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  1. Home
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SteelSeries Apex 9 vs Apex Pro TKL (2023)

Which Keyboard Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      DimensionsBuild QualityErgonomicsHardware CustomizabilityBacklight FeaturesBacklight ClarityCable & ConnectorWireless VersatilityMacro Keys And ProgrammingExtra FeaturesIn The Box
    Typing Experience
      Typing QualityTyping NoiseKeystrokesAdjustable Input GranularitySwitches
    Performance
      Single-Key LatencyMulti-Key LatencyData TransmissionChord Split
    Software and Operating System
      Configuration SoftwareComputer CompatibilityWireless Mobile Compatibility
    Comments

Products

SteelSeries Apex 9
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1

Updated Feb 06, 2025 09:55 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.4.3

Updated Dec 19, 2025 03:37 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
SteelSeries Apex 9 Picture

Track

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Picture

Track

ConnectivityWired
Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
Switch Type
Optical
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Yes
Output Type
Locked
Hot-Swappable Switches
Yes
ConnectivityWired
Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
Switch Type
Magnetic
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Locked
Output Type
Adjustable Actuation
Hot-Swappable Switches
No

Our Verdict

SteelSeries Apex 9

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

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.

0 

Variants

  • Apex 9 TKL (Black)
  • Apex 9 Mini (Black)
  • Apex Pro TKL (2023) (Black)

Review

See SteelSeries Apex 9 Review
See SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Review
4 
12 

Check Price

Black
Apex 9 TKL
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Apex 9 Mini
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
FaZe Clan Limited Edition
Apex 9 Mini
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
 
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
SEARCH
B&H
 
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
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SteelSeries
Read more

Main Differences for
Gaming

Threshold 

0.10

Gaming 
 

0.0
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Full Comparison

Design

Dimensions 
 

Top Picture  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Size 
 

Locked
Locked

Height 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth With Wrist Rest 
 

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Weight 
 

Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Close Up  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Build Quality Close Up Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Build Quality Close Up Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Keycap Material  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Ergonomics 
 

N/A
N/A

Side Picture  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Curved/Angled 
 

Locked
Locked

Split Keyboard 
 

Locked
Locked

Key Alignment 
 

Locked
Locked

Minimum Incline 
 

Lock°
Lock°

Medium Incline 
 

Lock°
Lock°

Maximum Incline 
 

Lock°
Lock°

Home Row Height 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")
Show Text 

Hardware Customizability 
 

N/A
N/A

Customizability Overview  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Customizability Overview Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Customizability Overview Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers 
 

Locked
Locked

Stabilizer Fixation 
 

Locked
Locked

Spacebar Stabilizer Size 
 

Locked
Locked

Size Of Right Mod Keys 
 

Locked
Locked

Hot-Swappable Switches 
 

Locked
Locked

Switch Stem Shape 
 

Locked
Locked

Mechanical Switch Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

Magnetic Switch Compatibility 
 

Locked

North-Facing Cherry MX Interference 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Backlight Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Backlighting Picture  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Backlighting Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Backlighting Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Brightness Max  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Brightness Max Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Brightness Max Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Backlighting  

Locked
Locked

Brightness Min  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Brightness Min Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Brightness Min Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

RGB 
 

Locked
Locked

Per-Key Backlighting 
 

Locked
Locked

Effects 
 

Locked
Locked

Software Controllable 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Backlight Clarity 
 

N/A
N/A

White Shot  

SteelSeries Apex 9 White Shot Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) White Shot Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Cable & Connector  

Connectivity  

Locked
Locked

Detachable 
 

Locked
Locked

Length  

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)

Connector (Keyboard side) 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Wireless Versatility 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

Proprietary Receiver 
 

Locked
Locked

Battery Type 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Macro Keys And Programming 
 

N/A
N/A

Dedicated Macro Keys Count  

Lock
Lock

Onboard Macro Programming 
 

Locked
Locked

Macro Programming With Software 
 

Locked
Locked

Extra Features 
 

Extra Features  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Extra Features Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Extra Features Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Media Keys 
 

Locked
Locked

Trackpad / Trackball  

Locked
Locked

Scroll Wheel 
 

Locked
Locked

Control Knob 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

Numpad  

Locked
Locked

Windows Key Lock 
 

Locked
Locked

Lock Indicator  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

In The Box  

Bundle Picture  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Bundle Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Bundle Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 
Typing Experience

Typing Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Key Spacing 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")
Show Text 

Typing Noise 
 

N/A
N/A

Typing Sample  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Typing Sample Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Typing Sample Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Average Loudness 
 

Lock dBA
Lock dBA

High Pitch Clicks 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Keystrokes 
 

Key Switch Actuation Graph  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Key Switch Actuation Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Key Switch Actuation Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Initial Force 
 

Lock gf

Peak Tactile Force 
 

Lock gf
N/A

Actuation Force 
 

Lock gf
Lock gf

Bottom-Out Force 
 

Lock gf

Pre-Travel Distance 
 

Lock mm
Lock mm

Total Travel Distance 
 

Lock mm
Lock mm
Show Text 

Adjustable Input Granularity 
 

N/A
N/A

Input Linearity Graph  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Input Linearity Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Input Linearity Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Analog Output Graph  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Analog Output Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Analog Output Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Top Deadzone 
 

Lock mm

Bottom Deadzone 
 

Lock mm

Detection Ratio 
 

Lock%

Minimum Step Depth 
 

Lock mm

Switches 
 

Wobble Video  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Wobble Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Wobble Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Switch Name 
 

Locked
Locked

Switch Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Feel 
 

Locked
Locked

Output Type 
 

Locked
Locked
Performance

Single-Key Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Single-Key Latency Graph  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Single-Key Latency Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Single-Key Latency Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Best Connection 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Best Connection Std Dev  

±Lock ms
±Lock ms

Wired 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Receiver 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

N/A
N/A

PCB (Estimated) 
 

Lock ms
N/A
Show Text 

Multi-Key Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency Video  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Multi-Key Latency Graph  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Multi-Key Latency Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Multi-Key Latency Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Connection Evaluated  

Locked
Locked

Key Press 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Key Release 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Data Transmission 
 

N/A
N/A

Multi-Key Raw USB  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Multi-Key Raw USB Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Multi-Key Raw USB Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Connection Evaluated  

Locked
Locked

USB Polling Rate 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Effective Update Rate 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

N-Key Rollover (NKRO) 
 

Locked
Locked

Multiple Keys Per USB Report 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Chord Split 
 

N/A
N/A

Chord Split Graph  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Chord Split Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Chord Split Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

4 Chord Split Delay 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

8 Chord Split Delay 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms
Software and Operating System

Configuration Software 
 

Software Tour  

SteelSeries Apex 9 Software Tour Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) Software Tour Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Software Name  

Locked
Locked

Software Windows Compatible 
 

Locked
Locked

Software macOS Compatible 
 

Locked
Locked

Onboard Memory 
 

Locked
Locked

Profiles 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Computer Compatibility 
 

N/A
N/A

Windows 
 

Locked
Locked

macOS 
 

Locked
Locked

Linux 
 

Locked
Locked

Media Key Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Wireless Mobile Compatibility 
 

N/A
N/A

Android 
 

Locked
Locked

iOS 
 

Locked
Locked

iPadOS 
 

Locked
Locked

Media Key Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

Check Price

Black
Apex 9 TKL
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Apex 9 Mini
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
FaZe Clan Limited Edition
Apex 9 Mini
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
 
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
SEARCH
B&H
 
Black
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
SEARCH
SteelSeries
Back to Top

SteelSeries Apex 9

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

SteelSeries Apex 9 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023): Main Discussion

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