Steelseries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Gaming Keyboard
Feature
Now with OmniPoint Adjustable Switches
Style and comfort
Like the previous incarnation of the Apex Pro TKL, this keyboard has a strong build quality. Indeed, the keyboard (apart from the small LCD screen) has somewhat of a no-nonsense vibe with its nicely weighted brushed-metal aluminium frame. As its name suggests, the Apex Pro TKL is a mid-sized keyboard, containing a full QWERTY keyboard, Function keys, Arrows, and the bank of Cursor Control keys, but no Numpad.
The Apex Pro TKL features PBT plastic keycaps, and like the brushed-metal frame, are lightly textured, giving players (or game/hardware reviewers) a tactile experience when moving across the keys. The PBT keycaps cover the OmniPoint switches which are less audible than a typical mechanical keyboard. This is something that my family has commented on when I’ve been working from home during their school holidays, as they dislike my current Cherry Brown keyboard that can be heard throughout the house when I’m clicking away at the keys.
The OmniPoint switches also provide the keyboard with dual-bindings and dual actuation – which essentially enables each key to be programmed so that it has two functions depending on how far it is pressed. The switches are delightful to use when typing. The keys are super-responsive, and although I’m generally not a fast-twitch gamer, the extra responsiveness for quick touches of the keys can be really important to gamers who do require more exacting controls. Indeed, the actuation points for each key can be programmed to suit each gamer.
The Apex Pro TKL has three levels of angle, although the height differences between each aren’t overly dramatic, with the highest angle being 11 degrees. Having said that, the angles do enable the keyboard to be ergonomic depending on your needs. The underside also has a keycap puller included in a small compartment, so if you’re the type of person who like to customise their keyboard with more decorative keycaps, then the inbuilt device could be quite handy.
The cable input (USB Type-C) appears at the rear left-hand side of the keyboard. I do like the APEX 3 TKL’s option of having three inputs to choose from (left, middle, or right), but for most right-handed gamers, having the input to the left-hand side is preferable.
Features and Software
OK, so the key precision is great, but a modern keyboard needs to be customisable to suit each gamer’s individuality. The per-key RGB allows gamers to configure the Apex Pro TKL to their desired colour scheme, with a range of in-built lighting styles to choose from. Whether you want a rainbow of colours or a single colour, a static colour or enough flashing lights to warrant an Epilepsy warning, the software can configure the Apex Pro accordingly.
The Apex Pro TKL also uses the Steelseries GG software to control the actuation points, the macro recording, key bindings and even to customise the LCD screen. The keyboard features a small LCD panel on the top right side (next to the function keys). By default, it shows a Steelseries logo, but this is customizable, and easily so - within the Steelseries GG software. There is also a mini scroll wheel beside the LCD screen. Like most scroll wheels of this type, by default it is used to control media functions such as volume, Pause/Play, and Stop. However, the scroll wheel can be customized for other functions within the Steelseries GG software. Gamers can re-configure it to complete such tasks as scrolling web pages, zooming in and out, or can assign specific keyboard functions to the button presses.
Verdict
For work, I do prefer a full-sized keyboard as the numpad is highly advantageous, but as a gaming keyboard, the Apex Pro TKL is superb. The compact mid-size nature of the keyboard ensures that valuable desk space is not taken up by the device, leaving more room for sweeping mouse movements. The keys provide accurate responses, ensuring that whatever key you press during your gaming session is going to be recognized. And the fact that the actuation can be customised to each gamer’s personal preference helps to make the keyboard the ultimate configurable tool.
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