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SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Review | 64 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£120
Avg. price in US: ~$130
Layout size: TKL
Connection type: USB
Switch type: mechanical
Polling rate: 1,000 Hz

SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Good

4.4

Poor

9.4

Exceptional

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Polling rate
24.0%
1.0
Rapid trigger
20.0%
1.0
Adjustable actuation
16.0%
1.0
Hot-swappable switches
12.0%
10
Onboard memory
8.6
Typing
Score components:
28.0%
10
Wrist rest included
24.0%
8.0
Legend method
20.0%
10
Adjustable feet
15.0%
9.0
Typing angle
13.0%
4.0
Pre-lubed stabilizers
1.2
Programming
Score components:
30.0%
1.0
QMK support
26.0%
1.0
VIA support
18.0%
1.0
Mac compatibility
14.0%
0.0
Multi-device pairing
12.0%
4.0
Connection type

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is a premium tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard featuring an integrated OLED Smart Display for real-time profile and game info. Built with a 5000 Series aluminum alloy frame, it offers durable SteelSeries QX2 mechanical switches (Red, Blue, or Brown) with 100% anti-ghosting and per-key RGB illumination. High-end additions include a dedicated clickable metal roller, media keys, a USB passthrough port, and a magnetic soft-touch wrist rest. While highly versatile, its primary drawbacks are the non-detachable USB cable and the higher price point compared to other TKL models.

Technical Specifications of SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL

Overall score

5.4

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Switches

2.0

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Switch type

What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.

When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical

Switch feel

What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.

When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile / clicky

Switch name

What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.

When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

SteelSeries QX2

Actuation force

What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.

When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

45 g

Min actuation distance

What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.

When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Design

7.0

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Keyboard type

What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.

When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical

Layout size

What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.

When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

TKL

Layout standard

What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.

When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI

N. of keys

What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.

When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

Profile

What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.

When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard

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Connectivity & Power

3.6

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Connection type

What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.

When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

Multi-device pairing

What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.

When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A

Bluetooth version

What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.

When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Mac compatibility

What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.

When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

Battery life

What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.

When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A

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Features

8.2

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RGB lighting

What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.

When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

Per-key RGB

What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.

When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

RGB zones

What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.

When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

Underglow / side lighting

What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.

When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

Backlight direction

What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.

When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

north-facing

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Materials

6.0

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Case material

What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.

When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum/plastic

Plate material

What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.

When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum

Keycap material

What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.

When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

ABS

Keycap profile

What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.

When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM

Legend method

What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.

When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

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SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL vs the average keyboard

Why is SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL better than the average keyboard?

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Dedicated media keys
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Dedicated media button.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes separate media controls instead of hiding them behind a function layer.
When it matters: When you use media controls often and do not want to rely on function-layer shortcuts.
Importance: MEDIUM
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Built-in display
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
Built-in display panel.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes a built-in screen for status information, controls, or custom widgets.
When it matters: When onboard information or direct controls on the keyboard are useful in daily use.
Importance: MEDIUM
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
Volume control wheel
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes a dedicated wheel or roller for hardware volume control.
When it matters: When frequent hardware volume control matters enough that you do not want to rely on function-key shortcuts.
Importance: MEDIUM
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
21% lower weight
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL weighs less than the average keyboard (771 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.
Importance: HIGH
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL weighs less than the average keyboard (771 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.771 g vs 976 g
USB passthrough port
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes USB passthrough, the average keyboard does not. 4.8% of keyboards include USB passthrough.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes a USB port that can be used to connect another device through it.
When it matters: When reaching behind the PC is annoying and you want an easier place to plug in a headset, drive, or receiver.
Importance: MEDIUM
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes USB passthrough, the average keyboard does not. 4.8% of keyboards include USB passthrough.
18% higher user score
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.44 vs 8).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.44 vs 8).9.44 vs 8
Includes wrist rest
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes a wrist rest, the average keyboard does not. 17% of keyboards include a wrist rest.
What it is: Shows whether a wrist rest is included in the box instead of needing to be purchased separately.
When it matters: When long typing or gaming sessions make wrist support more important.
Importance: HIGH
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes a wrist rest, the average keyboard does not. 17% of keyboards include a wrist rest.
21% lower weight
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL weighs less than the average keyboard (771 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
Includes wrist rest
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes a wrist rest, the average keyboard does not. 17% of keyboards include a wrist rest.
USB passthrough port
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes USB passthrough, the average keyboard does not. 4.8% of keyboards include USB passthrough.
Dedicated media keys
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Built-in display
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
Volume control wheel
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.

Connectivity & Power

Why is SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL worse than the average keyboard?

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3 fewer keys
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has fewer keys than the average keyboard (84 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
4 older release date
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is older than the average keyboard (2019 vs 2023). The average keyboard was released in 2023.
June 2019
Less versatile connectivity
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
Limited Mac support
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
Fixed cable
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a fixed cable, while the average keyboard has yes. 90.8% of keyboards come with a detachable cable.
No hot-swap support
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
Less durable legends
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL uses laser-etched legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.
No pre-lubed stabilizers
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
Less versatile connectivity
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.
Importance: HIGH
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
No hot-swap support
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
What it is: Shows whether the switches can be removed and replaced without soldering.
When it matters: When you want to try different switches, replace a bad switch easily, or tune feel without soldering work.
Importance: HIGH
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
Less durable legends
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL uses laser-etched legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.
Importance: MEDIUM
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL uses laser-etched legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.laser-etched vs double-shot
Limited Mac support
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.
Importance: HIGH
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
No pre-lubed stabilizers
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
What it is: Shows whether the stabilizers arrive factory-lubricated instead of requiring manual tuning for smoother larger keys.
When it matters: When larger keys like space, enter, and shift need to feel smoother and sound less rattly out of the box.
Importance: MEDIUM
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.
Importance: MEDIUM
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
Fixed cable
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a fixed cable, while the average keyboard has yes. 90.8% of keyboards come with a detachable cable.
What it is: Shows whether the cable can be unplugged and replaced instead of being permanently fixed to the keyboard.
When it matters: When easier transport, cable replacement, or custom cable use matters to you.
Importance: HIGH
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has a fixed cable, while the average keyboard has yes. 90.8% of keyboards come with a detachable cable.
15.7% worse value for money
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has worse value for money than the average keyboard (6.75 vs 7.802).
What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has worse value for money than the average keyboard (6.75 vs 7.802).6.75 vs 7.8

Connectivity & Power

Graphic comparison of SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL?

Excellent build quality featuring an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame
Highly customisable OLED smart display for in-game stats, Discord, and Spotify
Premium magnetic wrist rest that is easy to attach and provides solid palm support
Vibrant per-key RGB lighting with extensive customization through SteelSeries Engine software
Convenient built-in USB pass-through port and three-way cable routing
Tactile and responsive mechanical switches with a 50 million click lifespan

What customers dislike about SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL?

High price point compared to some competitors
ABS keycaps feel somewhat cheap and are prone to collecting fingerprints and oil
Wrist rest material is a 'dust magnet' and can be difficult to keep clean
Thick, non-detachable USB cable is bulky and requires two USB-A ports for pass-through
OLED screen can be seen as a 'gimmick' and is susceptible to burn-in over time
SteelSeries Engine software can be complex and sometimes fails to save configurations

Expert reviews

rtings.com

20/01/2020

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Keyboard Review - RTINGS.com

The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is a compact, tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard featuring a robust aluminum top plate, exceptionally low click latency, and a customizable OLED smart display. It boasts excellent ergonomics via a magnetic wrist rest, fully programmable RGB backlighting, and responsive linear or tactile switches that enhance gaming performance. Drawbacks include a thick, non-detachable cable and a magnetic wrist rest that easily attracts dust. Furthermore, the OLED screen can be obstructed depending on typing posture, and the keyboard lacks dedicated macro keys and adjustable actuation found on higher-end models. YouTube

uk.pcmag.com

27/11/2019

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Gaming Keyboard - Review 2019

The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is an outstanding, highly customizable tenkeyless gaming keyboard that balances durable construction with innovative features. Built on a rigid aluminum chassis, it features per-key-programmable RGB backlighting and custom SteelSeries QX2 mechanical switches. The standout feature is an integrated 128x40 monochrome OLED mini-display in the upper-right corner. This screen provides deep onboard utility, allowing users to upload custom GIFs, track Discord messages or Spotify tracks, and adjust profile or macro settings directly on the hardware without using PC software. Additional physical features include a clickable volume scroll wheel, a media button, integrated underside cable-management channels, and a white-illuminated USB passthrough port. While highly praised, the keyboard does present a few notable drawbacks. Testing of the "Blue" switch variant revealed a very loud key action, resulting in significant key clatter that makes it poorly suited for quiet or communal environments. Additionally, while the included rubber-coated palm rest offers good wrist support, its magnetic attachment system is weak, causing it to fall off easily when the keyboard is moved. For comprehensive customization—such as uploading custom OLED images or...

tekeurope.co.uk

29/01/2020

Summary of the review

Staff Product Review: Steelseries Apex 7 TKL Keyboard

The TekEurope staff review highlights the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL as a durable, high-performance mechanical keyboard featuring robust build quality, comfortable typing, and advanced macro recording capabilities. The review praises the intuitive companion software and seamless integration with applications, concluding it is a high-value, albeit premium-priced, option for gamers. While the primary drawback is its high cost, the review notes that the extensive features and heavy-duty construction justify the investment for many users. The review ultimately recommends the keyboard for those seeking a premium, long-lasting gaming peripheral.

techradar.com

14/12/2022

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) review: you get... (covers Apex 7 features)

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is a highly customizable, feature-rich tenkeyless gaming keyboard that offers exceptional gaming performance despite its premium $189.99 price tag. Built with a rugged aircraft-grade aluminium frame and textured, fade-proof PBT keycaps, it features the brand's new OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches, which boast an impressive lifespan of 100 million presses. Its standout capabilities are adjustable actuation and dual actuation, allowing players to program a single key to perform different actions based on pressure, such as walking with a light press and running when bottoming out the key. Performance is fast and responsive, delivering a satisfying mechanical feel without being overly loud. Pros and Cons The review highlights several distinct advantages and drawbacks: Pros: The keyboard delivers incredible customisation through its dual-actuation features, great gaming performance, and standout physical additions like an OLED smart display for adjusting settings, two dedicated media keys, and a detachable magnetic wrist rest. Cons: On the downside, the SteelSeries Engine / GG software can be buggy and carries a steep learning curve for proper programming. Furthermore, the keyboard is expensive...

ign.com

25/07/2019

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex Pro Gaming Keyboard Review (includes Apex 7 TKL comparison/details)

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a premium mechanical keyboard praised for its ground-breaking OmniPoint switches, which use a magnetic field to let users adjust key actuation distances on the fly via Engine 3 software. Actuation ranges from a hair-trigger 0.4mm for high-speed gaming to a deep 3.6mm for heavy-handed typing, allowing users to customize individual keys or create task-specific profiles. Beyond its innovative switches, the keyboard features a durable build with luxurious details, including per-key RGB lighting, a USB passthrough, a textured volume roller, bottom-board cable management, and a comfortable, magnetically detachable rubberised wrist rest. It also sports a compact design for a full-size board and includes a customizable OLED screen in the top-right corner to display settings or mini GIFs.

silvercipherofficial.medium.com

24/03/2021

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Red Switch TKL Review (featuring Razer White PBT Keycaps) Medium +4

The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL (red switch) review highlights excellent build quality, smooth linear switches, a functional magnetic wrist rest, and a convenient USB passthrough. Notable downsides include the oil-prone stock ABS keycaps, lack of a physical Print Screen key, a non-detachable cable, and complex RGB software. Medium · Upgrading to Razer White PBT keycaps improves typing feel and durability, offering a textured grip and slimmer font. However, this mod increases the typing sound profile and incurs additional costs, making it ideal to purchase the keycaps during a discount. Medium ·Luke Freeman

vonguru.fr

19/07/2019

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Keyboard Review", "SteelSeries Apex 7 Review

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a premium, frameless mechanical gaming keyboard crafted from a durable aluminium alloy and priced at an average of €189.90. Equipped with a unique "Smart Display" OLED screen, the keyboard offers high utility by integrating directly with apps like Discord to show who is speaking, proving to be a highly functional alternative to traditional on-screen overlays. It accommodates different user preferences by offering three mechanical switch variants (Red, Brown, and Blue) rated for 50 million presses. It features full RGB customisation, macro configurations through the SteelSeries Engine software, a dedicated multimedia volume wheel, and a convenient pass-through USB port located at the rear. Key Pros and Cons Pro: High-quality aluminium design with great responsiveness. Pro: Highly useful magnetic wrist rest with a smooth surface. Pro: Functional OLED screen and rear USB pass-through port. Con: High price tag (€189.90) which may deter some buyers. Con: Stiff, unbraided cable that raises potential durability concerns. Con: Initial out-of-the-box stiffness making the keys feel cheap until broken in. Con: Packaging lacks an opening to test the switches before buying.

hardwarecooking.fr

14/08/2020

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Review: A Keyboard with an OLED Screen

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a premium mechanical gaming keyboard evaluated for its durability, comfort, and unique built-in OLED smart display. Built with a robust aluminum frame, it features per-key dynamic RGB backlighting and includes a detachable magnetic wrist rest to maximize ergonomics during long gaming sessions. The reviewed model utilizes SteelSeries Brown mechanical switches, which offer a tactile, quiet typing experience with a short 2 mm actuation point. While the hardware integrates seamlessly with the SteelSeries Engine 3 software for creating macro shortcuts and managing up to five custom profiles, the review highlights that the highly marketed 128 x 40 pixel OLED screen ultimately functions more as a non-essential novelty than a game-changing tool, as gamers rarely look down at the keyboard during intense gameplay. The keyboard's primary strengths include its premium aesthetic design, highly reactive key switches, and the exceptional comfort provided by the plush, magnetic wrist rest. Users can also benefit from practical hardware additions, such as a built-in USB pass-through port for connecting external devices and three-way cable routing channels on the underside. On the downside,...

gametales.it

26/08/2020

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 - Review", "SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL and Apex Pro TKL - Review", "SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL: the gaming keyboard with an OLED display an...

Summary The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a high-end mechanical gaming keyboard that mimics the design of the Apex Pro but serves as a more affordable alternative. It features a premium, minimalist design with a solid plastic body reinforced by an aluminum top plate, non-slip rubber feet, a 3-way cable routing system, and a magnetic, rubber-coated wrist rest. Equipped with SteelSeries QX2 mechanical switches (available in Red, Brown, or Blue), it delivers performance on par with industry-standard Cherry MX switches. The keyboard excels in customization due to its excellent companion software, which allows users to save up to five on-board profiles, record macros, and program per-key RGB backlighting. Despite its robust build quality and exceptional key performance, the keyboard has notable drawbacks, primarily centered around its signature features. The integrated OLED smart display falls short of expectations, as it lacks broad third-party integration—displaying track info only for Tidal and not for popular services like Spotify. Furthermore, depending on the user's viewing angle, the screen can easily be obstructed by the adjacent keys. The media controls next to the screen can also...

xgn.nl

10/07/2019

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Review - Great keyboard with a hefty price tag

The XGN review praises the SteelSeries Apex 7 as a premium gaming keyboard featuring a robust aircraft-grade aluminum frame and a highly functional OLED smart display for on-the-fly, in-game customization. Key advantages include its durable build, intuitive SteelSeries Engine software for per-key RGB control, and a comfortable detachable magnetic wrist rest. Conversely, the review identifies the high price point as a significant drawback, positioning the device for serious gamers rather than beginners. Other cons include potentially distracting noise levels from the clicky switches and the limited practical utility of the small OLED screen, which some users might find more gimmicky than efficient.

hardware.info

07/01/2020

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 and Apex Pro review: Mechanical and magnetic typing

The SteelSeries Apex 7 and Apex Pro are premium mechanical gaming keyboards available in both full-size and TKL layouts, distinguished by a sleek aluminum design, per-key RGB lighting, a magnetic wrist rest, and an integrated OLED smart display in the top right corner. The primary distinction lies in their switches: the Apex 7 uses standard Gateron switches (available in Red, Brown, or Blue), whereas the flagship Apex Pro features innovative, magnetic "OmniPoint" switches developed with Gateron. Utilizing the Hall effect, these linear OmniPoint switches allow users to customize the actuation distance per key, delivering incredibly fast response times, smooth keystrokes, and highly consistent actuation that provides a genuine competitive edge in gaming. Despite their innovative features and excellent SteelSeries Engine 3 software customization, both keyboards suffer from a high price point and underwhelming build materials for their cost. A major drawback is the inclusion of basic, painted ABS keycaps, which feel cheap on keyboards costing between €190 and €250. Additionally, the Apex 7 exhibits less consistent actuation uniformity across its keys and lacks a short-travel switch alternative. For users seeking...

techgaming.nl

12/09/2019

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Review

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a high-quality, durable mechanical gaming keyboard featuring a robust aluminium frame and a uniquely comfortable, velvet-soft magnetic wrist rest. It utilises custom QX2 Mechanical RGB Switches with a short 2-millimetre actuation distance, providing a highly responsive experience tailored specifically for gaming—especially first-person shooters. Managed via the evolving SteelSeries Engine 3 software, the keyboard allows for deep customisation, including individual per-key RGB lighting illumination and extensive macro configurations. Despite its premium build, the keyboard's high price-to-performance ratio is difficult to justify when compared to more affordable options from competitors like Razer, Logitech, or Cooler Master. A major drawback is its headline feature, the built-in OLED screen, which delivers great contrast but suffers significantly from a lack of useful software and game integration. Furthermore, a notable design quirk is the inversion of symbols on the shift keys, which can be initially confusing. Additionally, configuring independent per-key lighting unfortunately causes the keyboard to lose RGB synchronisation with other SteelSeries peripherals.

tweakers.net

10/01/2021

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL (QX2 Red, QWERTY US) Review

The Steelseries Apex 7 TKL mechanical gaming keyboard is an excellent, highly responsive tenkeyless keyboard that sits comfortably as a more affordable alternative to the top-tier Apex Pro TKL. Built with an aircraft-grade aluminium alloy frame, the keyboard provides exceptional structural durability and a premium feel that can easily withstand aggressive gaming sessions. Its standout performance features include the proprietary SteelSeries QX2 Red mechanical switches, which offer a light, highly direct touch with a 2mm actuation point and 45cN force, delivering noticeably faster registration and responsiveness compared to standard Cherry Red switches. Additionally, the keyboard incorporates high-end hardware integration, including a premium magnetic wrist rest coated with a soft rubber layer, dedicated dual-USB cabling for a passthrough port, and a customisable OLED smart display accompanied by a dedicated media clickable roller and menu button. The SteelSeries Engine software serves as a core highlight, enabling deep functional customisation through extensive macro recording, individual key rebindings, and dynamic, per-key RGB illumination alongside reactive layer lighting effects. Despite these strengths, the keyboard presents a few notable drawbacks. On the downside, its premium price...

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