The SteelSeries Apex 9 continues the very popular SteelSeries Apex lineup. This keyboard uses proprietary linear OptiPoint switches, which have two fixed preset actuation points: one for gaming and a slightly longer one for typing. Although these OptiPoint switches don't have the same range as the OmniPoint switches found on the SteelSeries Apex Pro, they still add versatility to what would otherwise be a high-performing TenKeyLess gaming unit. As a departure from the other keyboards in this lineup, the Apex 9 is hot-swappable; however, your switch options are limited to other single-pin optical switches only.
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex 9 is a remarkable gaming keyboard. It has split millisecond latency and a super light actuation force along with a specific "gaming setting" that sets the actuation point at 1.0mm, so keypresses feel very responsive and fluid. You can program macros to any key and customize the RGB backlighting. Overall, it feels well-built, and while it's pretty comfortable to use, it could benefit from the use of a wrist rest, which you'll have to purchase separately.
- Feels very well-built.
- Exceptionally low latency.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Full RGB backlighting.
- Comfort would be improved with wrist rest, which isn't included.
Although not designed for it, the SteelSeries Apex 9 is a good keyboard for office use. It offers a good typing quality and feels really well-built thanks to the premium materials used. There's a "typing" setting that sets your pre-travel distance at 1.5mm, so typing feels responsive without being too sensitive. However, its ergonomics are only alright, and you'd improve the overall comfort with a wrist rest, which you have to buy separately.
- Feels very well-built.
- Good overall typing quality.
- No wireless connectivity options.
- Comfort would be improved with wrist rest, which isn't included.
Since the SteelSeries Apex 9 is a wired-only keyboard that uses a USB-A to USB-C cable, it isn't recommended for use with mobile devices and tablets.
The SteelSeries Apex 9 is a very good keyboard for programming. Overall, it feels very well-built with premium materials used in its construction. It offers a nice typing experience with fully backlit keys. You can program macros to any key without using the companion software, which is great as SteelSeries GG isn't available on Linux. Since the unit is wired-only, it isn't suitable for use in multi-device setups. Also, it lacks an included wrist rest, which would improve the overall comfort during use.
- Feels very well-built.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Good overall typing quality.
- Full RGB backlighting.
- No wireless connectivity options.
- Comfort would be improved with wrist rest, which isn't included.
The SteelSeries Apex 9 is a poor keyboard for use with home theater or entertainment setups. It's wired-only, meaning you'd have to run a cable from the keyboard to your device, and it lacks a trackpad or trackball for on-screen navigation. That said, it's very solidly built, so it would sit well on your lap without flexing, and its backlighting makes your key legends easy to read in the dark.
- Feels very well-built.
- Full RGB backlighting.
- No wireless connectivity options.
- No trackpad for on-screen navigation.
- Comfort would be improved with wrist rest, which isn't included.
- Feels very well-built.
- Comfort would be improved with wrist rest, which isn't included.
Changelog
-
Updated Feb 06, 2025:
We've made a small change in the Hardware Customizability section, changing our result for the North-Facing Cherry MX Interference test to 'Yes.' This is only to indicate that there is a small possibility of interference with some aftermarket Cherry MX profile keycaps. We've also added new text to this section for more context.
- 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 27, 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 15, 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.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The SteelSeries Apex 9 comes in one colorway, black, but there are many different language options available. There's also a smaller variant called the Apex 9 Mini. We bought and tested the TenKeyLess US English version, and you can see the label on our unit here.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The SteelSeries Apex 9 continues the SteelSeries Apex lineup of gaming keyboards. The main difference between this unit and the others in this lineup is the use of proprietary OptiPoint switches. Rather than the magnetic OmniPoint switches found in the Apex Pro editions, or the standard mechanical switches found in the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL, these OptiPoint switches are optical switches that use lasers to register a keypress. Because of these switches, you can select the actuation point from one of two presets: 1.0mm for gaming and 1.5mm for typing. The gaming preset optimizes sensitivity, so your games feel responsive, while the typing preset is a bit longer to help you avoid registering accidental clicks. Although this feature is great for making this standard gaming unit more versatile, you'll likely find the 1.5mm Typing preset a bit too sensitive for regular tasks.
For more recommendations, check out our picks for the best gaming keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best budget gaming keyboards.
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.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini and the SteelSeries Apex 9 are both premium gaming keyboards. The major difference between the two is that the Apex Pro Mini uses OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance within a wide range, while the Apex 9 uses OptiPoint switches which have two fixed presets for your pre-travel distance. Otherwise, the two keyboards offer similar incredible performance with very low latency.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 9 are both wired-only TenKeyLess gaming keyboards. The Apex 9 performs much better overall as it has very low latency and very sensitive mechanical switches. The Apex 3 TKL uses rubber dome switches, which feel mushier and not as satisfying, and its latency is significantly worse.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the SteelSeries Apex 9 are both premium gaming keyboards. The major difference is that the Apex Pro uses OmniPoint switches, which allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance within a range of points. The Apex 9, on the other hand, uses OptiPoint switches, which only have two preset actuation points, so you don't have the same degree of customization.
Test Results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for videos & test results
