SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 - Review and Hands On

I spent time with the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 and wanted to share a straight-to-the-point, practical breakdown of what this keyboard delivers. At roughly $180 it sits at the higher end of the mechanical keyboard market, so this review focuses on how that price is justified: build quality, unique features, real-world feel, and whether it is worth buying for competitive gamers or anyone who wants a top-tier board right out of the box.

Table of Contents

• Who is this keyboard for?
• Overview - sizes, color, and basic options
• Build quality - solid, premium materials
• Wrist rest, cable, and other accessories
• Keycaps and switches - PBT caps and OmniPoint 2.0
• Big differentiator - Dual actuation and software
• Media controls and the OLED display
• RGB and lighting control
• What I liked
• Potential downsides
• Should you buy it?
• Quick setup and maintenance tips
• How adjustable are the actuation points on the OmniPoint 2.0 switches?
• Is the keyboard hot-swappable?
• Does the keyboard work on Mac?
• Can I use the OLED screen for custom images or stats?
• Is the wrist rest included and how does it attach?
• Final thoughts

Who is this keyboard for?

The Apex Pro TKL is clearly aimed at competitive and pro gamers who want every advantage they can get - think tournament play or serious ranked sessions where milliseconds matter. That said, it also fits anyone who wants a premium, highly customizable keyboard. If you are the kind of person who values a solid, no-compromise typing and gaming experience, this keyboard can be overkill in a good way.

Overview - sizes, color, and basic options

The Apex Pro 2023 comes in three sizes: TKL (tenkeyless), mini, and full size. I tested the TKL model, which removes the number pad but keeps arrows and navigation keys. I prefer smaller formats like TKL or mini because they keep your mouse closer to the keyboard and reduce awkward arm spread when gaming.

• TKL - compact without a numpad, great for most gamers
• Mini - minimal layout, best for small desks and close mouse positioning
• Full - standard layout with numpad for productivity users

The keyboard is only offered in black. It is a neutral, clean look that will match most setups.

Build quality - solid, premium materials

This thing feels like a tank. The base is rigid thanks to an aircraft-grade aluminum backplate. There is virtually no flex in a bend test - it stays rock solid. The metal surface has a cool-to-the-touch matte finish that looks understated and holds up to daily use.

Flip the board over and you find practical touches designed for long-term use: rubber grips at the corners and center where pressure is applied, two-height adjustable feet for tilt preferences, and a small storage compartment for the keycap puller. That compartment is a simple but thoughtful inclusion - it means you always have the keycap puller on hand for cleaning or replacing caps.

Wrist rest, cable, and other accessories

The included magnetic wrist rest has a rubberized finish that is both comfortable and easy to clean. It snaps to the keyboard securely via magnets so it will not separate while you type or game. The braided USB-C cable is detachable, which is a must-have for anyone who likes to swap to a coiled or colored cable for aesthetics. Personally, the bundled cable is excellent and I would likely keep it unless it became damaged.

Keycaps and switches - PBT caps and OmniPoint 2.0

The stock keycaps are high-quality PBT with a concave profile. The concave shape gives a clear natural resting spot for your fingers and the textured surface helps reduce slipping. These are not thin ABS caps - they feel durable and premium right out of the box.

Underneath the caps are SteelSeries OmniPoint 2.0 switches. In my testing they felt linear and similar to conventional red switches - smooth and predictable. The switches are removable, so you can swap them out if you want a different feel or custom switches. For many users though, the stock configuration will be more than fine.

Typing feel and sound

I ran a typing test and found the experience to be fluid and responsive. The switch travel and actuation give a red-like linear experience. Sound level depends on how hard you strike the keys. Tap gently and the board is quiet; hard presses will produce louder mechanical noise. If you need a quiet setup, lighter key presses will do the trick.

Big differentiator - Dual actuation and software

Where the Apex Pro TKL really stands apart is software and the OmniPoint dual actuation system. SteelSeries offers a 2-in-1 action key mode. That means a single physical key can be programmed to perform two different actions depending on how far you press it.

For example, you could configure the W key to register a walk at a light press and a run at a full press. You can set different actuation depths for the two actions in software, enabling highly customized input behavior. For competitive players or power users who want extra control without adding more keys, this is a game changer.

The software allows you to adjust individual key actuation from 0.2mm up to several millimeters, configure dual bindings, create macros, and save profiles. It also supports both Windows and Mac, so customization is broadly accessible.

Media controls and the OLED display

There is a metal dial in the top-right corner that controls volume by default. Pressing it mutes audio. That tactile control is familiar and useful for quick volume adjustments during gameplay or streaming.

The small OLED screen can display an image or useful in-game statistics such as how far switches are being pressed. You can customize the screen contents from the software to show actuation layers, images, or other useful readouts. Out of the box, media control buttons like play and pause require a bit of assignment in the software to work with your preferred keys.

RGB and lighting control

Lighting is fully customizable through SteelSeries software. There are multiple presets and options - single color, color shift, breathing, and more. You can also adjust brightness on the fly using the SteelSeries key plus F11 and F12 for dimming and brightening, respectively.

What I liked

• Rock-solid build with aircraft-grade aluminum backplate
• High-quality PBT keycaps with textured concave profile
• OmniPoint 2.0 switches and dual actuation provide unique control options
• Detachable braided USB-C cable and magnetic wrist rest included
• Customizable OLED screen and robust software for macros and profiles
• Hot-swap capability for switches if you want to mod later

Potential downsides

• Price - at around $180 this is a premium purchase and not for budget buyers
• Media keys may require software setup to behave how you want
• Only offered in black - limited color choices might matter to some

Should you buy it?

If you are a competitive gamer or someone who values top-tier customization and build quality, the Apex Pro TKL 2023 is an excellent option. The dual actuation functionality alone can justify the price for players who can put it to use. For casual users who do not need advanced actuation settings or an OLED, you can find cheaper mechanical keyboards that still offer a solid typing experience.

Overall this keyboard feels like a near-complete package right out of the box. Between the solid chassis, PBT caps, great cable, wrist rest, and advanced software features, you are getting a high level of polish at this price point.

Quick setup and maintenance tips

1. Use the storage compartment under the keyboard to keep the keycap puller handy for cleaning or keycap swaps.
2. Adjust actuation points in the software to match your playstyle - lower for faster taps, higher if you want fewer accidental presses.
3. When cleaning the wrist rest, use a damp cloth or a disinfectant wipe to remove oils and grime.
4. If you want quieter operation, try lighter key presses or look into switch dampeners and O-rings.

How adjustable are the actuation points on the OmniPoint 2.0 switches?

You can tweak actuation depths very precisely in the software. OmniPoint 2.0 supports adjustments from extremely shallow settings to deeper actuation. This allows you to fine-tune each key to register a press from very light taps up to deliberate full presses.

Is the keyboard hot-swappable?

The key switches are removable and the board supports switching them. That means you can replace the stock OmniPoint switches with other compatible switches if you want a different feel or to mod the keyboard.

Does the keyboard work on Mac?

Yes. SteelSeries software supports both Windows and Mac for customization, profiles, and firmware updates.

Can I use the OLED screen for custom images or stats?

Yes. The OLED screen can display custom images and useful statistics like key actuation depth. You control what appears through SteelSeries software.

Is the wrist rest included and how does it attach?

The wrist rest is included. It has a rubberized surface that is easy to clean and attaches magnetically to the keyboard so it stays in place during use.

Final thoughts

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 is a compelling choice for players and power users who want a premium keyboard with advanced input features. The dual actuation system and robust customization software make it uniquely adaptable. While it costs more than many mainstream mechanical keyboards, the quality of materials and clever features make it a worthwhile investment if you will use its capabilities.

If you want a keyboard that feels durable, offers modern conveniences like a detachable braided USB-C cable and a magnetic wrist rest, and brings competitive-level input options to your setup, the Apex Pro TKL 2023 is hard to beat.