and the Apex Pro TKL (2023) scores 95 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Apex Pro TKL (2023) is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 50.7 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the RK R98 Pro if you care most about hot-swappable and rotary knob. The biggest gaps in its favor are hot-swappable, rotary knob, wireless.
Pick the Apex Pro TKL (2023) if you care most about polling rate and size. Its strongest claims are polling rate, size.
There are no meaningful ties on the headline specs — every popular-comparison metric has a winner.
Bottom line: the Apex Pro TKL (2023) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Royal Kludge - RK R98 Pro wins
- ▲Has Hot-swappable.
- ▲Has Rotary knob.
- ▲Wireless: true (vs false).
Why SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) wins
- ▲Polling rate — 700.00% more. 8000 Hz vs 1000 Hz.
- ▲Size: TKL (vs 96%).
Spec comparison
Switches
| Spec | Royal Kludge - RK R98 Pro | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Switch type | RK Cream Yellow | OmniPoint 2.0 Hall-effect |
| Hot-swappable | truelead | false |
Layout & Build
| Spec | Royal Kludge - RK R98 Pro | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 96% | TKLlead |
| RGB | true | true |
| Rotary knob | truelead | false |
| Case material | Plastic | Aluminum |
Connectivity
| Spec | Royal Kludge - RK R98 Pro | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | truelead | false |
| 2.4 GHz | truelead | false |
| Battery | 150 hlead | 0 h |
| Polling rate | 1000 Hz | 8000 Hzlead |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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