SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Review: A Premium Keyboard With Top-notch Customizability
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL keyboard stands out with its robust build quality, exceptional programmability, and unique OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches. Despite minor software bugs and slight key wobble, it offers an unmatched typing experience that rivals many others in the market.
Welcome to our in-depth review of the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL.. We have meticulously tested this product to help you understand its pros and cons, and decide whether it's the right fit for your needs.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is the latest addition to the acclaimed Apex Pro lineup. It is a tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard that sports a minimal and robust design, and is packed with exciting features. Notably, it boasts OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches, a customizable OLED display, and high-quality PBT keycaps. It's designed with both gamers and typists in mind, ensuring a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.
We've put this keyboard through its paces to provide you with an authentic and detailed review. From its overall design and build quality, to its performance and customization options, we've examined every aspect. Read on to find out our impressions, test results, and what customers are saying about this product.
Our reviews are thorough, and we always aim to provide you with a clear picture of what you can expect from a product. We believe that an informed choice is a smart choice. So, let's dive in and explore the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL together.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is targeted towards avid gamers and typists who desire versatility, robustness, and detailed customization in their keyboard. It is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate mechanical keyboards and want an efficient, high-performing yet quiet operation, without compromising on the aesthetics.
- Extensive programmability and customization
- Versatile connectivity options including wireless and wired
- High build quality with durable OmniPoint 2.0 switches and PBT keycaps
- Outstanding typing experience with adjustable actuation points
- Features OLED smart display and per-key RGB illumination
- Software compatibility limited to Windows and macOS
- Slight key wobble and sponginess
- RGB color mixing is not optimal
- Not the most travel-friendly due to size
- Customization software can be buggy
If you're a gaming enthusiast or a heavy typist seeking a keyboard with top-notch performance, customization, and durability, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is a worthy contender. Despite minor drawbacks such as software bugs and slight key wobble, it offers superior features such as OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches, versatile connectivity options, and robust build quality. Therefore, it is highly recommended for those who value these features and are willing to invest in a premium keyboard.
Test Results
Design
In the design category, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL shines with its compact, sleek, and durable construction. This section covers all aspects of the design, from its dimensions to the extra features that enhance the overall user experience.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL presents itself as a compact keyboard. The dimensions, measuring 13.9 inches long, 5.1 inches deep, and 1.7 inches thick, make it suitable for smaller setups, despite not being particularly travel-friendly. It does come with a removable wrist rest, adding to its size when included, but ultimately offering versatility based on user preference.
The build quality of the Apex Pro TKL doesn't disappoint. The keyboard's top plate is constructed from a 'aircraft-grade' aluminum alloy, presenting a robust and durable design. However, some flexibility can be noticed due to the plastic chassis. Despite a minor wobble on the keys, it's not noticeable while typing, and the double-shot PBT keycaps with translucent legends add to the keyboard's overall appeal. The inclusion of OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches, rated at 100 Million presses, speaks volumes about the keyboard's lifespan.
The ergonomic aspects of the keyboard have been given thorough consideration. The two plastic incline feet provide two different angles for comfortable typing, and the included magnetic wrist rest offers adequate support for your wrists. The keyboard design also allows for easy access to arrow keys, enhancing the user experience. However, the wrist rest aligns perfectly with the keyboard only when the flip-out feet are not in use.
Backlighting is a notable feature of this keyboard, offering full RGB per-key illumination that's customizable via the SteelSeries GG app. However, there's room for improvement with the color mixing, and the white lighting carries a blue tint. Despite this, the bright and individually lit keys ensure a visually appealing typing and gaming experience.
Connectivity options on the Apex Pro TKL are plenty. Primarily a wired keyboard, it features a detachable, braided USB-A to USB-C cable. While it lacks wireless functionality itself, there is a separate wireless version available. This flexibility in connection options caters to a range of user preferences and usage scenarios.
Loaded with extra features, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL stands out in the crowd. A customizable OLED smart display enables direct customization, profile changes, and updates. Additional features include media hotkeys, actuation point adjustments within a range of 0.2mm-3.8mm, and storage for onboard profiles. The presence of full key NKRO and anti-ghosting solidify this keyboard as a worthy contender for gamers and typists alike.
Typing Experience
Typing experience is a crucial aspect of any keyboard, especially for gaming. This section delves into the keyboard's keystrokes, typing quality, noise levels, and latency, all of which directly affect the user experience, particularly in intense gaming scenarios.
Keystrokes on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL are powered by the OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches, providing a responsive experience. Despite a minor key wobble, it doesn't interfere with the typing process. The keys are linear, offering a smooth feel without any tactile feedback. Further enhancing the keystrokes, the switches boast an actuation time that's 10x faster than traditional mechanical key switches, with the added benefit of individual actuation adjustment for each key across 37 levels.
The quality of typing on this keyboard is notable. The PBT plastic keycaps with textured surfaces provide a satisfying mechanical feel without loud noise, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. While there may be a slight sense of sponginess, this doesn't deter from the overall performance. For gamers, the light and speedy keypresses, complemented by customizable actuation levels, translate into an excellent gaming experience.
The Apex Pro TKL finds a balance between providing a mechanical feel and keeping the noise level down. It's situated at the upper limit of what's considered quiet, so noise shouldn't be an issue in most scenarios. The keys do produce a semi-hollow clacky sound with more aggressive typing, but given the absence of tactile bump or audible feedback upon pressing, it remains largely unobtrusive.
When it comes to latency, the Apex Pro TKL shines. The keyboard boasts remarkably low latency, a credit to the OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches. With 11x quicker response and 10x faster actuation, it's responsive for any genre of games and competitive play. For those using the keyboard wirelessly, the connection provides low latency, rendering it almost undetectable, which is especially crucial in a gaming scenario.
Software
Software is a key component that enriches the usability of a gaming keyboard. Here, we'll discuss the programming capabilities of the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL and its compatibility across different operating systems, crucial for diverse user preferences and needs.
The programming capability of the Apex Pro TKL is comprehensive. Adjustments for actuation and dual actuation are easily made through the software. Furthermore, it allows for extensive customization. Users can configure primary and secondary keybinds, adjust primary and secondary actuation points, and assign dual bindings. For those who want to utilize macros, they can be programmed directly on the board or via the customization software, offering flexibility and control to the users.
In terms of compatibility, the Apex Pro TKL is flexible. All its default functions work smoothly across Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, it's important to note that the customization software is only compatible with Windows and macOS. When tested with games like Control and Cyberpunk 2077, the keyboard performed well, ensuring a good user experience. To further enhance the gaming experience, the keyboard's software, SteelSeries GG, enables app and game integrations, allowing the OLED screen to display information from these apps and games.
Customer Reviews
As a part of our comprehensive review, we have scoured the internet to gather insights from actual users of the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 keyboard. These reviews encompass both the highs and lows, presenting a well-rounded perspective on the product.
Benefits
Customers have highly commended the keyboard for its responsive keys, ergonomic design, and features like a detachable USB-C cable and customizable RGB lighting. A professional gamer, for instance, was impressed by the sleek design, responsive keys, and customizable RGB lighting that allowed a unique personal touch. Gamers also found the tenkeyless design freeing up valuable desk space. Another customer emphasized the responsive and fast performance of the keyboard in competitive gaming. Several users appreciated the addition of PBT keycaps in the 2023 edition, finding them a premium upgrade over the previous ABS keycaps.
Complaints
On the flip side, there were several grievances reported by users. The most prominent issue raised by several customers revolved around the RGB lighting and software performance. Customers have reported the RGB lighting and animations freeze intermittently, which detracts from the overall visual experience. Additionally, some customers were dissatisfied with the necessity to keep the SteelSeries software running for RGB customization. A few customers also pointed out the perceived drop in build quality compared to previous models, with reported issues such as key wobble and a less robust scroll wheel. The removal of the extra USB slot from the new model was noted as a potential downside for some users.
Customer Conclusion
In conclusion, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 keyboard has generally received positive reviews for its performance, design, and features. However, users also reported several issues, most prominently related to the RGB lighting and the software. While these complaints may not affect all users, potential buyers should be aware of them. Overall, it seems that the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 is a strong performer in the gaming keyboard market, though not without its quirks.
Customer Questions/Answers
Are aftermarket PBT keycaps compatible with the new Apex Pro TKL 2023?
Yes, aftermarket PBT keycaps can be used with the Apex Pro TKL 2023.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL stands out as a premium, feature-rich gaming keyboard. It offers superior build quality with its aircraft-grade aluminum alloy top plate and durable PBT keycaps. Its compact, tenkeyless design saves desk space and ensures easy access to arrow keys.
The keyboard's standout features are its OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches and customizable OLED display. These allow for an outstanding degree of customization, from adjusting actuation points to displaying information from apps and games. The SteelSeries GG software further enables detailed customization, despite some occasional bugs.
While its RGB backlighting has room for improvement, it remains bright and fully customizable. The typing experience is excellent overall, with some minor nuances like slight key wobble and sponginess on bottoming out. However, its high responsiveness and low latency make it a top contender for gaming performance.
As for connectivity, it offers a solid wired connection with the bonus of having a detachable, braided USB-C cable. Overall, if you're in the market for a high-performance gaming keyboard with a plethora of features and top-notch build quality, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 worth it?
As per the 2023 model, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL continues to be a valuable investment. It offers enhanced features such as an OLED smart display, full per-key RGB illumination, and compatibility with the SteelSeries GG software. The keyboard provides top-notch performance and versatility, making it a worthy purchase for gamers and typists seeking high-quality equipment.
Is Apex Pro better than Apex Pro TKL?
The choice between the Apex Pro and Apex Pro TKL largely depends on personal preferences and requirements. Both keyboards are similar in terms of performance and features, such as OmniPoint 2.0 switches, RGB lighting, and customization options. However, the TKL (Tenkeyless) model has a compact design, omitting the number pad for a smaller footprint, which some users might prefer for gaming or limited desk space.
Is the Apex Pro the best keyboard in the world?
The 'best' keyboard is highly subjective and depends on individual needs and preferences. That said, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is undoubtedly among the top keyboards available, especially for gamers and typists. It offers unique features such as adjustable actuation points, an OLED smart display, high build quality, and extensive customization options. However, factors like price, typing noise, and software compatibility could influence whether it's the 'best' for specific users.
What materials are used in the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL's construction?
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is made of high-quality materials. The chassis is constructed from plastic, with an 'aircraft-grade' aluminum alloy top plate adding to its durability. The keycaps are double-shot PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), known for their durability and resistance to wear.
Does the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL support wireless connectivity?
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL model reviewed here is a wired keyboard, but there is also a wireless version available. The wired version uses a detachable, braided USB-A to USB-C cable. However, the wireless version is said to offer a solid, stable connection with very low latency, which is ideal for gaming.
Can I adjust the RGB lighting on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL?
Yes, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL offers full per-key RGB illumination. The RGB lighting is customizable via the SteelSeries GG companion app, allowing you to personalize your keyboard to match your setup or mood.
What is the typing experience like on the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL?
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL offers a great typing experience. It uses OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches, resulting in smooth, uniform keypresses. The keyboard's PBT keycaps have textured surfaces for added grip, providing a satisfying feel while typing. However, some users might notice slight sponginess on bottoming out as opposed to typical mechanical switches.