SteelSeries Apex Pro Keyboard Review

The Corsair K100 RGB and the SteelSeries Apex Pro are both exceptional gaming keyboards. Both are excellently built and highly programmable, but the Corsair has six dedicated macro keys, whereas the SteelSeries doesn't. However, the SteelSeries has a unique feature that lets you customize the pre-travel distance for each key.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED are exceptional gaming keyboards. The SteelSeries has a better build quality and more features, including an OLED screen and the ability to customize the pre-travel distance of every switch. Every key is macro-programmable on the SteelSeries, while you can only reprogram the dedicated macro keys on the Logitech. On the other hand, the Logitech is a wireless keyboard, allowing you to connect with any Bluetooth-compatible device, and it's available with low profile tactile, clicky, or linear switches, while the SteelSeries has linear switches only.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro are full-size mechanical gaming keyboards. The SteelSeries has a customizable OLED screen and uses OmniPoint switches which let you customize the pre-travel distance of each key. On the other hand, the Razer has additional dedicated macro keys, a multi-device roller, and a higher maximum polling rate of 8000Hz. It's available with linear Razer Yellow or clicky Razer Green switches.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a better gaming keyboard than the SteelSeries Apex 5, mainly because it has significantly lower latency. The Apex Pro has linear Omnipoint switches and allows you to customize the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis to suit your preference. It provides a better typing experience overall, but its switches don't give tactile feedback, which the Hybrid Blue Mechanical switches on the Apex 5 do. That said, the Apex 5 is much louder and might not be ideal for quiet offices. Both keyboards have excellent build quality, full RGB backlighting, and include a wrist rest. The only other difference is that the Apex Pro has a USB passthrough, which the Apex 5 lacks.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is better than the HyperX Alloy Origins. The SteelSeries has linear switches, which you can change its pre-travel distance on a per-key basis for better responsiveness. It comes with a wrist rest and has more features, like an OLED screen and a USB passthrough. The HyperX provides a better typing experience, but it doesn't come with a wrist rest like the SteelSeries.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is better than the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2. The SteelSeries is a featured-packed keyboard that allows you to customize the pre-travel needed on a per-key basis, and at its minimum setting, it offers a really quick gaming experience. However, the Corsair is available in a wide variety of switches, so you can get the ones you feel most comfortable with.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer Huntsman are both exceptional gaming keyboards. The main difference between them is that the SteelSeries uses linear switches that allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance to your liking, while the Razer uses clicky optical switches. The SteelSeries has more features, like a customizable OLED screen and a USB passthrough. Also, it includes a wrist rest, which the Razer doesn't.

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.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Corsair K70 RGB PRO are both wired, mechanical gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries performs slightly better for this use. The SteelSeries uses proprietary OmniPoint switches, which allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis. Also, it has USB-passthrough, and its latency is marginally better. On the other hand, the Corsair has PBT keycaps, which are less prone to developing oil shine over time, and it has an 8000Hz maximum polling rate.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer Huntsman Mini are very different keyboards. The SteelSeries is a full-size keyboard with more features, such as a USB passthrough, and an OLED screen that you can customize. Also, it comes with a wrist rest and has better compatibility with macOS. The Razer's Razer Clicky Optical switches provide a better typing experience, and there's a Linear Optical switch option as well. However, they're also much louder and not ideal for quiet offices. The SteelSeries is only available with one switch type, but it allows you to customize the pre-travel distance.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Wooting two HE are both wired-only gaming keyboards with Hall Effect switches inside. You can adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis on both keyboards, but only the Wooting has an "Analog Mode." When you enable Analog Mode, your keypresses mimic joystick controls, so the more you depress your key, the more intense the action occurs in-game. The Wooting also has several software features that you can enable to enhance game performance. On the other hand, the SteelSeries has more hardware features built into the keyboard, like a USB pass-through, a volume wheel, and a small OLED screen.

For most uses, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is better than the Razer Huntsman Elite. The SteelSeries has a customizable OLED screen, a USB passthrough, and its Omnipoint switches provide a better typing experience than the Linear Optical switches on our unit of the Razer. You can get the Razer with Clicky Optical switches if you want, but they generate more typing noise. The SteelSeries has better compatibility, as its customization software is available for macOS.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a slightly better gaming keyboard than the Logitech G815 LIGHTSYNC RGB. The SteelSeries lets you set macros to any of its keys, is better built, and has better ergonomics thanks to the included magnetic wrist rest. Also, its Omnipoint switches let you set your preferred pre-travel distance. The typing experience is very different on these keyboards, as we tested the GL tactile switches on the Logitech, while the SteelSeries has linear switches. That said, you can get the Logitech with clicky and linear switches if you prefer. The SteelSeries has a customizable OLED screen, while the Logitech has a column of dedicated macro keys for MMOs.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) are mechanical gaming keyboards that belong to the same lineup and use OmniPoint switches that allow you to customize the actuation point of individual keys. The Apex Pro is an older, full-size model. On the other hand, the Apex Pro TKL (2023) is a newer TKL form-factor model. It also features higher-quality PBT keycaps and improved switches with a slightly wider range of actuation points.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Corsair K70 MAX are full-size gaming keyboards with comparable performance and analog switches that allow you to customize individual switches' pre-travel and reset points. The SteelSeries has a programmable OLED screen, which the Corsair lacks. On the other hand, the Corsair has a higher maximum update rate of 8000Hz.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is the compact (60%) version of the original SteelSeries Apex Pro. This compact version has upgraded OmniPoint 2.0 switches that have a longer pre-travel distance range, and they allow you to program up to two inputs per keypress. However, due to the decrease in size, many hardware features found on the original are missing like the programmable OLED screen and scroll wheel.

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the SteelSeries Apex Pro are exceptional gaming keyboards with fairly similar features. Razer's Analog Optical and SteelSeries' Omnipoint switches are both linear with adjustable pre-travel distances. The difference is that the Analog Optical lets you program two actions in one keypress or use it like an analog joystick. Other than that, the SteelSeries has a customizable OLED screen and software support for macOS, which the Razer lacks.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Corsair K70 CORE are full-size gaming keyboards. The SteelSeries uses hall-effect switches that allow you to customize the actuation and reset point on individual keys. It also has a programmable OLED screen and scroll wheel, as well as an aluminum frame that makes it a bit sturdier feeling. Conversely, the Corsair has slightly better overall gaming performance. It also has a programmable control knob and uses standard linear mechanical switches that come pre-lubed from the factory, making them feel a bit smoother and more consistent, comparatively.

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL and the SteelSeries Apex Pro are both fantastic gaming keyboards with different features. The SteelSeries uses proprietary optical switches you can customize to your liking; you can set a low pre-travel distance for quick gaming or a higher one for better typing accuracy. The SteelSeries is also bigger as it has a numpad, and it comes with a wrist rest for better ergonomics. The Corsair is available with two types of linear switches, and the Cherry MX Speed switches on our unit as still very light to press.

Although the SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro are both full-size gaming keyboards, they're actually quite different. The SteelSeries is wired-only, and its Omnipoint switches allow users to set their preferred pre-travel distance. The Razer is a wireless keyboard with multi-device pairing capability, and it's available with Razer Green or Yellow switches. The Razer has lower latency, but it doesn't have features like an OLED screen and USB passthrough, which the SteelSeries does.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is better than the ROCCAT Vulcan Pro. The SteelSeries has unique optical linear switches that allow you to customize the pre-travel distance, for a quick and responsive gaming experience. Every key is also macro-programmable. However, the ROCCAT's wrist rest isn't a dust magnet like on the SteelSeries.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the HyperX Alloy Origins 65 are both wired, mechanical gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries performs better overall. It has lower latency, and more extra features like a volume wheel, USB passthrough, and an OLED screen. You can also program macros to any key directly on the keyboard itself, and it comes with a wrist rest for better comfort. On the other hand, the HyperX has PBT keycaps, which are more durable and feel nicer than the ABS keycaps on the SteelSeries. 

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless is the compact, wireless version of the original SteelSeries Apex Pro. Due to the smaller size of the Mini Wireless, it lacks certain hardware features, like a programmable OLED screen and scroll wheel found on the original. However, the Mini Wireless version features upgraded OmniPoint switches, which allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance within a longer range.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Corsair K65 RGB MINI are both exceptional mechanical gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries is a more versatile keyboard. The SteelSeries is a full-size keyboard with an adjustable incline setting and a detachable wrist rest. It also has ABS keycaps, a keyboard wheel, a USB passthrough, and its companion software allows you to sync settings with the cloud. It has linear Razer OmniPoint switches that let you adjust the pre-travel distance, but they have no tactile feedback. The Corsair is a compact 60% keyboard with PBT keycaps. It has linear Cherry MX Speed switches with low pre-travel and feel very responsive but also provide no tactile feedback. Both keyboards have exceptionally low latency, and while the Corsair's is lower, it's unlikely to be a noticeable difference.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a better gaming keyboard than the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT. The SteelSeries has linear switches that let you change the pre-travel distance to suit your needs, and the keys are easier to actuate. However, they don't provide any tactile feedback like Cherry MX Blue switches on the Corsair. Also, you can get the Corsair with Cherry MX Browns or Speeds if you prefer. Feature-wise, the SteelSeries has an OLED screen, while the Corsair has a column of dedicated macro keys. Latency is much lower on the SteelSeries, although the Corsair's isn't bad either.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer BlackWidow Elite perform very similarly overall. The SteelSeries' Omnipoint switches have a customizable pre-travel distance and are easier to actuate. However, the typing quality is better on the Razer because the Razer Orange switches provide tactile feedback, and you can also get the keyboard with clicky or linear switches if you prefer.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the GLORIOUS GMMK 2 are both mechanical keyboards designed for gaming use. However, the SteelSeries performs better overall for this use as it has lower latency, and it has a unique feature that allows you to adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis. On the other hand, the GLORIOUS is hot-swappable, so you're able to swap out the stock switches for any of your choosing.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a much better keyboard than the Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. The SteelSeries has a customizable pre-travel distance and operating force to ensure that you have the quickest actuation while gaming. Also, it has lower latency than the Logitech. The SteelSeries uses linear switches, but if you prefer switches with tactile feedback, the Logitech is available with clicky (GX Blue) and tactile (Romer-G) switches; plus, it's a smaller keyboard if you need the space.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the DrunkDeer A75 are wired gaming keyboards that use hall-effect switches, allowing you to customize the pre-travel distance of individual switches. The SteelSeries has a larger, full-size form factor. It also has better build quality, slightly lower latency, and more intuitive software. It also includes a wrist rest and has a programmable OLED screen with a control wheel on the top right corner. On the other hand, the DrunkDeer has a Compact (75%) form factor and a rotary control knob on the top right corner. It doesn't include a wrist rest, but DrunkDeer sells wrist rests separately on its website.

The Wooting one and SteelSeries Apex Pro are similar but different keyboards. Those two boards are the only ones we've tested that allow switch pre-travel distance customization. However, the Wooting also offers the possibility to use analog inputs, which the SteelSeries can't do. On the other hand, the SteelSeries comes with a comfortable wrist rest and its overall build quality feels superior. The board also allows for macro customization, which you can't seem to be able to do on the Wooting.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Corsair K95 PLATINUM are very similarly performing keyboards. They're both full-sized, straight keyboards that feel very well-built, though the SteelSeries feels even a bit more durable. They both feature a detachable wrist rest and full RGB lighting. The SteelSeries features a small OLED screen on the top right corner that can be programmed to display a wide variety of things. Both keyboards use linear keys, but the Corsair has much less pre-travel before the pre-travel distance.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is much better than the HyperX Alloy Elite 2. The SteelSeries has unique optical switches that you can customize the pre-travel distance, and at its lowest, they offer a quick gaming experience. Its software is also compatible with macOS and it has better ergonomics. However, the HyperX has a Windows Key Lock.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the ASUS ROG Falchion are both outstanding gaming keyboards. If you prefer a wired and full-size model, the SteelSeries is better. It has a USB passthrough, a volume control wheel, and a programmable OLED screen. It uses proprietary linear OmniPoint switches, which let you adjust the operating force to your preference. The ASUS is better if you prefer a wireless and 65% compact board. It has a much lower wired latency, and it's available with different Cherry MX switches. While the ASUS doesn't have a volume control wheel, it does have a touch panel that can control volume, and you can even reprogram it to perform other tasks.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Ducky One 3 are exceptional gaming keyboards. The most significant difference between them is that the SteelSeries is only available with one switch type called OmniPoint switches. These switches allow you to adjust the operating force for each key. It also has a volume wheel, a USB passthrough, a small OLED screen, and customization software, which are all features the Ducky lacks. On the other hand, the Ducky is available in a range of stock Cherry MX Switches, but it also has a hot-swappable version. Both keyboards have a TenKeyless size variant, but the Ducky has more sizes and additional colorways.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO are both gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries is a full-size and prebuilt board, while the GLORIOUS is a 75% compact barebones board. The GLORIOUS doesn't come with any switches or keycaps, so you can install whichever ones you prefer. On the other hand, the SteelSeries comes with proprietary OmniPoint linear switches, which lets you adjust the operating force to your preference. If you plan on playing fast-paced games, the SteelSeries is a better choice since it has a lower latency.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer BlackWidow Lite are very different. The SteelSeries is a full-size keyboard with more features, like an OLED screen and a USB passthrough. It also has full RGB backlighting and comes with a wrist rest. The SteelSeries uses linear Omnipoint switches that let you adjust the pre-travel distance to your liking; however, they don't provide any tactile feedback like the Razer Orange switches on the Razer. The SteelSeries' latency is much lower, and it has better compatibility because it has software support for macOS.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the HyperX Alloy Rise are full-size mechanical gaming keyboards. The biggest difference between them is that the SteelSeries allows you to adjust the pre-travel and reset distance for individual switches, while the HyperX doesn't. The SteelSeries also offers better raw performance and has a programmable OLED screen and an included wrist rest. Taking a look at the HyperX now, it offers a better typing experience with a softer, slightly springy gasket mount design. It also offers significantly better hardware customizability with a hot-swappable PCB. Unfortunately, it underperforms, and while it supports a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, it isn't able to take full advantage of it as it has a significantly lower effective actual update rate.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed are fantastic mechanical gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries offers more features. The SteelSeries is a full-size board with a programmable OLED screen, a USB passthrough, and a volume control wheel. The SteelSeries comes with proprietary linear OmniPoint switches, which let you change the pre-travel distance needed to actuate a key. On the other hand, the Razer is a 65% compact board that can pair with up to three devices at once via Bluetooth, and it's available with linear Razer Yellow or clicky Razer Green switches. The Razer also has lower latency.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a better keyboard than the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition overall. Both keyboards use linear switches, but the SteelSeries provides a much better typing experience. It's also full-sized, and it comes with a wrist rest and more extra features. Also, the companion software is compatible with both Windows and macOS. That said, the Razer is an 80% TKL, so it takes less space on your desk. It also has a shorter pre-travel and a lower latency, giving you an extremely responsive gaming experience.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog are both wired, mechanical keyboards designed for gaming; they have comparable latency but a few key differences. The SteelSeries is a full-size model that also comes in a TKL form factor, and it includes a wrist rest for better ergonomics. It also has more extra features like a volume knob and USB passthrough. On the other hand, the Razer uses PBT keycaps instead of ABS, and it comes in a compact form factor. Both keyboards have a feature that lets you adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a wired gaming board with an OLED screen, while the ASUS ROG Claymore II is a wireless gaming board with a modular numpad. The SteelSeries has a better build quality, and its customization software is available on macOS, while ASUS's software is only available on Windows. It has proprietary OmniPoint linear switches, which let you adjust the pre-travel distance needed to actuate a key, which affects the operating force. You can program its OLED screen to display almost anything, including GIFs, K/D ratios, or images. On the other hand, the ASUS is available with linear or clicky ROG RX Optical Mechanical switches, and you can position the numpad on either side of the board or remove it completely to have a TKL size.

The Fnatic miniSTREAK and the SteelSeries Apex Pro are mechanical gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries is a full-size board while the Fnatic is a TenKeyLess. The SteelSeries uses proprietary OmniPoint switches, which let you set the operating force to your preference. Also, it has much lower latency, and it has many extra features like a programmable volume wheel, a USB passthrough, and an OLED screen. The Fnatic is a good gaming choice if you don't need all the extra features the SteelSeries offers. The Fnatic is available with Cherry MX Silent Red and Kailh Speed Silver switches.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the EVGA Z20 are remarkable mechanical gaming keyboards that offer similar performance but have notable features that differentiate the two. The SteelSeries has unique linear OmniPoint switches that let you adjust the amount of pre-travel distance required to input a keystroke. It also has better companion software that's compatible with both Windows and macOS. The EVGA has better latency and a time-of-flight sensor that you can program to perform certain functions as you physically approach or move away from your keyboard. It's available with either clicky or linear Light Strike LK Optical switches.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Ducky One 2 Mini V1 are very different. The SteelSeries is a full-size keyboard, while the Ducky has a compact 60% design. The SteelSeries has a better build quality and is more comfortable to type on. It also has more features, like an OLED screen and a USB passthrough. The SteelSeries is better for gaming because it has lower latency, and it lets you customize the pre-travel distance to your liking. That said, the Ducky provides a better typing experience, and you can choose the type of switch that you want.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a much better keyboard than the Corsair K68 RGB. It's better-built, fully compatible with macOS, and you can customize its pre-travel distance, which is very unique to this keyboard. The Corsair is still a great gaming keyboard at a more affordable price point, but the SteelSeries performs better.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Corsair STRAFE RGB MK.2 are both fantastic gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries has a unique feature that allows you to set the operating force and pre-travel distance on a per-key basis. However, the Corsair has a Windows Key Lock button to prevent you from minimizing your game, and it comes with extra keycaps.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Keychron K6 are very different types of keyboards. The SteelSeries is a full-size gaming keyboard with unique OmniPoint switches, and you can change the pre-travel distance of each switch. You can also set macros on the SteelSeries, which you can't with the Keychron. The Keychron is a wireless office keyboard in a compact 65% size, so it can connect with up to three devices at once, and it's available in three different types of switches, allowing you to choose whichever you prefer.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is better for gaming than the Mountain Everest Max. They're each customizable keyboards but in different ways. The SteelSeries is only available with linear OmniPoint switches, and you can adjust their pre-travel distance on a per-key basis. It also has lower latency for a more responsive gaming experience. On the other hand, the Mountain is a modular keyboard, so you can remove and move around the Numpad and media dock as you wish, and the switches are hot-swappable, so you can use whichever you prefer.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a better gaming keyboard than the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB. You can customize its linear switches' pre-travel distance to better suit your preference. On the other hand, the Kinesis is available in a wider range of switches, and you can use just the left half of the split keyboard to make more room for your mouse.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is an overall better gaming keyboard than the ROCCAT Magma. The SteelSeries uses proprietary linear OmniPoint switches, which lets you adjust the operating force to your preferences. It has much lower latency, individually-lit keys, and you can set macros to any key on the board. Comparatively, the ROCCAT only lets you set macros to certain keys, activated when in Game Mode only.

The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021 and the SteelSeries Apex Pro are keyboards made for very different uses. The Apple is a folio board made for the 11" and 12" iPad Pro and 11" iPad Air only. It uses a Smart Connector to pair to the iPad, and you can't use it with any other device. On the other hand, the SteelSeries is a mechanical gaming keyboard with proprietary OmniPoint switches that let you set the operating force to your needs. It's fully compatible with Windows and macOS, and although the customization software isn't available on Linux, all of the keys should still work.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the EVGA Z15 are both fantastic wired gaming keyboards. The SteelSeries uses proprietary OmniPoint linear switches, which let you customize the pre-travel distance of every key. Also, it has a small, customizable OLED screen that lets you access keyboard functions or display game stats, CPU operations, and gifs. Unfortunately, it isn't available with other switch types. On the other hand, the EVGA is available in more switch types. It's a hot-swappable board that lets you replace the stock switches with any type you prefer. It also has one of the lowest latencies we've tested.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is significantly better than the Logitech K840. The SteelSeries has doubleshot keycaps, which means that the key legends are unlikely to fade or chip with daily use, and it has full RGB backlighting. There's also a fully customizable OLED screen that lets you access various settings. SteelSeries' software is feature-rich, and the omnipoint switches allow you to choose your preferred pre-travel distance.

Both the Obinslab Anne Pro 2 and the SteelSeries Apex Pro are excellent mechanical keyboards for gaming. The SteelSeries is a full-size keyboard that offers much better ergonomics thanks to its adjustable incline settings and detachable wrist rest. On the other hand, the Obinslab is a much smaller compact 60% keyboard with a slightly better typing experience due to its Gateron Brown switches, as opposed to the SteelSeries' OmniPoint switches.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a better gaming keyboard than the AUKEY KM-G9. It features unique switches that let you adjust the pre-travel distance to your preference. It also has full RGB lighting and has a full-size design. On the other hand, the AUKEY has a TKL layout and is very well-built for its price point, but doesn't have as many features.

The Razer Pro Type and the SteelSeries Apex Pro are very different. The Razer is a wireless productivity keyboard with multi-device pairing capability, while the SteelSeries is a wired gaming keyboard. The Razer has tactile switches, which are better suited for office and typing work. On the other hand, the SteelSeries has more features, such as a customizable OLED screen and a USB passthrough. Also, the SteelSeries has lower latency, and it lets you customize the pre-travel distance to your liking.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is much better than the IBM Model M. You can change the keys' pre-travel distance, it has customizable RGB lighting, all keys are macro programmable, and it has an included wrist rest. On the other hand, the IBM still has a much better typing experience.