Apex 9
SteelSeriesReleased Aug 31, 2022 · Analysis updated Feb 8, 2026
Gaming keyboard with hot-swappable optical switches, per-key RGB lighting, and a compact sturdy design. The SteelSeries Apex 9 scores 80/100 based on 15 expert reviews in the gaming keyboards category. Coverage includes reviews from Techgaming, Gamingtrend, Reviewed, and Cgmagonline.
Critic Score
What's this?based on 15 expert reviews
Pros
- Hot-swappable switches(13)
- Per-key rgb lighting(8)
- Good for both gaming and typing(5)
- Compact pbt keycaps(4)
- Compact design(3)
Cons
- Limited to optipoint switches only(4)
- Expensive for a wired keyboard(3)
- No wireless connectivity(2)
- Only white leds(2)
- Unpleasant typing experience(2)
15 Publication Reviews
AI summary of this review
Met de Apex 9 TKL levert SteelSeries een optisch mechanisch toetsenbord in een lekker handzaam formaatje.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The Steelseries Apex 9 TKL is just an all around fantastic keyboard.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is an excellent, customizable gaming keyboard that provides a pleasurable experience for both gaming and productivity.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is the ideal compact keyboard for gamers that value speed, accuracy, and portability above all else, and who are willing to put in the extra time to configure it to work ar...
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is a responsive optical gaming keyboard with a compact 60% size that's great for gaming and typing, though the software is intrusive and the switch removal tool is fiddly.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is a wonderfully constructed keyboard that sets the bar for 60% designs.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
SteelSeries' Apex 9 Mini is a 60% form-factor keyboard with fast and responsive optical switches that packs a lot of performance in a very small package.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a wired gaming keyboard with SteelSeries OptiPoint Optical switches, offering adjustable actuation points between gaming and typing, i.e when you need those super fast respon...
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL gaming keyboard is a safe, yet solid bet
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The SteelSeries Apex 9 boards provide some of the most responsive gaming and optimally accurate typing I've experienced.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is an excellent pick for a gaming keyboard that gives you everything you need to compliment and enhance your gaming sessions.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL offers hot-swappable optical switches with 2-point actuation and solid build quality, but its typing experience is compromised by light actuation force and shallow travel.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The Apex 9 TKL is a solid gaming keyboard in a compact form factor, but it lacks any real standout features to put it above the competition.
Score estimated from the review text
AI summary of this review
The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL offers a streamlined design and great build quality at a decent price, but its hyper-sensitive actuation makes typing unpleasant and gaming problematic for certain genres.
Score estimated from the review text
