SteelSeries Apex Pro TKLFrom real comments

Name: SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
Rating: 2.7 (39 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 39 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment31%

PROS 31%

CONS 69%

Rank based on 39 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want adjustable magnetic switches with a smooth, responsive feel
You can get it on sale or discount rather than full price
You value the robust typing feel over software polish

What users love

Smooth magnetic switchesNotable0 mentions

Strongly positive

Solid, sturdy build feel0 mentions

Widely praised

Good value when discounted0 mentions

Widely praised

Satisfying typing/sound experience0 mentions

Widely praised

Deep customization via GG software0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You already own an older Apex Pro TKL and want a big upgrade
You dislike bloated or buggy companion software
You need full magnetic switches across the entire keyboard for the price

What users complain about

Bloated, buggy softwareKey factor0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Inconsistent build qualityNotable0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Weak upgrade over older generationsNotable0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Only partial magnetic switch coverage for the priceNotable0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Wireless battery and connectivity issues0 mentions

Frequently criticized

OLED screen seen as gimmicky0 mentions

Generally negative

Loud typing sound for quiet environments0 mentions

Generally negative

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value

1Budget

Logitech Signature Slim K950

Replaceable AAA BatteriesLower Price Than MX KeysNo Backlight Preferred by SomeNo Backlight Is a Dealbreaker for SomeLoud Typing SoundConfusing Connect Button

Logitech Signature Slim K950

Replaceable AAA Batteries

Lower Price Than MX Keys

No Backlight Preferred by Some

No Backlight Is a Dealbreaker for Some

Loud Typing Sound

Confusing Connect Button

2Mid

Logitech G710

Exceptional long-term durabilitySatisfying mechanical typing feelDedicated media keys and volume rollerFragile, breakage-prone keycapsVery loud typing soundCheap-feeling volume wheel

Logitech G710

Exceptional long-term durability

Satisfying mechanical typing feel

Dedicated media keys and volume roller

Fragile, breakage-prone keycaps

Very loud typing sound

Cheap-feeling volume wheel

3Mid

SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL

Fast hot-swappable optical switches

SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL

Fast hot-swappable optical switches

4Mid

Razer Huntsman Mini

Easy to modFast optical switchesRazer Synapse RGB ecosystemOverpriced versus competitorsMissing arrow keys, F-row, and nav clusterSpring ping and switch rattle

Razer Huntsman Mini

Easy to mod

Fast optical switches

Razer Synapse RGB ecosystem

Overpriced versus competitors

Missing arrow keys, F-row, and nav cluster

Spring ping and switch rattle

5Premium

Logitech MX Mechanical

Comfortable Low-Profile Typing FeelExcellent Battery LifeSeamless Multi-Device SwitchingHigh Price Relative to CompetitorsNon-Standard Spacebar and Keycap CompatibilityDivisive Typing Feel

Logitech MX Mechanical

Comfortable Low-Profile Typing Feel

Excellent Battery Life

Seamless Multi-Device Switching

High Price Relative to Competitors

Non-Standard Spacebar and Keycap Compatibility

Divisive Typing Feel

6Budget

SteelSeries Apex 3

Quiet typing experienceGreat value for priceFloating key RGB designLimited RGB/brightness customizationMembrane feel dislikesReports of key failures

SteelSeries Apex 3

Quiet typing experience

Great value for price

Floating key RGB design

Limited RGB/brightness customization

Membrane feel dislikes

Reports of key failures

7Mid

Razer BlackWidow Elite

Satisfying typing feelSwitch variety (green/orange/yellow)Good value on saleHollow metallic key ringLoud switches disrupt streamingUSB passthrough placement

Razer BlackWidow Elite

Satisfying typing feel

Switch variety (green/orange/yellow)

Good value on sale

Hollow metallic key ring

Loud switches disrupt streaming

USB passthrough placement

ASUS TUF Gaming K5

Detachable Magnetic Wrist RestImproved Key SensitivityModern Slim DesignSpacebar Misregistration

ASUS TUF Gaming K5

Detachable Magnetic Wrist Rest

Improved Key Sensitivity

Modern Slim Design

Spacebar Misregistration

9Budget

Logitech K380

Affordable priceQuiet typingSeamless multi-device switchingBluetooth reconnection problemsConnectivity lag and dropoutsKey layout and durability issues

Logitech K380

Affordable price

Quiet typing

Seamless multi-device switching

Bluetooth reconnection problems

Connectivity lag and dropouts

Key layout and durability issues

10Premium

Logitech G815

Comfortable low-profile typing feelQuiet, pleasant switchesSolid metal build qualitySecondary characters not backlitAccidental G5 key presses instead of CtrlHigh price relative to switch quality

Logitech G815

Comfortable low-profile typing feel

Quiet, pleasant switches

Solid metal build quality

Secondary characters not backlit

Accidental G5 key presses instead of Ctrl

High price relative to switch quality

You are here

31Premium

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL

Smooth magnetic switchesGood value when discountedSolid, sturdy build feelBloated, buggy softwareInconsistent build qualityWeak upgrade over older generations

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL

Smooth magnetic switches

Good value when discounted

Solid, sturdy build feel

Bloated, buggy software

Inconsistent build quality

Weak upgrade over older generations

Battery life
1. Logitech MX Mechanicalarrow_upward9
2. Logitech K380arrow_upward5
3. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKLarrow_downward2
Build quality
1. Logitech MX Mechanicalarrow_upward5
2. Logitech G815arrow_upward4
3. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKLarrow_upward3
Moddable
1. Razer Huntsman Miniarrow_upward6
2. Logitech G710arrow_upward5
Quiet typing
1. Logitech K380arrow_upward6
2. Razer Huntsman Miniarrow_upward4
Loud typing
1. Logitech Signature Slim K950arrow_downward2
2. Logitech G710arrow_downward4
No backlight
1. Logitech K380arrow_downward2
2. Logitech Signature Slim K950arrow_downward3

Overall Impression

The magnetic switches feel great, but only cover part of the keyboard. Users repeatedly praise the smoothness and responsiveness of the omnipoint/magnetic switches, calling them the main reason to buy. However, only the main key cluster gets them, while function, arrow, and other keys use standard switches. Some accept this as a reasonable cost tradeoff since those keys see less use, while others call it a dealbreaker and a ripoff given the price paid, especially near $250.

Build quality and durability are inconsistent across units. Some buyers describe the keyboard as sturdy with solid key presses and no hollow plastic feel, while others report peeling wrist rests, unglued palm-rest magnets, a cracked OLED screen with a white line, failing LEDs within a year, and stabilizer issues on the shift key. Several commenters feel build quality has actually declined compared to older Apex Pro generations, citing less metal and cheaper plastic.

The GG software and wireless features frustrate many users. Complaints include heavy bloatware using significant CPU, lighting that can't be adjusted without the software running, actuation settings resetting after sleep, and GG software triggering anti-cheat and closing games. Wireless owners report poor battery life requiring the keyboard stay plugged in and random connectivity drops. Despite this, some users still find overall performance and typing feel satisfying, particularly at discounted prices.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

speedSmooth magnetic switchesNotable

4 mentions

Strongly positive

Multiple users highlight the omnipoint/magnetic switches as smooth and responsive, calling them the best reason to buy the keyboard. Even critics of the price acknowledge the switch feel is a genuine upgrade.

@JKa244

Summary: solid 9.5/10.0, super quality right out of the box. Half a pount lost for average quality software controls\n\nI built a Ryzen/3080ti game machine back in 2022. Decided to get mouse, keyboard, and headset at the local Best Buy so I could try before I buy.\n\n\nEnded up getting a Logitech G502, a pretty generic but supremely comfortable Corsair headset, and this keyboard.\n\n\nIt's a solid 9.5 out of 10 right out of the box. The software and drivers are the only reason I don't give a 10 - it comes with about the typical level of jankiness of any major PC gaming hardware brand. A bit slow at system startup (you can almost notice it pop into the system tray, sometimes), not terrible UI/UX, and plenty of both fun and practical features. One of these days we're going to get software controlled resistance/springiness options, until then the actuation controls are pretty damn awesome. I quite like the individual light controls, you can use it as a display and reactive key press visualizer. One of the presets gives you a solid background color and a ripple/wave effect for each key press. The waves even interact with each other! \n\nHowever, I still can't figure out how to get the damn lights to stay off while the PC is off.\n\nWorks perfectly, shuts down just fine, but if you or your cat accidentally hit a key it lights up the whole keyboard for the rest of the night. Maybe I'm somehow using it wrong? Idk\n\n\nAnyways, that's really the only complaint I have. This thing is solid and precise and comfortable to use for extended periods of time. The magnetic wrist rest is great. I sometimes add a second cushion just to change positions during extended gaming sessions, thankfully the Apex Pro's rest is flat and solid so you can just plop something on top.\n\nOh, almost forgot, the right side magnet came unglued about half a year after I bought it. I just stuck it back with a bit of super glue.\n\nRacking my brain to think of any more negatives

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKLchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

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Who wins on what

Battery life

Build quality

Moddable

Quiet typing

Loud typing

No backlight

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKLFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression