Thanks for the info Techne! I have a question, have you used the software for the new Apex Pro and the old Apex Pro? If you have, would you say the RGB customization for the new Apex Pro is better, the same, or more limited compared to the old Apex Pro? I noticed that going from the old Apex Pro to the Apex Pro Mini Wireless, the Mini Wireless software was more limited in customization (for RGB) compared to the old Apex Pro
A 75% keyboard from these big name brands would be a game changer. All the functionality of the TKL but with the horizontal space taken up by a 65%, which is only one more column of keys than the 60%. Whoever gets that first to market would probably make big bucks.
Agreed bro hope it happens soon, I never really needed those arrow keys and the nav keys section but the function key row is too important for games like Battlefield and Monster Hunter and that kept me from buying 60% keyboards.
The Original white was ‘limited Ed’ or at least produced in way less quantity I was in Hong Kong on holiday and hunted for it for such a long time ! But it was so satisfying when I finally found one!
I have been in love with this keyboard since day one. Happy to see a revised version. Thank you for covering it so fast! Wouldn't of known about it so soon if it wasn't for your video being reccomended.
I'm not exactly sure why you say sound tests within keyboards are boring, it's the only reason I watch these kinds of videos before I buy a keyboard. Don't care about the build, the caps or the type of switches - just the sound :P
Yeah I am totally with you on that note that we need more low-profile TKLs. I have still not found a board that would meet my requirements. Closest of them was G915, but man that close mindedness of Logitech totally killed that vibe. The crappy keycaps on top of incompatible switches made combined with sexy looks, full metal jacket and boy the connectivity that still destroys every other keyboard I ve tried, makes it the perfect love-hate relationship I have ever experienced with kbs. Funnily enough, Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL was also my number one choice, but it had to go in a mere 2 weeks of use for two reasons - one of which you have mentioned in the video above - Razer also loves to shove their Synapse down your throat by locking the the onboard memory off limits without Synapse (big nono for me) and secondly that super crappy connectivity, actually one of the worst I have experienced. The board needed to be super close to the dongle and I love to play away from my desktop in the night, not even 2m is possible with that board. Watching the video above I am also losing a hope here. There literally ain't low profile TKL board which appeals me. Waiting for the release of G515 altough, I'd much rather a proper more open minded sequel to G915.
I currently have a customized GMMK Pro, but I just ordered the wireless Apex Pro. Without hesitation. I’ve been waiting for this one! The pro was my favorite, but hated the cable. I need something for my Mac and typing/writing and gaming. The Omni point switches make that possible with just a few clicks. Super hyped for this one!
Thanks a lot for the in-depth review and for comparing it with the previous Apex Pro and the Razer Deathstalker! How do the battery life and typing experience feel with compare to the Deathstalker? I'm debating between the two and am on the fence over which one to go with
Hey man. I like your videos a lot. I was recently in the market for a new keyboard and have been watching lots of different videos. I am enjoying yours the most. I am typing this right now on my brand new SS Apex pro TKL wireless and it's a dream! I love everything about it, the omnipoint 2.0 switches are a game changer , being able to make custom profiles all with different actuations for doing different tasks. It's amazing, thank you for helping me make my decision.
WHAT?! I had the Apex Pro and returned it for the Apex Pro mini wireless. I was wishing for a wireless version the other day then I see this video pop up on my feed. I don’t know what kind of magic you cast since you post videos on products that are so close to my interest and so soon
Wooting used to have a TKL. The stupidest decision they made was discontinuing that model, the Wooting One. I also don't like 60% boards. Lowest I'd like to go is 65% because they still have arrow keys. I need my arrows.
Good to see them going wireless or at least being able to swap cables. No one wants to dig behind a computer if you have to use a laptop real quick. Tough call with the Deathstalker, so easy to grab that and go. This against the huntsman v2 might be an easier fight to win but because of the wireless option. 60’s are too small but could be like having a controller or something you use only for gaming. Maybe they could do one of those one handed deals for gaming. Would love to see a low pro as well.
Ever since i used a Corsair K70 back in 2016 or so i cant go back to keyboards without any hand rests. Dont know why but just got used to it. I got myself the apex 9 which is quite a low keyboard but had to send it back after 2 days of useage because my wrist started hurting while gaming.
Thanks for this. Been waiting on this board and was getting impatient. Like you, I’m a TKL guy and have the newer Pro Mini. I just can’t get used to it (but I still love it!). As soon as your video when live, I literally squealed, lol. I immediately went to the website, seen they were up for order and snagged the Wireless one. Lol. I think you’re the first person on RU-vid with a review up on this. You’re awesome. Keep it up! *Edit - Wanted to ask two questions. 1) Does the Escape key continue blinking green once it’s fully charged or if you just wanna use it in Wired mode? 2) Have you had any issues with Lethal Cables while using the Wireless dongle, instead of the included cable SteelSeries gives ya?
Have not tried with a lethal cable, as for the green blink charge, always, because the battery drop below 100%. I just had to start charging it at night
Thank you one more time to be the very first to review the fresh new tech. There’s some misunderstanding about the switches among other reviewers, so is really the omnipoint Hall effect switches but 2.0 is that right? Cause I already saw a reviewer that call them optical switches! 🤨
I've never really got into gaming with mouse and key until recently. From the research I've done I've been pretty drawn to SteelSeries. I'm thinking about going all in and getting the Arctis Nova 3 headset, the Prime mouse, and the Apex 9 TKL. As cool as the Apex Pro is I don't think I need the display or the extra actuation speed. I'm looking for high quality stuff that isn't the most expensive.
i dont recommend going all in with only one brand. the only advantage is that you will have only one software to manage. its not worth it. pick the best for the price from all the brands. all headset from gaming brands are really shitty, only 2 off the top of my head are "good" and they both are very expensive. for mices, logitech (whatever), razer (only pro models) and zowie are 100% recommendable for starting. keyboard is personal preference as long as they are mech, but steelseries kb are overpriced for sure for what you get (no, 1ms less of whatever its not gonna be noticeable. its marketing)
I bought the old Apex pro TKL an month ago and steel series just released their new apex pro which give me emotional damage and I should of just waited
Thank you for the review, just ordered mine it was a £170 from £230, thanks to the amazon prime day deals, gonna try to sell my current keyboard (razer huntsman te tkl)
Today I found one of these at goodwill for $3.99. I was in need of a new keyboard and remembered the keychron K6 that I found there last year which my wife claimed as hers. Im not really into keyboards so I didn't know what I was looking at. So far I am was really happy with it. It does not have the wrist rest though.
Just finished buying the new wireless version, had the original and I'm glad I wont really have to be dealing with the annoying cable as often in the new one🙂
I'm thinking about the same, but isn't having to plug it in every 3 days even more of a faff? Like with my Steelseries Aerox 3 wireless, I hate having to charge it every 3 days, look for the cable mid-game etc. I drilled a hole in my table to hide the cable of the apex pro and the prism XL mousemat. So I think I'll just stick with the wired version. Even that has an improved cable compared to the original Apex Pro. I would probably use the wireless version wired anyways and I don't want to put up with that blinking green escape button.
@@OblivionDust2719 I try to be environmentally conscious and turn off my pc when I'm not using it / sleeping. I already have to charge my phone, smart watch, ear buds and all of these are a pain in the ass...
***Read this before buying this keyboard!*** I've had this keyboard for 1 day, and I'm already experiencing several problems: the keyboard double clicks quite often. The keyboard does not wake up as it should when coming out of sleep. The RGB bug is due to the software & certainly the keyboard as well. If you want to charge your keyboard and put it off, the keyboard stays on LOL. It's great when you want to go to sleep. Ah yes if you load your keyboard, the 'ESC' key remains green. The different color modes do not work on the steelseries apex pro tkl wireless through the keyboard. The different bug modes also on the steelseries software which is not normal. The F key row will flash white each time the keyboard aperates via the 2.4ghz dongel. So, every time you restart or turn on the pc it does it. The keyboard does not wake up on its own, you have to click on a key otherwise it does not wake up on its own. See an iceberg, it's only a simple taste of what you will have as problems. I hate these subjective presentations. Your tests are ridiculous. Warn people about the different issues with each item you test instead of overplaying something about a brand that shouldn't be. This keyboard is good for playing, but there are so many side issues that in the end it really sucks.
I don't know if this is just me, but I don't really see a problem in most of these, or the problems that you've been having with double pressing and things like that just haven't been happening to me. I also have the wireless version and it works completely flawlessly for me, granted I do use the software as I also have a steel series mouse.
@@Person-kc3djMaybe it's because my post is over a year old, and in a year, there are things called 'updates.' It happens, buddy. Next time will be the right one, my little friend.
For anyone that gets the wired version, some advice: Lube your stabilizers and put some sound deadening material in the bottom tray of this keyboard. The board opens up with a few screws. All mods took me about 15 minutes total. Holy smokes, it make such a huge difference. It's not that loud with no mods but it's definitely worth your time to do some. What a great kb!
Hi Refragged, I have never modded my keyboards before, but I do have concerns about the noise (built my main box with low sound in mind), do you have any recommendations in regards to materials/prodcuts for your suggestions or videoes you can link to? Regards
@@nhoffman0677 shelf liner but I ended up returning the board anyway. Even with all the mods, while they made a little bit of difference, it still sounds like shit.
"sound tests are pretty boring within keyboards" that's the whole point of customs. basically every mod and feature is designed to enhance the sound and feel, quality control is magnitudes above gaming boards. the simplest comparison is to say that in Customs, there's no need at all for a "flex test" on an aluminum custom case, it simply wont, and they're unwarranted in others like acryllic or similars, its not a feature you need to test, price isnt too different given that in gaming boards the budget goes to mostly the RGB, funky switches and whatever gimmicky screen they might add that "plasticky" feel is simply inherent of cheap thin aluminum / plastic sheets for the case, hollowed out interiors and cheap rattly stabilizers, which are all the biggest factors that modify the sound im optimistic that gaming keyboards are taking hints from the custom scene, this will inherently make better products if they implement any aspect of design from customs, but they got ways to go yet
Pre-builts are usually way more economical than any custom will ever be it simply comes down to supply and demand, a aluminum case with pcb you will be hard pressed to find under 140. and if you want tkl or 75% good luck, and that's excluding stabs and switches. Which then need to be lubed which takes 2 hours. Suckiest part about Pre-builts are hands down the rattly-ass stabs but those can be lubed and rebalanced fairly quickly
How is the typing experience compared to Varmilo keyboards? And since you mentioned the Deathstalker in the video, how does that keyboard compare to the Apex Pro TKL and Varmilo keyboards in terms of typing feel (stabilizers, rattle, smoothness etc)?
I like the "Floating key caps" design, but I can't find a lot of keyboards that has it. Any recommendations (TKL to 65%)? If there's hot swappable that would be cool too.
hey techne, i was just wondering which keyboard you would prefer between the new apex pro tkl in this video or the apex 9 tkl in terms of typing, gaming and overall experience. kind of stuck between which one to choose for my next board
You have a hallow/greater impact refection key press sound on the wired. With the Wireless you have a dampened/greater impact absorption key press sound. Due to the board density as a result of the additional batter cells.
I just picked up this keyboard yesterday. I love it so far but for some reason it seems my LED screen is not working. when I hold down the button down it does absolutely nothing. do you know how to fix it?
From pulling the keycaps off I noticed only the main switches appear to be the new omnipoint 2.0s. The arrow keys, esc, etc are all a red linear switch where as the main switches have a clear stem which are typical of the omnipoints.
What keyboards would people recommend. I am looking for a gaming keyboard that is 65% (maybe tkl) that is quiet enough to be used around others. I live in a dorm room so don’t want to piss my roommates off too much. I have been looking mainly at the fnatic streak 65lp, blackwidow v3 mini and glorious gmmk. Any thoughts?
Some people might want to hear this since the video creator didn't say this in his video. But the apex pro tkl has a problem with its RGB. I bought one just last year, and then most of the 25 percent of the keys are not even displaying the correct color of RGB. I tried resetting the keyboard's factory settings and reinstalling the engine. All did not work, and when I researched about this, most people said it was a hardware problem. Meaning they installed a cheap-ass led that won't last long.
i would still go for the old steelseries its just that the omni point is out of date they should just use the app to customize that instead of creating a new switches... i also love the keyboard that has extra usb slot for mouse usb or anything... but i dont know as well if theres gonna be an actual difference between the old one and the new one with just .2mm difference.
Hey I just got this board after watching your review. I can't seem to figure out the onboard profile stuff, do you know if you're able to save custom RGB profiles to the board and have them recallable without the software?
Hey Techne! Have you noticed the RGB backlighting acting funny? I just picked up the Apex Pro Wired 2023 and the backlight animation constantly freezes for a moment or two and then will suddenly switch to a different lighting position in the sequence with mine. Updated everything i could think of (drivers, firmware, etc), reinstalled their engine software, checked other apps to make sure they weren't trying to control the keyboard... nadda. Just curious if youve noticed this as well? I contacted Steelseries support, waiting for a reply. Thanks for your vids, been enjoying your reviews and mod videos!
@@TheTechne they had 1 at my local best buy so I nabbed it. Yeah I’ll be changing it to solid for the time being. Love the keyboard otherwise, and nothing else seems off with it so
@@TheTechne I did, there was a firmware update prompt when I plugged it in. I tried reinstalling the engine software, I updated the windows steel series drivers ApS. Can’t figure it out for the life of me
guys i just bought this new keyboard, but wired. I just wanted to know something about the illumination. Since you can’t change color from the keyboard and you have to use the steelseries software, once you created some configurations of illumination, how do you switch them from the keyboard? Because switching configuration from the keyboard doesn’t change color configuration, it’s always the same color…
Fair warning im a custom keyboard elitist but i think that in terms of the apex pro it highly depends on the games you play, example: if you still play fortnite and your cranking and going crazy with editing etc then get this keyboard over a custom (regardless if they are around the same price point) if you play a more chill game like Minecraft then build a custom one. Just pick whatever keyboard suits you best
So I bought the wired (don't want wireless), switches are a bit loud for me but everything else seems great. If talking strictly wired versions, would you recommend this or the Huntsman v2 TKL? Huntsman v2 seems super quiet and smooth, cheaper than this, but do you think this has better features and better switches?
@@michaelblue4619 No because I’m like Techne and only ever use static red (matches my case and build theme). I’m actually sending it back, I didn’t really like it and the keys were loud. I bought the Huntsman v2 and love it, so much better for me but I wish the wrist rest was magnetic like the apex
very expensive BUT it's a great board. contactless, wireless, good keycaps, detachable cable. they pretty much fixed every complain I had about the old one. I wish you could indeed control the lighting (and macro) without the software, like the old one. oh, also the macro support on the old one is GREAT I use that every day:)
I wonder what is the actual battery life of this with the RGB always on (with profiles) but is maybe set to the 10% or 20% brightness and the OLED also.
idk about wired, but my wireless unit completely shit the bed after about 6 months of use, still works intermittently but does and will disconnect or completely turn off when it feels like it, forcing me to turn it off and back on letting me use till it decides to act up again sometimes it lasts a few hours and other times its every 2-3 minutes (oddly enough my aerox 5 ended up doing the same thing after about a year of use gave it to a buddy that doesnt have bluetooth or any other wireless peripherals and he said it just got worse till it just stopped working all together which might be where the apex pro is headed in due time) ended up just going with a wooting (8-9 months ago) and havnt had any issues since for what its worth for anyone intrested in steel series HE option, my apex 3 worked flawlessly for almost 2 years beforehand..... TLDR modern steel series is a gamble for anything other than a headset
Just picked up this keyboard today. Not a big deal but I cannot seem to get "Snek" working. Updated the firmware of the keyboard. Scroll to Snek and it will only start when I press the Function+F9. Then the game only plays a few frames and stops. Then I have to hit Function+F9 again to get it to play a few more frames. If anyone has any idea what I am doing wrong, I'd greatly appreciate it.
I'm looking to see what switching devices using Bluetooth is like? I use my keycrhon k6 to jump between home PC and work laptop very often, I'd love to see how easy it is to go between paired devices with this
So unless I missed it in the vid, how do you go in and adjust the actuation on this keyboard? Is it handled within the software somehow or do you have to pop every key off and adjust them with something it comes with? Sorry pretty new to the keyboard space, looking to upgrade my old Razer BlackWidow TE v2 TKL. Been having trouble finding a TKL option I like
I remember hating this ducky keyboard with the speed silver switches because of accidental key presses. If you set it on the lowest actuation, is there a lot of that going on?
I just got the keyboard and yes there is a lot of that but when u learn how to control it, it gets less frequent and even with that it's a great keyboard I recommend getting it 💯 %
@@TheTechne In my opinion they need to fix the side buttons and stop using that weird rubber coating they have on Rival 3 and the primes. Like i want a Rival 3 with PTFE feet, good side buttons, optical switches and a good plastic shell instead of that weird rubber coating they have now.
