REASONS TO BUY
Underside cable routing
Comfortable palm rest
Good value
REASONS TO AVOID
Some key combinations don't work
Media zone isn't labeled
SteelSeries Apex Pro Review
This is a highly customizable keyboard at a great value
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: Best Gaming Keyboards of 2024
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard secures its place as one of the finest contenders we tested. Boasting a plethora of advantages, it truly stands out in its category. The keyboard's adjustable actuation feature allows you to personalize your keystroke sensitivity to match your gaming style, offering an unparalleled level of control and responsiveness. The inclusion of a comfortable palm rest ensures that long gaming sessions are enjoyable and strain-free. Moreover, the underside cable routing keeps your setup tidy and organized, minimizing clutter and distractions. However, a minor setback is the non-detachable cable. Nevertheless, with its exceptional performance and feature-rich design, the Apex Pro stands out as a remarkable choice for avid gamers. To see how this model stood up to others in our lineup, check out our gaming keyboard review.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product SteelSeries Apex Pro | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Adjustable Actuation | Best for Razer Enthusiasts | Best Overall Gaming Keyboard |  Best on a Budget | Best on a Tight Budget |
| Price | $210 List $177.99 at Amazon | $230 List $229.99 at Amazon | $250 List $169.99 at Amazon | $80 List $69.99 at Amazon | $45 List $36.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An affordable keyboard that falls short when it comes to specific gaming key combinations | This keyboard has a wonderful layout that is highly customizable | A keyboard with a comprehensive range of features and customizable options | A budget option that is feature packed for those who still seek more from their gaming keyboard | An uncomplicated yet efficient mechanical keyboard suited for budget-conscious users |
| Rating Categories | SteelSeries Apex Pro | Razer BlackWidow V4... | Corsair K100 RGB | Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT | Redragon K552 |
| Lighting Customization (35%) | |||||
| Performance (25%) | |||||
| Convenience (20%) | |||||
| Key Assignment and Macros (15%) | |||||
| Palm Rest (5%) | |||||
| Specs | SteelSeries Apex Pro | Razer BlackWidow V4... | Corsair K100 RGB | Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT | Redragon K552 |
| Measured Dimensions (L x W X H) | 17-3/8" x 5-1/2" x 1-1/2" (with palm rest 8-1/4" wide) |
18-5/16" x 6" x 1-11/16" (with palm rest 8-13/16" wide) | 18-1/2" x 7-1/2" x 1-3/8" (with palm rest 9-5/16" wide) |
18-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 1-5/16" (with palm rest 9-1/16" wide) |
13-7/8" x 4-7/8" x 1-1/2" |
| Measured Cable Length | 75" | 76-1/4" | 70" | 72-5/8" | 72" |
| Size Options | TKL Full-size (tested) |
Full-size | Full-size | Full-size | TKL |
| Switch Type | OmniPoint | Razer Green (clicky) Razer Yellow (Linear) [tested] |
Corsair OPX (tested) Cherry MX Speed |
Rubber Dome | Brown (tested) Blue Red |
| Lighting Type | Per-Key | Per-Key | Per-Key | Per-Key | Individual |
| Underside Cable Routing | Left, Center, or Right | No | No | No | No |
| Cable Location | Left/Center | Left | Center | Center | Center |
| USB Passthrough | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Extra Keycaps Included | No | No | Yes, 10 | No | No |
| Key Rollover | 104-key rollover 100% Anti-ghosting |
N-key rollover Anti-Ghosting |
N-key rollover 100% Anti-Ghosting |
12-key rollover Selective with Anti-Ghosting |
N-key rollover Anti-Ghosting |
| Proprietary Software Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dedicated Macro Keys | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Included Palm Rest? | Yes, magnetic | Yes, magnetic, RGB | Yes, magnetic | Yes, clip-in | No |
| Media Keys | Dedicated | Dedicated | Dedicated | Dedicated | Through Function (Fn) |
| Number of Presets | Yes | 11 | 10 | 10 | 18 |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The SteelSeries Apex Pro impresses with exceptional performance, such as adjustable actuation and macro control. The non-detachable cable is a minor setback; still, this remains a solid choice for avid gamers.
Performance Comparison
A dedicated media button gives the Apex Pro an edge.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Lighting Customization
The lighting customization of the SteelSeries Apex Pro gaming keyboard unveils a captivating world of possibilities. Our testers delved into its array of options, seeking the ultimate gaming ambiance. The overall ease of customizing proved satisfactory, though newcomers might face a slight learning curve before fully unleashing their creativity. While onboard OLED screen controls offer straightforward adjustments, intricate configurations find their home in the software.
A standout feature is the level of customization, granting users substantial control over the keyboard's luminous display. Per-key customization elevates personalization to an extraordinary level, ensuring each gamer can leave their unique mark on the keyboard. With an abundance of presets and a vibrant spectrum of colors, crafting the perfect visual symphony becomes a reality.
The Apex Pro comes with a removable palm rest.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The reactive layer feature adds a touch of magic, producing captivating ripple effects that flow across the keys in mesmerizing hues. Layering these effects allows for enchanting combinations, immersing users in a dynamic gaming experience.
The keyboard predominantly illuminates the letters, accompanied by a subtle ambient glow at the top of the keys. This thoughtful approach enhances visibility without overwhelming the user with excessive lighting.
The keyboard primarily lights up the letters while delicately casting an ambient glow at the upper edge of the keys.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Apex Pro gaming keyboard demonstrates its prowess with exceptional results. For this metric, we analyzed the N-Key-rollover and latency performance of the keys.
The N-Key-rollover and anti-ghosting capabilities impressed our testers. With an impressive 104-key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting, this keyboard smoothly handled over 40 simultaneous key presses during testing. Whether you're executing complex combos in a fast-paced game or typing furiously in a heated battle, the Apex Pro ensures each keystroke is accurately registered, delivering a seamless and reliable gaming experience.
The latency performance, likewise, proved highly commendable. Thanks to the innovative OmniPoint 2.0 switches equipped with state-of-the-art magnetic sensors, the keyboard achieves instant and zero-contact keystroke activation. This means you can swiftly execute commands with lightning speed, giving you a competitive edge in intense gaming scenarios.
Lighting-fast speed is what we are looking for in a gaming keyboard.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Convenience
In terms of convenience, the SteelSeries Apex Pro gaming keyboard proves to be a well-rounded and user-friendly option, excelling in several key areas.
One standout feature is the availability of multiple switch types, including the innovative OmniPoint switches. Users can benefit from the adjustable actuation distance, providing a customizable typing and gaming experience. While the tactile switches lack this feature, the availability of adjustable actuation on the Apex Pro sets it apart.
Keycap swapping is another convenience offered by the keyboard. With a standard + sight attachment for the mechanical switches, users can easily swap out switches to suit their preferences, further enhancing the keyboard's versatility.
Our tester found that the Apex Pro was quite convenient.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
When it comes to media control, the Apex Pro offers dedicated media buttons, allowing users to control playback and volume without leaving their gaming session. However, the setup for these buttons might feel a bit unusual, and the volume roller's resistance could be improved for smoother operation.
Additionally, the keyboard features a USB passthrough, which is a welcome addition for users who need quick access to a spare USB port. While it's convenient to have this feature, it's worth noting that the USB port is on the left side, which might require some adjustment for those used to having it in a different location.
USB passthrough allows for great cable managment.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Key Assignment and Macros
This Apex Pro gaming keyboard excels with its versatile functionality, earning an impressive score in this metric.
Upon testing, the keyboard exhibited a user-friendly interface for programming macros. Although it may take a bit of time to grasp the full potential, the ability to change key presses without redoing the entire macro is a convenient feature.
User-friendly macro creation is always a welcome addition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The programmable buttons, while in a sentence view format, allow for easy editing of delays. The option to select from recorded, fixed, or no delay, as well as the ability to freely switch between them, adds a layer of customization to suit individual preferences.
On-the-fly macro creation is possible with a simple and intuitive process. Holding the SteelSeries button and F10 initiates recording, typing in the desired combination, and ending it by pressing the same buttons. This feature greatly enhances in-game versatility, allowing you to execute complex moves effortlessly.
On-the-fly macro creation is a huge plus, especially when embroiled in a heated match.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The macro layout, though not as intuitive as some other software, remains straightforward with keybindings, meta bindings, actuation, dual bindings, dual actuation, illumination, OLED, and settings neatly arranged.
One notable downside is the lack of additional Macro buttons, but the keyboard cleverly labels the Ins, Home, PG UP, Del, End, and PG DN keys as M1-M6, offering an alternative for macro enthusiasts.
Palm Rest
The SteelSeries Apex Pro gaming keyboard boasts an impressive palm rest that received well-deserved praise from our testers. They were delighted with the thoughtful design and comfort it provided during extended gaming sessions.
The palm rest offers a good angle and width, ensuring it gets close enough to the keys for a comfortable gaming experience without feeling cramped. Many gamers, including those with smaller hands, found this width to be the most comfortable for various games.
What sets this palm rest apart is its simple magnetic attachment, providing easy and secure placement. The durable soft-touch finish further enhances the comfort, making typing and gaming a pleasure for extended periods.
The Steel Series palm rest stands out as the best.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Moreover, the height-adjustable tilt legs offer flexibility for three ergonomic options: flat, half, and full extension. This feature allows gamers to position the keyboard optimally, promoting comfortable play even during prolonged sessions.
Should You Buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro?
The Steel Series Apex Pro offers gamers a highly customizable keyboard at a competitive price. From its adjustable palm rest to its impressive macro capabilities, late-night game night on discord has never felt easier. Although this keyboard fails to be our number one pick, it offers a well-rounded portfolio that is suited for top-tier gaming performance.
What Other Gaming Keyboards Should You Consider?
Although the Apex Pro is certainly not a sub-tier budget item, its competitive pricing does come at a relative cost in performance when factoring in other keyboards on the market. If you desire the very best of the best, we recommend you check out our Corsair K100 RGB review. However, if you want a barebones mechanical keyboard that does not break the bank, then our Redragon K552 review will not disappoint.
—
Austin Palmer and Jared Eastlick
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