I like SteelSeries’ tiniest high performance gaming keyboard, but it’s not the only great magnetic option

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Sometimes, you might prefer a keyboard that’s as small as possible while still maintaining top-notch functionality and all necessary features.

In that regard, devices such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3), a compact wired keyboard, are particularly useful. This gaming accessory is intended for dedicated gamers seeking to maintain a clutter-free workspace.

SteelSeries employs their cutting-edge magnetic switches, which leverage Hall Effect technology, to equip the third-generation Apex Pro keyboards with an abundance of features and customization options, making them stand out among competitors. The Mini model is the most compact within this series.

The Apex Pro Mini, with a 60% layout, exudes modesty and subtlety, yet it doesn’t skimp on impressive features such as customizable actuation points, priority given to the last keypress, dual-stage shortcuts, and numerous additional capabilities.

Although the board is quite impressive, it comes with a significantly high price tag for a wired keyboard, and other brands are now presenting very attractive alternatives.

Apex Pro Mini review: Cheat sheet

  • What is it? A miniature wired gaming keyboard with a compact 60% layout, with advanced features like adjustable actuation.
  • Who is it for? Gamers who need the absolute best in gaming performance and customization, but want it in as small a package as possible.
  • How much does it cost? The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) can be purchased for $219.99 at Amazon. You can also buy this keyboard for $219.99 at Best Buy.
  • What did I like? The intuitive 60% layout, the excellent gaming performance, and the optional software for added customization.
  • What did I not like? The average typing experience, the wired connectivity, and the high price tag compared to the competition.

Apex Pro Mini review: Pricing and specifications

Among SteelSeries’ keyboard selection, the Apex Pro series holds the highest position, making its Mini version a top-tier choice, embodying the best premium quality.

You have multiple options to purchase the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) for $219.99:

1. Purchase it on Amazon.
2. Buy from Best Buy as well, with the same price of $219.99.
3. If you prefer buying directly from the manufacturer, you can get this keyboard at SteelSeries for the same price of $219.99.

This keyboard can currently only be purchased in black, however it’s offered in multiple language layouts. Additionally, it features interchangeable keys and supports replaceable keycaps. The SteelSeries Apex Pro comes in both full-sized and tenkeyless versions (available in wired and wireless configurations).

Inside the box, you’ll discover the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) gaming keyboard, along with a detachable, braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable and a keycap removal tool. The keycap removal tool can be stored beneath the keyboard in a designated compartment for convenient storage.

Apex Pro Mini review: What I like

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is essentially a keyboard that has been intentionally designed to be as space-saving as possible by omitting elements like the tenkey numberpad, dedicated function keys, page navigation keys, arrow keys, extra macro buttons, and multimedia controls, all while maintaining essential functionality.

This compact keyboard excels in every measurement, yet it’s remarkably user-friendly. A distinct SteelSeries button serves as a guide, highlighting all the shortcut keys on the deck. With this feature, you can switch among various onboard profiles, customize the RGB lighting, adjust actuation settings, manage media, navigate pages, utilize function keys, and more effortlessly.

The Apex Pro Mini has a definite learning curve, yet it’s incredibly responsive in every action it performs. The new OmniPoint 3.0 switches from SteelSeries offer additional functions as well, courtesy of the Hall Effect magnetic technology.

These switches are capable of registering any input ranging from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, allowing you to customize their activation and reset points. Additionally, they offer several advanced features such as Rapid Tap, which consistently registers the last key pressed, Rapid Trigger, which senses a key press as soon as you start pressing, and dual-stage activations, where different functions are triggered at varying press depths.

Other keyboards on the market boast comparable characteristics, employing either analog optical switches or magnetic switches of a similar kind. However, SteelSeries stands out with its longevity in this field; their implementation of these features is notably sophisticated.

In essence, the Apex Pro Mini stands out as a top-tier gaming accessory due to its extensive personalization capabilities through software. The SteelSeries GG Engine offers a user-friendly platform that allows for straightforward adjustment of various settings and functionalities.

With this keyboard, you can create personalized profiles, set up unique shortcuts and meta bindings, and transform it into a versatile command center tailored to suit your specific needs and setup.

The performance is top-notch indeed! Keystrokes are immediately responsive without any delay or ghosting issues, ensuring reliable debouncing and N-Key Rollover. Plus, the per-key RGB lighting reacts swiftly to highlight shortcuts or react to on-screen content (when set up), making it exceptionally fast!

As an analyst, I’d rephrase it as follows: The build quality is top-notch, boasting a predominantly matte plastic frame, augmented by a premium aluminum top frame. Notably, SteelSeries has enhanced the keyboard construction with pre-lubricated per-key stabilizers and three distinct sound-absorbing layers, ensuring a superior user experience.

The Apex Pro Mini stays firmly planted due to its rubber feet, and if you prefer a more inclined typing position, there are adjustable stands available. Conveniently, a hidden compartment resides at the base of the keyboard, providing access to the keycap removal tool tucked away behind a silicone cover.

SteelSeries provides various alternative keycap sets in different layouts and languages, as well as allowing you to explore additional customization options from third parties. Yet, the standard double-shot PBT keycaps offer a comfortable, long-lasting feel, with an excellent grip, and they’re great at resisting fingerprints and oil accumulation.

Don’t forget that SteelSeries’ standard keycaps come pre-labeled with keyspecific shortcuts for the Apex Pro Mini’s compact 60% design. If you intend to change these keycaps, bear this layout in mind.

As a bystander, I find that discussing the connectivity and battery life isn’t necessary because this compact keyboard is exclusively wired. However, the premium USB Type-C cable it comes with, which easily connects, is of top-notch quality and provides a secure fit to the Apex Pro Mini.

Apex Pro Mini review: What I don’t like

Instead of dismissing 60% keyboards due to my personal preference for more keys, I must acknowledge that the Apex Pro Mini stands out as a superior representation of designing this compact format effectively.

Here are three aspects I find to be less satisfactory about this keyboard: its price, its connectivity options, and its typing feel. While the RGB lighting could be more vibrant compared to high-end models from Razer and Alienware, it’s a minor concern.

Initially, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) retails at $220. Interestingly, you can opt for the tenkeyless or full-sized versions (complete with wrist rests) for just a $20 increase, and if you prefer the wireless tenkeyless model, it’s an additional $50.

You’ll undeniably discover numerous alternatives that offer better deals, perhaps even boasting additional features or superior hardware personalization options. However, it’s worth noting that the Apex Pro Mini does not support any wireless connectivity, which might be a significant drawback for some users.

I find it disappointing that the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini doesn’t deliver an exceptional typing experience, especially given its high price point. In contrast, other premium keyboard brands have been enhancing typing experiences and providing more sophisticated sounds over the past few years.

It’s particularly noticeable when considering unique, custom keyboard brands such as Keychron, which are focusing more on high-performance gaming aspects. Now, don’t misunderstand me; the Apex Pro Mini is certainly comfortable and precise, and it’s a delight to use — however, given its price tag of $200+, I was expecting slightly better performance.

Apex Pro Mini review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

  • You’re looking for a 60% keyboard with full-sized performance.
  • You can take advantage of the adjustable actuation and other features.
  • You’re more than happy taking time to set up your keyboard’s software.

❌You should not buy this if …

  • You need wireless connectivity.
  • You want the best typing experience and most premium hardware.

Among all the options available, SteelSeries could very well stand out as my top choice for providing your gaming accessories.

In my opinion, while the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) might not be the ultimate keyboard, it remains an exceptional accessory boasting outstanding functionality and a rich array of software capabilities.

SteelSeries has devoted considerable work to ensure that this 60% layout design is both comfortable and user-friendly, while the magnetic switches provide notable benefits compared to conventional mechanical switches.

A wider range of businesses are becoming aware of this technology, with high-end custom keyboard manufacturers producing exceptional gaming equipment on one hand, and gaming corporations increasingly focusing on typing comfort and sound quality on the other.

When you decide to purchase the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) for $219.99 on Amazon, make sure it delivers all the features you require without excessive extras, and you should find it a satisfactory addition to your desk.

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2025-05-04 15:10