Alongside the release of the Apex 9 TKL was the release of the Apex 9 Mini, which shares all the features of the TKL model and the functionality of a full-size keyboard while retaining the footprint of the Apex Pro Mini Wireless. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 9 are both TenKeyLess gaming keyboards with some fundamental differences. As a departure from the other keyboards in this lineup, the Apex 9 is hot-swappable; however, your switch options are limited to other single-pin optical switches only.

If you don’t need the Apex 9’s 2-point actuation hot-swappable optical switches, you may want to look for something cheaper, such as the TKL Redragon Vishnu K596 or the 60 percent Corsair K65 RGB Mini.

If you’re like me, you’re going to have a few brain farts with adjusting, given the smaller size pushing everything a bit closer together. It comes in two sizes, a 60% and a Tenkeyless variety, and features hot-swappable switches and a two-point actuation you can cycle between. There is something I absolutely adore about the Apex 9's construction, however, and that's the inclusion of PBT keycaps and a neatly hidden PBT keycap puller.

Comments that contain any of the following will be deleted: terms considered explicit and inappropriate; defamatory, obscene, unlawful, harmful, or offensive. The PBT keycaps have a good texture with nice grip, so you aren't prone to slipping off the keys as you type. The headlining feature of the Apex 9 TKL are the custom-built OptiPoint optical linear mechanical switches, which are hot-swappable and feature 2-point actuation, the same found within the Apex Pro Mini Wireless.which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. It's been the perfect time to test out SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL gaming keyboard over the past few weeks. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request. It's wired-only, meaning you'd have to run a cable from the keyboard to your device, and it lacks a trackpad or trackball for on-screen navigation.

Customization, especially a high level of it, adds so much value to your accessories, and Steelseries is doing that right through the GG app. The company also says the keyboard only officially supports its own OptiPoint switches; while third-party optical switches will fit in the board, those with black bottom housings absorb too much light to operate accurately (OptiPoint switches have white bottom housings). On the underside, you’ll also find its rubber feet which let you change between three height variations: flat, half, and full extension. That was my first real taste of what sort of expanded functionality an optical switch could offer, and it did it all very well. Each key can be customized individually with different colors and effects, for three different layers (active, reactive, and idle).You have to replace any removed switches with some to match, and that means more OptiPoint switches. Durable PBT Keycaps — Long-lasting and fadeproof double shot PBT keycaps provide a high-quality texture for enhanced keystroke feel as well as improved typing accuracy.

Adapt to any game by changing the registration depth from a fast 1mm light press to an accuracy-focused 1.Wooting doesn't use optical switches anymore, preferring instead to use Hall Effect switches with a similar feature set, but that experience with a board that really took advantage of optical inputs has always left me wanting more out of the bigger brands' more recent optical keyboards. The custom-built OptiPoint optical switches harness light to detect the registration depth of your keystroke for 33% faster actuation, zero debounce and a lightning-fast 0. Through the software, you can modify the RGB lighting on a per-key basis, whether the lighting is active or reactive, and even create unique lighting schemes. Even so, I’m going to try to do just that and tell you why you should pick up a Steelseries Apex 9 TKL, which is a phenomenal piece of equipment.