Tested using Methodology v1.3.1
Reviewed Mar 09, 2023 at 11:04 am
Latest change: Writing modified May 24, 2024 at 01:04 pm
By Kelsey Linhares, Gregory Vodden, and Yannick Khong
8.6
Gaming
6.9
Office
2.1
Mobile/Tablet
7.5
Programming
3.3
Entertainment / HTPC
8.6
Raw Performance
+ Create your own
overview test results deals 14 comments
Size
Hot-Swappable Switches
Connectivity Wired
Switch Type
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is a wired gaming keyboard that continues SteelSeries' Apex Pro (2023) lineup. Like previous entries in the Apex Pro series, this keyboard uses OmniPoint switches, which let you customize the actuation point of individual switches. Several new features were introduced from the previous generation Apex Pro TKL, released in 2019. New features with this generation include a wider range of adjustable actuation points (now between 0.2mm-3.8mm) and the ability to program two functions to activate at different actuation points in a single keypress. SteelSeries has also added a Rapid Trigger feature via a firmware update post-launch, which allows you to set how far your switches need to travel back up before you can register another keystroke. For more details about this mode, see the Single-Key Latency section later in this review.
We bought and tested the wired version of this keyboard, but there is also a wireless version available called the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023). We expect our test results to also largely apply to the wireless version.
Our Verdict
8.6 Gaming
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 is an excellent gaming keyboard. It has remarkably low latency, and the OmniPoint switches allow you to fine-tune the sensitivity of your keypresses to best suit your preferences and the game you're playing. It also feels well-built, and the PBT keycaps have a pleasant texture for added grip. There's also an included wrist rest for added comfort, a rare feature on smaller TKL keyboards.
Pros
-
Remarkably low latency.
-
Switches have adjustable actuation points.
-
Impressive build quality.
Cons
-
Keys wobble slightly.
-
No tactile switch options.
See our Gaming Recommendations
6.9 Office
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 is an impressive keyboard for office work, but it isn't explicitly designed for this use. It feels well-built and has good ergonomics with two incline settings and an included wrist rest, which is a rare feature for a keyboard of this size. The companion software is also fully compatible with Windows and macOS, and you can customize the sensitivity of keypresses to find a sensitivity that best suits your workflow. While this is a wired-only model, a wireless version of this keyboard is available that connects with a USB receiver or via Bluetooth, which can help reduce the clutter on your desk as there isn't a cable to worry about.
Pros
-
Switches have adjustable actuation points.
-
Impressive build quality.
Cons
-
Wired-only.
-
Keys wobble slightly.
-
No tactile switch options.
See our Office Recommendations
2.1 Mobile/Tablet
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 isn't suitable for use with mobile devices or tablets.
7.5 Programming
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 is great for programming use. It feels well-built, has full RGB backlighting, and offers impressive typing quality with the ability to customize the sensitivity of your keypresses to suit your preferences. It also has good ergonomics with two incline settings and an included wrist rest, which is a rare feature for a TKL keyboard. You can program macros to any key directly on the board or use the customization software compatible with Windows and macOS.
Pros
-
Switches have adjustable actuation points.
-
Impressive build quality.
Cons
-
Wired-only.
-
Keys wobble slightly.
-
No tactile switch options.
See our Programming Recommendations
3.3 Entertainment / HTPC
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is inadequate for an entertainment or home theater PC setup. While it feels well-built and has full RGB backlighting, it's a wired-only model, so you have to sit fairly close to your PC to use it. That said, there's a wireless version of this keyboard available called the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) that would be better suited for this use.
Pros
-
Impressive build quality.
Cons
-
Wired-only.
-
Keys wobble slightly.
8.6 Raw Performance
- 8.6 Gaming
- 6.9 Office
- 2.1 Mobile/Tablet
- 7.5 Programming
- 3.3 Entertainment / HTPC
- 8.6 Raw Performance
+ Create your own
- Updated May 24, 2024: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Keychron Q1 HE in the Build Quality section of this review.
- Updated Jan 16, 2024: We've added new text to this review regarding this keyboard's Rapid Trigger feature in several sections. We've also added details about the specific Rapid Trigger settings we used for our tests in the Single Key Latency and Multi-Key Latency section of this review.
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, 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. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Oct 16, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Jun 12, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated May 01, 2023: After updating this keyboard onto our newest test bench, we've made a small change to the Typing Noise section of this review to clarify our results.
- Updated Apr 26, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. 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. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Apr 18, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Wooting 60HE in the Keystrokes section of this review.
- Updated Mar 22, 2023: We've corrected an error in the Pros and Cons section where 'no tactile switch options' was listed as a Pro instead of a Con.
- Updated Mar 09, 2023: Review published.
- Updated Mar 03, 2023: Early access published.
- Updated Mar 01, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Feb 24, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Feb 16, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is only available in a black colorway and with OmniPoint 2.0 switches. There's also a wireless version of this keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023). We expect our test results to apply broadly to the wireless version too. You can see the label for the unit we bought and testedhere.
If you come across another variant of this keyboard that doesn't correspond to our review, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is a mechanical gaming keyboard that continues SteelSeries' Apex Pro (2023) lineup. Like other models in the lineup, this board uses SteelSeries' proprietary OmniPoint 2.0 switches. Unlike standard mechanical switches, these switches allow you to adjust the actuation point of individual keys. In other words, this lets you adjust how sensitive your keys feel. You can set certain keys to be ultra-sensitive for playing competitive FPS or other fast-paced games and then switch to a much less sensitive setting for everyday typing to help prevent typos. These OmniPoint switches use hall effect sensors to register keypresses, and while this technology is still fairly rare to find in gaming keyboards, there are several other examples of models with similar switches, including the Wooting two HE and Wooting 60HE, which also use hall effect switches,and the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog which uses optical switches to achieve the same effect.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best keyboards, the best gaming keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards.
Wooting 60HE
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) and the Wooting 60HE are mechanical gaming keyboards with outstanding gaming performance and analog switch functionality that allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance of individual keys. The SteelSeries is a TenKeyLess (80%) model and has an included wrist rest. It also has an OLED screen and a control wheel, which the Wooting lacks. On the other hand, the Wooting 60HE is a smaller, Compact (60%) model. The Wooting has several software features the SteelSeries doesn't, including a low latency Tachyon Mode and an Analog Mode that reproduces the gradual inputs of controller joysticks.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro [Mini, TKL]
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) are tenkeyless wired gaming keyboards that use analog optical switches that allow you to customize pre-travel and reset distance of individual keys. Both keyboards provide similar gaming performance. The SteelSeries has an OLED screen and programmable scroll wheel, which the Razer lacks. On the other hand, the Razer has dedicated media keys and a programmable control knob, which the SteelSeries lacks.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
SteelSeries Apex 9
The SteelSeries Apex 9 and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) are TenKeyLess mechanical gaming keyboards with switches that allow you to adjust the auction point of individual keys. The Apex 9 uses OptiPoint switches that offer only two actuation point settings. On the other hand, the Apex Pro TKL (2023) uses OmniPoint switches which let you adjust the actuation point more precisely by increments of 0.1mm within a wider range. It also has an OLED screen and an included wrist rest, both of which the Apex 9 lacks.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
SteelSeries Apex Pro
The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) are mechanical gaming keyboards that belong to the same lineup and use OmniPoint switches that allow you to customize the actuation point of individual keys. The Apex Pro is an older, full-size model. On the other hand, the Apex Pro TKL (2023) is a newer TKL form-factor model. It also features higher-quality PBT keycaps and improved switches with a slightly wider range of actuation points.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) are mechanical gaming keyboards that belong to the same lineup and use OmniPoint switches that allow you to customize the actuation point of individual keys. The Apex Pro Mini has a smaller Compact (60%) form factor. On the other hand, the Apex Pro TKL (2023) has a TenKeyLess (80%) form factor. It also has an OLED screen and an included wrist rest, which the Apex Pro Mini lacks.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
ASUS ROG Azoth
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) and the ASUS ROG Azoth are mechanical gaming keyboards with programmable OLED screens and similarly outstanding gaming performance. The SteelSeries is a wired-only model that allows you to adjust the pre-travel distance of individual switches. On the other hand, the ASUS is a wireless model that provides a better overall typing experience due to its gasket-mounted design and layers of sound-dampening material.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
DrunkDeer A75
TheSteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)and the DrunkDeer A75 are wired gaming keyboards that use hall-effect switches, allowing you to customize the pre-travel distance of individual switches. The SteelSeries is a TKL (80%) model with better build quality and generally more intuitive software. It also includes a wrist rest and has a programmable OLED screen with a control wheel on the top right corner. On the other hand, the DrunkDeer has a Compact (75%) form factor and a rotary control knob on the top right corner. It doesn't include a wrist rest, but DrunkDeer sells wrist rests separately on its website.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
Wooting two HE
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) and the Wooting two HE are mechanical gaming keyboards with switches that allow you to customize the actuation point of individual keys. The Wooting is a full-size keyboard, and its Gateron Lekker switches are a bit more precise, allowing you to adjust the actuation point of switches within a slightly wider range. Its switches also have some functionality that the SteelSeries switches lack, including the ability for keypresses to mimic analog joystick inputs. On the other hand, the SteelSeries has a smaller TKL (80%) form factor and includes a wrist rest, which the Wooting lacks.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) are mechanical gaming keyboards with switches that allow you to adjust the actuation point of individual keys. The Razer is a full-size model that uses Razer Analog Optical switches. In addition to being able to adjust the actuation point, this keyboard also allows you to set an analog mode which makes keys mimic analog joystick controls. On the other hand, the SteelSeries has a smaller TKL (80%) form factor and has OmniPoint 2.0 switches. While these switches don't have an analog mode, the adjustable actuation points are more precise and predictable than those on the Razer, and you can adjust the action points within a wider range. The SteelSeries also has an OLED screen which the Razer lacks.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
Keychron Q1 HE
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) and the Keychron Q1 HE are gaming keyboards with Hall effect switches that allow you to adjust individual switches' actuation and reset distance. The SteelSeries has a slightly larger TKL (80%) form factor. It also includes a wrist rest and has a customizable OLED display and shine-through keycaps, all features that the Keychron lacks. Comparatively, the Keychron has a smaller compact (75%) form factor and has added wireless support. The Keychron also has a programmable control knob, a more premium-feeling aluminum case, and a double-gasket mount design that produces a somewhat softer-feeling typing experience.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) and the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard are gaming keyboards with tenkeyless layouts but are otherwise very different. The SteelSeries has better overall performance and uses hall-effect switches that allow you to adjust individual keys' actuation and reset distance. The 8BitDo has a much more retro-inspired look and feel and uses clicky mechanical switches. It also includes a separate two-button gamepad module. The SteelSeries also has full RGB backlighting, which the 8BitDo lacks.
Compare Side-by-Side
SEE OUR REVIEW
+ Show more
Test Results
Design
Size
Height
Width 13.9" (35.4 cm)
Depth
Depth With Wrist Rest
Weight
It's a fairly compact keyboard that doesn't take up much space on your desk compared to most full-size keyboards, including the original full-size SteelSeries Apex Pro. It isn't as compact as the Apex Pro Mini Wireless. You can also choose to remove the included wrist rest if you prefer.
—
8.0 Design
Keycap Material PBT
This keyboard has impressive build quality. The chassis is made of plastic with only a small degree of flexibility, and the top plate is made of aluminum, which looks and feels high-quality. The keycaps are made of PBT plastic. They feel nice to the touch and have a textured finish for added grip. There's some wobbling on the keys, but it isn't very noticeable while typing. On the back of the keyboard, there's an indent in the case for storing the included keycap puller.
If you're interested in a similar gaming keyboard with Hall effect switches but with more premium-feeling build quality, check out the Keychron Q1 HE.
—
6.0 Design
Curved/Angled
Split Keyboard
Key Alignment
Minimum Incline
Medium Incline
Maximum Incline
Home Row Height
This keyboard has good ergonomics. There are two plastic incline feet on the back of the keyboard that offer two incline angles. There's also an included wrist rest, which is unusual for keyboards of this size. The wrist rest attaches magnetically and provides good support.
—
6.0 Design
Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
Stabilizer Fixation
Spacebar Stabilizer Size
Size Of Right Mod Keys
Hot-Swappable Switches
Switch Stem Shape
Switch PCB Socket
North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
—
10 Design
Backlighting Yes
RGB
Per-Key Backlighting
Effects
Software Controllable
This keyboard has outstanding full RGB backlighting with individually lit keys. You can use the companion software to customize lighting effects and colors on a per-key basis.
—
9.0 Design
The keycaps have shine-through legends, making them easy to read in darker rooms. Unfortunately, the color mixing is poor, and the white lighting has a strong blue tint.
—
Design
Connectivity Wired
Detachable
Length 7.4 ft (2.3 m)
Connector (Keyboard side)
This keyboard has a detachable, braided USB-A to USB-C cable. The cable feels high quality but retains some kinks from its packaging.
—
0 Design
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
Proprietary Receiver
Battery Type
This is a wired-only keyboard, but there's also a wireless version of this keyboard available called the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023).
—
5.5 Design
Dedicated Macro Keys Count 0
Onboard Macro Programming
Macro Programming With Software
—
Design
Media Keys
Trackpad / Trackball No
Scroll Wheel
Control Knob
USB Passthrough
Numpad No
Windows Key Lock
Lock Indicator Caps Lock
This keyboard has various extra features, some of which are fairly standard on similar gaming keyboards at this price point, like Full Key NKRO and anti-ghosting, storage for onboard profiles, and media hotkeys keys.
One of the more unique features this keyboard offers is the ability to adjust the actuation point of its OmniPoint 2.0 switches within a range of 0.2mm-3.8mm. You can also program dual bindings for two separate actions at different actuation points. Note that you can only adjust the actuation point on the keyboard's 61 alphanumeric keys, as seen in this image. You can't adjust the actuation point of the function keys, navigation keys, and arrow keys.
There's an OLED screen on the right side of the keyboard that you can use to customize select options directly on your keyboard without using software, custom profile, RGB lighting, and actuation point settings. You can also use it to display custom images or short animations.
—
Design
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
- Wrist rest
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Keycap puller
- User documentation
—
8.0 Typing Experience
Key Spacing
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) offers a great typing experience. The keycaps feel high quality and are made of PBT plastic with pleasantly textured surfaces for added grip. The keys wobble a bit, but it's hard to notice while typing. The switches themselves have a smooth linear feel without any tactile feedback. You can also adjust your typing experience somewhat by adjusting the actuation point of switches between more sensitive or deliberate pre-travel distances, and the switches have a smooth linear feel.
—
LEARN ABOUT TYPING QUALITY
6.9 Typing Experience
Average Loudness
High Pitch Clicks
This keyboard is at the upper limit of what we would consider quiet. If you're concerned about noise, you may want to check out our recommendations for the best quiet keyboards for alternatives.
—
LEARN ABOUT TYPING NOISE
Typing Experience
Switch Name
Switch Type
Feel
Analog
—
Typing Experience
Operating Force
Actuation Force
Pre-Travel
Total Travel
This keyboard uses switches that allow you to change the actuation point of the 61 alphanumeric keys (highlighted in this picture). Note that the function, navigation, and arrow keys aren't adjustable and have a default linear feel.
By default, the actuation point of the switches is set to 1.8 mm, which is the setting we used to test this keyboard. You can adjust the pre-travel distance of keys within a range of 0.2mm–3.8mm, which is an improvement over previous generation OmniPoint switches found on earlier models in this lineup with an actuation range between 0.4mm–3.6mm. It's important to note that during testing with this adjustable pre-travel distance, the recorded measurement varied slightly between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm longer than the measurement set in the software. However, these differences are very marginal, so you're unlikely to notice the difference, and it doesn't present issues during gameplay. However, you may need to slightly fine-tune individual keypresses to achieve your desired sensitivity levels.
If you're interested in a keyboard that offers similar functionality, allowing you to adjust the pre-travel of individual keys more consistently and precisely, check out the Wooting 60HE.
—
LEARN ABOUT KEYSTROKES
9.0 Performance
Best Connection
Best Connection Std Dev ±0.6 ms
Wired
Receiver
Bluetooth
PCB (Estimated)
This keyboard has remarkably low latency. It delivers an extremely responsive-feeling experience for games in any genre and casual or competitive play.
SteelSeries added a Rapid Trigger feature to this keyboard via a firmware update post-launch. This feature allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the switch reset point or how far the switch needs to travel back up and reset before you can register another keystroke. This feature can help you register repeated keystrokes more quickly.
We tested the latency of this keyboard with the actuation point set to its lowest setting (0.2mm) and with Rapid Trigger set to its most sensitive setting (0.1mm).
—
LEARN ABOUT SINGLE-KEY LATENCY
8.7 Performance
Connection Evaluated Wired
Key Press
Key Release
This keyboard offers excellent multi-key latency performance, making it very well-suited for playing games requiring additional inputs while multiple keys are already being pressed and held down.
We tested the latency of this keyboard with the actuation point set to its lowest setting (0.2mm) and with Rapid Trigger set to its most sensitive setting (0.1mm).
—
8.7 Performance
Connection Evaluated Wired
USB Polling Rate
Effective Update Rate
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Multiple Keys Per USB Report
—
7.7 Performance
4 Chord Split Delay
8 Chord Split Delay
—
Software and Operating System
Software Name SteelSeries GG
Software Windows Compatible
Software macOS Compatible
Onboard Memory
Profiles
This keyboard uses SteelSeries GG software. The software is well laid out, easy to use, and provides a wide range of adjustable options. You can rebind keys, program macros, adjust the pre-travel distance of individual switches, and adjust RGB lighting settings. You can also adjust the actuation point of these switches or record macros directly on the keyboard without using the software if you prefer. Note that certain settings, including custom RGB settings, can't be saved to onboard memory and require the software to run in the background.
Similar to the software options from other major manufacturers, this software receives criticism for requiring frequent updates and taking up disproportionate system resources. You may find this software frustrating if you prefer more lightweight software options or no software at all.
—
10 Software and Operating System
Windows
macOS
Linux (Ubuntu 22)
Media Key Compatibility
All default functions on this keyboard work in Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, the customization software is only compatible with Windows and macOS.
—
0 Software and Operating System
Android
iOS
iPadOS
Media Key Compatibility
—
