SteelSeries is launching a new version of the Apex Pro TKL mechanical gaming keyboard and it comes with some pretty nice upgrades. Most significantly is the updated wireless connection capability. On this new Apex Pro TKL model, SteelSeries swapped out the old tech for the lag-free 2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Dual Wireless. That’s a whole lot of flashy-sounding words to make up a spiffy, fancy name. So here’s what that means and why it’s a good thing.
In short, it means performance on the new Apex Pro TKL wireless will feel like the performance on a wired model. With, as SteelSeries claims, “absolutely no packet loss.” Even if you aren’t a professional player and you simply like to play competitively, this can make a big difference in games.
Additionally, SteelSeries says this new tech features ultra-low latency. Using an in-house developed over-the-air ‘handshake algorithm confirmation protocol’ that “confirms 100% that the signal is sent and received up to 20% faster.” So basically, key presses are recognized quicker than before.
SteelSeries’ new Apex Pro TKL comes in a wireless and wired model
If wireless keyboards aren’t your bag, no worries. SteelSeries offers a wired model of the new version as well. The wireless model retails for $249.99 and the wired model is $189.99. Both are spendy, but you can save $60 going with the wired version.
Both versions of the keyboard feature SteelSeries’ OmniPoint 2.0 technology for dual actuation points. You can use this to set up two actions per key. Say you want your ‘W’ key to be not only for regular forward movement. But, also for running. With the OmniPoint 2.0, you can set the forward movement to activate at a soft 0.2mm actuation. While a running actuation can be set on the same key with a deeper 3.8mm key press.
Imagine, regular movement and running in the same key. Now think about all the other in-game actions you could double up, and essentially cut down how many different keys you’d have to use for controls.
While the wired model of the keyboard connects through a detachable USB-C cable, the wireless model can connect either through the included 2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Dual Wireless dongle or through Bluetooth 5.0. And both versions have a small OLED smart display in the top right corner for displaying things like in-game details and chat in real-time. Both keyboards are on sale as of today and can be picked up directly from SteelSeries, and from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
Discussion about this post