Introduction SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
Earlier this year, SteelSeries released new keyboards called the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless and Apex Pro Mini Wireless. These are smaller keyboards, known as 60 percent mini keyboards, and they come with SteelSeries’ new Omni Point 2.0 linear optical switches that you can adjust to your liking. However, the 60 percent layout might be too small for those with larger desks.
The good news is that SteelSeries has now introduced the Apex Pro line in a more accessible TKL (tenkeyless) format. While they are not full-size keyboards, they offer a bit more space than the mini versions. The Apex Pro TKL and Apex Pro TKL Wireless come with the same Omni Point 2.0 linear optical switches, allowing you to adjust the actuation to your preference.
These keyboards have premium features like an aluminum alloy top plate, double-shot PBT keycaps, bright per-key RGB lighting, and a detachable magnetic wrist rest. The roomier layout of the Apex Pro TKL and Apex Pro TKL Wireless allows for dedicated media keys and a customizable OLED smart display.
I tested the wireless version, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless, for this review. However, both keyboards are quite similar, with the main difference being in connectivity. The Apex Pro TKL is wired, while the Apex Pro TKL Wireless offers both 2.4GHz “Quantum 2.0” wireless and Bluetooth 5.0 options. Both keyboards are available now, and they are priced in line with other high-end gaming keyboards. The Apex Pro TKL is priced at $190, while the wireless version, Apex Pro TKL Wireless, costs $250.
Specifications SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Switches | Utilizes SteelSeries Omni Point 2.0 Technology |
| Lighting | Customizable Per-Key RGB Illumination |
| Onboard Storage | Features Onboard Storage for Convenience |
| Media Keys | Equipped with Multi-function Key and Volume Roller |
| Game Mode | Includes a Dedicated Game Mode |
| Connectivity | Offers 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, and Wired (USB-C) Options |
| Additional Ports | No Additional Ports |
| Keycaps | Crafted with Double-shot PBT Keycaps |
| Construction | Made with a Blend of Plastic and Aluminum Alloy Top Plate |
| Software | Supported by SteelSeries GG Software |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | Size: 14 x 5.04 x 1.65 inches / 355 x 128 x 42 mm |
| Weight | Weighs 1.65lbs / 747g (excluding cable) |
Pros And Cons SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly customizable | Expensive |
| Soft-touch magnetic wrist rest | Feels hastily launched |
| Attractive but a little generic-looking | Buggier than usual |
| Excellent gaming performance |
Design And Comfort SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
The Apex Pro TKL Wireless is a wireless keyboard with a TKL (tenkeyless) design. This means it has function, arrow, and navigation keys but no numpad. At the upper right corner, it features a customizable OLED smart display, a multi-function media key, and a textured, clickable metal volume roller.
In terms of appearance, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless looks almost the same as the Apex 9 TKL, except for the OLED smart display. Both keyboards share a matte black chassis, an “aircraft-grade” aluminum alloy top plate, and matte black double-shot PBT keycaps with translucent legends. They both have two pairs of flip-out plastic feet at the back for adjusting the angle. The Apex 9 TKL has an orange keycap puller stored under a silicone flap, while the Apex Pro TKL Wireless likely uses this space for its battery (though it includes a keycap puller in the box).
Detachable Magnetic
The Apex Pro TKL Wireless comes with a detachable magnetic wrist rest that fits perfectly along the keyboard’s bottom edge. The wrist rest has a slightly rubbery, soft-touch finish. While not very plush, it offers excellent wrist and palm support. It aligns perfectly when you’re not using the keyboard’s flip-out feet. The wrist rest is also compatible with the Apex 9 TKL.
Along with the keycap puller and wrist rest, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless includes a 2.4GHz wireless USB-C dongle, a USB-C extender, and a braided, seven-foot USB-C to USB-A cable. The keyboard has the same measurements as the Apex 9 TKL — 14 inches long by 5.04 inches deep and 1.65 inches thick.
However, when weighed, the Apex 9 TKL was 1.42 pounds (645g), and the Apex Pro TKL Wireless was 1.65 pounds (747g). Including all accessories, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless weighed approximately 2.33 pounds (1059g). This difference in weight may be due to an early-production mistake.
Typing and Gaming Experience SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
The Apex Pro TKL Wireless comes with SteelSeries’ OmniPoint 2.0 linear optical switches. These switches use light, not physical force, for actuation, making them faster than traditional mechanical switches. According to SteelSeries, the OmniPoint 2.0 switches are 10 times faster in actuation time.
While optical switches lack the tactile bump and audible feedback of mechanical switches, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless provides a decent typing experience. The switches are linear, offering smooth and consistent keypresses. Although they have a slight sponginess on the bottom out, they produce a satisfying clacky sound with more forceful typing.
For gaming, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless shines. The linear optical switches are ideal for quick successive keypresses in fast-paced games. The ability to customize each key’s actuation level individually is a significant advantage. This customization allows you to avoid accidental keypresses and enhances your gaming setup. The dual-bind feature, allowing two actions with one keypress at different actuation levels, might be a bonus for some users, although it’s not a crucial feature given the extensive per-key customization already available on the Apex Pro TKL Wireless.
Features and Software
The Apex Pro TKL Wireless offers various settings that you can control directly from the keyboard itself, using default secondary keybinds or the OLED smart display. You don’t need to download or install any software for tasks like adjusting brightness, actuation level, switching profiles, checking battery life, or recording macros. However, the standout feature of Apex Pro keyboards is their extensive customization, and to unlock its full potential, you’ll need the SteelSeries companion app, SteelSeries GG.
In SteelSeries GG, you have a plethora of options for customizing the Apex Pro TKL Wireless, perhaps more than you’ll ever need. You can set primary and secondary keybinds, tweak primary and secondary actuation points (ranging from 0.2mm to 3.8mm in 0.1mm increments), and assign dual bindings (up to eight).
On the customization front, there’s an illumination section for configuring the keyboard’s vibrant, per-key RGB lighting. You also have the option to personalize the image (128 x 40 pixels) displayed on the OLED screen when it’s not showing other information – it might not be very useful, but it’s definitely fun. Apart from your custom image and remaining battery life, the OLED screen can showcase information from apps and games, such as real-time hardware monitoring and Discord notifications, thanks to SteelSeries GG’s app/game integrations.
Wireless Experience and Battery Life
The Apex Pro TKL Wireless keyboard gives you three ways to connect: 2.4GHz “Quantum 2.0” wireless for gaming, Bluetooth 5.0 for convenience, and wired using USB-C. When it comes to gaming, the keyboard’s 2.4GHz wireless connection is strong, stable, and has very low latency—virtually undetectable delays, though not entirely absent. While using the keyboard, the wireless performance was excellent. However, there was a slight lag when it woke up after a keypress. I suspect this might be linked to one of the firmware updates or rollbacks I had to do during testing. I was assured that all firmware issues would be fixed upon launch, so it’s not a significant problem, but it’s worth noting.
According to SteelSeries, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless can last up to 40 hours on a single charge—not the longest, but reasonable considering the keyboard’s compact size and light weight. Additionally, since most of us don’t carry TKLs around regularly, 40 hours should provide enough battery life for a device that can be easily and frequently plugged in.
The Bottom Line
The Apex Pro TKL Wireless isn’t a big surprise or a game-changer. It’s basically a redo of the existing Apex Pro TKL, taking inspiration from the Apex Pro Mini. It has a sturdy and simple design with updated OmniPoint 2.0 switches. The keyboard keeps the customizable OLED screen, media key/volume roller, and a detachable magnetic wrist rest from its predecessor.
The Apex Pro TKL Wireless is a great gaming keyboard, especially if you prefer the TKL layout, which is less restrictive than the Apex Pro Mini’s 60 percent layout. However, I’m still waiting for an update to the full-size SteelSeries Apex Pro.
My only small problem with the Apex Pro TKL Wireless is that it felt like it was launched in a hurry. During testing, I encountered a few issues that were fixed and unfixed by firmware updates and rollbacks. SteelSeries claims that all problems would be resolved by launch. While that might be true, I still want to double-check to ensure everything has been sorted out.
The Apex Pro TKL Wireless impresses with its highly customizable features and sleek design, offering a top-notch gaming experience. Despite some initial launch hiccups, it stands out as a solid choice for gamers seeking precision and style in a compact form.
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