SteelSeries Apex Pro Review: Unlock a New Gaming Experience
Get to know the SteelSeries Apex Pro - a gaming keyboard designed to revolutionize your gaming experience. Packed with unique features such as adjustable OmniPoint switches, a customizable OLED screen, and robust build quality, this keyboard promises a customizable, quiet, and efficient typing and gaming experience.
Welcome to our review of the SteelSeries Apex Pro. We've tested the keyboard rigorously and considered a myriad of factors that influence user experience. Rest assured, you're reading a review that's authentic, unbiased, and grounded in real-world testing.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro, with its customizable features and innovative technology, is making quite a splash in the gaming community. But is it worth the hype? Does it deliver on its promises? In the following sections, we'll explore these questions in depth.
So, buckle up as we embark on this enlightening journey. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast, a tech lover, or just someone curious about the SteelSeries Apex Pro, we're confident you'll find this review engaging and informative.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a versatile keyboard primarily designed for gamers but also capable of catering to a broader audience due to its customizable features and high-quality build. Its various size options, including full-size, TenKeyLess, and compact, provide a suitable choice for different user preferences and desk spaces.
- Exceptional build quality with an aluminum body and durable ABS double shot keycaps
- Adjustable actuation points for each of the 61 main keys
- Fully customizable OLED screen
- Quiet operation suitable for office environments
- Includes a comfortable and magnetic wrist rest
- Matte finish might feel somewhat like plastic
- Linear OmniPoint switches may feel spongy for those preferring tactile feedback
- Single incline setting could be insufficient for some users
- Non-removable, thick USB cable
- Full customization not available for Linux users
If you're a gamer or a user who values extensive customization in their peripherals, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is a worthy consideration. With its adjustable actuation points, programmable keys, and compatibility with a broad range of devices, it offers great value for the investment. However, be aware of its minor limitations, such as the non-removable USB cable and the potential sponginess of the linear switches.
Test Results
Design
The SteelSeries Apex Pro touts an alluring design that strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality. From the build quality to backlighting, it caters to the needs of avid gamers and professionals alike. Let's delve into the particulars of its design.
The Apex Pro stands out with its compact design, weighing only 2.14 pounds and measuring 17.2x1.9x4.4 inches. This makes it smaller than many other 104-key keyboards. The keyboard is available in full size, TenKeyLess, and compact versions. However, it's worth noting that the full-size keyboard with the included magnetic wrist rest may take up a bit more desk space. The TenKeyLess version is recommended for gaming due to its compact size.
The build quality of the Apex Pro is generally commendable. Its body is composed of an aircraft-grade aluminum that ensures durability. The keyboard comes with ABS double shot keycaps and the switches are designed to endure up to 100 million presses. However, some users have pointed out that the matte finish feels somewhat plastic-like, and the keyboard shows a moderate degree of flex when twisted.
The Apex Pro emphasizes comfort, sporting a magnetic wrist rest that is both durable and pleasing to the touch. This ergonomic design also features flip-out feet that provide additional height. However, it only has a single stage of incline adjustment and the rubber feet on the wrist rest might lead to instability under pressure. This could be a concern for users who prefer a keyboard with more lift.
With a full RGB keyboard, the Apex Pro ensures an immersive user experience. The per-key RGB backlighting can be customized according to user preference. The keyboard offers five preset profiles that allow for intricate lighting designs. Furthermore, the black frame of the keyboard enhances the visibility of the key legends in the dark.
The Apex Pro connects to your PC via a thick, non-removable USB Type-A cable. It also features a USB 2.0 Type-A passthrough port for additional peripheral connections. The keyboard offers three cable routing channels for managing your workspace. However, it's worth noting that this keyboard is wired-only, and lacks a wireless use option.
Among its standout features, the Apex Pro features an OLED screen that can be customized to display various settings like lighting and actuation points. Furthermore, it offers dedicated media keys for volume and playback control. The inclusion of a USB Type-A pass-through port adds convenience, and every key on the keyboard is programmable, providing an added layer of customization to the users.
Typing Experience
Whether you're a gamer engaged in intense battles or a professional scribing a long document, the typing experience is crucial. This section breaks down the keystrokes, typing quality, typing noise, and latency of the Apex Pro, so you know exactly what you're getting into.
The keystroke experience on the Apex Pro is characterized by OmniPoint switches, which are smooth, linear, and adjustable. Similar to the Cherry MX Red switch, these switches offer a straight downward motion without a tactile bump until bottomed out. With a shallowest actuation of 0.4 mm and deepest at 3.6 mm, this allows for customization of the pre-travel distance. However, some users might find the minimal setting overly sensitive. It's worth noting that the numpad, macro, and arrow keys use traditional MX Red switches.
The Apex Pro promises a good typing quality with little rattling or pinging. It's efficient in preventing typos, especially once the optimal pre-travel distance is set. However, the linear keys may feel somewhat spongy to users who prefer tactile switches. Furthermore, the soft finish on the keys might not appeal to everyone, underlining the subjectivity of the typing experience.
The keyboard is generally quiet, making it suitable for use in office environments. It's ideal for users who prefer a less noisy mechanical keyboard. However, the keyboard does make a clacking noise while typing. Depending on the aggressiveness of the typing, some users may notice an echoey ding from the aluminum frame.
The Apex Pro demonstrates exceptional low latency, ensuring that most users shouldn't experience any delay during usage. The overall response times should satisfy most users' needs.
Software
The companion software plays a vital role in augmenting the capabilities of a keyboard. We'll be exploring how the SteelSeries Apex Pro leverages its programming features and compatibility to enhance user experience.
The Apex Pro's software capabilities are impressive. Every key is programmable, offering extensive personalization. Through the Steelseries Engine software, key remapping and macro recording are also supported. Further customization is possible with the programming of actuation points for each of the 61 main keys. This allows users to fine-tune their typing or gaming experience, adding a level of flexibility that is often missing in other keyboards. Additionally, the keyboard includes a fully customizable OLED screen.
Compatibility of the Apex Pro is fairly broad. It works with PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, covering the needs of most users. Furthermore, while the default settings work on Linux, full customization might not be available for Linux users. The keyboard has the ability to display game stats on the OLED screen with various games.
Customer Reviews
In the sea of customer feedback, there are numerous perspectives to highlight. Whether it's a new feature, design preference, or how the product performs, every opinion matters. Our goal here is to provide an in-depth examination of the experiences of real users and what they have to say about the product.
Benefits
Several customers shared that their experience with this product was nothing short of excellent. Many praised its robust build and appreciated the key sound and feel, emphasizing how they offer a considerably different experience compared to non-mechanical keyboards. Users commended the software's level of adjustability, allowing them to modify the keys' actuation point to suit their specific needs. An example of this is the option to set a softer touch for speed typing and a heavier setting for gaming. This feature was particularly cherished by speed typers and gamers. In addition, the keyboard's backlighting garnered favorable comments due to its fully customizable options and vibrant aesthetics.
Complaints
However, some users did encounter certain issues. The first one is related to the keyboard's key layout. Several typists, particularly those who type at high speeds, experienced a decrease in their typing accuracy due to what they perceived as a cramped key layout. Another common complaint was about the software, which some users found lackluster. There were also mentions of the product's premium feel not living up to expectations, particularly in relation to its key finish wearing off after only a few days of use. Users also reported burn-in issues with the OLED screen after a short period of use. Lastly, the product’s USB plug being on the left side was seen as an odd choice for the predominantly right-handed user base.
Customer Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that customers found a lot to love about this product, from its build quality to its customizable settings. The benefits discussed highlight the keyboard's versatility and enhanced user experience, particularly for speed typers and gamers. However, there were legitimate concerns raised that should be taken into account. These ranged from key layout design to the durability of the key finish and OLED screen functionality. Overall, the product garnered positive reactions, but these areas of improvement are worth considering for future iterations.
Customer Questions/Answers
Does this model include a Mac command key?
No, but you can use most Windows keyboards with a Mac. However, the layout of modifier keys might differ. A simple solution is to remap the Windows and ALT keys to the command and option/alt keys on the Mac. This can significantly improve the typing experience for Mac users who use a PC keyboard.
Does the keyboard offer anti-ghosting or N-key Rollover?
Yes, the keyboard provides 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover on all 84 keys.
Does the Apex Pro have clicky or linear switches?
The Apex Pro switches are not clicky. You will only feel an impact when you push the keycap all the way down and when it springs back up.
What differentiates the Apex 7 from the Apex Pro?
The primary difference between the Apex 7 and the Apex Pro is the omnipoint feature present in the latter.
How can I adjust the keyboard's sensitivity?
You can adjust the sensitivity through the SteelSeries software.
Can custom PBT keycaps be fitted on this keyboard?
Yes, SteelSeries provides PBT keycaps that are compatible with their keyboards. You can purchase them separately.
What type of USB do the built-in cables use? And the USB on the keyboard?
One cable is for the keyboard and should be plugged into a USB 3.0 port. The other is a pass-through for the port on the keyboard, behaving as the type of port you connect it to.
Is it possible to remove the wrist rest?
Yes, the wrist rest can be removed as it is magnetic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SteelSeries Apex Pro showcases an impressive blend of performance, design, and customization. It stands out in the crowded market of gaming keyboards with its innovative features and robust build quality.
The standout feature of this keyboard, without doubt, is the adjustable per-key actuation, offering an unprecedented level of control to the user. It's a feature that might revolutionize your gaming or typing experience, although it may require a period of trial-and-error to get the settings just right.
The ergonomics, durability, and design of this keyboard are commendable, thanks to the aluminum body, comfortable wrist rest, and attractive RGB lighting setup. It offers the versatility of use across PC, Mac, and even consoles, despite the lack of wireless connectivity. However, the matte finish and potential for noise might not appeal to everyone.
Considering its performance, customization, and compatibility, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is undoubtedly a strong contender in the gaming keyboard arena. It could be a worthy investment for the serious gamer or heavy typist who values adaptability and performance.
Our journey exploring the ins and outs of the SteelSeries Apex Pro ends here. We hope this review has provided the insight you needed to make an informed decision about whether this keyboard aligns with your needs and expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SteelSeries Apex Pro still a good choice for gaming keyboards?
Yes, the SteelSeries Apex Pro continues to be a top choice for gaming keyboards. It offers unique features such as adjustable OmniPoint switches that allow users to customize the pre-travel distance of each key. This, combined with its robust build quality, compatibility with multiple devices, and a programmable OLED screen, make it a valuable choice for gamers and typists alike.
Is the Apex Pro really worth its price?
The Apex Pro's price reflects its high-quality features and exceptional performance. Its adjustable OmniPoint switches, customizable OLED screen, robust build quality, and compatibility with multiple devices provide value that may justify the price for many users. However, the worth of a product is subjective and ultimately depends on an individual's specific needs and budget.
Why is the Apex Pro so popular among gamers?
The Apex Pro is popular among gamers because of its innovative features designed to enhance gaming experience. Its OmniPoint switches can be individually adjusted for pre-travel distance, providing unprecedented control over key responsiveness. Its OLED screen allows for easy customization and provides real-time information. Plus, it offers compatibility with various devices including PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, broadening its appeal among gamers.
Is the Apex 7 better than the Apex Pro?
The comparison between the Apex 7 and Apex Pro largely depends on personal preference and specific use cases. Both keyboards share many features, but the Apex Pro stands out with its adjustable OmniPoint switches that offer a highly customizable typing and gaming experience. If this level of customization appeals to you, you might consider the Apex Pro superior. Otherwise, the Apex 7 could offer comparable performance at a potentially lower cost.
What makes the SteelSeries Apex Pro unique?
The SteelSeries Apex Pro stands out due to its OmniPoint adjustable switches. These allow users to adjust the actuation distance of each key from 0.4mm to 3.6mm, enabling customization of the typing or gaming experience. Additionally, it offers a programmable OLED screen for easy customization and real-time information.
Is the Apex Pro suitable for office use?
Despite being designed primarily for gamers, the Apex Pro is also suitable for office environments. Its keystrokes are relatively quiet, making it less disruptive in a shared workspace. However, its linear OmniPoint switches lack the tactile feedback that some typists prefer, so it might not be ideal for everyone.
How is the build quality of the Apex Pro?
The Apex Pro offers exceptional build quality with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame and durable ABS double shot keycaps. These key switches are guaranteed for 100 million presses, indicating their longevity. However, some users have noted that the matte finish feels somewhat like plastic.
What customization options does the Apex Pro offer?
The Apex Pro offers extensive customization options through its OmniPoint adjustable switches and programmable OLED screen. These switches allow users to adjust the actuation distance of each key, while the OLED screen allows easy adjustment of settings and provides real-time information. Furthermore, settings can be adjusted through the SteelSeries Engine software for even more customization options.