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If you’re after your first proper gaming keyboard and don’t want to spend mechanical-keyboard money, two names come up again and again: the Logitech G213 Prodigy and the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL. Both are wired, both are spill-resistant, and both use quieter non-mechanical switches. The big difference is size, and that matters more than most people think. We haven’t tested these keyboards ourselves; this comparison is based on the manufacturers’ specifications and official product listings.
At a glance
| Logitech G213 Prodigy | SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Full size, with number pad | Tenkeyless (no number pad) |
| Keys | 104 (UK layout model 920-008091) | 87 |
| Switch type | Mech-Dome (membrane): 4mm travel, 50g actuation | Whisper-Quiet switches, 60g actuation, rated for 20 million presses |
| Spill/dust protection | Spill resistance tested to 60ml | IP32 water and dust resistance |
| Lighting | 5-zone LIGHTSYNC RGB | 8-zone PrismSync RGB |
| Media controls | Dedicated media keys | Media keys and clickable volume roller |
| Wrist support | Integrated palm rest | None |
| Size and weight | 452 x 218 x 33mm, about 1kg | 364 x 150 x 40mm, about 640g |
| Software | Logitech G HUB | SteelSeries GG |
Sources: Logitech G, SteelSeries and the official Amazon UK listings for each UK-layout model.
Membrane vs mechanical: what you’re actually getting
Neither of these is a true mechanical keyboard. Logitech calls its keys Mech-Dome, a membrane design tuned to feel more like a mechanical switch, with full-height keys and 4mm of travel. SteelSeries’ Whisper-Quiet switches are also non-mechanical, with a 60g actuation force that SteelSeries says gives a “mechanical-like feel”.
That’s not a bad thing at this price. Membrane-style keyboards tend to be quieter than clicky mechanical boards, which is handy if you game late at night or share a room, and both of these have better spill protection than many cheap mechanical keyboards. If you want the crisp feel and swappable switches of a mechanical keyboard, you’ll need to spend more.
Full size or TKL: which suits you?
This is the real decision. A tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard drops the number pad, which makes the Apex 3 TKL about 9cm narrower than the G213. That frees up desk space for your mouse, so you can keep your arms closer together and give yourself room for bigger sweeps in shooters. If you play at low sensitivity, that space is worth a lot.
The full-size G213 keeps the number pad, which is genuinely useful if you do spreadsheets, enter lots of numbers or play games that bind actions to the numpad, such as some flight and space sims. It also has an integrated palm rest, which the Apex 3 TKL lacks.
Logitech G213 Prodigy: best for work and play
The G213 makes the most sense if your PC is for work as well as games. You get a full layout, a built-in palm rest, two-level adjustable feet and dedicated media keys. Logitech says it has been tested against a 60ml spill, so a knocked-over brew shouldn’t be the end of it. Lighting is split into five RGB zones rather than per-key, and you can set it up in Logitech G HUB. Check the price: Logitech G213 Prodigy (UK layout) on Amazon UK.
Best for: anyone who needs a number pad, or wants one keyboard for both work and gaming.
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL: best for smaller desks and FPS players
The Apex 3 TKL is the pick if desk space or mouse room matters most. It has an IP32 rating for water and dust resistance, eight RGB zones, a clickable volume roller and media keys, and SteelSeries rates its switches for 20 million keypresses. At around 640g it’s also easier to move around or take to a mate’s. Check the price: SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL (UK layout) on Amazon UK.
Best for: shooter fans, smaller desks and anyone who never touches the number pad.
Buying tips
- Check the layout. Make sure you buy a UK layout, with the proper £ key and a tall Enter key. Both models listed here are UK-layout versions.
- Think about your mouse. A TKL keyboard pairs well with a large mouse mat and low sensitivity. Our Logitech G305 vs G502 HERO vs Razer Basilisk V3 comparison can help you choose a mouse to go with it.
- Finish the setup. If you’re kitting out a whole desk, our gaming headset guide for Xbox and PC covers the audio side.
- Watch for deals. Peripherals often drop in price in November. Keep an eye on our Black Friday & Prime deals hub.
Playing on Xbox?
If you mainly want a keyboard for chatting on Xbox rather than PC gaming, a controller chatpad might be a simpler option. It clips onto your controller so you can type messages without putting the pad down. We stock the Auarte Wireless Chatpad Keyboard for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One Controllers – Black.
Our verdict
Both are sensible, good-value keyboards from big names, so you can’t go far wrong. If you need a number pad or want a palm rest for long sessions at the desk, go for the Logitech G213 Prodigy. If you want more room for your mouse and a smaller, lighter keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is the better fit. As we’d say round here, buy the one that fits your desk, not the one with the flashiest lights.
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