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SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Optical Switches - 2-Point Actuation - Keyless Compact Size - Removable Switches - US Layout (QWERTY)

SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL

Bottom line: The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL ($146.92 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): OptiPoint optical switches actuate 33% faster than standard optical, 0.2ms response; main trade-off: tenkeyless layout removes the numpad, a problem for spreadsheet and CAD work.

$146.92

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Buy on Amazon — $146.92 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 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ OptiPoint optical switches actuate 33% faster than standard optical, 0.2ms response
  • ✓ 2-point actuation swaps between 1mm gaming press and 1.5mm typing depth
  • ✓ Hot-swappable optical switches let you repair or retune feel without soldering
  • ✓ Double-shot PBT keycaps resist shine and fading better than ABS
  • ✓ TKL layout drops the numpad to free desk space for low-sens mouse swipes

Cons

  • ✗ Tenkeyless layout removes the numpad, a problem for spreadsheet and CAD work
  • ✗ Per-key remapping and actuation tuning require installing SteelSeries Engine software
  • ✗ US QWERTY layout only, so international buyers need a different SKU

Manufacturer description

Take the upper hand over your opponents with the incredibly fast Apex 9 TKL gaming keyboard. With interchangeable OptiPoint optical switches that are 33% faster than standard optical keyboards, set the key recording distance between 1mm for gaming and 1.5mm for word processing. Play like the pros on a TKL format gaming keyboard that frees up space for mouse movements and optimises your configuration. The aluminum structure, identical to that used in aeronautics, is resistant to any test. Unleash the full potential of this keyboard and easily customize it with SteelSeries Engine.

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL 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 1 mm press to a deliberate 1.5 mm keystroke.
  • Swappable Switches — Customize, upgrade, and repair your keyboard by changing the switches to your favorite style of OptiPoint switch.
  • Streamlined TKL Form Factor — Play like the pros with a compact, ergonomic tenkeyless keyboard that leaves more space for broad mouse swipes.
  • 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..The layout of this keyboard is American QWERTY

Full Specifications

BrandSteelSeries
ColorOptical Switches
StyleAmerican QWERTY
ThemeGames or games
LanguageEnglish
Model NameApex 9 TKL
Style NameAmerican QWERTY
Unit Count1.0 Count
Switch TypeOptics
Model Number64847
Power SourceDC power supply
CompatibilitySwitch
Series Number64847
Built-In MediaCap Puller, USB Cable
Number of Keys104
Button Quantity9
Keyboard LayoutQWERTY
Mfr Part Number64847
Processor Count1
Special FeatureBacklit
Full listing titleSteelSeries Apex 9 TKL - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Optical Switches - 2-Point Actuation - Keyless Compact Size - Removable Switches - US Layout (QWERTY)

Ready to buy?

SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Optical Switches - 2-Point Actuation - Keyless Compact Size - Removable Switches - US Layout (QWERTY) 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 — $146.92

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Optical Switches - 2-Point Actuation - Keyless Compact Size - Removable Switches - US Layout (QWERTY)
$146.92
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