after owning this keyboard for a few months now, i recommend anyone buying it to download the software to do the firmware update and then uninstall the software. you can enable rapid trigger and set the actuation point on board. the software is such a buggy mess and takes anywhere from 5-6% of cpu utilization, which will make a difference in esports games
is rapid trigger where the second you start lifting the key it stops the key press even if your not back up past the acuation point? like the exact same as wootings?
Got mine 2 weeks ago as well. No issues until today. All of a sudden it just SPAMS which causes Windows to crash. It seems to be rapid trigger related, but I cannot find any fixes besides setting the actuation much higher :(
@@stqui There is a fix that probably will work, it's called ''Calibration Mode'' you can search it up on youtube as ''Apex pro mini spamming keys fix'' or smthing
In my opinion, there are only two major downsides to this keyboard; 1 - You have to have the SteelSeries app (which the app is bloatware btw) open all the time to keep all custom features enabled such as custom RGB layouts. 2 - I wish the switches were quieter, maybe closer to MX Reds would've been really nice.
You can actually change the switches but I mean since its soldered to the board it might be a pain in the ass. I think itd be nice if Steelseries just makes a web based software
My nephew bought this one yesterday, it started opening up apps by itself the X stayed red the colors weren't changing at all. It was like it's possesed or something. Got a new one today same story so it's going back.
Had the apm for 7 months now and what I can say is there are (tiny) bugs from time to time with the software, but they seem to be fixed relatively quickly. Other than that the socd feels the exact same to me as the wooting which I have used for over a year. So in general its the exact same hardware as the wooting but a bit less reliable. no major issues though, never had a switch break or anything. (also the cable on the apm is phenomenal.) It all comes down to which you prefer in your hand.
One of mine broke after updating firmware for rapid trigger and the one I’m using now bugged out for a little after updating. I ordered a wooting because there are waay to many reviews saying that they have the same issues with their pro mini. When it works it’s on par with the wooting and it’s been working for a month now. The 2 month wait for the wooting is also a good reason for buying this one but I just got scared of it breaking again.
it seems like its a hit or miss, I asked steelseries if theres any difference with early and latest apex pro batches and they said it's the same thing. Not sure what's causing some units to not work properly with the latest firmware update. I have mine plugged in my USB 3.2 port and it's working flawlessly.
@@khensationalReviews I plugged both of them into usb 3 ports because I heard that lower speeds can sometimes bug out keyboards, more specifically rapid trigger keyboards.
I've had two Apex Pro TKL 2023 keyboards start spamming keys. I'm talking to support now about the second one. I'll never buy another product from Steelseries. It's going to be painful to throw this almost $200 keyboard in the trash where it belongs.
On my keyboard there is no option to change actuation? I got apex 9 mini but in the engine where u change it I only have the option for key binding meta bringing and settings?
I believe the Apex 9 Mini doesn't have any rapid trigger feature since it uses optical as opposed to the Apex Pro versions which uses the OmniPoint Magnetic Switches.
where did you buy it? I'm sure you'd be fine since you're getting the latest batches and also the firmware seems to be flawless. Please let me know how your keyboard is
Guys can you help me?I got the apex pro mini but it sounds reallllyyy badddd. I heard the apex pro mini on other streams and it sounds way better. What should I do?
Sorry I'm not sure how this keyboard works on xbox. I suppose since it has on board memory you can configure rapid trigger in your PC. I think Gaming Mode only disables windows key.
It's about the same. Although I have an issue with drunkdeer not registering inputs during fast inputs sometimes. Also Drunkdeer support is also pretty meh
It might be best to save for the wooting, They sent me one and after testing it, it does give you a peace of mind when it comes to performance. Also the customization option is really nice. The out of the box experience is decent and on par with the apex pro mini but don't expect something out of the ordinary. It feels like any other gaming keyboard and the lekker 60 kinda feels like Gateron Yellows to me.
yeah right now it's just best to buy something with a Gateron PCB likeWooting 60HE. New keybs like Nuphy Air 60 HE comes with Jades. IMO I love Jades switches alot and I'd get something with those switches out of the box.
@@khensationalReviews thing is i have a 170euro voucher for fnac in france but they dont stock wootings, only steelseries and razer pretty much, i want an optical gaming board but dont think any are hot swappable so idk
we're getting HE keyboards at wooting price point(custom boards ..... excluding akko's but akkos is already half the price lol) soon tldr custom board HE >> wooting :D
Yes there's plenty of HE boards coming out soon like the Keychron and Rakka. I've seen a latency test that the Rakka actually has the lowest latency and even beats Wooting.
@@khensationalReviews wooting takes ages to deliever and I only have 180 eur price budget for the apex pro mini. im in germany rn just for vacation so yeah. idk which is better in smoothness of the clicks and stuff
Wooting is in stock right now and takes a bout a week to ship. One thing I don't like about the Apex Pros and even huntsman V3s is that the switches are soldered. With Wooting you can customize it however you like.
Just put the rapid trigger above 0.1 even wooting keyboard can’t use it cuz it will give you ghost inputs wooting has theirs set to 0.15 minimum so just set yours to 0.2
1 week after buying it and flashing it it started mashing random buttons on its own, shame because its such a good keyboard even the guy that opened my ticket in the support said and I quote "Since we do not have an ETA for this, I would get a replacement. Thanks" I was asking about a possible firmware update fixing this bug but even they recommend getting an RMA 😭
This was a known issue with this product. I think it might just be a faulty firmware. I wish you can factory reset this keyboard and re install the firmware.
@@khensationalReviews not was... STILL IS and they haven't fixed it, i can't revert the firmware either so im still holding onto this thing that cost me 150 usd and i can't get a return or a meaningful refund since I live outside the US
I have to ask if this is still worth the purchase, after hearing all about the glitches that has been happening with this keyboard, I'm suddenly holding back buying it It's truly a shame though - it really is a good keyboard as an alternative, but it's worth not risking your money on just a broken software. I still wish to hear your thoughts though nonetheless, I would appreciate your response on that matter!
Sir I have tried more alternatives and honestly this ain't it no more. I'd wait for Akko Mod007 V3 HE 60% or saving up more for the Wooting. You can also get Waizowl Lightning 60 if you don't mind Raesha boards but Id only pay $99 USD for that. I personally feel like the QC is not that great.
@@khensationalReviews there is one I could still try, which is the razer huntsman v3 pro mini (tkl/mini) keyboard. I know, it isn't a hallow effect switch keyboard, and it's loud. But could still work nevertheless. There were a lot of positive reviews about it, that most popular e-sports players started switch to that. I honestly wanted to try Wooting, but the thing is that their payment methods were limited than what I intended, hence why I am looking for alternatives to the wooting 60he+ and this is one of them. It sucks, but I have to deal with it.
I heard the huntsman v3 pro RT isnt that great. I'd say get YOTD or wait for Rakka 60 or TKL. I really can't recommend the huntsman v3 pro because of the price is just insanely high for what it is. You can also check out the Polar65, I haven't tried that board but I hear good things about it.
like with most main brands the problem is less the product, more their software. But WHY go for the copies when you can buy the original wooting, seriously.
Bro I got apex pro mini the next day when I ordered and my friend got wooting after 2 months. We both play valorant and believe me when I say in game there is no difference but wootility is infinite times better than steelseries gg.
@@khensationalReviews The wooting maybe, but the drunkdeer not so much. The encoder is arguably terrible, possibly even scratchy with massive steps between each turn, key strokes are incredibly light too much so for my liking and lastly the software is very limited in terms of customisation, only around 7-8 preset colours and you can't even adjust them on a colour palate. Very disappointing purchase
yeah till after some time the omnipoint switches act up on you and start pressing random buttons making you have to play on 4.0 till it wont work anymore and they omfg i just fcking hate that stupid shi its so annoying like omggg
Its just an Apex Pro Mini issue. You can buy Wooting, Nuphy, Luminkey, Sikakeyb and etc. Plenty of better options in the market now. Theyre hot swappable.
after owning this keyboard for a few months now, i recommend anyone buying it to download the software to do the firmware update and then uninstall the software. you can enable rapid trigger and set the actuation point on board. the software is such a buggy mess and takes anywhere from 5-6% of cpu utilization, which will make a difference in esports games
💯💯💯
is rapid trigger where the second you start lifting the key it stops the key press even if your not back up past the acuation point? like the exact same as wootings?
@@illhue yes they pretty much copied wooting
@@illhueyes
@@illhueyeah
Got this keyboard yesterday and luckily it didn't glitch out or anything, it's really fast and amazing.
Glad you like it :)
Got mine 2 weeks ago as well. No issues until today. All of a sudden it just SPAMS which causes Windows to crash. It seems to be rapid trigger related, but I cannot find any fixes besides setting the actuation much higher :(
@@stqui There is a fix that probably will work, it's called ''Calibration Mode'' you can search it up on youtube as ''Apex pro mini spamming keys fix'' or smthing
Sorry for the late reply , I think it's best to just return it. I have tried something better than the apex pro mini at the same price range actually.
What's that ?
In my opinion, there are only two major downsides to this keyboard; 1 - You have to have the SteelSeries app (which the app is bloatware btw) open all the time to keep all custom features enabled such as custom RGB layouts. 2 - I wish the switches were quieter, maybe closer to MX Reds would've been really nice.
You can actually change the switches but I mean since its soldered to the board it might be a pain in the ass. I think itd be nice if Steelseries just makes a web based software
the omnipoint switches are way quieter and feel better than mx reds lmao.
My nephew bought this one yesterday, it started opening up apps by itself the X stayed red the colors weren't changing at all. It was like it's possesed or something. Got a new one today same story so it's going back.
Was it happening after installing the firmware update?
With the first one before the update. And with the new one after, also the lights didn't go as they should've.
same here i got the exact same problem idk how to fix it i got mine for like 280 usd@@pinda0020
Had the apm for 7 months now and what I can say is there are (tiny) bugs from time to time with the software, but they seem to be fixed relatively quickly. Other than that the socd feels the exact same to me as the wooting which I have used for over a year. So in general its the exact same hardware as the wooting but a bit less reliable. no major issues though, never had a switch break or anything. (also the cable on the apm is phenomenal.) It all comes down to which you prefer in your hand.
One of mine broke after updating firmware for rapid trigger and the one I’m using now bugged out for a little after updating. I ordered a wooting because there are waay to many reviews saying that they have the same issues with their pro mini. When it works it’s on par with the wooting and it’s been working for a month now. The 2 month wait for the wooting is also a good reason for buying this one but I just got scared of it breaking again.
it seems like its a hit or miss, I asked steelseries if theres any difference with early and latest apex pro batches and they said it's the same thing. Not sure what's causing some units to not work properly with the latest firmware update. I have mine plugged in my USB 3.2 port and it's working flawlessly.
@@khensationalReviews I plugged both of them into usb 3 ports because I heard that lower speeds can sometimes bug out keyboards, more specifically rapid trigger keyboards.
I've had two Apex Pro TKL 2023 keyboards start spamming keys. I'm talking to support now about the second one. I'll never buy another product from Steelseries. It's going to be painful to throw this almost $200 keyboard in the trash where it belongs.
@@RG-hn6dg that’s exactly what was happening to me.
@@RG-hn6dghad my original tkl for 3 years and no issues. Just look after your stuff
What was the Rbg colorway you were using in the video?
I forgot but thats default
Does switches feel smooth and light like gateron red i tried razer huntsman mini red linear and found abit heavy im used to gateron red ?
Yes. Imo it's better than Razer's Optical Switches. It's not as light as a Silver Mech Switch I would say it's closer to reds
Im getting for Christmas im so excited
Hope you enjoy it, it's a very nice keyboard from steelseries :)
Can you recommend a headset that doesn't need to install the manufacturer's software?
Give me a budget then I can
On my keyboard there is no option to change actuation? I got apex 9 mini but in the engine where u change it I only have the option for key binding meta bringing and settings?
I believe the Apex 9 Mini doesn't have any rapid trigger feature since it uses optical as opposed to the Apex Pro versions which uses the OmniPoint Magnetic Switches.
Only for apex pros
I have this keyboard. What sucks is some of the keys don't sync with the RGB and idk how to fix that
I have a question, what cable is that could you send me a link?
Its just a paracord usb-c cable that came with my Pulsar mouse.
Ima just take the gamble and pray my keyboard works perfectly when it gets here.
where did you buy it? I'm sure you'd be fine since you're getting the latest batches and also the firmware seems to be flawless. Please let me know how your keyboard is
@@khensationalReviews I ordered it off best buy since it's out of stock everywhere right now, it arrives Jan 5th I'll let you know then.
@@khensationalReviews I just got it and it's pretty much perfect. Didn't expect the keycaps to have the texture it does, I like it.
@@akito4105enjoy :)
Guys can you help me?I got the apex pro mini but it sounds reallllyyy badddd. I heard the apex pro mini on other streams and it sounds way better. What should I do?
Probably mod it to your liking. I think for a gaming keyboard it sounds decent.
Mid it with a tape mod on the pcb which is very easy and hard to mess up also but some lube and lube the stems and stabilizers
Bro... this guy's voice sounds like Colby Convington :D Nice vid btw.
can i put the rapid trigger on 0.1? and also how do i click the f keys on it and the arrows?
Yes, regarding your 2nd question you need to hold the FN Key then you can use the 2nd layer
@@khensationalReviews can you say to me how to put the rapid trigger on 0.1? do i need to install a software or going on a website... i need help
@@khensationalReviews there is no fn key on the mini
yes there is, it's the steelseries icon
@@khensationalReviews ohh ok, what about the 0.1 trigger question? how do i set it
How do I factory reset it? I need help asap
what is the rgb setting called?
It's default or out of the box rgb setting
im on xbox and using the keyboard i put it in gaming mode by pressing the buttons on The kb but what is the response time if i set it to gaming mode?
Sorry I'm not sure how this keyboard works on xbox. I suppose since it has on board memory you can configure rapid trigger in your PC. I think Gaming Mode only disables windows key.
HOW DO U MAKE UR RGB LOOK LIKE THAT MINE IS DARK AND I CAN BARELY SEE THE COLORS mb for caps to laaazy to cchange it
You can configure the brightness in the software
what mode is ur lights on ur keyboard i like
Sorry I can't remember what it's called but that is default. It might be the wave
@@khensationalReviewswhere do i go to change that on software, and how do u not remember?
@@reidmiller4018not everybody pays attention to little details lil bro
I personally don't use RGB and its something thats not important so 😆
@@Arcticlips uz is lil bro
How do you factory reset ?
When ever i try to open gg softweware i get the blue scroll wheel for a millisencond and it doesnt open i need help
try reinstalling it
This or razor huntsman v3?
Neither. Halo65HE w/ Jades Pro or Luminkey Magger68 HE Pro with discount coupon. They clear both Apex Pro Mini and Huntsman V3 by a mile.
great review gang, what you thinkin about the polar65
They told me there's few subscribers.
i got mine couple days ago, its so nice
Do find the performance better or worse than the drunkdeer?
It's about the same. Although I have an issue with drunkdeer not registering inputs during fast inputs sometimes. Also Drunkdeer support is also pretty meh
which should i buy? apex pro mini or wooting 60he+
If you can afford the wooting then id go for the wooting
@@khensationalReviews the keyboard is cheap but I have to pay so much tax so idk
It might be best to save for the wooting, They sent me one and after testing it, it does give you a peace of mind when it comes to performance. Also the customization option is really nice. The out of the box experience is decent and on par with the apex pro mini but don't expect something out of the ordinary. It feels like any other gaming keyboard and the lekker 60 kinda feels like Gateron Yellows to me.
I’m on console will I be fine with this keyboard?
Sorry I cant really answer this since I'm not a console user. I think it should work, I dont see why it wouldn't.
So what happens when the switches die, this isnt hot swappable right?
Ah you mentioned it nvm, no hotswap means no buy
yeah right now it's just best to buy something with a Gateron PCB likeWooting 60HE. New keybs like Nuphy Air 60 HE comes with Jades. IMO I love Jades switches alot and I'd get something with those switches out of the box.
@@khensationalReviews thing is i have a 170euro voucher for fnac in france but they dont stock wootings, only steelseries and razer pretty much, i want an optical gaming board but dont think any are hot swappable so idk
Why do you want an optical board?
@@khensationalReviews I wanna use the features of fast trigger or snap tap? And apparently they’re faster and smooth
can us do custom settings for xbox?
Sorry I do not have an xbox but I think it doesnt support xbox.
I lost my usba cable usbc if I use another usbc will it work still in the software engine
Yes
Which has better performance, this or polar65?
Ive never tried polar65 but I hear really good things about it
@@khensationalReviews do you know the lowest distance rapid trigger sensitivity for the polar 65? I’ve searched and haven’t found anything. Thanks
we're getting HE keyboards at wooting price point(custom boards ..... excluding akko's but akkos is already half the price lol) soon
tldr custom board HE >> wooting :D
Yes there's plenty of HE boards coming out soon like the Keychron and Rakka. I've seen a latency test that the Rakka actually has the lowest latency and even beats Wooting.
its $30 off right now, good enough sale to buy?
If you don't mind not having hotswap sure. IIRC they also just implemented SOCD or Snap Tap like Wooting and Huntsman V3 Pro.
based keyboard based reviewer
which is better tkl or mini
It's personal preference. Personally if you're in the market right now I highly recommend saving up more and just buy a Wooting 60HE+
@@khensationalReviews wooting takes ages to deliever and I only have 180 eur price budget for the apex pro mini. im in germany rn just for vacation so yeah. idk which is better in smoothness of the clicks and stuff
Wooting is in stock right now and takes a bout a week to ship. One thing I don't like about the Apex Pros and even huntsman V3s is that the switches are soldered. With Wooting you can customize it however you like.
Not even an hour after using it my keyboard starts to spaz out 😭
that's very unfortunate, this happens to some units apparently. You can try get a replacement and update the firmware on it again.
Just put the rapid trigger above 0.1 even wooting keyboard can’t use it cuz it will give you ghost inputs wooting has theirs set to 0.15 minimum so just set yours to 0.2
1 week after buying it and flashing it it started mashing random buttons on its own, shame because its such a good keyboard even the guy that opened my ticket in the support said and I quote "Since we do not have an ETA for this, I would get a replacement.
Thanks"
I was asking about a possible firmware update fixing this bug but even they recommend getting an RMA 😭
This was a known issue with this product. I think it might just be a faulty firmware. I wish you can factory reset this keyboard and re install the firmware.
@@khensationalReviews not was... STILL IS and they haven't fixed it, i can't revert the firmware either so im still holding onto this thing that cost me 150 usd and i can't get a return or a meaningful refund since I live outside the US
Did u have any issues with the actuation tab? I got the keyboard and I can’t see the actuation section
@@hyrochen1502 update? Did they ever fix this issue?
wherw i can get the apex pro mini
Amazon or bestbuy
You're my favorite Reviewer
I have to ask if this is still worth the purchase, after hearing all about the glitches that has been happening with this keyboard, I'm suddenly holding back buying it
It's truly a shame though - it really is a good keyboard as an alternative, but it's worth not risking your money on just a broken software.
I still wish to hear your thoughts though nonetheless, I would appreciate your response on that matter!
Sir I have tried more alternatives and honestly this ain't it no more. I'd wait for Akko Mod007 V3 HE 60% or saving up more for the Wooting. You can also get Waizowl Lightning 60 if you don't mind Raesha boards but Id only pay $99 USD for that. I personally feel like the QC is not that great.
@@khensationalReviews there is one I could still try, which is the razer huntsman v3 pro mini (tkl/mini) keyboard. I know, it isn't a hallow effect switch keyboard, and it's loud. But could still work nevertheless. There were a lot of positive reviews about it, that most popular e-sports players started switch to that.
I honestly wanted to try Wooting, but the thing is that their payment methods were limited than what I intended, hence why I am looking for alternatives to the wooting 60he+ and this is one of them. It sucks, but I have to deal with it.
I heard the huntsman v3 pro RT isnt that great. I'd say get YOTD or wait for Rakka 60 or TKL. I really can't recommend the huntsman v3 pro because of the price is just insanely high for what it is. You can also check out the Polar65, I haven't tried that board but I hear good things about it.
@@khensationalReviews I appreciate the recommendations, thank you so much for all the valid information!
You're welcome sir. Hope you find the keyboard for you.
my broke after about 10 months W switch just didnt work
Contact them, they should send you a replacement or maybe repair it
like with most main brands the problem is less the product, more their software. But WHY go for the copies when you can buy the original wooting, seriously.
Wooting cost about $300 cad with shipping and import for me + wait time and it's really not affordable to most people.
Steelseries is half the price + i can go out and grab it today bro
wooting is expensive af
so much more expensive heavier actuation force
Bro I got apex pro mini the next day when I ordered and my friend got wooting after 2 months. We both play valorant and believe me when I say in game there is no difference but wootility is infinite times better than steelseries gg.
type-c link?
This is just a USB C Paracord cable that came from my Pulsar mouse.
Great review. What cable is that? is it custom?
Thank you and this cable is from an old Pulsar mouse. Its just a Paracord USB C
Honestly, i might slip it in
bro you are so underated
Thank you. I try my best but it's not enough.
drunkdeer and wooting are still better tho
My drunkdeer has an issue.
@@khensationalReviews what is the issue?
@@breadles5 I made a video about it, it's just sometimes the keyboard feels like it doesn't have any anti ghosting and it stops detecting inputs
🐐
@@khensationalReviews The wooting maybe, but the drunkdeer not so much. The encoder is arguably terrible, possibly even scratchy with massive steps between each turn, key strokes are incredibly light too much so for my liking and lastly the software is very limited in terms of customisation, only around 7-8 preset colours and you can't even adjust them on a colour palate. Very disappointing purchase
yeah till after some time the omnipoint switches act up on you and start pressing random buttons making you have to play on 4.0 till it wont work anymore and they omfg i just fcking hate that stupid shi its so annoying like omggg
i dont recommend magnetic switches to anyone unless your up to buy a new one in about a year
Its just an Apex Pro Mini issue. You can buy Wooting, Nuphy, Luminkey, Sikakeyb and etc.
Plenty of better options in the market now. Theyre hot swappable.
Apex pro mini sounds horrible🤮🤢
Worst keyboard
How
Based on what