SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Keyboard

The Apex Pro TKL is a solid option for anyone looking to get upgrade their keyboard game! The series 5000 aircraft grade aluminum frame creates a top-tier user experience and feel, staying cool to the touch whilst in use. As a gamer I appreciate the faster response and actuation times, as well as the ability to adjust each switch to fit specific pressures for each of my fingers (W,A,S,D). Typing on this keyboard is a breeze thanks to its OmniPoint adjustable switches! The keyboards lighting and per-key RGB are bright and vibrant, allowing for creativity and personalization! My favorite part of the product is it’s USB pass through with a bit of cable management! Cons- I am worried about long term typing issues with this keyboard, due to the switches feeling slightly ... MoreThe Apex Pro TKL is a solid option for anyone looking to get upgrade their keyboard game! The series 5000 aircraft grade aluminum frame creates a top-tier user experience and feel, staying cool to the touch whilst in use. As a gamer I appreciate the faster response and actuation times, as well as the ability to adjust each switch to fit specific pressures for each of my fingers (W,A,S,D). Typing on this keyboard is a breeze thanks to its OmniPoint adjustable switches! The keyboards lighting and per-key RGB are bright and vibrant, allowing for creativity and personalization! My favorite part of the product is it’s USB pass through with a bit of cable management! Cons- I am worried about long term typing issues with this keyboard, due to the switches feeling slightly spongy over time. The Apex Pro is a bit pricey sitting around the $150-$180 price point depending on where you purchase it from. The OLED is definitely a cool addition, but it adds very little to the product in terms of usability and information.

Amazing keyboard HIGHLY RECOMMEND

The things that make this keyboard so great is the oled screen, the switches, tye amount of customizable things you can do with it through the app, the adjustable switch press height, the keycaps, stabilizers, spacebar, the sound, and just the way how it looks. The oled screen is customizable through animations, to the stats of your computer like the temps, ram memory used up, cou memory used up, etc. Its my personal favorite and highly recommend it to people new to mechanical keyboards. I do not recommend taking out the switches on the keyboard because it has special switches meant for the keyboard and used for the customizable activation height. The keyboard itself is a great model. It has a usb on the top left of the keyboard and i use it for my mouse because my ... MoreThe things that make this keyboard so great is the oled screen, the switches, tye amount of customizable things you can do with it through the app, the adjustable switch press height, the keycaps, stabilizers, spacebar, the sound, and just the way how it looks. The oled screen is customizable through animations, to the stats of your computer like the temps, ram memory used up, cou memory used up, etc. Its my personal favorite and highly recommend it to people new to mechanical keyboards. I do not recommend taking out the switches on the keyboard because it has special switches meant for the keyboard and used for the customizable activation height. The keyboard itself is a great model. It has a usb on the top left of the keyboard and i use it for my mouse because my pc is realky far away from my mouse and it just works perfectly since i now have unlimited space for mu mouse now. I never really experienced any cons and if you are looking for a new keyboard, i highly recommend buying this one.

Amazing, beautiful, luxury, customisable.... expensive! But worth it :)

This is an amazing keyboard!! Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it performs amazingly as well. I must admit I only use it for gaming, so can't comment on the typing experience. But, as gaming keyboard, it's second to none. The built in RGB modes are very impressive and I uploaded some GIFs to be displayed on the little screen when playing certain games, so the customisation is great. Being able to set the key actuation is nice, so you get the right feel. The wrist rest is great addition too, caressing your wrists as you play because it's soooo smoooth :D There's also a spare USB port, so what else do you need?! I did get a slight shock when I realised that I couldn't fly vehicles in GTA online because there's no NUM pad... but that's my fault for getting TKL. ... MoreThis is an amazing keyboard!! Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it performs amazingly as well. I must admit I only use it for gaming, so can't comment on the typing experience. But, as gaming keyboard, it's second to none. The built in RGB modes are very impressive and I uploaded some GIFs to be displayed on the little screen when playing certain games, so the customisation is great. Being able to set the key actuation is nice, so you get the right feel. The wrist rest is great addition too, caressing your wrists as you play because it's soooo smoooth :D There's also a spare USB port, so what else do you need?! I did get a slight shock when I realised that I couldn't fly vehicles in GTA online because there's no NUM pad... but that's my fault for getting TKL. Plus, a few key bind changes sorted that out. Overall, it's an expensive luxury keyboard but if you want to spoil yourself then it's worth it.

Great keyboard with some caveats

The on-the-fly capability of adjusting the actuation point of the switches was the selling point of this particular keyboard. It is enjoyable to be able to set different keys for different games and programs. Some keys in some keys a shorter or longer stroke to activate the key, while general productivity may benefit from a longer actuation to try to prevent some typos.It is rather pricey compared to the few other keyboards available with the same type of switch, just not adjustable. Would be nice to get the better keycaps included for the price. The original keycaps started to shine in light usage within two hours before going to a different store the next morning for the PBT Doubleshot keycaps.Sometimes the full size keyboard has shown up at a substantial ... MoreThe on-the-fly capability of adjusting the actuation point of the switches was the selling point of this particular keyboard. It is enjoyable to be able to set different keys for different games and programs. Some keys in some keys a shorter or longer stroke to activate the key, while general productivity may benefit from a longer actuation to try to prevent some typos.It is rather pricey compared to the few other keyboards available with the same type of switch, just not adjustable. Would be nice to get the better keycaps included for the price. The original keycaps started to shine in light usage within two hours before going to a different store the next morning for the PBT Doubleshot keycaps.Sometimes the full size keyboard has shown up at a substantial discount. If one does not mind a full size keyboard it would certainly be worth a look if it is on sale.Needed to go into Windows settings to disable some USB sleep settings to be able to more consistently have the keyboard working when waking the computer from sleep. Had not had to do that on previous keyboards.There are two larger cons with this keyboard. First, Steelseries Engine is becoming as bloated as some other company's software. Years ago used a Steelseries Sensei and very much liked the simplicity of Engine. This new Steelseries GG adds features that will not be used for sakes of being able to claim to offer them. Second, the OmniPoint switches are not used on every key giving some keys a very different feel. Would prefer even a slightly higher price and have the same switch for every key even the ones Steelseries must deem not used as much.

My new favorite keyboard

I've always disliked any clicky/bumpy keys, both from the feel and sound. I prefer as much silence as possible and smooth keystrokes. And while cherry mx red and similar linear switches provide such an outlet for that kind of experience, I couldn't put up with all the miss-clicks that would often result. This keyboard and it's OmniPoint Adjustable Switches provide the perfect solution! As long as Steelseries continues to create keyboards with these switches, I'm never switching to anything else. I can't imagine what could possibly top this. As for the keyboard overall, I mean it has it all. - Rubber grips - I have no trouble it it ever sliding, it just stays in place - Height adjustable feet - Cable management paths - you can choose which way the usb cable comes out ... MoreI've always disliked any clicky/bumpy keys, both from the feel and sound. I prefer as much silence as possible and smooth keystrokes. And while cherry mx red and similar linear switches provide such an outlet for that kind of experience, I couldn't put up with all the miss-clicks that would often result. This keyboard and it's OmniPoint Adjustable Switches provide the perfect solution! As long as Steelseries continues to create keyboards with these switches, I'm never switching to anything else. I can't imagine what could possibly top this. As for the keyboard overall, I mean it has it all. - Rubber grips - I have no trouble it it ever sliding, it just stays in place - Height adjustable feet - Cable management paths - you can choose which way the usb cable comes out from to accommodate your setup. - MEDIA CONTROLS - Yes! Even if their not much, they are still something, it amazes me how many keyboards these days from top brands don't include this in some way, it should be pretty much standard by now. With just a small minimalist scroll wheel and 1 button, you can quickly adjust volume and mute (by pressing the scroll wheel (genius right) ), you can quickly play/pause by pressing the singular button, and you can do more with multiple clicks such as double press for skipping track. - Fully customizable LED lighting with several effect options through the Steelseries Engine software - Detachable wrist-rest - Oh and it's magnetic! - USB Port - This comes in handy for several things like charging cellphones, or if you have a wireless headset like me, you can easily charge and play through it. - Quick access key to quickly adjust lighting, switch profiles and making macros - And then there is that little LED screen which is just a bonus - The overall build good quality plastic, it feels nice and smooth - Given that I'm reviewing the TKL version I'll also note that it takes up the least amount of space a keyboard this size should take, so basically what I mean by that is there is nothing unnecessarily added Are there any cons? It's hard to say, other than mostly theoretical stuff, such as what if the cable was detachable? Or if it had more than 1 height adjustment level? If you want to use the USB Port on it, you have to still connect a additional USB on your computer, so basically it's more of a convenience thing, you're not actually getting an additional USB slot. But really? I don't know, you'd have to get really nit-picky with it to find anything bad. As Long as this is the kind of keyboard for you, then it's for you, if you need your the kind that loves clicky switches, look elsewhere, albeit there is a chance you may still like it, just saying though, understand what this keyboard is trying to achieve beforehand. Also 1 last thing, the price. Yeah it's somewhat pricey but you get what you pay for, there are other more expensive keyboards out there that still offer less. I bought mine at full price, but if you can get it on sale, then you're a winner!

New keyboard after 12+ years...

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL has been a very worthy replacement to an essential piece of hardware that I haven't changed in 12 years! I tried the full sized versions of the Apex Pro along with a Logitech G815 and Das Keyboard and actually surprised myself when I settled on the TKL version of the keyboard. I do miss the num pad but the placement of the keyboard on my desk is significantly improved with the smaller footprint keyboard.The OmniPoint switch that Apex Pro keyboard uses, I feel are more useful once you understand how to use it. It controls how deep you press the keys before they go off (or 'actuation'). You can really touch type with this keyboard or just press down fully till you hit the bottom can improve your key stroke responses. I have my keyboard ... MoreThe SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL has been a very worthy replacement to an essential piece of hardware that I haven't changed in 12 years! I tried the full sized versions of the Apex Pro along with a Logitech G815 and Das Keyboard and actually surprised myself when I settled on the TKL version of the keyboard. I do miss the num pad but the placement of the keyboard on my desk is significantly improved with the smaller footprint keyboard.The OmniPoint switch that Apex Pro keyboard uses, I feel are more useful once you understand how to use it. It controls how deep you press the keys before they go off (or 'actuation'). You can really touch type with this keyboard or just press down fully till you hit the bottom can improve your key stroke responses. I have my keyboard set just a little on the light side but type with varying pressure so I do notice some keys are hit harder than others and this keyboard accomadates to that wonderfully. But from the several keyboards I ended up sampling this really lets you customize the keyboard to your specific habits. Even now I'm still getting used to it, as I would like to hit the keys softer but after many years of computer use that may still take time to undo that muscle memory lol...This is the best of both worlds to me.In gameplay, the actuation points are really useful as well as I found myself not mashing down on the keyboard as the lighter taps/presses of the keys has the game responding already.Definitely recommend this keyboard and acknowledge its on the high side. Its an investment for me as its a critical piece of hardware. The TKL form factor on the other hand, I can enthusiastically recommend if the Apex Pro TKL keyboard is hard to swallow due to price as it does help the feel in front of the monitor as I feel my arms are positioned better, along with where the mouse now sits. You wouldn't think 4-5 inches of missing keyboard would improve the keyboard and mouse till you try it....

The perfect "end game" keeb.

I've had many, many different keebs throughout the last few years, and I always find one that I end up enjoying for a few months, and eventually feel the need to get another due to a lack of a certain something. Whether it's the feel of the keys, the sound, or software suite, something always pushes me to the next. I eventually ended up purchasing this one, and I feel like I finally met my end game in the keeb world. I think this the perfect keyboard for ME. The feel of the keys, the sound, and software suite were all up my alley. I really enjoy the option of having the actuation point being software controlled, although I find the default setting to be perfect. One thing I wish was different was the keycaps, as this comes with ABS caps which can fade/become ... MoreI've had many, many different keebs throughout the last few years, and I always find one that I end up enjoying for a few months, and eventually feel the need to get another due to a lack of a certain something. Whether it's the feel of the keys, the sound, or software suite, something always pushes me to the next. I eventually ended up purchasing this one, and I feel like I finally met my end game in the keeb world. I think this the perfect keyboard for ME. The feel of the keys, the sound, and software suite were all up my alley. I really enjoy the option of having the actuation point being software controlled, although I find the default setting to be perfect. One thing I wish was different was the keycaps, as this comes with ABS caps which can fade/become "greasy" shiny after prolonged use. Although you can purchase PBT caps separately, I feel at this price point that it should have come standard. The software suite is not a nuisance, and thankfully doesn't need to be running constantly or collecting information from you(cough cough RAZER), and I find myself firing it up only to adjust the RGB settings. The OLED screen is neat, but I didn't bother customizing it although I did explore and found all you can do with it pretty neat.

There’s just one catch.

So here’s the deal. The keyboard itself is great. I haven’t personally experienced any issues. Worked out of the box, software is easy to use and the keys press down just fine (with little to no resistance). You can also alter the actuation, which makes this keyboard particularly special.If you work during the day from home and game right after, this is the board for you. If you want something minimal and aesthetic that doesn’t skip out on too many features, this is definitely the board for you. The RGB is well lit and the screen is a cute little addition, you can basically put whatever you want on it. The hand rest is also really comfy, to my surprise. I’ve never removed it since putting it on.The only catch is Steelseries customer service. It’s basically ... MoreSo here’s the deal. The keyboard itself is great. I haven’t personally experienced any issues. Worked out of the box, software is easy to use and the keys press down just fine (with little to no resistance). You can also alter the actuation, which makes this keyboard particularly special.If you work during the day from home and game right after, this is the board for you. If you want something minimal and aesthetic that doesn’t skip out on too many features, this is definitely the board for you. The RGB is well lit and the screen is a cute little addition, you can basically put whatever you want on it. The hand rest is also really comfy, to my surprise. I’ve never removed it since putting it on.The only catch is Steelseries customer service. It’s basically usually a nightmare. I recommend you spend the extra cash buy a geek squad warranty.At the end of the day I guess you can ask yourself - should I support a manufacturer known for its lack of customer service? Well, I’m not your momma. I ain’t gonna tell you what’s right, but I will say this keyboard is a blast to click heads with.

WELL WORTH IT

I have used alot of gaming keyboards but this one stands out from the rest of them. The adjustable keys, OLED Display, and tons of features. I never have really been a fan of linear switches but I really like these ones. The usb passthrough is awesome I use it to charge my headphones. The OLED display is really cool as well you can put any image you want on it. I highly reccomned putting after market keycaps on this I installed Hyper X puddings that I had from my old keyboard as the ones that come with this are abs and will shine very quickly. Additonally I think the RGB looks alot better with the white puddings. I contemplated between this one and the 2023 one but decided on this one because it is better build quality and you lose out on alot of the features in the ... MoreI have used alot of gaming keyboards but this one stands out from the rest of them. The adjustable keys, OLED Display, and tons of features. I never have really been a fan of linear switches but I really like these ones. The usb passthrough is awesome I use it to charge my headphones. The OLED display is really cool as well you can put any image you want on it. I highly reccomned putting after market keycaps on this I installed Hyper X puddings that I had from my old keyboard as the ones that come with this are abs and will shine very quickly. Additonally I think the RGB looks alot better with the white puddings. I contemplated between this one and the 2023 one but decided on this one because it is better build quality and you lose out on alot of the features in the new one. OverallI highly reccomend this keyboard even though it is a bit pricey at $180. I got mine for $130 on sale and I think at that price it is 100% reasonable.

WORTH IT

I have owned gaming keyboards from all the gaming companies. I have to say this one is unbelievable in terms of performance and features . The OLED Screen makes this look super futuristic. If you take your time and look at Razer.Logitech,hyper x… and all other ones. Have notting that stands out like this . I had the choice to pick between this version or the newer version 2023 . Upon watching videos on YouTube of the quality of the build and the features. This older version seems to be better in terms of the OLED has more features . Less features were removed from the new OLED display and the quality took a hit too as well. And the keycaps don’t sound good as well. Don’t take my word for it. Look it up. For the price you can’t definitely beat this. The quality of ... MoreI have owned gaming keyboards from all the gaming companies. I have to say this one is unbelievable in terms of performance and features . The OLED Screen makes this look super futuristic. If you take your time and look at Razer.Logitech,hyper x… and all other ones. Have notting that stands out like this . I had the choice to pick between this version or the newer version 2023 . Upon watching videos on YouTube of the quality of the build and the features. This older version seems to be better in terms of the OLED has more features . Less features were removed from the new OLED display and the quality took a hit too as well. And the keycaps don’t sound good as well. Don’t take my word for it. Look it up. For the price you can’t definitely beat this. The quality of the build with the colors on this one are epic amazing… will say 200 percent worth it… Also you can adjust the key switches by software.. no other gaming keyboard does that with a combination of mini OLED display on it .. you can upload your own design or your own picture… no other gaming beats it for what it brings in the combination it does it…