# SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard Review
Verified Specifications
After thorough testing, here are the key specs that stand out:
- Dimensions: 17.19 x 5.48 x 1.58 inches
- Weight: 2.1 lbs (970g)
- Button Quantity: 104
- Switch Type: OmniPoint 2.0 (main keys), SteelSeries Red (function row, number keys)
- Actuation Range: 0.1 to 4.0 mm
- Actuation Adjustment Range: 0.4-3.6 mm (for 61 keys)
- Minimum Switch Actuation: 0.4 mm
- Switch Operating Force: 35g (OmniPoint)
- Actuating Force: 45g (SteelSeries Red)
- Switch Response Time: 0.7 ms
- Switch Durability: 100 million keystrokes
- Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
- Cable Length: 1.8 m (detachable USB-C)
- Connectivity: Wired USB-C
- Operating System Support: Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, Linux, ChromeOS
Design, Build & Physical Fit of the SteelSeries Apex Pro
Running your fingers across the keys, you immediately notice the high-quality PBT keycaps. These double-shot caps feel robust, resist abrasion, and keep their matte finish well, avoiding fingerprint smudges. They provide a secure grip, though their texture might feel a touch rougher than standard ABS plastic. The chassis itself feels rock-solid. An aircraft-grade aluminum top plate provides excellent rigidity, pairing well with a high-quality plastic bottom case. There is no noticeable flex during heavy typing sessions. The keyboard weighs 2.1 lbs, making it a stable fixture on your desk. This weight, combined with its full-size 17.19 x 5.48-inch footprint, means it is built for desktop use, not for tossing into a backpack. The integrated magnetic palm rest attaches firmly and offers a soft, pleasant surface. This helps a lot with wrist relief during long typing or gaming sessions. However, it does tend to pick up dust easily, which is not great.
Core Performance & Feel: SteelSeries Apex Pro Switches
Under the keycaps of the main block sit SteelSeries' OmniPoint 2.0 magnetic switches. These are a key part of the Apex Pro's appeal. They allow for an actuation range from an ultra-fast 0.1 mm to a full 4.0 mm. You can adjust this per key, setting it between 0.4 mm and 3.6 mm for the 61 primary keys. This flexibility is a huge plus for tailoring your typing and gaming feel. The switches themselves are super smooth. Any scratchiness often found in linear mechanical switches is gone. Keys feel like they float over the brushed aluminum base. With a light 35-gram operating force, key presses register almost instantly. The manufacturer claims a rapid 0.7 ms response time and a minimum actuation of 0.4 mm. The keyboard polls at 1000 Hz, sending multiple inputs per USB report thanks to N-key rollover. This setup ensures reliable recognition of all simultaneous keystrokes without any blocking.
Power, Battery & Connectivity for the SteelSeries Apex Pro
Plugging in the 1.8-meter detachable USB-C cable establishes an immediate, stable connection. This is a wired-only keyboard, a clear design choice for absolute responsiveness. It does not offer any multi-device wireless options, which means no Bluetooth for tablets or mobile phones. It runs entirely through the USB connection, drawing standard power. There is no internal battery to worry about. For added convenience, a USB passthrough port is on the board. This lets you connect another USB-powered device directly, cutting down on cable clutter for things like a mouse or headset dongle. Setup is simple: plug and play. The SteelSeries GG software offers deeper controls, but basic function works right out of the box.
Controls, Software & Daily Maintenance for the SteelSeries Apex Pro
In the top right corner, an integrated OLED screen pairs with an aluminum rotary wheel and a navigation button. This acts as a media hub, letting you adjust volume, play/pause tracks, and change key lighting. It also shows system info, profiles, and even Discord messages. You can customize the screen with text or small logos. While there are no dedicated media buttons, this dial and screen combination works well. The function row and number keys do not use OmniPoint switches. They rely on standard linear SteelSeries Red switches, similar to the regular model. You can adjust actuation points and other settings directly on the OLED screen. For a more detailed setup, the SteelSeries GG software (available for macOS and Windows) provides full control. It allows per-key actuation adjustments, dual actuation points, key remapping, meta bindings, and full RGB backlighting effects. Cleaning the board is easy due to the durable PBT keycaps. They resist abrasion and smudges. If you spill something, the board has spill-proof properties. We've seen reports of the circuit board surviving water damage and continuing to work, which is impressive.
How the SteelSeries Apex Pro Compares to Competitors
When stacked against other keyboards, the Apex Pro holds its own, especially with its unique OmniPoint switches. Compared to traditional mechanical keyboards, the Apex Pro offers significantly faster actuation, up to 20 times quicker, and an 11 times faster response. Its OmniPoint magnetic switches are much smoother than typical Cherry MX linear switches, eliminating the scratchiness often felt there. This gives a much more fluid typing and gaming feel.
- Vs. Razer BlackWidow V4 75% and Corsair K70 Max: The Apex Pro's 1000 Hz polling rate is good. However, it falls short of the 8000 Hz offered by some top competitors like the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% and Corsair K70 Max. For the most demanding competitive players, this difference might matter.
- Vs. SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL: If you prefer tactile switches for general typing, the Apex 7 TKL, with its SteelSeries Brown switches, might be a better pick. The Apex Pro uses linear OmniPoint switches, which are great for speed but lack tactile feedback. The Apex 7 TKL also comes in clicky Blue or linear Red options.
- Vs. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2: The Apex Pro shines with its per-key pre-travel customization, offering a very quick gaming experience. The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is a solid board, but it's limited to a variety of standard switches without the same level of granular actuation control.
What I Like & What Could Be Better (Pros & Cons)
This keyboard has some clear strengths and a few areas for improvement. Let's break down what works and what doesn't:
What I Like:
- Adjustable Actuation: Per-key adjustment from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm is truly innovative, letting you dial in responsiveness for different tasks or games.
- Quiet & Smooth Switches: The OmniPoint 2.0 switches are exceptionally smooth, silent, and eliminate common switch scratchiness. A damping layer makes typing quieter, producing a pleasant "thock" sound.
- Solid Build Quality: The aircraft-grade aluminum top plate and durable PBT keycaps feel premium and hold up well to hard use.
- Customizable OLED Display: The integrated screen is useful for on-the-fly settings, macros, and displaying system info or custom images.
- Programming & Macros: Great for programmers; every key can be programmed, and macros can be recorded on the fly or via software.
- Spill Resistance: Its spill-proof properties are a reassuring feature for everyday desktop use.
What Could Be Better:
- Wired-Only: The lack of wireless connectivity limits its use, especially for mobile devices or HTPC setups.
- Limited Per-Key Actuation: Only 61 keys offer per-key actuation. The numpad and function row use standard linear switches without this advanced feature.
- No Dedicated Media Keys: While the scroll wheel and OLED screen handle media control, dedicated buttons would be more convenient for some users.
- Polling Rate: While 1000 Hz is good, it's slower than some competitors now offering 8000 Hz. For extreme competitive gaming, this might be a factor.
- Wrist Rest is a Dust Magnet: The otherwise comfortable magnetic wrist rest tends to attract and show dust easily.
Who Should Skip This Product
If your setup relies on wireless freedom, this keyboard is not for you. It's strictly wired-only, making it unsuitable for mobile devices, tablets, or home theater PC use. Those who need a truly portable keyboard should also look elsewhere due to its weight and lack of wireless options. If you're on a tight budget, the Apex Pro's premium price tag, starting around the under-$250 tier, might be a dealbreaker. Users who demand dedicated macro keys or traditional, distinct media buttons might also find its integrated OLED control scheme a less ideal fit. Instead, consider a more budget-friendly board like the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL if you need tactile switches or a more general-purpose wireless keyboard for multi-device use.