Verdict
A tenkeyless version of SteelSeries ’ current flagship keyboard , the Apex Pro TKL is a dream for esports player that desire to save on desk space . Like its full - size partner , it offers an unbelievable point of customization . But , if you ’re a more casual gamer who wo n’t use those features , you ’re better off find something gaudy .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
A tenkeyless version of the stellarSteelSeries Apex Prowas never likely to disappoint . The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 read all the customisation , responsiveness and style of its full - size cousin-german and expands those feature even further , making it one of the undecomposed models in the Apex Pro parentage yet .
If you make for tons of esports or militant multiplayer shooters , you ’ll find ream of feature that give you an boundary . At $ 189.99/£189.99 , you ’re getting a band of hit for your sawbuck , but if you wo n’t be using its generous adjustability subroutine , consider skipping this board for something with a cheaper cost tag .
Design
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL will feel familiar to anyone who ’s lay hands on the full - size adaptation , though there are a few pregnant differences . As is standard for a tenkeyless display board , the telephone number pad is get , alongside a few additional keys to make means for the OLED screen in the top right corner . The screen is the same size as that on the full - size of it Apex Pro , although its accompanying volume roller and play - intermission release has been cut down in half to squish onto the plug-in .
The OLED concealment is the actual star of the Apex Pro TKL . A rough inch - long display , it ’s capable of running bespoke 128px x 40px icon , text or animations , as well as displayingGPU , CPUandRAMmetrics in real - fourth dimension . It ’s gimmicky , for sure , and the occasions you ’d actually require a live readout of your personal computer ’s ironware are uncommon , but the option to add an component of personality to your board is a nice touch .
More utilitarian is the option to display in - game stats , such as your lifetime K / D ratio onCS : GO , and the ability to match it with third - political party apps like Discord to show a direct message or who ’s address in a vocalisation Old World chat . The options are far from limitless , as only those apps which have been fructify up to pair with the Apex Pro will work . In my hands - on testing , though , I find plenitude of use for the sieve .
Bear in creative thinker there ’s no USB passthrough port , so you ’ll be fumbling around the back of your PC tower to punch in controllers , headset or any other peripherals . There are also no dedicated macro button . Instead , you could enter and set apart macros to any cay , with the clump of Home , Del and End Florida key making born base - In because of their special in - game use .
There is , however , a nifty compartment flap that pull up to reveal a miniature keycap dragger . Thinking of convey the keyboard and scanty keycaps on the go ? Probably not , but at least it gives you a ready to hand place to put in the tugger within sluttish reach . Its chunky , heavy and strong chassis is just the cerise on top , and while it may not come through any style points for its all - plastic finish , at least there ’s nothing loud about this premium keyboard .
Performance
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL really shines for its Omnipoint 2.0 mechanical switches . They ’re designed for adjustability , and while the first - generation Omnipoint switches were already telling , these have a level of customizability rarely seen in gaming keyboard .
The switch have two crowing features : the first being adjustable sensitivity . The propulsion item of each key can be tuned between 0.2 mm and 3.8 millimeter , give you the scope to set apart with sparkle , glancing touches ( to trigger social movement , for example ) or full , large key pressing ( for throwing a grenade , for instance , to ward off any inadvertent frags ) . That sort of chondritic responsiveness is rather unnecessary for casual gaming but get along in handy when you require to specifically tailor your in - secret plan locomotion for a competitive boundary : the form of leg - up that the professional use .
The Omnipoints ’ 2d large lineament is their treble natural action . Every key can be assigned two functions , and the point at which they register that lower-ranking part is set along the same actuation range . The example SteelSeries give ( which demonstrate the most utilitarian ) is to attribute the W key to take the air forward at a light central pressing , and sprint at a heavy press . Using the Control Francis Scott Key to crouch at a light signature , or go fully prone at a full depression has also occur in ready to hand for me .
Both features – adjustable predisposition and dual - action keys – save you from turn over across the gameboard , granting you a few extra , crucial msec in multiplayer gunfights . And customs configurations can be saved across five profiles , giving you enough outer space to tailor a prefer set - up for each of your favourite games . It ’s all round out off by the keys themselves . Stable and untroubled , you wo n’t find many mechanical key replacement that palpate as consistently reactive as these . Add in super low latency , and those substitution have everything you could want from an esports - centric keyboard .
More disappointing , however , is the concentrated plastic wrist joint rest . It ’s optional and attaches magnetically to the front , but without any kind of padding , it does n’t furnish the luxurious comfortableness you ’d await from a keyboard at this Mary Leontyne Price . It ’s an understandable omission – ergonomics are far from the snazziest part of a gaming keyboard – but your articulatio radiocarpea might wish you had indue in a more supportive board after spend long Roger Huntington Sessions park in front of it .
Software and Lighting
Any adaption you need to make to the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL ’s keys are done through its accompany app , Engine ( which is itself part of the SteelSeries GG software system ) . As bundled apps go , it ’s aboveboard enough . The UI is simple and light to navigate , while selecting what key you want to edit , changing its actuation point and assigning a 2d function is all done visually . To top it all off , cut update in tangible - time , so comparing back - and - forth adjustments is a breeze .
The same can be said for RGB backlighting . It ’s handle in the app ( although you could adjust brightness on the keyboard itself ) and while there are n’t many effect to choose from ( a steady glow , wholesale undulation , or a thrumming ‘ breathe ’ preset ) , you could get exceedingly creative with stop number and colours . RGB lovers wo n’t be disappoint , while those who favour more subdued lighting schemes can set up the keyboard to their liking .
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Should you buy it?
Competitive multiplayer gamers will find out a lot to wish with the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL ’s Omnipoint central electrical switch .
If you do n’t play many multiplayer shooters , or do n’t want every vantage you’re able to get over your opponents , the adjustable key switches will be wasted on you .
Final Thoughts
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL ( 2023 ) has everything you could desire from a truncated model of Steelseries ’ flagship board . Its switches are brilliantly reactive , its adjustability frankly astonishing , and the sacrifices made to account for its tenkeyless design all but minimal . If you ’re looking for one of the good boards for esports and require to save on desk space , this is the keyboard for you .
It ’s also a exclusive - minded beast design for free-enterprise gaming . Its price is nothing to sneeze at , so unless you ’re sure you ’ll be tinkering about with key actuation and the like , cautiously consider whether its bountiful features are worth its cost rag for you .
In terms of plain calibre and typing experience , the Apex Pro TKL does n’t quite match upAsus ROG Azoth , that we give 5 - stars . But , this keyboard is around £ 80 bum so offers a strong alternative to Asus ’ fantabulous peripheral if you have a budget under £ 200 . There ’s also the full - sizeSteelSeries Apex Prooption , if you decide TKL is n’t for you .
Trusted Score
How we test
We use every keyboard we quiz for at least a hebdomad . During that time , we ’ll check it for ease of use and put it through its paces by playing a form of different musical genre , include FPS , scheme and MOBAs .
We also check up on each keyboard ’s software to see how easy it is to customise and set up .
FAQs
The Apex Pro TKL ( tenkeyless ) ditch the numpad to offer a narrow outer space - save up keyboard .
The primal difference between the Apex Pro TKL and Apex 7 TKL , along with the gap in price , is the higher quality Omnipoint 2.0 offered on the Pro model . Omnipoint 2.0 place a focusing on adjustability and customisablity .
Full Specs
