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Welcome back to Reviews Inside TV, where we explore the latest in gaming gear, tech, and everything that makes your digital experience that much better. Today, we’ve got a keyboard that’s catching a lot of eyes—the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL. This compact mechanical gaming keyboard packs some serious punch with its OLED smart display, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy build, and customizable RGB backlighting. But does it deliver on the hype? Let’s take a closer look.
First off, the Apex 7 TKL is designed for gamers who want a high-performance keyboard without the full-size footprint. The “TKL” in the name stands for tenkeyless, meaning it’s minus the number pad, giving you more space to move your mouse around while maintaining all the essential keys. But what really sets it apart from the crowd is that OLED smart display. This isn’t just a flashy feature; it’s an actual command center that allows you to track important in-game stats, adjust your settings, and even control apps like Spotify or Discord—all without having to minimize your game. This is a game-changer for players who like to keep an eye on their performance without breaking focus.
Now, let’s talk build quality. The Apex 7 TKL boasts an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame. This isn’t just marketing fluff—it feels incredibly solid and durable. The sturdy metal construction ensures that this keyboard is built to last, withstanding even the most intense gaming sessions. It’s clear that SteelSeries has invested in long-term durability here. It’s not only stable, but it also feels premium in the hand, offering a sense of security and reliability that you don’t always get from more affordable plastic keyboards.
Moving on to the key switches, the Apex 7 TKL features SteelSeries’ own linear red switches. These are designed to be smooth and quiet, making them great for those who prefer a silent, responsive typing experience. There’s no noticeable click noise when you press the keys, which is ideal for late-night gaming or streaming without disturbing others. If you’re looking for a more tactile feel, though, you might want to look into other switch options, as these are best suited for gamers who want fast and quiet keystrokes.
One feature that’s hard to overlook is the RGB illumination. We’re talking full customization here, with 16.8 million colors per key. Whether you’re a fan of flashy, dynamic lighting or you prefer a more subdued glow, the options are almost limitless. You can sync the lights with your game, so you’re not just seeing a rainbow display—you’re seeing a reflection of your in-game actions, from health bar changes to weapon selections. This level of customization really helps you make the keyboard your own.
Comfort-wise, the magnetic wrist rest is a huge plus. It’s designed to support your palms and give you an ergonomic feel during those marathon gaming sessions. The magnetic design makes it easy to attach and detach, and it provides just the right amount of cushion, reducing strain on your wrists. It’s one of those features you don’t realize you need until you use it, and then you’ll wonder how you ever gamed without it.
Now, I want to talk about my personal experience with the Apex 7 TKL. Setting it up was straightforward, and I was able to get everything running in minutes. I tested it across a few different scenarios—ranging from high-intensity FPS games to more casual MMORPGs. During fast-paced combat sequences, I found the linear switches to be responsive and consistent, and the absence of any clicky feedback made it easier to focus on the game rather than the noise of my keyboard. The OLED display was a standout feature for me, especially when I had Discord and Spotify open. Being able to adjust volume or check my ping without leaving the game was incredibly convenient. The keyboard also held up well with long gaming sessions; it didn’t feel like my hands were cramping up thanks to the wrist rest.
But, let’s be real for a moment. As much as the Apex 7 TKL shines in several areas, it does have a few areas that may not suit everyone. While the TKL design is great for saving space, it might not be ideal for those who still prefer the number pad, whether for work or gaming. The absence of dedicated media control buttons can also be a downside if you frequently adjust music or video settings during gameplay. Some users might find the lack of extra keys for quick macros a bit limiting, especially if you’re used to having more programmable buttons. And if you’re someone who prefers more tactile feedback from your switches, the linear reds might feel a bit too soft for your taste.
In terms of value for money, the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL isn’t the cheapest keyboard on the market, but it does offer a premium experience that justifies the price. Its durable build, smart OLED display, and customizable RGB lighting make it a strong contender in the higher-end gaming keyboard market. If you’re comparing it to other keyboards in this range, you’re getting a lot of value in terms of longevity, features, and overall performance. You might find similar features in slightly cheaper models, but the Apex 7 TKL’s build quality and OLED display really set it apart from the competition.
Speaking of competition, the closest alternatives to the Apex 7 TKL would be the Logitech G Pro X and the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2. Both of these keyboards feature customizable lighting and responsive switches, but they lack the integrated OLED smart display that the Apex 7 TKL offers. The Logitech model comes with swappable switches, which gives it a slight edge in terms of customization, but it doesn’t offer the same real-time on-screen feedback. Meanwhile, the Corsair K70 RGB is similar in build quality and offers dedicated media controls, but it’s a full-sized keyboard, which takes up more desk space.
In terms of build quality, the Apex 7 TKL is definitely built to last. The aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame should provide years of solid service, and the keys feel stable under each press. I haven’t seen any reports of long-term issues, and based on SteelSeries’ reputation for high-quality products, I feel confident that this keyboard will hold up over time.
As for customer support, SteelSeries has a decent track record in that department. While I haven’t had to reach out for support myself, the brand has consistently received praise for its responsiveness and helpfulness. If anything does go wrong, you can expect quick resolutions based on their reputation.
So, let’s wrap this up. The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is a fantastic mechanical keyboard for gamers who want a compact, durable, and feature-rich experience. The OLED display is a standout feature that enhances the gaming experience, and the overall build quality gives you the confidence that this keyboard will last through many hours of gameplay. It’s not without its flaws, especially for those who need a number pad or more customizable macro keys, but for those who want a premium, no-nonsense gaming keyboard, this is one worth considering.
If you’re interested in picking up the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL, you can find the link in the comments below. Feel free to drop your questions or share your own experiences with the keyboard if you’ve already tried it out. Thanks for watching, and until next time, don’t forget to keep your setups as epic as your gaming skills!
Available to buy here:
