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SteelSeries New Apex 9 Mini – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – 60% Compact Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycap

SteelSeries New Apex 9 Mini

Bottom line: The SteelSeries New Apex 9 Mini ($129.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): 33% faster OptiPoint optical actuation, 0.2ms response; main trade-off: 60% layout offloads arrows and F-row to side-printed layers.

$129.95

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Buy on Amazon — $129.95 Compare to similar gaming peripherals

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For keyboards, mice, headsets and other PC peripherals, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 33% faster OptiPoint optical actuation, 0.2ms response
  • ✓ Hot-swappable OptiPoint switches for upgrades and repair
  • ✓ 2-point actuation: 1mm gaming vs 1.5mm typing
  • ✓ 60% form frees desk space for wide mouse sweeps
  • ✓ Fadeproof double-shot PBT keycaps with textured feel

Cons

  • ✗ 60% layout offloads arrows and F-row to side-printed layers
  • ✗ No numpad or dedicated navigation cluster
  • ✗ OptiPoint sockets fit only SteelSeries optical, not MX
  • ✗ Premium price point for a compact 60% board

Manufacturer 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.

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored SteelSeries New Apex 9 Mini using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the gaming peripherals category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key 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.
  • 2-point Actuation - Adapt to any game by changing the registration depth from a speedy, light 1mm press to a deliberate 1.5mm keystroke.
  • Swappable Switches - Customize, upgrade, and repair your keyboard by changing the switches to your favorite stye of OptiPoint switch.
  • 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.

Full Specifications

BrandSteelSeries
ColorRgb
StyleEsports Mini
ThemeRainbow
Model NameApex 9 TKL
Style NameEsports Mini
Unit Count1 Count
Switch TypeLinear
Model Number64837
Power SourceCorded Electric
CompatibilitySwitch
Series Number64837
Built-In MediaKeycap Puller, USB Cable
Number of Keys61
Button Quantity19
Keyboard LayoutQWERTY
Mfr Part Number64837
Number of Items1
Number of Packs1
Special FeatureBacklit, Hot-Swappable
Full listing titleSteelSeries New Apex 9 Mini – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – 60% Compact Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycap

Ready to buy?

SteelSeries New Apex 9 Mini – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – 60% Compact Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycap is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $129.95

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

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SteelSeries New Apex 9 Mini – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – 60% Compact Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycap
$129.95
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