What you need to know
- SteelSeries launches new Apex Pro keyboard with configurable switches.
- Change actuation of switches between 0.4mm and 3.6mm.
- New Apex 7 & Apex 7 TKL keyboards announced with blue, red and brown switches.
SteelSeries announced the world's first gaming mechanical keyboard with configurable actuation. Instead of having just one actuation point when the switch will actuate, registering a click, this new keyboard will let you choose when this occurs. The higher the actuation, the longer the press is required. Being able to adjust this without changing keyboards is incredibly useful.
The new OmniPoint switch from SteelSeries is fully adjustable between 0.4mm and 3.6mm. The Apex Pro comes in two versions, one full-sized keyboard and a ten-key-less (TKL) variant for those who don't require the number pad and additional keys. Why this is such a big deal is for gamers who use their keyboard for different genre of games and some other productivity tasks too.
Playing CS:GO may require quicker key presses for the intense action, while a more relaxed strategy title or MOBA would be better suited to a longer actuation point for accuracy. How this works is through the use of magnetic sensors that allow for highly accurate adjustments to be made on the fly. These sensors are also said to be better for response times so it should be a better experience overall.
As well as the new magnetic OmniPoint switches, the Apex Pro comes rocking an OLED display, which can be used for notifications from games and apps or show what level of actuation the keyboard is currently set to. Changing the actuation point can be carried out using the SteelSeries Engine software. Design-wise, the new Apex Pro is made from aircraft-grade aluminum for a sleek-looking finish and enhanced durability.
As you'd expect with a gaming keyboard, RGB lighting is installed, as well as five onboard profiles that are saved directly to the hardware. A magnetic wrist pad can be attached to the keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience.
The Apex Pro will be available on June 11 for $200 with the TKL version arriving later in 2019 for $180.
And if you don't need OmniPoint switches
As well as the new Apex Pro keyboards, SteelSeries also announced the new Apex 7 and Apex 7 TKL keyboards. While these do not come with the company's fancy new magnetic OmniPoint switches, there is a choice between blue, red, and brown switches.
These two mechanical gaming keyboards will be released in stages with the red switches available in June, while blue and brown versions will come later in 2019. The full-sized Apex 7 will cost $160 and the TKL $130.
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