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Welcome back to Reviews inside TV! If you’re a gamer, streamer, or someone who just loves high-performance tech, today’s review might be the one you’ve been waiting for. We’re talking about the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Mechanical USB Gaming Keyboard. Now, what makes this keyboard stand out? Let’s break it down.
The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard that boasts some impressive features aimed at gamers and those who appreciate precision and style in their peripherals. With an OLED smart display, it promises more than just your standard keyboard functionality. This display can show profiles, game information, Discord messages, and even Spotify track details, making it more interactive than most keyboards out there.
But that’s just the beginning. The build quality of this keyboard is remarkable, thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum alloy used in its construction. SteelSeries claims that this makes the Apex 7 TKL virtually indestructible, offering durability that can last through intense gaming sessions or even long hours of work. It’s tough, sleek, and designed to withstand the test of time.
Let’s talk about the customization options—this keyboard offers an incredible 16.8 million illumination colors per key. So, if you’re someone who loves personalizing their gear, this is where the Apex 7 TKL really shines. You can set up your own color schemes for each key, creating a setup that matches your style or mood.
Now, in terms of usage, setting up the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is fairly straightforward. Plugging it into your PC via USB is all it takes, and once you do, the keyboard’s onboard memory allows you to store your settings directly on the device. No need to rely on software when you’re switching between systems.
In real-world use, the Apex 7 TKL really excels in its tactile feedback. The mechanical key switches deliver a satisfying “click” that many gamers and typists enjoy. Whether you’re gaming, coding, or writing, the response time is instant, and there’s no noticeable lag when you press a key. It’s fast, responsive, and feels solid under your fingers.
When it comes to gaming, I tested the keyboard with some fast-paced FPS games, and let me tell you, the key presses feel incredibly responsive. Whether I was strafing or trying to get that perfect headshot, the key travel is just right—quick enough to register my commands without feeling too shallow. If you’re into strategy games or MMO’s, the lack of a number pad actually frees up space, giving you more room to move your mouse and work with a larger surface area.
Now, let’s talk about the pros and cons. On the pro side, the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL offers excellent build quality, incredible customization, and that OLED smart display, which is a feature not commonly seen on many gaming keyboards. The tactile switches feel premium, and the keyboard itself is designed to be durable enough to last years of heavy use. The onboard memory for profiles is a real bonus for people who move between computers often, and of course, the RGB lighting options are unmatched in terms of flexibility.
But, no product is perfect, and the Apex 7 TKL does have some drawbacks. First, it’s a bit on the pricier side when compared to other mechanical keyboards. You’re paying for the premium build quality and features like the OLED display, but some might find it a bit too expensive for just those extras. The tenkeyless design, while great for gamers, might not be ideal for those who rely on the number pad for work. Also, while the OLED display is an interesting feature, it’s more of a novelty than something you’ll use every day. If you’re someone who doesn’t care much about customization or extra displays, you may not find it to be worth the extra cost.
When it comes to value for money, the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL sits at a premium price point. But if you’re someone who really values customization, durability, and performance, it’s an investment worth considering. If you’re someone who doesn’t need a fancy OLED display or RGB customization, though, you might find better value with more basic options from other brands at a lower price.
Now, let’s compare this keyboard with some other options in the market. If you’re looking for a solid mechanical keyboard at a lower price, you might want to check out the Corsair K60 RGB Pro or the Logitech G Pro X. Both of these have strong performance, decent RGB lighting, and build quality, but they don’t quite reach the level of customization that the SteelSeries offers. While these are great options in their own right, the Apex 7 TKL has the edge in terms of unique features like the OLED display, which adds a layer of flair and practicality, depending on your use case.
The build quality on the Apex 7 TKL is top-notch. SteelSeries has really put emphasis on durability, and the use of aircraft-grade aluminum is a smart move for ensuring the keyboard can stand up to years of heavy use. The keys themselves have a premium feel, with the mechanical switches giving tactile feedback and a responsive experience. From a longevity standpoint, given SteelSeries’ reputation and the materials used, I’d expect this keyboard to perform well long-term, though it’s worth noting that the RGB lighting and OLED display might experience some wear over time if used heavily.
In terms of customer support, SteelSeries is known for offering good assistance. While I didn’t personally need to contact them during my testing, they have a reputation for responsive service. Many customers report quick reply times, and their online resources are comprehensive, covering most troubleshooting scenarios. It’s a good safety net to know that the brand has your back in case you run into any issues.
If updates are relevant, SteelSeries does push occasional firmware updates for performance improvements or to add new features. But if you’re expecting frequent, game-changing updates, this isn’t one of those keyboards that will constantly be revamped. The updates are typically for minor tweaks rather than significant changes in functionality.
To sum it all up, the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a fantastic choice for gamers who are looking for premium build quality, fantastic customization options, and performance to back it up. While it might not be for everyone, especially if you’re not into RGB lighting or need a number pad, it excels in its core areas. If you value tactile feedback, durability, and a modern aesthetic with a unique OLED display, it’s worth considering, though the price might give some pause. Ultimately, it’s a solid performer that fits well into a premium gaming setup.
Thanks for watching, and if you’re interested in picking one up, check out the link in the comments box. Got thoughts or questions? Drop them below—I’d love to hear from you. And until next time, keep your setups sharp and your keys even sharper.
Available to buy here:
