SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Keyboard Review: A Promising Premise Overshadowed by Execution

In the ever-evolving realm of gaming peripherals, manufacturers constantly push boundaries for performance and customisation. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless enters the arena boasting the world’s fastest actuation and a revolutionary adjustable actuation point technology. On paper, it sounds like a dream keyboard for competitive gamers seeking every edge imaginable. However, after spending significant time with the Apex Pro TKL Wireless, a sobering reality sets in – the execution falls short of the lofty promises. This review delves into the keyboard’s strengths and weaknesses, ultimately questioning whether the high price tag justifies the experience.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Review

First Impressions: A Premium Presentation with a Pinch of Plastic

Unboxing the Apex Pro TKL Wireless is a luxurious experience. The sleek black packaging screams quality, and the keyboard itself is undeniably attractive. The brushed aluminum top plate exudes a sense of sturdiness, while the low-profile design maintains a clean aesthetic. The included magnetic wrist rest feels comfortable and snaps securely into place. However, a closer inspection reveals a surprising amount of plastic construction throughout the base and sides. While the brushed aluminum provides a premium feel in the center, the extensive use of plastic feels somewhat out of place for a keyboard in this price bracket.

The Crown Jewel: Adjustable Actuation – You Either Love It or Hate It

The centerpiece of the Apex Pro TKL Wireless is undoubtedly its innovative OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches. These switches boast a unique feature – the ability to adjust the actuation point, the point at which a keystroke registers, to a range between 0.4mm and 3.6mm. This allows users to tailor the keyboard to their specific needs. Gamers seeking lightning-fast responsiveness can opt for a hair-trigger actuation of 0.4mm, while those prioritising accuracy for typing tasks might prefer a deeper press closer to 3.6mm.

In theory, this level of customisation is a gamer’s dream. You can have the best of both worlds – hair-trigger actuation for split-second in-game reactions and a more deliberate feel for everyday typing. However, the reality paints a slightly different picture. Setting the actuation point too low can lead to accidental key presses, especially with larger keycaps like the spacebar and shift key. This becomes particularly troublesome during intense gaming sessions where a single misplaced finger can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Conversely, setting the actuation point higher for typing comfort negates the supposed advantage of having the world’s fastest keyboard.

The Typing Experience: A Mixed Bag

Moving beyond the actuation point gimmick, the overall typing experience on the Apex Pro TKL Wireless is decent but not exceptional. The keycaps are made of PBT plastic, known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. However, the keycap profile feels somewhat generic, lacking the sculpted design found on some higher-end keyboards that provide a more ergonomic and comfortable typing experience.

The biggest concern with the typing experience is the reported inconsistency in sound across different keys. Several users, myself included, noticed a significantly louder spacebar compared to the rest of the keyboard. This seems to be due to the lack of stabilisers on the spacebar, which are crucial for dampening noise and ensuring a consistent keypress experience. This inconsistency can be incredibly distracting during extended typing sessions.

Wireless Connectivity: Generally Stable, But Not Without Hiccups

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The Apex Pro TKL Wireless boasts a 2.4 GHz wireless connection and Bluetooth connectivity options. While the connection itself is generally stable, some users have reported a slight lag when the keyboard wakes from sleep mode. This might seem like a minor detail, but for gamers where every millisecond counts, even a brief stutter can disrupt the flow of gameplay. Additionally, the reliance on software to manage actuation point settings and RGB lighting introduces another layer of potential issues. If the software malfunctions or experiences bugs, it can significantly impact the functionality and overall user experience of the keyboard.

Durability Concerns: A Shadow Over Long-Term Investment

While the brushed aluminum top plate inspires confidence, there have been concerning reports of keys malfunctioning after a year or two of use. These malfunctions seem to be particularly prevalent with regards to RGB lighting failure. Considering the premium price tag, such reports raise serious questions about the long-term build quality of the Apex Pro TKL Wireless. For a keyboard positioned as a high-end investment, users deserve to expect exceptional durability that matches the initial cost.

SteelSeries GG Software: A Necessary Evil for Full Functionality

The Good

SteelSeries GG software acts as the central hub for managing all SteelSeries peripherals, but its role becomes especially critical for the Apex Pro TKL Wireless. This software unlocks the keyboard’s full potential by offering a suite of features specifically tailored to it:

  • Granular Customisation: SteelSeries GG grants deep control over the adjustable actuation point. You can meticulously adjust the actuation point of each individual key within the 0.4mm to 3.6mm range, directly impacting responsiveness for gaming and typing feel.
  • RGB Lighting Command Center: The software provides comprehensive control over the per-key RGB lighting. Design elaborate lighting effects, create custom profiles, and personalise your keyboard’s aesthetics to match your setup or specific games.
  • Macro Management: Program complex macros to automate repetitive tasks or in-game actions within SteelSeries GG. This can streamline your workflow and potentially enhance your gameplay efficiency.
  • Immersive GameSense Integration: This feature allows the keyboard’s lighting to dynamically react to in-game events. Imagine your keyboard lighting up red when your health bar dips low or flashing blue when you receive new ammo – a subtle yet immersive addition to your gaming experience.

The Bad

However, the reliance on SteelSeries GG software presents a double-edged sword. While it unlocks these valuable features, there are potential drawbacks to consider:

  • Resource Consumption: SteelSeries GG can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting system performance, especially on lower-end machines. This can lead to sluggishness or stuttering, which can be detrimental during competitive gaming.
  • Software Stability Concerns: Some users report experiencing bugs or crashes within SteelSeries GG, which can disrupt the functionality of the keyboard itself. Imagine your actuation point settings going awry or RGB lighting malfunctioning due to software issues – a frustrating experience for any user.

Ideally, SteelSeries could address these concerns by streamlining the software to reduce its footprint and prioritising stability through regular updates. Additionally, exploring the possibility of storing configuration profiles directly on the keyboard itself would eliminate the mandatory reliance on SteelSeries GG and potentially improve user experience.

By addressing these software-related issues, SteelSeries could elevate the Apex Pro TKL Wireless to a more well-rounded package that truly justifies its premium price tag.

Who Should Buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless?

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless is a niche product with a high price tag and a specific set of features. Here’s a breakdown of who might benefit most from this keyboard:

  • Competitive Gamers Seeking the Absolute Fastest Actuation (with reservations): If you’re a professional gamer or someone who prioritises every millisecond of advantage, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless’ adjustable actuation technology could be appealing. The ability to set the actuation point as low as 0.4mm offers a theoretical edge in reaction times. However, keep in mind the potential for accidental key presses with such a low setting.

  • Streamers and Content Creators Who Value Aesthetics: The sleek design, low-profile build, and customisable RGB lighting of the Apex Pro TKL Wireless make it visually appealing. Streamers and content creators who value aesthetics for their setups might find this keyboard a good fit. However, there are other keyboards with similar aesthetics at a potentially lower cost.

  • Those Who Love Customisation (if willing to deal with software): The adjustable actuation point and SteelSeries GG software offer a high degree of customisation. If you’re someone who enjoys tinkering with settings and getting the most out of your peripherals, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless might be worth considering. However, be aware of the potential software issues and ensure the price tag aligns with your budget.

Look Elsewhere If:

  • Casual Gamer or User: The high price is better spent on keyboards with hot-swappable switches, offering greater long-term customisation at a potentially lower cost.

  • Typing Comfort Priority: Inconsistent sound and potential accidental key presses can disrupt the typing experience.

  • Durability Concerns: Reports of key malfunctions raise questions about long-term build quality.

The Verdict: Potential Overshadowed by Execution

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The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless boasts a promising feature set with its innovative adjustable actuation point technology. However, the execution falls short in areas like typing sound consistency, software reliance, and a price tag that doesn’t quite match the overall experience. If you’re a highly competitive gamer with a large budget willing to navigate potential software hiccups, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless might be worth considering. However, for most users, there are better options available that offer a more balanced feature set, potentially better build quality, and a more attractive price point.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless is available now for a retail price of RM1,039. It is available through many major retailers and the official SteelSeries stores on Shopee and Lazada.

You can also check out our previous review of the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless mouse.

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