Product Description
Make the first move with the incredibly fast Apex 9 Mini gaming keyboard. Boasting swappable OptiPoint optical switches that actuate 33% faster than the leading optical keyboard, adjust the actuation point between a fast 1mm for gaming and 1.5mm for deliberate typing on this compact 60% keyboard.
Dimension
Product Height : 1.58 inches
Product Width :11.53 inches
Product Depth :4.02 inches
Product Weight :1.34 ounces
Features
Play at the Speed of Light Outpace leading optical keyboards with 33% faster actuation using custom OptiPoint switches with zero debounce and a lightning-fast 0.2ms response time.
Compact 60% Form Factor Streamlined design saves desk space and leaves more room for mouse movement, retaining full-size keyboard capabilities with side-printed functions.
Durable PBT Keycaps Long-lasting and fadeproof double shot PBT keycaps provide a high-quality texture for enhanced keystroke feel as well as improved typing accuracy.
What's Included
Apex 9 Mini 60% Wired OptiPoint Adjustable Actuation Switch Gaming Keyboard with RGB Lighting
Product Manual
Reviews
-
A very capable keyboard
The Steelseries Apex 9 Mini packs a lot of punch for what it is mainly a mini gaming keyboard. Being TKL this keyboard is small. But this is not the usual TKL where it is around 80% of a full sized keyboard. The Apex 9 Mini is 60% of the size of 101-key keyboard. That said it can cater for those who just want a small keyboard or those who want a full fledged compact gaming keyboard that they can take anywhere, The Apex 9 Mini aside from its small form factor boasts of linear optical switches and a two-point actuation. In layman’s terms this would roughly translate to gaming mode and timing mode. (I understand other Apex series keyboards have more functionality.) The keyboard has a multi-function key wherein it is used to toggle between modes. And since the so-called “non-essential” keys for gaming are removed, you can also use this toggle key to enable F-key, arrow key and other functions keys capabilities. The keyboard itself is powered and connected via a USB-C to USB-cable. Customization of this keyboard is possible due to the inclusion of swappable optical switches. For your convenience, a switch removal tool (or simply a pair of tweezers) is located at the back/bottom of the keyboard. Further customization of the keyboard isuch as changing light patterns, function/macro keys are made possible by a downloadable app called the Steelseries Engine via the website. And to add some durability a steel/aluminum front plate is included int he keyboard. And eventually typing fairy comfortable. And while the Steelseries Apex 9 Mini may not be my prefferred keyboard style (pretty much I’m still a 101-key keyboard guy), I would rank it favorably because in spite of it’s small size, it can deliver much of what games want. For this reason, I am highly recommending this keyboard.
-
Great little gaming keyboard
This keyboard is packaged well. I like the USB-C port on the left which keeps it out of the way and makes it seem almost like it is wireless. I also like the keycap puller on the bottom of the keyboard under the rubber flap which is a nice touch. The 60% layout can take some getting used to, but for gaming specifically its excellent to have that extra mouse room on side, and all the functions of a standard TKL keyboard are secondary functions on the 60% layout. The compact size also helps make a desk setup look nicer. For me using a 60% layout, the most noticeable thing is the arrow keys are mapped to the secondary function of the WASD keys, so it may take some getting used to for arrow keys. Typing quality feels very premium. The PBT keycaps are lightweight but have an excellent "grip" feel to them and don't attract fingerprints. The optical switches are extremely smooth. The SteelSeries software has a "gaming" and "typing" mode for the switch actuation depth. For me, there is actually a difference. I find typing mode has less typos but still is highly responsive, and gaming mode delivers that extra split second responsiveness while gaming. I played a few rounds of counter strike and other FPS games and the keyboard is highly responsive and excellent for gaming. The spacebar and shift/return/delete key stabilizers are very stable and quiet with no grainy feeling. The removable switches are an awesome feature to see on a consumer keyboard. The SteelSeries software has a lot of extra stuff but the keyboard customization is straightforward and works well. The RGB lighting is excellent and shines through well on each key. The secondary functions for the 60% layout are printed in high contrast white font. Overall I really like this keyboard. The optical switches work well and the gaming/typing modes are awesome to see. The typing experience is great and the PBT keycaps feel excellent.
