Tuesday, September 6th 2022

SteelSeries Outs the Apex 9 Mini Keyboard with Optical Switches and 0.2ms Response Time

by
btarunr
 Discuss (22 Comments)
SteelSeries today released the Apex 9 Mini, a 60% format gaming keyboard that boasts of the fastest response-times among all keyboards from the company. SteelSeries refers to it as their "fastest keyboard ever." The keyboard features OptiPoint optical switches that offer 33% faster actuation time than leading optical keyboards in the market, and combined with the onboard electronics, translate response-times as low as 0.2 ms. The switch design also offers zero-debounce. Other key features include Double Shot PBT keycaps, ARGB lighting, a detachable USB-C cable, and an aviation-grade Series 5000 aluminium top-plate. Available now, the Apex 9 Mini is priced at USD $149.99.

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22 Comments on SteelSeries Outs the Apex 9 Mini Keyboard with Optical Switches and 0.2ms Response Time

#1
AM4isGOD
Is this not a 60? I thought 65's had the arrow keys.
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#2
GreiverBlade
AM4isGODIs this not a 60? I thought 65's had the arrow keys.
i was about to mention that after checking the pictures :laugh:
indeed 65% have arrows and extra side keys (usually PgDown/PgUp/Delete/§)
if it had the F keys above the numbers, it could have been a modified 65% tho ... but that's not the case, it's a 60%

this is a 65%

not sure i would pay 2 time the price of that one to get Optical swappable switches and an Aluminum top plate but loose the extra keys, BT5.0/RF conectivity
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#3
AM4isGOD
GreiverBladei was about to mention that after checking the pictures :laugh:
indeed 65% have arrows and extra side keys (usually PgDown/PgUp/Delete/§)
if it had the F keys above the numbers, it could have been a modified 65% tho ... but that's not the case, it's a 60%

this is a 65%

not sure i would pay 2 time the price of that one to get Optical swappable switches and an Aluminum top plate but loose the extra keys, BT5.0/RF conectivity
I think 65% is the best size
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#4
Hxx
AM4isGODI think 65% is the best size
Best size for … you ? Lol there is no “best” size
Posted on Reply
#5
AM4isGOD
HxxBest size for … you ? Lol there is no “best” size
hence "i think" being my opinion, not yours or any one elses
Posted on Reply
#6
GreiverBlade
HxxBest size for … you ? Lol there is no “best” size
yep "i think" is akin to "IMHO" in the end ... and yeah, IMHO, 65% is the best size, after testing numerous full and TKL that ended with a GMMK just before that 65% DK440R

there is a best, for everyone :p but no one is the best either (you can be good nonetheless :laugh: )

(sidenote: i love the claim of "world champion/best", even if the whole population of the world would agree, which is highly unlikely, if i decide to disagree then it's not the "world champion/best" )
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#7
DeathtoGnomes
I'm a huge fan of optical keys, although push length can be shorter than the old keys. Hair trigger is best way to describe it.
Posted on Reply
#8
529th
A true successor to the TKL Apex Pro would of been the addition of 8000Hz polling rate, shorter total key travel distance, and an optical key with adjustable actuation point.
Posted on Reply
#9
PapaTaipei
This design is 100% trash for pgm. You want the kb to take as little space as possible on the x axis, what they did is they also butchered the y axis by removing the F1-12 keys. What you also want for pgm is to have the kb as heavy as possible.

Don't tell me this is not designed for pgm btw, it has fastest switch and it comes from steelseries. Btw not even sure those switches are good as they might come a point they become too sensitive.
Posted on Reply
#10
evernessince
PapaTaipeiThis design is 100% trash for pgm. You want the kb to take as little space as possible on the x axis, what they did is they also butchered the y axis by removing the F1-12 keys. What you also want for pgm is to have the kb as heavy as possible.

Don't tell me this is not designed for pgm btw, it has fastest switch and it comes from steelseries. Btw not even sure those switches are good as they might come a point they become too sensitive.
The switches have an adjustable actuation distance so ultimately the user decides how sensitive they want their KB.
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#11
DeathtoGnomes
evernessinceThe switches have an adjustable actuation distance so ultimately the user decides how sensitive they want their KB.
How is that done?
Posted on Reply
#12
thestryker6
evernessinceThe switches have an adjustable actuation distance so ultimately the user decides how sensitive they want their KB.
Yes, and no it's a toggle between two options not user defined. The Wooting keyboards have complete user control over the entire range of actuation.

From their website for the Apex 9:

2-point Actuation

Adapt to any game by changing the registration depth from a fast 1mm light press to an accuracy-focused 1.5mm keystroke.
Posted on Reply
#13
evernessince
DeathtoGnomesHow is that done?
Sorry I was confusing these with OmniPoint switches (this has OptiPoint apparently). OmniPoint or Lekker switches operate on the hall effect, which means the keyboard can detect the position of the key press along the actuation range.
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#14
DeathtoGnomes
evernessinceSorry I was confusing these with OmniPoint switches (this has OptiPoint apparently). OmniPoint or Lekker switches operate on the hall effect, which means the keyboard can detect the position of the key press along the actuation range.
So does that mean manually adjust or software? KB switches are not my strong point, the most I know about any switches is mechanical or optical...:D
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#15
evernessince
DeathtoGnomesSo does that mean manually adjust or software? KB switches are not my strong point, the most I know about any switches is mechanical or optical...:D
Thankfully it's done via the software.
Posted on Reply
#16
DeathtoGnomes
evernessinceThankfully it's done via the software.
ACK! If it was a one time load software, change setting, unload the software, I could live with that.
Posted on Reply
#17
80-watt Hamster
PapaTaipeiThis design is 100% trash for pgm. You want the kb to take as little space as possible on the x axis, what they did is they also butchered the y axis by removing the F1-12 keys. What you also want for pgm is to have the kb as heavy as possible.

Don't tell me this is not designed for pgm btw, it has fastest switch and it comes from steelseries. Btw not even sure those switches are good as they might come a point they become too sensitive.
What is PGM? Google was no help.
Posted on Reply
#18
PapaTaipei
80-watt HamsterWhat is PGM? Google was no help.
Pro gamer
Posted on Reply
#20
JustBenching
DeathtoGnomesSo does that mean manually adjust or software? KB switches are not my strong point, the most I know about any switches is mechanical or optical...:D
I had the full version apex pro, it was done through software. You could get the actuation point so low that - slightly hovering resulted in a key press
Posted on Reply
#21
Chomiq
DeathtoGnomesACK! If it was a one time load software, change setting, unload the software, I could live with that.

Basically same switch type.
Posted on Reply
#22
TomGamer
I like TKL keyboards, which is available from Steelseries, too.
Posted on Reply
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