Which SteelSeries Gaming Keyboard Should You Buy? A Comparison of Their Top Mechanical Models

SteelSeries makes some of the most thoughtfully engineered gaming keyboards on the market, and all three current models deliver genuine value — but they're designed for different setups and budgets. The Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 at £188.99 is the technical flagship with the newest switch technology, the Apex Pro Mini 60% at £170.99 is purpose-built for portable competitive gaming, and the refurbished Apex Pro TKL at £109.99 gives you flagship features at nearly half the price if you don't mind a used unit.

Why SteelSeries?

SteelSeries, founded in 2002 in Copenhagen, has built a reputation for hybrid hardware-software approach that most gaming peripheral makers still don't match. Their Omnipoint switches — the hypermagnetic technology across these three keyboards — are genuinely proprietary: they use electromagnetic sensors instead of traditional mechanical contacts, which means they're programmable down to 0.1mm actuation distance per switch. This isn't marketing fluff; it's the difference between having fixed actuation points (like Cherry MX) and being able to customise every single key independently. They also own their own manufacturing, which explains the consistency.

What separates them from Corsair, Razer, and Logitech is that SteelSeries has prioritised repairability and longevity. Their keyboards use hot-swap switches (you can replace worn switches without soldering), and their software is simpler to navigate than competitors' bloatware.

Top Picks

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 — £188.99

Best for: Competitive players who want the absolute newest generation of Omnipoint switches.

This is the 2024 refresh of SteelSeries' flagship TKL (tenkeyless — no number pad). The Gen 3 update brings a faster response time, refined switch stabilisers, and a marginally improved stabiliser design for minimal key rattle. The keyboard is 85% of full-size (without the numpad), making it portable enough for LAN events but large enough for long gaming sessions. White variant only at this price point. 75g actuation force is standard, adjustable via software.

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini 60% V2 — £170.99

Best for: Esports competitors and anyone who travels with their keyboard.

A 60% form factor (52 keys) makes this about the size of a hardback book. This is the version Valorant and CS:GO pros choose because it minimises desk footprint and fits in a backpack. Same Omnipoint switches and software customisation as the TKL, but with significantly more compact layout — you're using Fn key combinations to access arrow keys and delete. The V2 adds improved keycap material over the V1. If you're moving between venues or desks frequently, this is the practical choice.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (Certified Refurbished) — £109.99

Best for: Budget-conscious players who want Omnipoint switches without the Gen 3 premium.

This is the previous-generation TKL, fully refurbished by SteelSeries. You get identical Omnipoint technology, hot-swap switches, and the same 85% layout — the Gen 3 improvements are incremental (marginally faster response, slightly better stabilisers). For £79 less than the Gen 3, you're getting 95% of the performance. The refurbished units come with a 1-year warranty and have been tested for cosmetic and functional defects. Only available in black.

Quick Comparison

| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | £188.99 | Competitive players wanting latest tech | Newest Omnipoint generation with refined stabilisers | | Apex Pro Mini 60% | £170.99 | Esports pros and portable setups | 52-key compact form factor, tournament-standard | | Apex Pro TKL (Refurbished) | £109.99 | Value buyers prioritising price over newness | Same Omnipoint switches, 1-year warranty, £79 savings |

What to Look For in a SteelSeries Gaming Keyboard

• Actuation distance customisation: Every key can be programmed between 0.1mm and 3.5mm via SteelSeries GG software. This matters if you play multiple game genres — 0.8mm for CS:GO, 1.5mm for Valorant, 2.0mm for slower games. It's impossible with traditional mechanical switches.

• Form factor for your setup: TKL saves 6 inches of desk depth compared to full-size; 60% saves another 4 inches. Measure your desk before committing. TKL is the practical sweet spot for most people; 60% only makes sense if portability is non-negotiable.

• Hot-swap compatibility: All three models use SteelSeries' proprietary hot-swap sockets. You can't use standard Cherry MX switches as replacements — you'll need SteelSeries Omnipoint switches (£12–18 per switch). Factor this into long-term cost if you think you'll replace switches regularly.

• Wired-only: None of these models offer wireless connectivity. If you need Bluetooth or 2.4GHz, these aren't the keyboards for you. SteelSeries hasn't released a wireless Omnipoint keyboard yet.

The Bottom Line

Buy the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 at £188.99 if you want the newest generation and can justify the premium for marginal improvements in switch response speed. If you're budget-conscious and the Gen 3's refinements don't matter to you, the refurbished Apex Pro TKL at £109.99 is exceptional value and comes with warranty protection. For competitive players who travel, the Apex Pro Mini 60% at £170.99 is the only choice — portability at that price point is rare with Omnipoint technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are SteelSeries keyboards better than Corsair or Razer?

It depends what you prioritise. SteelSeries Omnipoint switches are more customisable (programmable per-key actuation), but they're proprietary — you can't swap in cheaper third-party switches. Corsair and Razer keyboards usually support Cherry MX switches, which are cheaper to replace long-term. SteelSeries' software is simpler and less resource-intensive than Razer Synapse or Corsair iCUE. If adjustable actuation matters and you don't mind proprietary switches, SteelSeries wins.

Is the refurbished TKL the same as the new one?

Functionally, yes — same switches, same layout, same software compatibility. The Gen 3 improvements are marginal: slightly faster switch response (negligible in actual gameplay) and refined stabiliser design for reducing key rattle. If you're playing competitively and already own a previous-gen TKL, the Gen 3 isn't worth the £79 upgrade. For new buyers, the refurbished unit is the better deal.

Can you change the switches on SteelSeries keyboards?

Yes, they're hot-swap compatible, but only with SteelSeries Omnipoint switches (not Cherry MX). This means replacement switches cost more than generic alternatives. Each Omnipoint switch costs £12–18 depending on the vendor and region. If you plan to frequently swap switches or experiment with different actuation distances, budget accordingly.

Which keyboard is best for someone with small hands?

The 60% Mini is significantly smaller, but the layout requires using Fn combinations to access number keys, arrow keys, and delete — this has a learning curve. Most people with small hands still prefer TKL because the layout is more familiar and you don't sacrifice navigational speed. Try both if possible before committing.