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Choose the full-size Apex Pro if you regularly use a numeric keypad or want one keyboard for gaming, spreadsheets, and shortcuts. Choose the Apex Pro TKL if you can live without the number pad and would rather have more room for your mouse or a keyboard that is easier to carry. The layout—not a claim that one makes you inherently faster—is the main buying decision. Before comparing prices, confirm that you are looking at the same generation: the Gen 3 models use OmniPoint 3.0 switches, while the official Apex Pro TKL (2023) uses OmniPoint 2.0.
Quick verdict
| Question | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Do you use a number pad for work, data entry or shortcuts? | Apex Pro full-size | It keeps the dedicated numeric keypad and conventional full-size layout. |
| Do you need more mouse space for a low-sensitivity setup? | Apex Pro TKL | The tenkeyless footprint removes the number-pad section. |
| Do you carry your keyboard to events? | Apex Pro TKL | SteelSeries positions the TKL as easier to transport. |
| Do you want the newest adjustable-switch generation? | Gen 3 model | Gen 3 uses OmniPoint 3.0 with a 0.1–4.0 mm adjustable actuation range. |
| Are you considering an older discount? | Compare the generation first | The Apex Pro TKL (2023) is an OmniPoint 2.0 keyboard, not a cheaper version of the same Gen 3 product. |
SteelSeries announced the Apex Pro Gen 3 family on September 24, 2024. It includes a full-size model, a wired TKL model and a wireless TKL variant. The announcement describes the full-size keyboard as an all-rounder and the TKL as a desk-space-saving option that remains transportable. That is the manufacturer’s positioning, not an independent performance test.
What the size difference changes at your desk
Full-size Apex Pro: the practical all-rounder
The full-size Apex Pro combines the main typing area, function row, navigation cluster and a dedicated number pad. That extra block matters if you enter figures frequently, use spreadsheet shortcuts, operate accounting or creative software, or have muscle memory built around a conventional office keyboard. It also lets you bind number-row commands without sacrificing the separate keypad.
The trade-off is fixed desk width. The number pad occupies space that could otherwise hold your mouse, microphone controls or a notebook. If your mouse is pushed close to the keyboard and you play with broad, low-sensitivity movements, the full-size layout can force you to angle the keyboard or reduce available mouse travel. Those are ergonomic and workspace costs, not evidence that the switches are slower.
#1 Best Overall
- TRIPLE THREAT POWERED BY QUICKSET — Apex Pro is the only line of keyboards in the world with Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, and Protection Mode (Patent Pending), activated for your game in seconds
- RAPID TRIGGER FOR FASTER ACTIONS — Stop fast, start your next move faster. Resets the moment you release a key.
- RAPID TAP FOR FASTER MOVEMENT — Snaps to your latest key press to strafe and dodge faster.
- PROTECTION MODE STOPS MISTAKES — Patent pending feature reduces accidental keypresses on nearby keys - no more accidental ults
- QUICKSET AUTO-PRESETS — Easy setup in seconds, auto-launch pro-level configs when your game loads.
Apex Pro TKL: fewer keys, more room
“TKL” means tenkeyless: the keyboard retains the main typing block, function row and navigation keys but removes the dedicated number pad. You still have the number row above the letters, so ordinary passwords, key binds and text entry do not change. What disappears is the separate cluster designed for rapid numeric entry.
That shorter footprint gives your mouse more lateral room and makes the keyboard easier to place in a compact setup. It is also simpler to pack for a LAN event or move between a home and work desk. The cost is having to use the number row, a separate keypad or software remapping whenever a task expects dedicated numeric keys.
- Choose full-size for capability: number-pad workflows, extensive shortcuts and a one-keyboard-for-everything setup.
- Choose TKL for space: competitive mouse movement, a narrow desk, frequent travel or a preference for a less crowded layout.
- Do not choose based on speed alone: the available official material does not establish that either physical layout makes players faster.
Identify the exact generation before comparing models
Apex Pro Gen 3
Gen 3 is the current family introduced in SteelSeries’ September 24, 2024 announcement. It uses OmniPoint 3.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic switches with an actuation range from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm. SteelSeries also lists Rapid Trigger, Protection Mode, Rapid Tap and QuickSet among the Gen 3 features. The family contains wired full-size and TKL options plus a wireless TKL configuration.
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Feature presentation can differ by exact configuration. Check the product name shown for the selected SKU, then confirm its layout or language, color and connection type. A generic “Apex Pro” search can mix full-size, TKL, wireless and older listings.
Apex Pro TKL (2023)
The official Apex Pro TKL (2023) page identifies a wired tenkeyless keyboard with OmniPoint 2.0 switches, an OLED display and a detachable USB-C cable. It is a distinct, earlier generation. A lower price on remaining stock does not make it a same-generation alternative to the Gen 3 TKL.
Rank #2
- THE WORLD'S FASTEST KEYBOARD — Push the boundaries with cutting-edge OmniPoint 3.0 switches and Rapid Trigger, Protection Mode, Rapid Tap, and more
- OMNIPOINT 3.0 — More than just fast, newly redesigned Hall Effect Switch have 20x faster actuation and 11x quicker response time, with 40 levels of adjustable actuation
- GAME-READY PRESETS — Gain a competitive edge in your favorite game with just a few clicks using GG QuickSet's game-ready keyboard settings
- REDUCED LATENCY — Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap register keypresses faster for more responsive gameplay and improved aim
- PROTECTION MODE — A SteelSeries exclusive feature — protect your keypresses by reducing the sensitivity of surrounding keys when the intended key is pressed, preventing accidental inputs
When a listing says only “Apex Pro TKL,” look for the year or generation in the title and specifications. If the page says OmniPoint 2.0, it is the 2023 model; OmniPoint 3.0 identifies Gen 3. Do not infer the switch generation from a product photo or a retailer’s shortened title.
Specifications that matter in this comparison
| Model or family | Layout | Connection configurations identified | Switch generation | Other documented features | Historical launch MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Pro Gen 3 full-size | Full-size with number pad | Wired | OmniPoint 3.0; adjustable actuation 0.1–4.0 mm | Rapid Trigger, Protection Mode, Rapid Tap and QuickSet listed for Gen 3 | $239.99 US, announced September 24, 2024 |
| Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | Tenkeyless | Wired | OmniPoint 3.0; adjustable actuation 0.1–4.0 mm | Gen 3 feature set listed by SteelSeries; verify the exact SKU | $219.99 US, announced September 24, 2024 |
| Apex Pro TKL (2023) | Tenkeyless | Wired | OmniPoint 2.0 | OLED display; detachable USB-C cable | $189.99 US, 2022 launch MSRP |
| Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 wireless variant | Tenkeyless | Wireless configuration | Gen 3 family; confirm the selected SKU’s specifications | Check the live listing for included connectivity and feature details | Not established in the launch figures cited here |
The prices in the table are manufacturer-announced US launch MSRPs. They are historical reference points, not verified checkout prices. Product availability, color, layout, firmware support and retail pricing can change.
How OmniPoint 3.0 changes the choice
Adjustable actuation determines how far a key must travel before it registers. Gen 3’s documented range is 0.1–4.0 mm. A shallow setting can register a press earlier; a deeper setting requires more travel. The useful setting depends on your tolerance for accidental presses, the game or application and whether you want one profile for typing and another for play.
Rapid Trigger
Rapid Trigger is listed as a Gen 3 feature. It changes how key release and re-press behavior are handled so a key can reset without waiting for a fixed mechanical reset point. The manufacturer presents it as a gaming feature; the available material does not provide an independent latency comparison.
Protection Mode
Protection Mode is also listed for Gen 3. Treat it as a configuration feature to investigate in the current software and manual for your exact model. The official announcement does not establish a universal setting or identical behavior across every configuration.
Rank #3
- TRIPLE THREAT POWERED BY QUICKSET — Apex Pro is the only line of keyboards in the world with Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, and Protection Mode (Patent Pending), activated for your game in seconds
- RAPID TRIGGER FOR FASTER ACTIONS — Stop fast, start your next move faster. Resets the moment you release a key.
- RAPID TAP FOR FASTER MOVEMENT — Snaps to your latest key press to strafe and dodge faster.
- PROTECTION MODE STOPS MISTAKES — Patent pending feature reduces accidental keypresses on nearby keys - no more accidental ults
- QUICKSET AUTO-PRESETS — Easy setup in seconds, auto-launch pro-level configs when your game loads.
Rapid Tap and QuickSet
Rapid Tap and QuickSet appear in the Gen 3 feature list. Because feature availability and presentation can vary by SKU, confirm the controls shown for the model you are buying rather than assuming that every Apex Pro-branded listing exposes the same options.
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The 2023 TKL page specifies OmniPoint 2.0, so it should be treated as an earlier switch platform. If adjustable actuation and the Gen 3 feature set are the reason you are shopping, an older TKL listing does not meet that requirement even when the chassis name looks nearly identical.
SteelSeries’ 2024 launch announcement claimed a 0.54 ms response time compared with 6 ms for standard mechanical keyboards. That is a vendor-published comparison, not an independent test, and it should not be used as proof that one Apex Pro layout will make you play faster than the other.
Price, stock and configuration checks
The Gen 3 launch MSRPs were $239.99 for the full-size Apex Pro and $219.99 for the Apex Pro TKL in the United States. The $20 difference is a launch-MSRP gap only; it is not a current price guarantee. The retrieved official TKL listing displayed a $0.00 MSRP placeholder, which is not a usable live price.
The wired Apex Pro TKL (2023) launched at $189.99 in 2022. That figure is useful historical context, but it does not establish what remaining inventory costs now. A retailer discount can make the older model look attractive while hiding its OmniPoint 2.0 generation.
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- TRIPLE THREAT POWERED BY QUICKSET — Apex Pro is the only line of keyboards in the world with Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, and Protection Mode (Patent Pending), activated for your game in seconds
- RAPID TRIGGER FOR FASTER ACTIONS — Stop fast, start your next move faster. Resets the moment you release a key.
- RAPID TAP FOR FASTER MOVEMENT — Snaps to your latest key press to strafe and dodge faster.
- PROTECTION MODE STOPS MISTAKES — Patent pending feature reduces accidental keypresses on nearby keys - no more accidental ults
- QUICKSET AUTO-PRESETS — Easy setup in seconds, auto-launch pro-level configs when your game loads.
Before buying, compare the exact checkout listing in your region. Confirm that the listing states Gen 3 or 2023, then check:
- Full-size or TKL layout.
- US or another language layout.
- Wired or wireless connection.
- Color and included cable or accessories.
- Return policy and stock status.
- The final price, including any promotion or shipping charge.
A decision process that avoids the common mistakes
- Count your number-pad tasks. Review a normal week of work and gaming. If you enter figures, use calculator-style shortcuts or rely on dedicated keypad binds, start with the full-size model. If those tasks are occasional, continue to the next step.
- Measure the usable desk width. Leave room for the mouse at the sensitivity and grip you actually use. If the number pad forces your mouse into a cramped angle, TKL has a concrete ergonomic advantage.
- Decide whether portability is real or hypothetical. If the keyboard travels to events, school or a second desk, the TKL’s smaller footprint is valuable. If it never leaves one desk, portability should not outweigh a number pad you use daily.
- Choose the generation. Select Gen 3 when OmniPoint 3.0’s 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range and listed Gen 3 features are priorities. Consider the 2023 TKL only when its older OmniPoint 2.0 platform and documented features meet your needs.
- Choose connectivity. Gen 3 includes wired full-size and TKL models and a wireless TKL variant. Do not assume that a TKL listing is wireless; verify the exact SKU.
- Check the live listing last. Use the model name, generation, layout and connection details together. Treat launch MSRP as historical context, not as the amount you will necessarily pay today.
Which keyboard fits common users?
Office-heavy gamer or spreadsheet user
Buy the full-size Apex Pro when numeric entry and dedicated keypad shortcuts are part of your routine. The additional desk width is easier to justify when the keyboard serves both work and games, because you avoid switching to a separate keypad or remapping familiar commands.
Competitive player with a low-sensitivity mouse
Buy the Apex Pro TKL when mouse clearance is the constraint. Removing the number pad gives your mouse a wider sweep and leaves more flexible positioning. This recommendation is about available space and comfort; it is not a claim of measured performance superiority.
Frequent traveler or LAN attendee
Favor the TKL, particularly if you carry the keyboard in a backpack or move it between setups. SteelSeries specifically highlights transportability for the TKL design. Check whether you want the wired Gen 3 model, the Gen 3 wireless variant or the older wired 2023 model before ordering.
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Buyer focused on the newest switch platform
Choose a Gen 3 SKU and verify that the listing names OmniPoint 3.0. Layout then becomes the secondary decision: full-size for the number pad, TKL for desk space. An older 2023 TKL does not provide the same generation simply because it shares the Apex Pro name.
Best Value
- The fastest keyboard ever – Our newly designed Hall Effect Switches are not only fast, but also offer 20 times faster actuation and an 11 times faster response time as well as 40 adjustable actuation levels.
- OMNIPOINT 3.0 - Overcome limitations with state-of-the-art OmniPoint 3.0 switches with Rapid Trigger, Protection Mode, Rapid Tap and comprehensive customization options
- Ready to use presets – gain a competitive advantage in your favourite game with just a few clicks by using the ready-to-use keyboard settings from GG Quick Set.
- Minimum latency: With Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap, key inputs are registered faster and more responsive gameplay and improved targeting.
- Protection mode – an exclusive function from SteelSeries – protect your inputs by reducing the sensitivity of the surrounding buttons to prevent accidental triggering
Value-focused buyer considering clearance stock
The Apex Pro TKL (2023) can make sense if the actual price is substantially lower and OmniPoint 2.0, the OLED display and detachable USB-C cable satisfy your requirements. Treat the saving as compensation for buying an earlier generation, not as evidence that the 2023 keyboard is equivalent to Gen 3.
Pitfalls and how to avoid them
Comparing a full-size Gen 3 price with an older TKL sale
This creates a misleading $20-or-more comparison because the products differ in both layout and generation. Put the generation beside every price before judging value.
Assuming every TKL is wireless
Gen 3 has a wireless TKL variant, but the official 2023 TKL is wired, and Gen 3 also includes a wired TKL. Read the connection specification for the selected SKU.
Assuming every feature is identical
Gen 3 features are presented at the family level, while individual listings can differ in connectivity, color and other configuration details. Check the exact product page and software support for the model in your cart.
Using a manufacturer latency claim as a buying verdict
The 0.54 ms versus 6 ms statement is SteelSeries’ own launch-announcement comparison. It is not a named independent study. Use layout, generation, connectivity and verified price as the decision criteria instead.
Ignoring layout language
A keyboard can have the right product name but a different regional layout. Confirm the language and key arrangement before checkout, especially when buying imported or marketplace stock.
Final recommendation
For most buyers, the decision is straightforward: get the Apex Pro full-size if the number pad is part of your work or shortcut habits; get the Apex Pro TKL if reclaiming desk and mouse space matters more and you can give up dedicated numeric keys. Then select the generation deliberately. Gen 3 models bring OmniPoint 3.0 and the documented 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range, while the Apex Pro TKL (2023) is an OmniPoint 2.0 wired keyboard with an OLED display and detachable USB-C cable. Verify the exact SKU and current US checkout price before purchase, because the published launch MSRPs are historical and do not establish today’s retail price.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
