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Quick answer: The RK68 wins on price and arrow key access. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini wins on switch technology, build quality, and wireless performance. For most buyers, the RK68 at $47.50 is the practical choice. If you’re a competitive gamer who wants adjustable Hall Effect switches, the SteelSeries is the right answer at four times the price.
These two keyboards represent different points on the compact keyboard spectrum. The RK68 is a 68-key board with dedicated arrow keys — the version of “compact” that keeps something familiar. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is a strict 60% board with premium everything: Hall Effect switches, aluminum frame, Quantum 2.0 wireless. One is an accessible entry point. The other is a flagship.
Quick comparison
| RK68 Dual Mode | SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $47.50 | $199.99 |
| Layout | 68 keys (with arrow keys) | 60% — 61 keys (no arrows) |
| Switches | Mechanical, hot-swappable | OmniPoint 2.0 Hall Effect (adjustable) |
| Wireless | BT 5.0 + 2.4GHz (2-in-1 receiver) | 2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 + BT 5.0 |
| Keycaps | ABS | PBT doubleshot |
| Frame | Plastic | Aircraft-grade aluminum |
Product description The USB A port is for the PC/Laptop//Gaming devices.The Type C port is for the Mobile Phone//Ipad,etc. Using the 2.4G technology, no delay, and .Also support to connect 2 devices at the same time.It makes our work very convenient. The receiver has 2 ports: USB A and Type C....
The item in this listing is a brand new sealed product in its original manufacture retail packaging. This product will come with a Minimum 1 year warranty. SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - World's Fastest Keyboard - Adjustable Actuation - Compact 60% Form Factor -...
Price — RK68 wins
$47.50 versus $199.99. The RK68 is $152.49 cheaper. That price gap answers most of the buying decision before any specs are considered.
Layout — RK68 wins for arrow key users
The RK68 has 68 keys, which means dedicated arrow keys and a few navigation keys in the lower-right corner. The SteelSeries is a strict 60% — 61 keys, no arrows, no function row. Arrows are accessible on the SteelSeries through the Fn layer, but it requires relearning muscle memory that the RK68 doesn’t demand. If you rely on arrow keys for text editing, spreadsheet navigation, or any work outside gaming, the RK68’s layout is much easier to adapt to.
Switches — SteelSeries wins
The OmniPoint 2.0 Hall Effect switches in the SteelSeries are in a completely different category from the RK68’s standard mechanical switches. Adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, no physical contact point, and consistent feel that won’t degrade over time. The RK68 is hot-swappable, which means you can upgrade the stock switches if you don’t like them — but there’s no switch you can drop in that gives you Hall Effect actuation at the RK68’s price.
Wireless — SteelSeries wins on performance, tie on coverage
Both keyboards have Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz wireless. The RK68 runs both through a 2-in-1 receiver, which is a nice hardware design. The SteelSeries Quantum 2.0 protocol is faster and more consistent for gaming — the latency difference matters if you’re in competitive play. For general use, both wireless implementations work reliably.
Build quality — SteelSeries wins
Aluminum versus plastic. PBT doubleshot versus ABS. The SteelSeries is built to last. The RK68 is built to be affordable. Neither is surprising given the price gap. The SteelSeries’ keycaps will hold their legends and feel better longer. The RK68’s ABS keycaps will work fine but will shine over time with daily heavy use.
Hot-swap — RK68 wins (somewhat)
The RK68 is hot-swappable. The SteelSeries is not. If you want to experiment with different switch types, the RK68 gives you that option at $47.50. The SteelSeries locks you into OmniPoint 2.0 — which is fine because they’re excellent switches, but it’s still a constraint.
Who should buy which
Buy the RK68 if: You want a compact keyboard with arrow keys, you’re on a budget, or you’re not sure yet whether compact keyboards work for your workflow. The 68-key layout is a friendlier entry point than strict 60%, and the hot-swap capability lets you tune the feel later.
Buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless if: You’re a competitive gamer who wants the best switch technology in a 60% form factor, you’re comfortable with the strict 60% layout, and you want a premium keyboard built to last.
Verdict
For most buyers, the RK68 wins by default — it costs $152 less, keeps arrow keys, and handles daily gaming and productivity work without issues. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is the better keyboard in every technical dimension that matters to a serious gamer, but its advantages are most relevant at a competitive level of play. If you’re there, you’ll know it and the price is justified. If you’re not, save the money.
FAQ
Is the RK68 a Royal Kludge keyboard?
The “RK68” naming is also used by Royal Kludge (RK brand) for their 68-key keyboards. The specific listing on Walmart (UID 19627909726) may or may not be a Royal Kludge product — check the product listing details before purchasing if brand matters to you.
Does the RK68 have a wired mode?
Yes — the RK68 includes a USB-C cable for wired operation. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless uses USB-C for charging only, not wired gaming mode.
What switches come stock in the RK68?
The listing varies — check the specific Walmart listing for switch type (blue, brown, or red). The RK68 is hot-swappable, so you can replace the stock switches if they don’t suit you.
