Epomaker HE80 vs Steelseries Apex Pro Mini: Wired Gaming vs Wireless Portability

Compare Epomaker HE80 vs Steelseries Apex Pro Mini Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich, wired gaming keyboard and a premium, wireless compact model. The Epomaker HE80 offers cutting-edge hall effect technology and high polling rates at a more accessible price point, while the Steelseries Apex Pro Mini provides a metal build and dual wireless connectivity in a 60% layout. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize raw, customizable performance or ultimate portability and a clean desk setup.

Model
Rating	4.8 stars (41 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Has Magnetic switch options Supports hot-swappable switches Available in a 80% layout Compatible with both Mac and Windows Connects via USB-C Utilizes Hall effect sensors Features N-key rollover Enables rapid trigger functionality Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 830 g Sized at 42 x 332 x 146 mm Made with a Plastic case Features PBT, PC keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Available in a 60% layout Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless connectivity Made with a Metal case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 97.7 Build Quality: 60.4 Productivity: 76.3 Customizability: 59.5 Portability: 57.6	Scores Performance: 40.8 Build Quality: 55.4 Productivity: 40.8 Customizability: 45.6 Portability: 84
Name	Name Epomaker HE80	Name Steelseries Apex Pro Mini
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Magnetic	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 60%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 8000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material Metal
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, PC	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 42 x 332 x 146 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 830g	Weight -

Steelseries Apex Pro Mini Wireless 60% Compact Mechanical Keyboard

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4.8 stars (41 reviews)

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2025
Has Magnetic switch options
Supports hot-swappable switches
Available in a 80% layout
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Connects via USB-C
Utilizes Hall effect sensors
Features N-key rollover
Enables rapid trigger functionality
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
Weighs about 830 g
Sized at 42 x 332 x 146 mm
Made with a Plastic case
Features PBT, PC keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Released in 2022
Available in a 60% layout
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless connectivity
Made with a Metal case
Features PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 97.7
Build Quality: 60.4
Productivity: 76.3
Customizability: 59.5
Portability: 57.6

Scores

Performance: 40.8
Build Quality: 55.4
Productivity: 40.8
Customizability: 45.6
Portability: 84

Name

Epomaker HE80

Name

Steelseries Apex Pro Mini

Release year

2025

Release year

2022

Switch Options

Magnetic

Switch Options

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

60%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless

Polling Rate

8000 Hz

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic

Case Material

Metal

Keycaps Material

PBT, PC

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

42 x 332 x 146 mm

Dimensions

Weight

830g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Epomaker HE80

+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.
+Hot-swappable PCB for compatible magnetic switches and includes extra switches and keycaps.
+Offers a 75% layout with arrow and function keys in a relatively compact form.

−Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
−Plastic case construction, while common, may feel less premium than metal alternatives.
−The 75% layout, while compact, is not as small as a 60% keyboard for maximum portability.

Steelseries Apex Pro Mini

+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.
+Features OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable switches, allowing actuation customization from 0.2mm to 3.8mm.

−Significantly more expensive than the HE80, representing a premium price point.
−The 60% layout requires using layers for arrow keys, function keys, and other commands, which has a learning curve.
−No vendor information confirms hot-swappable switches, limiting switch customization compared to the HE80.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingEpomaker 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.

OfficeSteelseries Apex Pro Mini

•The Apex Pro Mini offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for a cleaner desk and device switching.
•Its 60% size frees up significant desk space.
•The metal case may offer a more premium feel in a professional setting.

ProgrammingEpomaker HE80

•The HE80's 75% layout retains dedicated arrow and function keys, which are often useful for coding.
•It includes double-shot PBT keycaps for long-lasting legends.
•The adjustable, light actuation force (37±5gf) can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions.

TravelSteelseries Apex Pro Mini

•The Apex Pro Mini's 60% layout is significantly more compact.
•Its wireless functionality eliminates the need to manage a cable on the go.
•The metal construction, while likely adding weight, may offer better durability for transport.

ModdingEpomaker HE80

•The HE80 is confirmed to be hot-swappable for other south-facing magnetic switches.
•It features a gasket mount design with four layers of sound dampening materials (latex sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, bottom silicone, and bottom foam).
•It includes extra switches and keycaps in the box for customization.

Content CreationTie

•The HE80 offers per-key programmable RGB and a web-based driver for macro and lighting customization.
•The Apex Pro Mini also features per-key RGB and programmable software, according to its vendor description.
•The choice depends on layout preference: the HE80's dedicated keys versus the Apex Pro Mini's space-saving design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.