Custom PC - UK (2021-05)

T

here’s so much packed into the
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL that it’s
hard to know where to start.
SteelSeries’ own adjustable OmniPoint
switches? The built-in OLED display? The
swish magnetic wrist rest? The illuminated USB
socket? All are worthy candidates, but first
impressions are so often what count, and it’s
the design of this keyboard that strikes the
first chord.
The TKL layout helps here, as this more
compact form factor always looks more
appealing than the sprawling mess of full-sized
models. The edges of the keyboard are also
cleverly cut at various angles in order to slim
down the overall look, although in practice the
Apex Pro isn’t significantly more low-profile
than the other models on test. The top also
includes a slab of aluminium, with a lovely sand-
blasted and anodised finish, which attractively
diffuses the RGB lighting that spills out onto it.
Even the wrist rest adds to the overall premium
and stylish impression, with its thick rubber top,
sharp angles and magnetic attachment.
This keyboard isn’t all about show either.
There are practical additions, such as the
inclusion of cable-routing options on the
underside, so the cable can exit from the left,
middle or right of the back of the keyboard. And
yes, there’s that illuminated USB pass-through
socket we mentioned too.
Next up on the hit list is the top-right corner of
the keyboard with its lovely tiny, knurled, metal
volume wheel (which you can press to mute)
and little play/pause button below it. Left of
these controls sits the OLED display. Packing

STEELSERIES APEX PRO TKL /£190 inc VAT

SUPPLIER steelseries.com

in 128 x 40 pixels, this black and white panel

will show whatever image you like (including

GIF animations) or you can sketch an image in

SteelSeries’ software.

The display can also be used to change

settings, using the volume wheel and adjacent

button. It’s a little fiddly, and we didn’t encounter

any function that made it feel like an essential

addition, but it’s a neat extra feature.

The final big piece to the Apex Pro puzzle is its

key switches. The main cluster (from the number

row down and enter key left) all use SteelSeries’

OmniPoint switches, which use a magnetic

actuation technology, where the key senses the

distance of the plunger from the magnet in the

switch’s base. This not only makes for a reliable

switching system (with a 100 million+ actuation

rating), but it also means the actuation point can

be changed in software.

You can opt for one of ten settings that

translate to an actuation distance of between

0.4mm and 3.6mm, making for either a very

sensitive switch or one that requires a very

deliberate press. The feel of the switch doesn’t

change, just the trigger point. Fans of very

heavy, tactile or clicky switches need not apply

though – the 50g linear action is the only option.

We didn’t feel the need to change the

actuation point from its default middle point,

as this felt like a great keyboard for typing

and gaming on from the off. The switches

are compatible with Cherry MX keycaps, and

although the ones included look good, they’re

basic ABS plastic with painted black legends.

Conclusion

The APX Pro TKL is a stunning keyboard. It’s

stylish, well-built, svelte and packed with useful

and fun features – just about the only fault

we can level is its use of basic keycaps. Plus,

of course, it doesn’t come cheap. At £200 for

the full-sized version and with a saving of only

£10 for the TKL version, this is a very pricey

keyboard, but if you have the money you won’t

SPEC be disappointed.

Dimensions (mm) 355 x 139 x 32-38 (W x D x H)

Weight 685g

Format Standard 105 keys

Connections USB

Switch type SteelSeries OmniPoint (linear feel)

Switch life 100 million keystrokes

Backlighting RGB

Extras Keycap removal tool, foam wrist rest

VERDICT

It doesn’t come cheap but the Apex Pro TKL

delivers a truly premium experience.

APEX PREDATOR

+ Very stylish design

+ Packed with

useful features

+ Adjustable typing

experience

EASY MEAT

• Expensive


• Basic keycaps


• Limited switch options

DESIGN

25 / 25

PERFORMANCE

22 / 25

FEATURES

22 / 25

VALUE

15 / 25

OVERALL SCORE

84 %

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/£190inc VAT

in 1 28 x 4 0 pixels, this black and whitepanel change, just the triggerpoint. Fans of very

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