Keychron - K2 Max vs SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Between the K2 Max and Apex Pro TKL (2023), the K2 Max comes out ahead in hot-swappable and wireless, while the Apex Pro TKL (2023) wins on polling rate and size. Overall, the K2 Max 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 K2 Max if you care most about hot-swappable and wireless. The biggest gaps in its favor are hot-swappable, wireless.
Pick the Apex Pro TKL (2023) if you care most about polling rate and size. Its strongest claims are polling rate, size.
Both ship with comparable rotary knob, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
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 Keychron - K2 Max wins
- ▲Has Hot-swappable.
- ▲Wireless: true (vs false).
Why SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) wins
- ▲Polling rate — 700.00% more. 8000 Hz vs 1000 Hz.
- ▲Size: TKL (vs 75%).
Spec comparison
Switches
| Spec | Keychron - K2 Max | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Switch type | Gateron G Pro | OmniPoint 2.0 Hall-effect |
| Hot-swappable | truelead | false |
Layout & Build
| Spec | Keychron - K2 Max | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 75% | TKLlead |
| RGB | true | true |
| Rotary knob | false | false |
| Case material | Plastic | Aluminum |
Connectivity
| Spec | Keychron - K2 Max | SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | truelead | false |
| 2.4 GHz | truelead | false |
| Battery | 100 hlead | 0 h |
| Polling rate | 1000 Hz | 8000 Hzlead |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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