Although the SteelSeries Apex Pro is a full-size keyboard with a number pad, it doesn’t take up much space on the desktop (there’s also a tenkeyless version, though). The build quality is top class, with a matte black aluminum board, and a very comfortable, soft touch wrist rest that connects magnetically. There’s a small OLED on the top right, along with a clickable roller and a large key that serves as dedicated media controls. You can display your gamer tag or even a GIF animation on the OLED, but it also offers some welcome feedback on your chosen settings and profiles, so you don’t have to tab out of your game to -tweak things.
The header part here comes courtesy of Omnipoint switches. Not only does SteelSeries claim that they are more responsive and durable than conventional mechanical switches, but they also offer customizable movement. This means you can configure your desired level of sensitivity, dictating whether you want the lightest touches to register or a deeper press. It doesn’t change the feel of typing on the keyboard (which is great by the way) but it does change when the key press registers.
Since you can set the sensitivity of each individual key, it allows you to dampen some keys that you find accidentally pressed, but leave WASD too sensitive, for example. Take the time to set up different profiles for work and play, and even individual games and you will feel the benefits. Our testing found accurate typing a breeze on this keyboard and it’s relatively quiet for a mechanical keyboard.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro features bright RGB lighting that is also fully configurable to every standard setting. The SteelSeries Engine 3 software is easy to get. You can set primary and meta key bindings, use a macro editor, tweak actuation, set up lighting effects and colors, and even load a custom image or GIF for OLED. screen. There is room for five onboard profiles.
With cable routing on the left, center, or right, and a pass-through USB with its own lit-up port on the left, the SteelSeries Apex Pro embodies thoughtful design. Gaming and general typing on this keyboard is an absolute pleasure and none offer deeper customization, but the price makes it a serious investment.
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