SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL vs Redragon K552 Kumara RGB
Get the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL. Unless you want real mechanical switches and don't mind the noise — then the Redragon K552.
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL
A cheap, quiet, spill-resistant gaming keyboard without a number pad, with media controls and RGB lighting. Its keys are heavy and slow for competitive games.
Redragon K552 Kumara RGB
The cheapest proper mechanical gaming keyboard worth buying: solid build and per-key RGB for very little money. Loud blue switches, and no extras.
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Both are cheap compact boards without a number pad. The Apex 3 TKL is quiet and spill-resistant with media controls; the K552 has real clicky mechanical switches and per-key RGB, but it's loud, tall and has no extras.
- —You share a room.
- —You want media controls.
- —Drinks live near your keyboard.
- —You want a real mechanical feel.
- —You like a loud click.
- —You want per-key lighting.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Cheap and compact
- +Quiet keys, resists spills
- +Media controls and RGB
- −The keys need a firm press.
- −Too much latency for competitive play.
- −Lighting is in eight zones, not per key.
- +Real mechanical switches, very cheap
- +Solid build
- +Per-key RGB
- −Loud clicky switches.
- −Tall, with no wrist rest.
- −No media keys or other extras.
- −Some keys may not work on a Mac.
- Is the Apex 3 TKL worth it?
- Is the Redragon K552 worth it?
- K2 HE vs Huntsman V3 Pro TKL
- K2 HE vs G515 TKL
- K2 HE vs Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- Huntsman V3 Pro TKL vs Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, Tom's Guide, PC Gamer, manufacturer specifications.