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SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini US Keyboard [64837]
Custom optical OptiPoint switches for faster actuation and zero debounce. Switch the keypress actuation point from gaming-quality 1 mm to a more deliberate 1.5 mm. Fully interchangeable switches for personalized customization and durability. Compact 60% form factor for an optimized gaming setup and more space on your desktop for mouse movements. The aluminum top plate of the 5000 series, identical to the metal used in combat aircraft, enhances structural stability and durability. Experience optical speed like never before. The specially crafted optical OptiPoint switches use light to detect the registration depth of your keypress for 33% faster actuation, zero debounce, and a lightning-fast response time of 0.2 ms. Adapt to any game by changing the registration depth from a quick light press of 1 mm to a precision-oriented keystroke of 1.5 mm. Upgrade your keystrokes. Easily customize and upgrade your preferred OptiPoint switch to make it your own. The compact 60% form factor saves valuable desk space for large mouse movements and brings you closer to victory. Unlock the unique features of the Apex 9 Mini with Engine, such as per-key RGB lighting and customizable actuation points. Engine is part of the SteelSeries GG platform, which includes free apps to help you optimize your gear and capture your best gaming moments. The aluminum top plate of the 5000 series is identical to the metal used in combat aircraft, ensuring lifelong improved rigidity and structural stability.
Custom optical OptiPoint switches for faster actuation and zero debounce. Switch the keypress actuation point from gaming-quality 1 mm to a more deliberate 1.5 mm. Fully interchangeable switches for personalized customization and durability. Compact 60% form factor for an optimized gaming setup and more space on your desktop for mouse movements. The aluminum top plate of the 5000 series, identical to the metal used in combat aircraft, enhances structural stability and durability. Experience optical speed like never before. The specially crafted optical OptiPoint switches use light to detect the registration depth of your keypress for 33% faster actuation, zero debounce, and a lightning-fast response time of 0.2 ms. Adapt to any game by changing the registration depth from a quick light press of 1 mm to a precision-oriented keystroke of 1.5 mm. Upgrade your keystrokes. Easily customize and upgrade your preferred OptiPoint switch to make it your own. The compact 60% form factor saves valuable desk space for large mouse movements and brings you closer to victory. Unlock the unique features of the Apex 9 Mini with Engine, such as per-key RGB lighting and customizable actuation points. Engine is part of the SteelSeries GG platform, which includes free apps to help you optimize your gear and capture your best gaming moments. The aluminum top plate of the 5000 series is identical to the metal used in combat aircraft, ensuring lifelong improved rigidity and structural stability.
Custom optical OptiPoint switches for faster actuation and zero debounce. Switch the keypress actuation point from gaming-quality 1 mm to a more deliberate 1.5 mm. Fully interchangeable switches for personalized customization and durability. Compact 60% form factor for an optimized gaming setup and more space on your desktop for mouse movements. The aluminum top plate of the 5000 series, identical to the metal used in combat aircraft, enhances structural stability and durability. Experience optical speed like never before. The specially crafted optical OptiPoint switches use light to detect the registration depth of your keypress for 33% faster actuation, zero debounce, and a lightning-fast response time of 0.2 ms. Adapt to any game by changing the registration depth from a quick light press of 1 mm to a precision-oriented keystroke of 1.5 mm. Upgrade your keystrokes. Easily customize and upgrade your preferred OptiPoint switch to make it your own. The compact 60% form factor saves valuable desk space for large mouse movements and brings you closer to victory. Unlock the unique features of the Apex 9 Mini with Engine, such as per-key RGB lighting and customizable actuation points. Engine is part of the SteelSeries GG platform, which includes free apps to help you optimize your gear and capture your best gaming moments. The aluminum top plate of the 5000 series is identical to the metal used in combat aircraft, ensuring lifelong improved rigidity and structural stability.
Custom optical OptiPoint switches for faster actuation and zero debounce. Switch the keypress actuation point from gaming-quality 1 mm to a more deliberate 1.5 mm. Fully interchangeable switches for personalized customization and durability. Compact 60% form factor for an optimized gaming setup and more space on your desktop for mouse movements. The aluminum top plate of the 5000 series, identical to the metal used in combat aircraft, enhances structural stability and durability. Experience optical speed like never before. The specially crafted optical OptiPoint switches use light to detect the registration depth of your keypress for 33% faster actuation, zero debounce, and a lightning-fast response time of 0.2 ms. Adapt to any game by changing the registration depth from a quick light press of 1 mm to a precision-oriented keystroke of 1.5 mm. Upgrade your keystrokes. Easily customize and upgrade your preferred OptiPoint switch to make it your own. The compact 60% form factor saves valuable desk space for large mouse movements and brings you closer to victory. Unlock the unique features of the Apex 9 Mini with Engine, such as per-key RGB lighting and customizable actuation points. Engine is part of the SteelSeries GG platform, which includes free apps to help you optimize your gear and capture your best gaming moments. The aluminum top plate of the 5000 series is identical to the metal used in combat aircraft, ensuring lifelong improved rigidity and structural stability.
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The lowest price for SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini US Keyboard [64837] right now is $189.42 at Amazon.com.au, compared across 7 retailers.
The all-time low was $94.01 on 11 Dec 2025 — today's price is 101% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 10 June 2026.
Last updated at 10/06/2026 06:53:10
SteelSeries New Apex 9 Mini – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – 60% Compact Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame –
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SteelSeries Apex 9 60% Compact OptiPoint 1.0-1.5mm Adjustable Actuation Switch Mechanical Gaming Keyboard US Layout - OLED Smart Display - Media
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Steelseries Apex 9 Mini RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Steelseries Apex 9 Mini RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
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SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Delivery $7.95
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - OptiPoint Optical Switches
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
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Steelseries Apex Pro Mini Apex 9 Mini Jp Wired Rgb Keyboard Used
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originally posted on bestbuy.com
The Steelseries Apex 9 Mini packs a lot of punch for what it is mainly a mini gaming keyboard. Being TKL this keyboard is small. But this is not the usual TKL where it is around 80% of a full sized keyboard. The Apex 9 Mini is 60% of the size of 101-key keyboard. That said it can cater for those who just want a small keyboard or those who want a full fledged compact gaming keyboard that they can take anywhere,The Apex 9 Mini aside from its small form factor boasts of linear optical switches and a two-point actuation. In layman’s terms this would roughly translate to gaming mode and timing mode. (I understand other Apex series keyboards have more functionality.) The keyboard has a multi-function key wherein it is used to toggle between modes. And since the ... MoreThe Steelseries Apex 9 Mini packs a lot of punch for what it is mainly a mini gaming keyboard. Being TKL this keyboard is small. But this is not the usual TKL where it is around 80% of a full sized keyboard. The Apex 9 Mini is 60% of the size of 101-key keyboard. That said it can cater for those who just want a small keyboard or those who want a full fledged compact gaming keyboard that they can take anywhere,The Apex 9 Mini aside from its small form factor boasts of linear optical switches and a two-point actuation. In layman’s terms this would roughly translate to gaming mode and timing mode. (I understand other Apex series keyboards have more functionality.) The keyboard has a multi-function key wherein it is used to toggle between modes. And since the so-called “non-essential” keys for gaming are removed, you can also use this toggle key to enable F-key, arrow key and other functions keys capabilities. The keyboard itself is powered and connected via a USB-C to USB-cable.Customization of this keyboard is possible due to the inclusion of swappable optical switches. For your convenience, a switch removal tool (or simply a pair of tweezers) is located at the back/bottom of the keyboard. Further customization of the keyboard isuch as changing light patterns, function/macro keys are made possible by a downloadable app called the Steelseries Engine via the website. And to add some durability a steel/aluminum front plate is included int he keyboard. And eventually typing fairy comfortable.And while the Steelseries Apex 9 Mini may not be my prefferred keyboard style (pretty much I’m still a 101-key keyboard guy), I would rank it favorably because in spite of it’s small size, it can deliver much of what games want. For this reason, I am highly recommending this keyboard.
originally posted on bestbuy.com
So I have never tried a mini 60% keyboard before. I heard really good things about the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini so I thought sure.Obviously, if you are like me, you think "wow, can you really do everything you need with something 40% less than what you are used to?" The answer is surprisingly yes. Right out of the box, you notice how small it is compared to a full size. After I got over that, I was happy with the build quality. It has a mainly plastic chassis with an aluminum plate. It feels sturdy and durable.One of the main selling points of this keyboard is the adjustable actuation switch. Basically, actuation means how much the key needs to be pressed in order for it to be recognized as being pressed. You can imagine that a lower number means slight touches ... MoreSo I have never tried a mini 60% keyboard before. I heard really good things about the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini so I thought sure.Obviously, if you are like me, you think "wow, can you really do everything you need with something 40% less than what you are used to?" The answer is surprisingly yes. Right out of the box, you notice how small it is compared to a full size. After I got over that, I was happy with the build quality. It has a mainly plastic chassis with an aluminum plate. It feels sturdy and durable.One of the main selling points of this keyboard is the adjustable actuation switch. Basically, actuation means how much the key needs to be pressed in order for it to be recognized as being pressed. You can imagine that a lower number means slight touches will activate that key. This means faster response times. This would be ideal for gaming. This also means that errors are more likely to happen which may be less ideal for typing. So higher actuation points are ideal for typing while lower is ideal for gaming. This can do it both. You can set the actuation point at 1.0 mm for gaming which has the end result of super responsive and fluid gaming. The response times of the switches are also very fast. If you want to type stuff out, set the actuation point higher at 1.5 mm. The keycaps are also very grippy which for sweaty folks like me, is awesome. All in all, both gaming and typing were an absolute joy with these.All in all, the Apex 9 Mini is a great keyboard. I would make sure you can get used to 60% keyboards and trying them out before actually buying one, but if you like them, then this one should be on your short list.
originally posted on bestbuy.com
The Apex Mini 9 is an excellent product, but not perfect.I presentation of the product was very clean, feels like a premium item you are opening with the carefully placed tabs, tucked away cable, and the metal plating just feels very nice.The texture and smoothness of the keys actuation is definitely top tier. I own and play with alot of various mice and keyboards, the Apex Mini 9 is definitely in the elite league in terms of feel and responsiveness. Although the selling point is the OptiPoint optical switches, only the most elite pros will likely feel the difference. Still, if you want to play like a pro, why not opt for the optical switches.I'm not one to care about these things but I know some people will care, I did include the photos to compare the ... MoreThe Apex Mini 9 is an excellent product, but not perfect.I presentation of the product was very clean, feels like a premium item you are opening with the carefully placed tabs, tucked away cable, and the metal plating just feels very nice.The texture and smoothness of the keys actuation is definitely top tier. I own and play with alot of various mice and keyboards, the Apex Mini 9 is definitely in the elite league in terms of feel and responsiveness. Although the selling point is the OptiPoint optical switches, only the most elite pros will likely feel the difference. Still, if you want to play like a pro, why not opt for the optical switches.I'm not one to care about these things but I know some people will care, I did include the photos to compare the lighting of the keyboard. It is slightly less bright than competitors, with slightly less features on the software front. Not at all a deal breaker, but should be noted for those who are looking for some RGB flare.Some other very nice features are the braided USB to USB-C cable, the compartment to hold your key removal tool and the ability to have different heigh/levels with the built in kickstand legs. This is a very important feature because competitors simply do not have this feature, and can be a make or break for some picky players who need a specific height for the perfect fit.So why not 5 star? The software at it's current iteration is the biggest weakness. That's the bad news, the good news is software is easily fixable and updated as time goes by. The current UI, the number of options and customization, is not only confusing but lackluster. The only good news is it doesn't take a lot of memory foot print, and is sparkly fast. I hope this will be addressed in a few weeks for an otherwise perfect 60% sized keyboard.
| Keycaps | Double shot |
| Keycaps material | Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) |
| Key travel distance | 1.5 mm |
| Actuation force | 35 g |
| Built-in memory capacity | 32 KB |
SteelSeries New Apex 9 Mini – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – 60% Compact Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame –
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
SteelSeries Apex 9 60% Compact OptiPoint 1.0-1.5mm Adjustable Actuation Switch Mechanical Gaming Keyboard US Layout - OLED Smart Display - Media
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Steelseries Apex 9 Mini RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Steelseries Apex 9 Mini RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
30-day returns
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Delivery $7.95
The Steelseries Apex 9 Mini packs a lot of punch for what it is mainly a mini gaming keyboard. Being TKL this keyboard is small. But this is not the usual TKL where it is around 80% of a full sized keyboard. The Apex 9 Mini is 60% of the size of 101-key keyboard. That said it can cater for those who just want a small keyboard or those who want a full fledged compact gaming keyboard that they can take anywhere,The Apex 9 Mini aside from its small form factor boasts of linear optical switches and a two-point actuation. In layman’s terms this would roughly translate to gaming mode and timing mode. (I understand other Apex series keyboards have more functionality.) The keyboard has a multi-function key wherein it is used to toggle between modes. And since the ... MoreThe Steelseries Apex 9 Mini packs a lot of punch for what it is mainly a mini gaming keyboard. Being TKL this keyboard is small. But this is not the usual TKL where it is around 80% of a full sized keyboard. The Apex 9 Mini is 60% of the size of 101-key keyboard. That said it can cater for those who just want a small keyboard or those who want a full fledged compact gaming keyboard that they can take anywhere,The Apex 9 Mini aside from its small form factor boasts of linear optical switches and a two-point actuation. In layman’s terms this would roughly translate to gaming mode and timing mode. (I understand other Apex series keyboards have more functionality.) The keyboard has a multi-function key wherein it is used to toggle between modes. And since the so-called “non-essential” keys for gaming are removed, you can also use this toggle key to enable F-key, arrow key and other functions keys capabilities. The keyboard itself is powered and connected via a USB-C to USB-cable.Customization of this keyboard is possible due to the inclusion of swappable optical switches. For your convenience, a switch removal tool (or simply a pair of tweezers) is located at the back/bottom of the keyboard. Further customization of the keyboard isuch as changing light patterns, function/macro keys are made possible by a downloadable app called the Steelseries Engine via the website. And to add some durability a steel/aluminum front plate is included int he keyboard. And eventually typing fairy comfortable.And while the Steelseries Apex 9 Mini may not be my prefferred keyboard style (pretty much I’m still a 101-key keyboard guy), I would rank it favorably because in spite of it’s small size, it can deliver much of what games want. For this reason, I am highly recommending this keyboard.
So I have never tried a mini 60% keyboard before. I heard really good things about the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini so I thought sure.Obviously, if you are like me, you think "wow, can you really do everything you need with something 40% less than what you are used to?" The answer is surprisingly yes. Right out of the box, you notice how small it is compared to a full size. After I got over that, I was happy with the build quality. It has a mainly plastic chassis with an aluminum plate. It feels sturdy and durable.One of the main selling points of this keyboard is the adjustable actuation switch. Basically, actuation means how much the key needs to be pressed in order for it to be recognized as being pressed. You can imagine that a lower number means slight touches ... MoreSo I have never tried a mini 60% keyboard before. I heard really good things about the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini so I thought sure.Obviously, if you are like me, you think "wow, can you really do everything you need with something 40% less than what you are used to?" The answer is surprisingly yes. Right out of the box, you notice how small it is compared to a full size. After I got over that, I was happy with the build quality. It has a mainly plastic chassis with an aluminum plate. It feels sturdy and durable.One of the main selling points of this keyboard is the adjustable actuation switch. Basically, actuation means how much the key needs to be pressed in order for it to be recognized as being pressed. You can imagine that a lower number means slight touches will activate that key. This means faster response times. This would be ideal for gaming. This also means that errors are more likely to happen which may be less ideal for typing. So higher actuation points are ideal for typing while lower is ideal for gaming. This can do it both. You can set the actuation point at 1.0 mm for gaming which has the end result of super responsive and fluid gaming. The response times of the switches are also very fast. If you want to type stuff out, set the actuation point higher at 1.5 mm. The keycaps are also very grippy which for sweaty folks like me, is awesome. All in all, both gaming and typing were an absolute joy with these.All in all, the Apex 9 Mini is a great keyboard. I would make sure you can get used to 60% keyboards and trying them out before actually buying one, but if you like them, then this one should be on your short list.
The Apex Mini 9 is an excellent product, but not perfect.I presentation of the product was very clean, feels like a premium item you are opening with the carefully placed tabs, tucked away cable, and the metal plating just feels very nice.The texture and smoothness of the keys actuation is definitely top tier. I own and play with alot of various mice and keyboards, the Apex Mini 9 is definitely in the elite league in terms of feel and responsiveness. Although the selling point is the OptiPoint optical switches, only the most elite pros will likely feel the difference. Still, if you want to play like a pro, why not opt for the optical switches.I'm not one to care about these things but I know some people will care, I did include the photos to compare the ... MoreThe Apex Mini 9 is an excellent product, but not perfect.I presentation of the product was very clean, feels like a premium item you are opening with the carefully placed tabs, tucked away cable, and the metal plating just feels very nice.The texture and smoothness of the keys actuation is definitely top tier. I own and play with alot of various mice and keyboards, the Apex Mini 9 is definitely in the elite league in terms of feel and responsiveness. Although the selling point is the OptiPoint optical switches, only the most elite pros will likely feel the difference. Still, if you want to play like a pro, why not opt for the optical switches.I'm not one to care about these things but I know some people will care, I did include the photos to compare the lighting of the keyboard. It is slightly less bright than competitors, with slightly less features on the software front. Not at all a deal breaker, but should be noted for those who are looking for some RGB flare.Some other very nice features are the braided USB to USB-C cable, the compartment to hold your key removal tool and the ability to have different heigh/levels with the built in kickstand legs. This is a very important feature because competitors simply do not have this feature, and can be a make or break for some picky players who need a specific height for the perfect fit.So why not 5 star? The software at it's current iteration is the biggest weakness. That's the bad news, the good news is software is easily fixable and updated as time goes by. The current UI, the number of options and customization, is not only confusing but lackluster. The only good news is it doesn't take a lot of memory foot print, and is sparkly fast. I hope this will be addressed in a few weeks for an otherwise perfect 60% sized keyboard.
As you improve your performance in your favorite video game(s), having better gear such as a faster keyboard becomes a major advantage. There are games that require a lot of precision and a minimum response time, this is where it comes into play what kind of switches has the keyboard we use and what is the response time, which settings we have chosen and the key binds we use. This mechanical keyboard has Optipoint optical switches with an actuation point of 1mm gaming mode and adjustable to 1.5mm in typing mode, the amount of strength required to register the key we are pressing is minimal, it can be perceived a lot in shooters mainly.To configure the keys and assign the functions you want you need to download the app Steelseries GG, in this app you can configure ... MoreAs you improve your performance in your favorite video game(s), having better gear such as a faster keyboard becomes a major advantage. There are games that require a lot of precision and a minimum response time, this is where it comes into play what kind of switches has the keyboard we use and what is the response time, which settings we have chosen and the key binds we use. This mechanical keyboard has Optipoint optical switches with an actuation point of 1mm gaming mode and adjustable to 1.5mm in typing mode, the amount of strength required to register the key we are pressing is minimal, it can be perceived a lot in shooters mainly.To configure the keys and assign the functions you want you need to download the app Steelseries GG, in this app you can configure the keyboard lighting and create different profiles if we require a specific configuration for each game. Also within the app you can edit macros and create shortcuts to taste. I highly recommend downloading the app to get the most out of this keyboard.Regarding the performance this keyboard meets expectations, both for gaming or for typing, the experience is very pleasant, you can feel and hear the quality with every click. The material that the keycaps are made of feels of very good quality, the base is made of aluminum and has a compartment where a keycap puller tool si located, a detail that is appreciated.The sound of the keys is, in my opinion, very balanced, not too clicky but not too quiet, it is a very nice sound. Despite being aware of the limitations of a 60% keyboard, it takes some time getting used to, besides that some functions that a full keyboard has, have to be executed with the special function key. For non-gaming or typing purposes, I feel it is more comfortable to have a full keyboard, having both would be a very favorable alternative.In summary, this wired mechanical keyboard fulfills its purpose outstandingly, it is a solid product in which the price is reflected in the aesthetics, how well it is made and how well it works. You have a very fast swappable optical switches, a software that allows almost complete customization of the keyboard and a fantastic RGB lighting. If you want quality, speed and aesthetics, this keyboard is a great choice, highly recommended.
I'm a dad to a pair of gamers. It wasn't until recently that I was aware that they had graduated from controllers to keyboards. Now, I was around in the mid 90s when we were all playing computer games like Doom, but there is so much more to keyboards now. This keyboard has different levels of actuation that result in more control of how you play -- if you need complete speed you can choose 1.0mm but if you want a chance to graze a key but not have it register you can increase it up to 1.5mm.We have been playing Fortnite and this keyboard is giving us a real advantage over other players. We are able to build much faster due to the 0.2 millisecond response time, so there is no input delay that has bogged down builds previously.Now, one of my favorite features is ... MoreI'm a dad to a pair of gamers. It wasn't until recently that I was aware that they had graduated from controllers to keyboards. Now, I was around in the mid 90s when we were all playing computer games like Doom, but there is so much more to keyboards now. This keyboard has different levels of actuation that result in more control of how you play -- if you need complete speed you can choose 1.0mm but if you want a chance to graze a key but not have it register you can increase it up to 1.5mm.We have been playing Fortnite and this keyboard is giving us a real advantage over other players. We are able to build much faster due to the 0.2 millisecond response time, so there is no input delay that has bogged down builds previously.Now, one of my favorite features is that it's not as "clicky" as some of the keyboards that I hear at work all day. It's not silent, but it's not annoyingly loud.My son has already asked about swapping out the switches for red switches from Steelseries, further reducing lag.The fact that this is a mini-keyboard has been super helpful for our setup as well -- we don't have a giant table, so this mini-keyboard gives us good space to use a mouse without constantly running into each peripheral like we use to. And if you don't have giant hands, it just makes everything much more accessible even faster.Oh, and the color changes are a really cool feature, but simply helpful when playing at night.My son has played at other friends and vice-versa and they are now so completely jealous of this Steelseries keyboard -- I'll take dad points whenever I can.
The Apex 9 mini is part of the great SteelSeries keyboard lineup. This keyboard has a reduced 60% form factor with full sized keys making it great for portability while maintaining usability. The smaller form factor takes up less room in a desktop gaming setup that will give you more room for mouse movement during gaming. The keyboard sports Optipoint linear optical switches making them very responsive 0.2ms with 0 debounce time. The keys are rated at 100 million keypresses. The keys are fadeproof PBT with textured tops that give them a good feel. The keycaps and switches are replaceable. SteelSeries includes a keycap puller that is conveniently stored in the base of the keyboard. The switches are also replaceable and the puller is available from SteelSeries. The ... MoreThe Apex 9 mini is part of the great SteelSeries keyboard lineup. This keyboard has a reduced 60% form factor with full sized keys making it great for portability while maintaining usability. The smaller form factor takes up less room in a desktop gaming setup that will give you more room for mouse movement during gaming. The keyboard sports Optipoint linear optical switches making them very responsive 0.2ms with 0 debounce time. The keys are rated at 100 million keypresses. The keys are fadeproof PBT with textured tops that give them a good feel. The keycaps and switches are replaceable. SteelSeries includes a keycap puller that is conveniently stored in the base of the keyboard. The switches are also replaceable and the puller is available from SteelSeries. The keys have 2 point adjustable actuation that can be activated from the keyboard by pressing the function key (the key to the lower right with the steel series logo) and the o for gaming mode or i for typing mode, this changes the height (1.0 or 1.5mm) where the keys are actuated. The keyboard has profile switching by pressing the function key + Z and brightness control function key + C to dim or V to increase brightness. The keyboard also has on the fly macro recording so you can assign those awesome moves for quick execution to a single key. Keys have secondary actions that give the functionality of a full-size keyboard. The deck hight is adjustable from flat to two different angles of elevation with the kickstands. The keyboard is well constructed with an aluminum top deck giving it a premium feel and great rigidity. The total weight is 676 grams.Well how does this keyboard feel. In the typing mode I felt the keys had a great feel and did not suffer from the small form factor. The feel of the keys was good and I did not have any trouble due to crowding or repeated characters. In the gaming mode the keys are quite fast. The Macros are great for complicated keypress combinations. You can set profiles for each game.The SteelSeries Engine App controls all the keyboard programming and firmware updates, It is well put together and gets the job done. The lighting modes are set from the Engine app, each key has individually addressable RGB. To access the RGB settings you use the Steelseries Engine software, go to the illumination tab click on the blue bar on top then customize each key color by clicking on it and changing the settings. There are 5 preset patterns for the keyboard also. The Engine software is part of the SteelSeries GG platform that comes with Sonar to adust sound and microphone and even and capture utility (Moments) for gaming.The keyboard is connected by a detachable USB C to USB A cable. I would have liked a right angle USB C connector on the keyboard side. If you use the keyboard with a gaming Laptop it needs to be decentered to the left so the cable does not hit the front.If you are looking for a Mini keyboard this is a great option.
This keyboard is packaged well. I like the USB-C port on the left which keeps it out of the way and makes it seem almost like it is wireless. I also like the keycap puller on the bottom of the keyboard under the rubber flap which is a nice touch.The 60% layout can take some getting used to, but for gaming specifically its excellent to have that extra mouse room on side, and all the functions of a standard TKL keyboard are secondary functions on the 60% layout. The compact size also helps make a desk setup look nicer. For me using a 60% layout, the most noticeable thing is the arrow keys are mapped to the secondary function of the WASD keys, so it may take some getting used to for arrow keys.Typing quality feels very premium. The PBT keycaps are lightweight but ... MoreThis keyboard is packaged well. I like the USB-C port on the left which keeps it out of the way and makes it seem almost like it is wireless. I also like the keycap puller on the bottom of the keyboard under the rubber flap which is a nice touch.The 60% layout can take some getting used to, but for gaming specifically its excellent to have that extra mouse room on side, and all the functions of a standard TKL keyboard are secondary functions on the 60% layout. The compact size also helps make a desk setup look nicer. For me using a 60% layout, the most noticeable thing is the arrow keys are mapped to the secondary function of the WASD keys, so it may take some getting used to for arrow keys.Typing quality feels very premium. The PBT keycaps are lightweight but have an excellent "grip" feel to them and don't attract fingerprints. The optical switches are extremely smooth. The SteelSeries software has a "gaming" and "typing" mode for the switch actuation depth. For me, there is actually a difference. I find typing mode has less typos but still is highly responsive, and gaming mode delivers that extra split second responsiveness while gaming. I played a few rounds of counter strike and other FPS games and the keyboard is highly responsive and excellent for gaming. The spacebar and shift/return/delete key stabilizers are very stable and quiet with no grainy feeling.The removable switches are an awesome feature to see on a consumer keyboard.The SteelSeries software has a lot of extra stuff but the keyboard customization is straightforward and works well. The RGB lighting is excellent and shines through well on each key. The secondary functions for the 60% layout are printed in high contrast white font.Overall I really like this keyboard. The optical switches work well and the gaming/typing modes are awesome to see. The typing experience is great and the PBT keycaps feel excellent.
The SteelSeries - Apex 9 Mini 60% Wired OptiPoint Adjustable Keyboard downsizes your keyboard footprint at only 60% the normal size, without sacrificing performance or quality. The Apex 9 uses aluminum framing to ensure quality that lasts even during the most intense gaming scenarios. The completely customizable keys are easy to remove and swap for your ideal configuration with an onboard (underneath) tool for quick changes. The keys are designed to mimic the feel of mechanical keys but are optical for more precision and adjustable from 1mm to 1.5mm response to fit your preference.I found the SteelSeries - Apex 9 Mini 60% Wired OptiPoint Adjustable Keyboard to be an awesome gaming experience. The LED lights perfectly complement the keyboard and gaming experience ... MoreThe SteelSeries - Apex 9 Mini 60% Wired OptiPoint Adjustable Keyboard downsizes your keyboard footprint at only 60% the normal size, without sacrificing performance or quality. The Apex 9 uses aluminum framing to ensure quality that lasts even during the most intense gaming scenarios. The completely customizable keys are easy to remove and swap for your ideal configuration with an onboard (underneath) tool for quick changes. The keys are designed to mimic the feel of mechanical keys but are optical for more precision and adjustable from 1mm to 1.5mm response to fit your preference.I found the SteelSeries - Apex 9 Mini 60% Wired OptiPoint Adjustable Keyboard to be an awesome gaming experience. The LED lights perfectly complement the keyboard and gaming experience while the physical use of the keyboard is ready to take on any challenge with ease. I loved the responsiveness of the Optical keys despite preferring brown mechanical keys on other gaming keyboards. The only thing I miss is the 10-key as I love replacing my work keyboard with gaming keyboards due to the better response and added style to my workspace.PROS- SteelSeries quality and design- Optical keys, lightening response- Customizable layout and keystrokes- LED lighting complements without overreaching- 60% smaller footprint leaves more room for your mouseCONS- Only missing the 10-key, even though that is not the intended design, it would be nice!
I don't normally really use any external keyboard outside of work especially this being my first mini keyboard, preferring to use my laptops keyboard but this has somewhat convinced me that there is merit to external offerings.Packaging wise, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy and straightforward it was to unpack and get setup. I know it's only a keyboard but many others have made packaging difficult so glad this was a pleasant experience.As far as the setup, it's basically plug and play. No need to download drivers from a site or anything, just windows auto detection. I can't say it was entirely smooth sailing tho, since when I first connected it it wasn't really responding to key presses except the windows key.After around a minute or so it worked as I ... MoreI don't normally really use any external keyboard outside of work especially this being my first mini keyboard, preferring to use my laptops keyboard but this has somewhat convinced me that there is merit to external offerings.Packaging wise, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy and straightforward it was to unpack and get setup. I know it's only a keyboard but many others have made packaging difficult so glad this was a pleasant experience.As far as the setup, it's basically plug and play. No need to download drivers from a site or anything, just windows auto detection. I can't say it was entirely smooth sailing tho, since when I first connected it it wasn't really responding to key presses except the windows key.After around a minute or so it worked as I would expect so I'm going to chalk that up to windows shenanigans.Visually, the keyboard is very nice. The RGB effect is pleasant and not too overdone, the key backlighting is also similarly great.There wasn't any info about this in the box but you can download software for the keyboard from the site in order to fully customize the RGB as well as set the different macros or combos for the meta layer which is really neat.Moving onto functionality the keyboard is joy to use. It's nice and lightweight and the keys have a satisfying clack when you press them.I'm usually used to keyboards with shallower keys so it did feel a little strange at first using this but that feeling very quickly went away.The keyboard has 2 seperate modes with different travel depth for registering an input, 1 for typing and 1 for gaming, but tbh I couldn't really tell the difference between the two but that's not necessarily a bad thing since the experience typing on it was good overall.The one downside is that as a 60% mini keyboard it does not include the arrow keys. This has been my first experience with such a keyboard but it was quite interesting to discover how much I actually did use those arrow keys in normal usage even though I've never even thought about it at all previously.Ideally I'd love for them to be able to squeeze those 4 keys in there somehow but I'm sure other people don't use them nearly as much and will appreciate the extra space being freed up by the lack of their inclusion.Overall, it's been quite pleasant to use over these past few days and even though it doesn't perfectly fit my preferences I can see the appeal and how it would fit many others more suitably. I could definitely see me using it as a travel accessory especially for troubleshooting issues at work.I would love to see more info regarding what you can actually do/customize with the keyboard be included in the box without me having to go to the product page to find that out as well as some work on speeding up that initial responsiveness niggle there was but this definitely should be on your shortlist at the end of the day.
If you are like me and was looking for a mini keyboard that is not only a beautiful RGB art piece but is also incredibly well made, responsive, and has swappable optical switches, this might be the one. This keyboard is 60% the size of the full-sized SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL keyboard but has all the same features but has dropped the number panel on the right side of the board and a volume scroll wheel, the numbers still reside at the top. The body of the keyboard is made from aluminum, and the rest is essentially plastic. There is a nice weight to the keyboard that I love! Wherever you place the keyboard, it stays, this is due to both the heft weight and the rubber pads on the bottom. There is a height adjustment legs as well and has two heights other than laying ... MoreIf you are like me and was looking for a mini keyboard that is not only a beautiful RGB art piece but is also incredibly well made, responsive, and has swappable optical switches, this might be the one. This keyboard is 60% the size of the full-sized SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL keyboard but has all the same features but has dropped the number panel on the right side of the board and a volume scroll wheel, the numbers still reside at the top. The body of the keyboard is made from aluminum, and the rest is essentially plastic. There is a nice weight to the keyboard that I love! Wherever you place the keyboard, it stays, this is due to both the heft weight and the rubber pads on the bottom. There is a height adjustment legs as well and has two heights other than laying flat. Some other great features are that this keyboard comes with a long USB Type-A to USB Type-C wire, A conveniently placed and out-of-the-way keycap puller. The RGB features can be customized to your liking with ease. Very well-made keyboard and is very pleasant on the eyes, but that is not what makes this keyboard stand out from the other mechanical gaming type keyboards.What makes this keyboard stand out from the competition is the keys and their switches. These switches that run the keys are OptiPoint Linear Optical Switches that you can change the actuation height of. What does that mean? It means if you are a person who types a lot and may use this keyboard for work you can set the actuation to 1.5mm, meaning the key will have to be pressed 1.5mm to actuate the switch and the keyboard to recognize a key was pressed. This means that the typing feel will have a long press and will feel like more of a normal keyboard and that is better for a typist that would produce fewer typos. For gaming, you can set the switch actuation to just 1mm, which makes the keys a lot more responsive to the touch. This means the keys do not have a long press, but a rather short one reducing reaction time for both the player and the keyboard. This is GREAT for gaming as these optical switches have only a 0.2ms response time, that’s fast. Another awesome feature of these keys is the type of plastic they are made from. Another fantastic feature of the keys is that they are Double Shot PBT plastic keys. This means that the keys are layered in a way where the clear legend and the black of the keys are layered together which makes the life of the keys a lot longer. Lots of RGB keyboards have clear keys that they might paint black but leave the legends (the letter or number or symbol) on the keys clear for the light to shine through, not these ones. They are two parts, one-part outer black key and one part clear legend key, they layer them and essentially mold and squish the two together to make a keycap. The PBT plastic is the grippy type of plastic that helps keep the finger on the keys, and it is even a high-quality plastic that ensures that they won’t become smooth and wear through over time creating that shiny smooth look, they will always be grippy. These are the best keys I have ever touched and experienced.I am in love with this little keyboard! I recommend this SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini to anyone who types, for work or for play, this is the one to get the job done. I also recommend this keyboard to anyone who is looking for a keyboard 60% of the size of a full-sized keyboard as this helps for portability and helps out when the desk space is small, and you need more room. The adjustable linear switches are just a dream with how fast, reliable, and responsive they are. SteelSeries knocked it out of the park with this keyboard lineup.
| Keycaps | Double shot |
| Keycaps material | Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) |
| Key travel distance | 1.5 mm |
| Actuation force | 35 g |
| Built-in memory capacity | 32 KB |
![SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 US Keyboard [64856]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F71LE2qIjCIL._AC_SX679_.jpg&w=640&q=75)
