Epomaker HE80 vs Steelseries Apex Pro MiniWired Gaming vs Wireless Portability
Choose the Epomaker HE80 for maximum wired gaming performance and adjustability, or the Steelseries Apex Pro Mini for wireless freedom and a more compact form factor.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker HE80
Wired Gaming
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $100.
- High-performance wired connection with 8000 Hz polling and ultra-low latency.
- Fully adjustable hall effect switches with 0.02mm actuation granularity and Rapid Trigger.
- Gasket mount design with four layers of sound-dampening foam for a tuned typing experience.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Get the
Steelseries Apex Pro Mini
Wireless Portability
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 60% boards at any price.
- Dual wireless connectivity with 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth for flexibility and a clean desk.
- Extremely compact 60% form factor maximizes desk space.
- Metal case construction, described as a Series 5000 metal top plate, for enhanced rigidity.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For competitive gamers and tinkerers who want the fastest response, deep customization, and don't mind a cable, the Epomaker HE80 delivers exceptional value and performance. If your priority is a minimalist, wireless setup with a premium metal build for use across multiple devices, and you're willing to pay a premium for it, the Steelseries Apex Pro Mini is the suitable compact companion.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Epomaker HE80
Steelseries Apex Pro Mini
Layout size
80%
60%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
- Epomaker HE80
- Steelseries Apex Pro Mini
- Performance
- 9858
- Build quality
- 6055
- Productivity
- 7658
- Customizability
- 5846
- Portability
- 5883
What will you mostly use it for?
The Epomaker HE80 is the clear choice for gaming and modding due to its high-speed wired connection, adjustable hall effect switches, and enthusiast-friendly construction. The Steelseries Apex Pro Mini wins for office use and travel, leveraging its wireless capabilities and ultra-compact size. For programming, the HE80's more functional layout is advantageous, while content creators can choose based on their preferred form factor and software.
Pick the Epomaker HE80
- The HE80 has a specified 8000 Hz polling rate and 0.125ms latency, which the vendor claims is 8x quicker than conventional keyboards.
- It features hall effect switches with adjustable actuation and release travel per 0.02mm, plus Rapid Trigger functionality.
- It includes SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction) cleaning for precise movement control in games.
Epomaker HE80 vs Steelseries Apex Pro Mini specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 23 specs differ
Epomaker HE80
Steelseries Apex Pro Mini
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Epomaker HE80 vs Steelseries Apex Pro Mini: your questions
The vendor description for the Steelseries Apex Pro Mini does not mention hot-swappable switches. It is listed as a pre-built keyboard. In contrast, the Epomaker HE80 is explicitly confirmed to be hot-swappable for other south-facing magnetic switches.
The Epomaker HE80 is designed for competitive gaming. Its vendor page highlights an 8000 Hz polling rate, 0.125ms latency, adjustable actuation down to 0.02mm, and Rapid Trigger functionality, all of which are beneficial for fast-paced FPS titles. The Steelseries Apex Pro Mini offers adjustable switches but is wireless, which may introduce latency, though the exact polling rate for its wireless modes is not specified.
Yes. According to its technical specifications, the Epomaker HE80 is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. It is a wired-only keyboard.
Both are types of magnetic or analog switches that allow for adjustable actuation points without physical contact. The Epomaker HE80 uses hall effect switches (MagneX) adjustable per 0.02mm. The Steelseries Apex Pro Mini uses OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which the vendor states can be adjusted from 0.2mm to 3.8mm. The core functional principle is similar, but implementation and software differ.
The connectivity listed for the Steelseries Apex Pro Mini is Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz Wireless. The vendor description does not mention a wired USB connection option, suggesting it is a wireless-only keyboard.
The Epomaker HE80 comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile. The listing also mentions it includes extra PC transparent keycaps and three additional PBT keycaps in the box.
The Epomaker HE80 uses a Chrome-based web driver for customization, allowing adjustment of actuation, macros, RGB, and features like SOCD and DKS. The Steelseries Apex Pro Mini uses the SteelSeries Engine software for programming 2-in-1 action keys, per-key RGB, and custom actuation points, according to its vendor page.
The Steelseries Apex Pro Mini is more portable. Its 60% layout is smaller than the HE80's 75% layout, and its wireless functionality means you don't need to pack or manage a cable. The HE80 is wired and larger, making it less convenient for mobile use.
The Epomaker HE80 includes the keyboard, a multilingual manual, three extra magnetic switches, three additional PBT keycaps, and a 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller.
Yes. The vendor description for the Steelseries Apex Pro Mini specifies a "Series 5000 metal top plate," which it compares to aluminum used in jets for rigidity and stability.
SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction) cleaning is a feature mentioned for the Epomaker HE80. It prioritizes the latest key press when opposite direction keys (like Left and Right) are pressed simultaneously, preventing character freeze in games and ensuring intended movement is executed.
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