SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL

Is this keyboard an apex predator or bottom feeder?

- SAM LEWIS

TEN-KEY-LESS or TKL is often seen as the sweet spot for keyboard form factors. Not too big, not too small, and no messing around with function keys. They’re compact enough so they don’t hog all of your desk space, yet fast enough for a good gaming experience. However, if you work on spreadsheets or use the calculator app, then look elsewhere.

SteelSeries offers a range of TKL boards, the Apex 3 TKL we’ve reviewed previously, the Apex 7 TKL, this Apex 9 TKL, the Apex Pro TKL, and the rangetopping Apex Pro TKL wireless. There’s a lot to choose from, with prices ranging from $45 to $250. This Apex 9 TKL sits in the middle at $140, so is this the model you should focus your attention on?

When it comes to design and quality, SteelSeries definitely hits the mark. Even the cheaper Apex 3 TKL model boasts the brand’s impressive style. As for this Apex 9 TKL, it has a clean all-black look with an aircraft-grade aluminum top plate. This provides great strength and longterm durability for the board. The main construction is hard plastic and the keys are made of double-shot PBT keycaps. The texture provides a decent grip on the keys for less split and more accuracy.