Keychron Q1 Pro QMK Wireless Keyboard vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Keychron Q1 Pro QMK Wireless Keyboard

9.1/10 Excellent

4.6★ (4,200 owners)

Aluminium body, QMK/VIA programmable, gasket mount, hot-swap. The premium 75% mechanical keyboard.

Full Review

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless

9.1/10 Excellent

4.5★ (5,100 owners)

Adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 magnetic switches. Per-key actuation point. The most customisable keyboard made.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Keychron Q1 Pro QMK Wireless Keyboard	SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
247Verdict Score	9.1/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (4,200)	4.5★ (5,100)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Switches	Hot-swap 5-pin	OmniPoint 2.0 magnetic adjustable
Wireless	BT 5.1 + 2.4GHz	2.4GHz + Bluetooth

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Keychron Q1 Pro QMK Wireless Keyboard: Aluminium body, QMK/VIA programmable, gasket mount, hot-swap. The premium 75% mechanical keyboard. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless: Adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 magnetic switches. Per-key actuation point. The most customisable keyboard made. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Keychron Q1 Pro QMK Wireless Keyboard

Full CNC aluminium body — premium feel beyond plastic alternatives
Gasket-mount absorbs typing shock for quieter feel
QMK/VIA open-source firmware for complete remapping
Hot-swappable 5-pin MX sockets
Bluetooth + 2.4GHz + USB-C three-mode wireless

Heavy at 1.45kg — not portable
QMK has a learning curve
Aluminium amplifies reverb without foam

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless

OmniPoint 2.0 magnetic switches adjust actuation from 0.1mm to 4mm — per key if desired
2.4GHz wireless with 30-hour battery — the best wireless gaming keyboard available
Rapid Trigger mode cancels keystrokes on release — meaningful advantage in competitive FPS
TKL form factor saves desk space while retaining arrow keys
OLED screen on keyboard for quick settings adjustment

£200+ for a keyboard requires justification — the switch customisation is niche
Magnetic switches are different in feel to traditional mechanical — try before buying if possible
OLED screen is a gimmick for most use cases

FAQ

Which is better, Keychron Q1 Pro QMK or SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL?

Is the Keychron Q1 Pro QMK worth the extra cost?

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Keychron Q1 Pro QMK best suited to?

Aluminium body, QMK/VIA programmable, gasket mount, hot-swap. The premium 75% mechanical keyboard.

Who is the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL best suited to?

Adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 magnetic switches. Per-key actuation point. The most customisable keyboard made.

What are the main downsides of each?

Keychron Q1 Pro QMK Wireless Keyboard: Heavy at 1.45kg — not portable; QMK has a learning curve. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless: £200+ for a keyboard requires justification — the switch customisation is niche; Magnetic switches are different in feel to traditional mechanical — try before buying if possible.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Keychron Q1 Pro QMK Wireless Keyboard sits at 4.6★ from 4,200 verified Amazon owners, and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless at 4.5★ from 5,100.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.