The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is the compact (60%) version of the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Like the full-size original, it uses analog Hall effect switches, which rely on magnets and can customize the sensitivity of your keypresses on a per-key basis. This newer, compact version allows you to customize pre-travel distance adjustments in a slightly broader range, and you can now program up to two inputs to a single keypress.
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is an outstanding gaming keyboard. It feels well-built and offers a satisfying gaming experience. This unit uses SteelSeries' Hall effect OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis within a pretty long range, so you can get your sensitivity settings right where you want them. There's also a feature that allows you to program up to two inputs per keypress. You can make all of these changes, as well as standard macro programming and backlighting customization, using the companion software, which is available for both Windows and macOS. Unfortunately, the ergonomics of this keyboard are only okay as it has a high profile and doesn't include a wrist rest.
- Hall effect switches allow you to adjust pre-travel distance of individual switches.
- Exceptionally low latency.
- Feels very well built.
- Companion software available for both Windows and macOS.
- Wired-only.
- No included wrist rest for better ergonomic support.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is a wired-only keyboard with a USB-A to USB-C cable, so it's not suitable for use with most mobile devices.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is a good keyboard for office use. It feels well-built, and it offers a satisfying typing experience. Although the typing noise isn't as quiet as most dedicated office keyboards, it's quiet enough that you likely won't disturb your coworkers in an open office environment. Also, the keyboard and its customization software is fully compatible with both Windows and macOS, meaning you can alter your settings no matter your operating system. Unfortunately, its ergonomics are only okay as this is a straight keyboard with a high profile and doesn't include a wrist rest.
- Feels very well built.
- Companion software available for both Windows and macOS.
- Wired-only.
- No included wrist rest for better ergonomic support.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is a very good keyboard for programming. It has a solid build quality and feels satisfying to type on. The companion software is available for both Windows and macOS and lets you perform several adjustments, like programming macros, customizing the RGB backlighting and, most impressively, adjusting the sensitivity of your keypresses. Unfortunately, as it's a wired-only unit, it's not recommended for use in multi-device setups, as you can only use it with one device at once. Also, its ergonomics are only okay as it has a high profile and doesn't include a wrist rest.
- Feels very well built.
- Companion software available for both Windows and macOS.
- Wired-only.
- No included wrist rest for better ergonomic support.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is a poor keyboard for a home theater PC setup. Since it's wired-only, you'll have to run the cable from the keyboard to the PC, which could be a tripping hazard or just inconvenient if your PC is more than two meters away from your couch. This keyboard also lacks any trackpad for on-screen navigation. On the bright side, the RGB backlighting illuminates the key legends and makes them easy to read in the dark, and its media keys are easily accessible hotkeys.
- Feels very well built.
- Companion software available for both Windows and macOS.
- No trackpad for on-screen navigation.
- Wired-only.
Changelog
- Updated Jun 04, 2024: We've made small text changes in several sections to make it explicitly clear that this keyboard uses Hall effect switches.
- Updated Aug 09, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed DrunkDeer A75 in the Dimensions section of this review.
- Updated Apr 18, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Wooting 60HE in the Keystrokes section of this review.
- Updated Aug 17, 2022: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is the wired version of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless. There is very little difference between these two units except that the wired-only version has a storage compartment on the bottom of the board to store a keycap puller. While it only comes in a black colorway, there are many different language layouts available. We bought and tested the US English variant. You can see the label of our unit here.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is the compact (60%) version of the SteelSeries Apex Pro. The compact layout means you have more room on your desk for dynamic mouse movements while gaming, and it also means this keyboard is much more portable than the full-size version. However, due to the change in size, you lose a lot of the extra hardware features that were a staple on the original, like the programmable OLED screen, volume wheel, dedicated media keys, and USB passthrough.
If you're interested in other options, check out our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best RGB keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini and the Wooting 60HE are mechanical gaming keyboards with Compact (60%) form factors. Both keyboards have exceptional gaming performance and analog switch functionality that allow you to adjust the pre-travel of individual keys. However, the Wooting has some additional software features the SteelSeries lacks, including a low latency Tachyon Mode, Rapid Triggers, the ability to assign up to four inputs to a single keypress, customizable reset points, and an Analog Mode that mimics the gradual inputs of a controller joystick.
The Razer Huntsman Mini and the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini are compact gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries has a unique feature that allows you to adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis. Other than this feature, the two keyboards both have a similarly premium build quality and exceptionally low latency. The Razer is an older unit that's easier to find at a lower price, so unless you want the adjustable pre-travel feature on the SteelSeries, the Razer may be a better option.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini 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 Mini has a smaller Compact (60%) form factor. On the other hand, the Apex Pro TKL (2023) has a TenKeyLess (80%) form factor. It also has an OLED screen and an included wrist rest, which the Apex Pro Mini lacks.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is the wired-only version of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless. Other than the connectivity options, the only major difference between the two keyboards is that the wired-only version has a storage compartment on the bottom to hold the included keycap puller.
Test Results
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