SteelSeries Apex 9chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Only the alphanumeric keys use the adjustable Optipoint switches while function, arrow, and numpad keys use standard fixed optical switches, which many commenters call a misleading, cost-driven design choice.

@Erdie5

Limiting the HE switches to the alphanumeric portion of the keyboard sets the tone for the entire product. Incredibly misleading.launch

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August 22, 2025

@mowtoll

I think the omipoint switshes is nice its very smoth, but thats the only reson to get the keyboard, dealbrekers is whey are soldred, and the keyboard is to flimsy and cheap build bout the old and whis new one. i was considerd the old version a while,,but think i buy a keychron K8 pro or Q3 insded..launch

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April 18, 2024

@Ice_cold42

2:42 The switches aren’t Omnipoint, they’re called Optipoint. Omnipoint switches are found only on the Apex Pro keyboards, while Optipoint ones are only on the Apex 9 and they’re optical mechanical switches unlike the Apex Pro keyboards. Btw Apex 9 comes only in a 60% form factor or a TKL, there isn’t a full sized Apex 9 keyboard (yet).launch

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August 9, 2023

@xenvector

The reason for them not including the omnipoint switches everywhere on the keyboard is cost no one will ever use the feature on their function keys and no one wants to pay $20 for useless switcheslaunch

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February 18, 2023

Several reviewers say the keyboard sounds hollow or plasticky and feels lighter/cheaper than expected, especially compared to older Apex models, with sharp wrist-rest edges also mentioned.

@Bubbachichi

I just got the wireless version from the 2019 version that I've had for a while. It honestly feels like a downgrade aside from the wireless feature. No onboard rgb profiles like the previous version, the software bugs out whenever i use the keyboard, whenever I type with it, it dims the lighting (I might be missing something but its honestly annoying af), also not to mention that my new keyboard wouldnt update at all, and had to redownload their terrible software. Im truly disappointed how this keyboard is 4 years newer and the only difference is less features and a battery in it. I agree about the build quality as well, I dont know why they seem to be reducing the amount of premium materials (less metal in the frame) and the quality of the plastic on the bottom of the keyboard is lower. Im glad i got this on sale, and will probably just keep the lighting off and just use it like that to avoid using their terrible software that honestly uses way too many resources. \n\nI wish more companies would do what wooting does with their web page software, finalmouse caught on and are doing it.launch

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October 10, 2024

@SandraM

Hate keyboards with sharp edges from the wrist side. This SS 9 TKL has sharp edge, while old version of steelseries apex pro (2019) had it smooth. \nWhy producents of keyboards never consider this….launch

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June 20, 2023

@Noneya5555

Been waiting for this review. I recently bought the wired version, but had to return it due to the shift keys feeling as if they were rubbing against something, especially the left one. I exchanged it for another one, but haven't even opened the box, because I wanted to hear your opinion of the board. The board does feel lighter and cheaper than I thought it would. But not being a kb enthusiast, it sounded much better, and the keys feel much smoother, than the Corsair K70 tkl I use. \n\nI'm also considering the Wooting 60he instead, though I'm wary of having to pay full price up front, but having to wait a couple of months (barring unforseen setbacks) to receive the board.\n\nBut yeah, this thing's going back to Best Buy tomorrow. 😄launch

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November 10, 2022

@akuma2097

A bit overpriced for what it offers imo ….. but then again, we’ve seen 20% inflation generally across the board which is pushing everything through the roof in terms of pricing 🥵😭. This kb does sound very cheap and plastic-ee 🫢🙄. A definite pass for me.launch

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October 30, 2022

Buyers note the lack of an OLED screen, USB passthrough, and (for wireless) a wireless dongle, calling these omissions disappointing compared to older or higher-tier SteelSeries keyboards.

@johnsullivan937

I was real interested in this keyboard till I realized it doesnt even come with a wireless dongle. I figured since the usb-c cord was disconnect able like any other boards I've used that offers either wired or wireless options that it would obviously come with some little usb dongle to plug into the computer, especially at the price point they're selling this thing.. But nope! Why even bother making the wire disconnect able if you cant use it wirelessly? That just seems like a weak point where the cord input can get bent over time and the wire will no longer fit snugly inside, and will start disconnecting easily with the slightest movement/touch. Made this keyboard an instant pass for me. On amazon they offer a wireless keyboard for this (for like 50 dollars more expensive...) but not for the full sized keyboard.. why?? I dont want a tiny keyboard! I want all my buttons on a premium feeling keyboard that can be used wired or wirelessly. \n\n I swear I've had the hardest time finding a good one that doesn't have issues with buttons not registering every now and then, or wireless disconnect issues.launch

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July 13, 2026

@icebobk6702

getting the older one now because there is a massive sale on it and I would love a USB passthrough to connect my keyboard/mouse pad. I am replacing my Apex M800 as the keycaps are desintegrating.launch

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November 27, 2022

@EpicRobloxianReal

The 9 is awesome, I love all SteelSeries keyboards (and other products like mice and headsets) but I’m not upgrading from my Apex 5 to the 9 (it’s only slightly better and there’s no OLED screen) the only keyboard I would consider upgrading to is either apex pro 2023 or apex pro minilaunch

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October 5, 2022

@andrwt

My Apex 7 TKL is starting to not register keys after 2 years of use, so I see this new 9 after some browsing. \nIMO, it's doesn't even seem like an upgrade or sidegrade at all.\nNo USB pass through, magnetic wristpad, and they removed the OLED screen?launch

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September 19, 2022

Multiple users criticize the companion software as buggy, poorly designed, and using excessive system resources, with some saying the only fix is to not install it at all.

@EmuIzCoo

ive had an apex pro for like a year and a half i think and the only real complaint i have is the software, it is so bad its crazy but that's just the trend with all software's from big companies nowadays. and that cable routing on the bottom is really handy but if it plugs in with that port i don't see why its there, the old apex pro has a passthrough that i use for my mouse when its charging, also really handy. I see why youd want the whole keybaord to be HE but honestly i really dont care for it. i barely use my f keys and ive only ever used my numpad for gta hacks and my pin codelaunch

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September 18, 2025

@Bubbachichi

I just got the wireless version from the 2019 version that I've had for a while. It honestly feels like a downgrade aside from the wireless feature. No onboard rgb profiles like the previous version, the software bugs out whenever i use the keyboard, whenever I type with it, it dims the lighting (I might be missing something but its honestly annoying af), also not to mention that my new keyboard wouldnt update at all, and had to redownload their terrible software. Im truly disappointed how this keyboard is 4 years newer and the only difference is less features and a battery in it. I agree about the build quality as well, I dont know why they seem to be reducing the amount of premium materials (less metal in the frame) and the quality of the plastic on the bottom of the keyboard is lower. Im glad i got this on sale, and will probably just keep the lighting off and just use it like that to avoid using their terrible software that honestly uses way too many resources. \n\nI wish more companies would do what wooting does with their web page software, finalmouse caught on and are doing it.launch

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October 10, 2024

@АнаниГълъбов

I got that keyboard and i totaly agree with your review. Whatcher 2-3 more reviews, but yours is absoulte honest and accurate. Its realy great keyboard, but that softwere ... the only way to fix softwere is to not instal it, or uninstal it. I was using Razer keyboard before and i have to say, that i willing to pay razer 50 dolars, just to use thayre softwere on steelseries keyboard.launch

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December 5, 2022

@christos_x8653

COULDNT agree more with the reviewer. quality and design is a downgrade, should also put omnis on whole kb not just 60% area. also the software needs refinement, the rgb stuff aint so customisable as the previous version of apex pro. and FML in first 30 minutes of use, the lil oled screen on the kb got a white vertical line on screen. heyo steelseries pls recheck your quality checks, dont be like razer...launch

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November 17, 2022

A recurring complaint is that shift keys (and sometimes other keys) rub or catch on protruding RGB LED housings, requiring some users to sand down the keycap interior to fix it.

@cookiezreal

I bought them and overall they are great. especially for the price. BUT, the right and left shift keys (I haven't had them long enough to notice any other ones) get caught on the LEDs pretty often. I sanded down the inside and they seem to fit fine.launch

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December 23, 2024

@Noneya5555

Been waiting for this review. I recently bought the wired version, but had to return it due to the shift keys feeling as if they were rubbing against something, especially the left one. I exchanged it for another one, but haven't even opened the box, because I wanted to hear your opinion of the board. The board does feel lighter and cheaper than I thought it would. But not being a kb enthusiast, it sounded much better, and the keys feel much smoother, than the Corsair K70 tkl I use. \n\nI'm also considering the Wooting 60he instead, though I'm wary of having to pay full price up front, but having to wait a couple of months (barring unforseen setbacks) to receive the board.\n\nBut yeah, this thing's going back to Best Buy tomorrow. 😄launch

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November 10, 2022

@Noneya5555

The Techne did a review of this board, and found that the switches were built differently than regular Gateron optical switches, and when he tried swapping them out, the standard one didn't work in the board.\n\nI recently bought the Apex Pro tkl 2023. Another YT reviewer said the 9 and the AP tkl share the same body. The AP tkl has a really light weight, feels cheap and moves around a little on my desk when gaming. I need to exchange it because the left shift key feels as if the keycap or switch is catching on something, and the right shift key feels scratchy. \n\nAlso, the higher actuation feature makes it too easy for me to activate the wrong key by mistake, and the dual binding feature is wonky when trying to fire weapons while sprinting. I may just end up returning it for a refund.launch

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October 30, 2022

@penguinboy4836

you can still fit them with the switches they're just like any other switch stem. the problem is the rgb bulb things. these are protruding and some keycaps like matrix keycaps scrape off the lights and they could stick. you need keycaps with a certain profilelaunch

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March 15, 2021

Some users report keyboard failures such as a broken foot with no replacement, a defective screen, poor connection issues on certain motherboards, and keys wearing out or not registering over time.

@wolfwyvern3662

is this keyboard durable? I'm tired of getting keyboards that start chattering and crap after a couple months of uselaunch

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December 25, 2025

@PeauDuVieilOurs

Almost the same problem. After a variable amount of time the keyboard APEX PRO starts to blink and the keys are ineffective. If unplugged then replugged, it starts reworking but not for long. I tried all the USB 3.0 connectors of my motherboard (unplugging every other USB devices) => the problem persists. I bought a USB 2.0 connector pluggeg directly to the motherboard => the problem persists. I tried all and every software fixes I can think of (driver uninstall/install, MB BIOS update and config, GG update/uninstall/install/with/without, power options of USB ports) => the problem persists. I contacted SteelSeries and sent them a video, they sent me another keyboard => the problem persists. I don't remember if I tried the front USB 3 connectors of the case but I think I have, I will try again to be sure (these ports are plugged directly in one of the two 5Gb connectors of the mainboard so it might not be some kind of hub like those on the back panel and I read somewhere that this keyboard doesn't like USB hubs)\n\nThis problem occurs only with my new PC (ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E gaming wifi II, DeepCool LT720, i7-14700KF, 1000W Gold power supply). The keyboard works perfectly with my old one (ASUS P7P55D, no water cooling). They both run with the same OS. So I think there's a kind of incompatibility between this keyboard and some motherboards/hardware configurations. My new motherboard has many many USB connectors (10 type A 10Gb, 1 type C 10Gb, 1 type C 20Gb for the back panel and 1 connector 20Gb, 2 connectors 5Gb, 3 connectors USB 2.0 on the motherboard). That's a lot!\n\nAfter 6 month, 2 keyboards and a lot of tries I still can't figure what the problem is and Steelseries doesn't even try to understand the problem (they just change the keyboard which is useless). For a 200€+ keyboard, I'm pissed! In more than 35 years of using computers, it is the first time I see an incompatible keyboard. I just hope SteelSeries will react one day and provide a fix (I am convinced it is a software issue).launch

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December 23, 2024

@GrandpaTheGoated

Bad thing is if ANYTHING breaks they will not replace....I have a FOOT break off for some odd reason....no replacement Period. I have EMAILS to prove it too...launch

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October 26, 2023

@christos_x8653

COULDNT agree more with the reviewer. quality and design is a downgrade, should also put omnis on whole kb not just 60% area. also the software needs refinement, the rgb stuff aint so customisable as the previous version of apex pro. and FML in first 30 minutes of use, the lil oled screen on the kb got a white vertical line on screen. heyo steelseries pls recheck your quality checks, dont be like razer...launch

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November 17, 2022

The board only supports specific Gateron KS-22 optical switches; older KS-15 switches and other third-party optical switches reportedly don't work, restricting the modding potential.

@jorgen8569

This keyboard is compatible with gateron ks-22 optical switches. The one you have that didn’t work are the old ks-15 switcheslaunch

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October 13, 2023

@TooMuchTech

UPDATE: YOU CAN NOT USE OTHER OPTICAL SWITCHES IN THIS BOARD 🤨😑\nSTEELSERIES...WHAT THE HECK. \nI don't have any on me at the moment to A/B test but thank you guys in the comments for watching multiple reviews haha. I try not to watch every reviewers review before I do mine as to have my own opinions when I am filming. Coming in Clutch for everyone.launch

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October 31, 2022

@Noneya5555

The Techne did a review of this board, and found that the switches were built differently than regular Gateron optical switches, and when he tried swapping them out, the standard one didn't work in the board.\n\nI recently bought the Apex Pro tkl 2023. Another YT reviewer said the 9 and the AP tkl share the same body. The AP tkl has a really light weight, feels cheap and moves around a little on my desk when gaming. I need to exchange it because the left shift key feels as if the keycap or switch is catching on something, and the right shift key feels scratchy. \n\nAlso, the higher actuation feature makes it too easy for me to activate the wrong key by mistake, and the dual binding feature is wonky when trying to fire weapons while sprinting. I may just end up returning it for a refund.launch

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October 30, 2022

One buyer reported terrible battery life on the wireless version, requiring it to stay plugged in almost constantly, and returned it after a few days.

@Psyi1

I bought one on release day, nope sent it back third day because of the battery life was terrible and basically had to keep it plugged in, also it felt cheap. That day is when I unsubbed from certain hype tech guys. Thanks for being honest.launch

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February 9, 2023