SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL Review | 64 Data compared

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a highly responsive, durable, tenkeyless gaming keyboard utilizing hot-swappable, custom-built OptiPoint linear optical switches. A major standout feature is its two-point actuation, which allows users to toggle between a highly sensitive 1.0mm "gaming mode" and a 1.5mm "typing mode" via the user-friendly SteelSeries Engine software. Built for longevity, the keyboard features a premium Series 5000 aircraft-grade aluminum top plate, rugged double-shot PBT keycaps, and a detachable braided USB-C cable. For comfort, it includes tri-level adjustable tilt legs, and it offers full cross-platform compatibility across Windows, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. Pros and Cons Summary: To help you decide if this keyboard fits your setup

In this review, Daniel Waite from Movies Games and Tech evaluates the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL gaming keyboard and awards it the website's Gold award. The reviewer notes that the tenkeyless device is a market leader tailored for competitive play, highlighted by a 0.2ms response time with zero debounce and lightning-fast OptiPoint optical switches. Major pros include an exceptionally robust aircraft-grade aluminium case, highly customizable and striking RGB lighting options, and three physical resting positions for ergonomic comfort. Additionally, users can utilize the free, intuitive SteelSeries GG app to reprogram keys and record crucial macros for MMO gaming. Despite the high praise, the review points out clear drawbacks that users should consider. A notable con is that alternative tactile, clicky, or linear switches—which allow you to personalize the hot-swappable keyboard—are sold separately and must be sourced on your own. The reviewer also shares that the unit is so fast it requires adjusting your normal typing approach because the razor-thin actuation points (adjustable between 1mm and 1.5mm) make it feel completely different from other standard or mechanical options. Finally, the basic...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a streamlined, wired gaming keyboard that features proprietary OptiPoint optical switches with dual-point actuation. The primary pros highlighted in the review include its solid build quality, featuring a robust aluminum top plate, durable black double-shot PBT keycaps, and stable, non-wobbly keys. It provides three adjustable height variations using its underside rubber feet and incorporates convenient physical media controls, including a clickable volume wheel and a media switcher button. Additionally, it is the first in its lineup to feature hot-swappable switches (compatible with single-pin optical switches). Its customized per-key RGB lighting and macro capabilities can be extensively tailored through the SteelSeries software and saved directly onto 5 profiles of onboard memory. Performance-wise, its hyper-shallow 1.0mm gaming actuation mode offers an exceptional, lightning-fast response for WASD-centric FPS games. However, the review outlines several prominent cons, primarily centered around its hyper-sensitive keys, which make the overall user experience quite touchy. The shallow actuation points—1.0mm for gaming and 1.5mm for typing—frequently cause accidental keypresses and rogue inputs, resulting in a subpar, error-prone typing experience and detrimental misclicks in...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a sleek, mid-range gaming keyboard featuring highly responsive OptiPoint linear optical switches and a durable, space-saving design. The review highlights its satisfying tactile feel, convenient dedicated volume knob, and robust, compact construction as key strengths. However, the keyboard presents potential ergonomic limitations, with the reviewer reporting hand cramping during extended sessions, particularly for users with larger hands. Furthermore, it serves as a streamlined option that lacks some of the premium features found in higher-end models.

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a highly customizable, ten-keyless gaming keyboard featuring OptiPoint optical switches and double-shot PBT keycaps. Its design prioritises speed and stability with a rigid aluminium chassis, dual-angle elevation feet, and a built-in keycap puller tucked beneath a rubber flap on the back. Performance-wise, the keyboard offers rapid responsiveness tailored for gaming, and its settings can be heavily modified using the SteelSeries GG software. This software gives users extensive control over macros, key bindings, and individual per-key RGB customisation using the Prism tool. However, the keyboard comes with several notable drawbacks, particularly its high price tag of $140/£135 and lack of wireless connectivity, as it relies strictly on a detachable USB-C cable. To maintain its compact footprint, it completely cuts out keys like Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause, replacing them with a tiny volume roller and a single media key that stays lit with a static white LED. Reviewers also noted that the volume roller can be glitchy, and the hollow typing sound is unsatisfying. Ultimately, while it is highly recommended as a fast and...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is an excellent, compact gaming keyboard designed to optimize desk space while maintaining high performance. Built with a sturdy aluminum top plate and dense plastic housing, it balances lightweight portability with a highly robust feel. Its standout features include hot-swappable OptiPoint linear optical switches that offer nearly instantaneous response times. These switches include an adjustable dual-actuation feature, allowing users to toggle between a light-press gaming mode and a firmer typing mode. Key customization, five on-board profiles, and dynamic macro mapping are all managed seamlessly through the SteelSeries GG companion software. The keyboard features notable pros and cons that define its everyday usability. On the positive side, it features highly responsive switches, vibrant RGB customization, and a compact, travel-friendly layout with a detachable braided USB-C cable. Reviewers highly praise its unique matte-finish keycaps, which offer an incredibly grippy, "skateboard-like" texture that prevents finger slipping. Conversely, its primary drawbacks include a rubber cover on the bottom compartment that easily accumulates dust, dirt, and desk crumbs. Additionally, the keyboard lacks wireless or Bluetooth connectivity entirely, and its RGB...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a compact, tenkeyless gaming keyboard designed for competitive gaming that prioritises a minimal footprint to allow extra desk space for mouse movement. Priced at $140, it features OptiPoint optical switches that actuate via light rather than mechanical contact, which enhances response and debounce times. These hot-swappable switches offer a dual-actuation system, allowing users to toggle between a 1.0mm "Gaming Mode" and a 1.5mm "Typing Mode" either through software or a hardware shortcut. Additional positive attributes include durable PBT keycaps with long-lasting legends and a clever built-in storage compartment on the underside that neatly houses an included keycap puller. Key Pros & Cons Despite its responsive performance, the keyboard suffers from several design limitations and a lack of advanced functionality compared to its competitors. A major drawback is the typing experience; the keys produce a hollow, empty clacking sound when bottoming out against the switch housing. Furthermore, the media controls are underwhelming, featuring a very thin volume wheel and a nearby play/pause button that is permanently locked to a white LED, preventing it from matching...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL ($139.99) is a highly customizable, wired tenkeyless gaming keyboard that successfully bridges the gap between high-stakes competitive gaming and daily productivity. Built with an aluminum top plate and durable Double-Shot PBT keycaps, its standout technical feature is the custom OptiPoint linear optical switches. These hot-swappable switches offer an ultra-fast 0.2ms response time and dual-point actuation, allowing users to easily toggle key sensitivity between 1.0mm for lightning-fast gaming reactions and 1.5mm for reliable everyday typing. Driven by the SteelSeries GG software, the keyboard provides granular, per-key RGB backlighting customization, macro creation, and the ability to save five onboard memory profiles tailored to specific workflows or games. The review highlights several prominent pros, including its intuitive layout, exceptional performance boost in fast-paced games like CS:GO, and clear productivity gains, which elevated the tester's typing speed from 53 to 69 words per minute. However, the device is held back by notable cons, such as the complete lack of preset RGB profiles and the absence of wireless support or multi-device connectivity. Additionally, while the switches are technically hot-swappable, compatibility...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a moderately stripped-down, tenkeyless gaming keyboard that offers premium build quality and high performance at a more accessible price point than its Pro counterpart. On the positive side, the keyboard features a solid, streamlined design with an aluminum top plate and durable black double-shot PBT keycaps. It stands out as the first in its lineup to feature hot-swappable proprietary OptiPoint optical switches, allowing users to swap them with any single-pin optical switch. Additionally, it provides great hardware convenience, including a detachable braided USB-C cable, a hideaway keycap puller compartment, a clickable volume wheel, a media button, and robust SteelSeries software that allows for highly customizable individual key RGB lighting and macro recording. However, the keyboard’s primary drawback lies in its hyper-sensitive, two-point actuation system, which cycles only between a 1mm gaming mode and a 1.5mm typing mode. While this razor-thin actuation works flawlessly for rapid WASD movement in FPS games, it results in a subpar and frustrating everyday typing experience plagued by accidental typos. This touchiness also proves detrimental in RTS and MOBA games,...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a wired, tenkeyless gaming keyboard that offers a slightly scaled-down and more affordable alternative to the highly customisable Apex Pro Mini. Built with a sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum top plate and double-shot PBT keycaps, the board introduces SteelSeries' hot-swappable OptiPoint linear optical switches. These switches feature a rapid 0.2ms response time, zero debounce, and a 2-point adjustable actuation mechanism. This allows users to toggle the entire keyboard between a 1mm "gaming mode" for quick keypresses and a 1.5mm "typing mode" via the SteelSeries GG software or hardware shortcuts. Additionally, the TKL layout includes a dedicated multifunction media button and a textured metal volume roller. The primary pros of the keyboard include its fast 2-point actuation system, robust build quality with premium keycaps, and a highly responsive gaming experience. However, the review highlights several notable cons, such as an uncustomizable media button and volume roller, and a hot-swappable PCB that is strictly limited to optical switches and only officially compatible with SteelSeries' own OptiPoint line. Furthermore, while gaming feels excellent, the exceptionally light 35g actuation force...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 is a premium, wired-only gaming keyboard featuring custom OptiPoint optical switches that allow toggling between 1.0mm and 1.5mm pre-travel distances. It offers exceptional build quality with an aluminum top plate, very low latency, and onboard memory for macro customization. However, the keyboard lacks wireless connectivity and an included wrist rest, which may impact comfort and versatility. Furthermore, the dual-actuation adjustment is limited to two presets, offering less precision than higher-end models like the Apex Pro.