The past few weeks have been a great time to try out the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL gaming keyboard. This is because I didn't need to use a full-size keyboard. This keyboard is a tenkeyless keyboard, so it does not have a numeric keypad, but it does have super-fast optical keys that are perfect for gaming.

The Apex 9 TKL has a fairly compact footprint for a tenkeyless keyboard. It has no bezel and almost no outer edge to the keyboard surface. That is, from edge to edge, there is almost no outer edge of the keyboard surface. This already seems small enough, as I don't like that typing experience.

If you're looking for a space saver, this certainly is one. I do so for most FPS games I play, so the compact fit has its advantages. However, I must say that the lack of a numeric keypad is still not my personal preference. Perhaps a keyboard like the Mountain Everest 60 (opens in new tab) has a bit more flexibility thanks to the bolt-on numeric keypad accessory.

But the Apex 9 TKL's small size has another advantage: it's cheaper than SteelSeries' full-size offerings; the Apex 9 TKL costs $140, while SteelSeries' full-size board costs over $160. However, the Apex 9 TKL's price tag makes it an expensive option compared to other standard numeric keyless boards, largely because of its optical keyswitches and PBT keycaps.

For those who may not yet know, optical keyswitches are activated by light when a key is pressed. This is in place of the more traditional mechanical contacts found in Cherry MX switches, for example. The advantages of optical keys over mechanical keys include debounce, actuation time, and response time; SteelSeries' OptiPoint optical switches do all of these very well.

These OptiPoint switches also offer a choice of two actuation points for all keys. The OptiPoint switches also offer a choice of two actuation points for all keys: the more standard 1.5 mm, or the faster 1 mm. The latter is for fast-paced gaming, while the former is for more precise typists; the two modes (Gaming Mode and Typing Mode) can be toggled via the SteelSeries GG app or by holding down the SteelSeries logo key and pressing either I or O.

Eventually, the OptiPoint switches will be available for use with the SteelSeries GG app.

As it turns out, this feature tends not to be messed with very often. I leave the keyboard in gaming mode and endure typing mistakes. Not that I make mistakes, of course.

OptiPoint switches have the advantage of being removable on the Apex 9 TKL, but being optical, their hot-swap capability is somewhat limited. Removed switches must be replaced with matching ones, which means more OptiPoint switches. Whereas regular hot-swappable mechanical switches can be replaced for any flavor or feel, OptiPoint switches can be replaced for any flavor or feel.

Indeed, I still feel that many of the major companies using optical switches do not offer the same flexibility as the original Wooting One (opens in new tab). This was my first real taste of what extensions optical switches can offer, and it was all very well done. Actuation points, special keystroke shortcuts, and analog inputs are all on board, as are the other benefits of optical switches that the Apex 9 TKL maintains. Wooting no longer uses optical switches, preferring instead Hall effect switches with similar functionality, but this experience with boards that really take advantage of optical input has always left me wanting more from recent optical keyboards from major brands.

The typing experience on the Apex 9 is also not my favorite. While it responds quickly to gaming and typing, the clacking sound of the Apex 9's keys hitting the switch housing just doesn't resonate with me. It sounds like a minor thing, but keyboard clacking is kind of a big deal. I am one of them.

However, there is one thing I absolutely love about the Apex 9's construction. It has PBT keycaps and a neatly hidden PBT keycap puller. Lift the rubber tabs on the back of the board and you will find the keycap puller underneath, neatly tucked away for future use. I have never needed a keycap puller in an emergency, but I have looked around for a keycap puller to keep my desk tidy.

As for the PBT keycaps, they are basically made of long-lasting plastic and should not break easily. Likewise, the Legend should not wear out over time.

On the other hand, I am less impressed with the volume wheel on this board. It is very thin compared to many others and seems to need more space to expand further. Similarly, I initially thought that the independently lit button below the volume wheel was some sort of multi-function button that could be programmed in the GG application, but it is not. It is simply a play/pause button that, oddly enough, lights up with a white LED and cannot be programmed to any other color in the app. The rest of the board lights up in whatever color or pattern you want, so if that's going to happen, I'd rather it not light up at all.

Ultimately, the Apex 9 TKL has its pros and cons. It's certainly not a bad keyboard by any means, and functionally, it really delivers the core features I expect from a compact gaming device quite nicely. It's just not that spectacular, and there are definitely features I'd like to see more of in SteelSeries' optical switches. I also think the GG app could be a little smarter looking. But as I said, this product has the bare essentials for a competitive tenkeyless keyboard.