SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL Review: Fast Optical Control

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a compact wired gaming keyboard built around optical switches and two selectable actuation points. It sits below SteelSeries’ Apex Pro range, but borrows the idea that gamers should be able to choose between a lighter, quicker key press and a slightly deeper, more deliberate response. For competitive shooters, that adjustment can matter; for general PC use, the keyboard’s size, key feel and software support are just as important.

This tenkeyless model removes the number pad while keeping the function row, navigation cluster and full arrow-key layout. That makes it a practical fit for Australian desks where space can be tight, particularly in a bedroom setup, home office or shared study. Its wired connection, PBT keycaps and per-key RGB lighting give it a straightforward focus: reliable desktop gaming without wireless charging, battery management or extra connectivity modes.

A Compact Layout With Serious Build Quality

The Apex 9 TKL has the familiar tenkeyless shape, with the navigation keys arranged in a conventional cluster to the right of the main keyboard. There is no dedicated macro column and no number pad, but the layout avoids the cramped compromises found on many 60% keyboards. You still get Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Insert and Delete, which is useful for productivity, file management and editing as well as gaming.

The keyboard’s aluminium top plate gives the chassis a firm, planted feel. It does not flex noticeably during normal use, and the plastic lower shell keeps the overall weight manageable. The detachable USB-C cable is a welcome touch for transport and desk organisation, though the connection remains wired when in use. That is perfectly sensible for a gaming keyboard, since it removes latency concerns and avoids another device that needs charging.

The footprint is small enough to leave more room for a low-sensitivity mouse setup. That matters in games such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant and Apex Legends, where broad mouse movements can push a full-size keyboard out of position. The included adjustable feet provide two elevation options, while the rubber pads help stop the board sliding across a smooth desk.

The keycaps are double-shot PBT rather than thinner ABS, so the legends should resist the shiny wear that develops on frequently used keys. The textured surface also offers a more substantial feel beneath the fingers. The dark finish suits a gaming desk without being excessively loud, and the RGB lighting can be toned down for work or study.

Optical Switches And Adjustable Actuation

The main feature is SteelSeries’ OptiPoint optical switch technology. Instead of relying on traditional metal contact leaves, each switch registers a key press through light. This design allows a fast response and reduces the physical contact points inside the switch. The Apex 9 TKL uses linear optical switches, so key travel is smooth rather than tactile or clicky.

Actuation can be set to either 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm. At 1.0 mm, the key registers with a very light press, which suits rapid movement, repeated strafing and quick ability inputs. The 1.5 mm setting requires a little more travel and is less prone to accidental activation when resting fingers over movement keys. The difference is easy to feel, even though it is less extensive than the wider adjustment range offered by an Apex Pro.

The short actuation setting is best treated as a specialist gaming mode rather than the ideal setting for everything. It makes the keyboard feel exceptionally eager, but users with a heavy hand may trigger nearby keys while repositioning fingers. For WASD movement, crouch, jump and reload, that responsiveness can feel excellent. For writing, spreadsheets and general desktop use, 1.5 mm is the safer everyday choice.

There is no conventional hot-swap socket system for freely mixing standard mechanical switches. That is an important distinction for keyboard enthusiasts who like changing between tactile, linear and clicky options. The benefit here is consistency: every key uses the same optical switch style, and the actuation profile can be changed through software rather than by opening the board.

Gaming Performance And Response

In fast games, the Apex 9 TKL feels immediate. The 1.0 mm setting gives movement keys a crisp response, and releasing a key also feels quick because the switch has a relatively short travel before the input stops registering. That can make counter-strafing and rapid direction changes feel cleaner, although it will not compensate for poor timing or network latency.

The keyboard supports full N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, so pressing several keys together does not create unreliable inputs. This is useful in games that combine movement, crouching, sprinting, voice chat and item commands. The wired USB connection also keeps the setup simple. There is no Bluetooth interference to troubleshoot and no wireless polling mode to configure.

A 1000 Hz polling rate is standard for a modern gaming keyboard. It is adequate for high-refresh monitors and competitive play, although the practical difference between a good 1000 Hz keyboard and a faster model is difficult to notice in normal gaming. The switch response is the more obvious part of the experience.

The compact size works especially well for Australian gaming spaces. A narrow desk in a Brisbane apartment, a shared setup in Melbourne or a small study in Sydney can benefit from the extra mouse room. The keyboard also travels more easily to a LAN event or a mate’s place than a full-size board, though the detachable cable should be packed securely to avoid losing it.

The limitation is customisation depth. The two-point choice is useful, but players who want separate actuation for every key will need an Apex Pro or another Hall effect keyboard. The Apex 9 provides a clear performance option rather than a complete analogue-style control system.

Typing Feel, Noise And Daily Comfort

Linear switches make the Apex 9 TKL pleasant for users who dislike a bump or click in the middle of each press. The key travel feels smooth, and the PBT caps give fingers a stable surface. There is enough resistance to avoid the soft, overly sensitive sensation of some ultra-light gaming switches, particularly at the 1.5 mm setting.

It is still a gaming keyboard, so the acoustic character will not suit everyone. The optical switches produce a clean mechanical clack on the downstroke, while the larger keys can add stabiliser noise. It is quieter than a clicky board, but it will remain audible in a shared room, during late-night sessions or when a microphone is positioned close to the desk.

The stabilisers on the space bar, Shift and Enter keys are reasonably controlled, though they are not completely silent. A desk mat helps reduce the sharper sound that can come from the keyboard transferring vibration into a hard tabletop. That is worth considering in Australian homes with timber, laminate or glass desks.

The TKL layout is comfortable for gaming because the mouse sits closer to the main key area. For long typing sessions, comfort will depend on the user’s preferred wrist position. There is no prominent wrist rest included, so a separate padded rest may be worthwhile for anyone who spends a full workday at the keyboard.

The lack of a number pad is a benefit for desk space but a drawback for finance work, data entry and frequent numeric input. Buyers who regularly use spreadsheets, accounting software or a PIN pad should consider whether a separate USB number pad would be more practical than moving to a full-size gaming keyboard.

SteelSeries GG Software And Australian Value

SteelSeries GG is used to configure the Apex 9 TKL. It allows users to select the 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm actuation setting, assign functions, manage profiles and customise per-key RGB lighting. Profiles can be associated with games, making it possible to keep a fast setup for a competitive shooter and a less sensitive profile for everyday typing.

The software is capable, although it can feel broader than necessary if the only goal is to change lighting or switch actuation. GG also includes other SteelSeries features and services, which may be useful for owners of several products but can add clutter for someone buying a single keyboard. Once the board is configured, most users will not need to open it regularly.

Pricing is the deciding factor. Australian retail prices can shift significantly between launch promotions, clearance sales and major events such as Click Frenzy or EOFY deals. The Apex 9 TKL has appeared through Australian electronics and PC retailers including JB Hi-Fi, Amazon Australia, Scorptec and PLE, but stock and pricing vary. Checking the final delivered price is important because local GST, shipping and warranty terms can change the apparent bargain.

Australian buyers should also confirm whether the listing is supplied by an authorised local seller. A proper Australian warranty and support path are worth paying a little extra for, particularly with a keyboard that uses a proprietary optical switch design. The board’s USB power requirements are uncomplicated, so there is no special mains-voltage concern when moving between home and office setups.

Value depends on what you need from the switches. If adjustable actuation, compact dimensions and a firm wired connection are priorities, the Apex 9 TKL offers a focused package. If you want wireless operation, per-key analogue control, extensive macro hardware or a hot-swappable switch system, competing keyboards may provide better long-term flexibility.

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a strong choice for gamers who want faster-feeling inputs without moving to an expensive enthusiast keyboard. Its 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm actuation options are easy to understand, the TKL format leaves useful desk space, and the PBT keycaps improve the everyday experience. It is less compelling for users who expect deep key-by-key tuning or extensive hardware customisation, but its restrained feature set also makes it easier to live with.

For competitive PC gaming, especially with a low-sensitivity mouse, the keyboard’s optical switches deliver a responsive and consistent feel. Set it to 1.0 mm for maximum speed or 1.5 mm for a more forgiving daily profile, then use SteelSeries GG to create game-specific settings. Check Australian pricing and warranty coverage before buying, and consider the Apex 9 TKL when compact size and selectable actuation matter more than wireless freedom or enthusiast-level switch swapping.