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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchChoose the full-size Apex Pro if you regularly use a number pad or want a conventional all-rounder layout. Choose the Apex Pro TKL if you can live without the number pad and would rather have more mouse space or an easier keyboard to transport. The more important buying decision is layout and generation—not a claim that either size automatically makes you faster.
The short answer
The Apex Pro and Apex Pro TKL use the same basic premium gaming-keyboard concept, but their footprints serve different desks and habits. The full-size model retains a dedicated numeric keypad. The tenkeyless (TKL) model removes that block, making the keyboard narrower and leaving more room beside it for a mouse.
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- Buy the full-size Apex Pro if you enter numbers frequently, use calculator-style shortcuts, work with spreadsheets, or simply prefer the familiar full keyboard arrangement.
- Buy the Apex Pro TKL if you rarely touch a number pad, play with a low mouse sensitivity, need extra horizontal desk space, or carry your keyboard to events.
- Check the generation before comparing prices. Gen 3 models use OmniPoint 3.0, while the official Apex Pro TKL (2023) listing describes OmniPoint 2.0. A discounted older TKL is not a like-for-like alternative to a Gen 3 keyboard.
SteelSeries announced the Gen 3 family on September 24, 2024. It includes a wired full-size Apex Pro, a wired Apex Pro TKL and a wireless TKL variant. The launch announcement positioned the full-size board as an all-rounder and the TKL as a desk-space-saving, transportable design. That is the manufacturer’s positioning, not an independent speed test.
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Identify the exact keyboard first
Product names are easy to mix up because retailers may list several generations at once. Confirm the year, switch generation, layout and connection method before you compare a price or feature list.
#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 Gen 3 full-size
This is the conventional layout with a number row, navigation cluster, arrow keys and a dedicated numeric keypad. SteelSeries announced it as part of the September 24, 2024 Gen 3 range. Its adjustable OmniPoint 3.0 actuation specification runs from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm.
Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
This is the wired tenkeyless version of the same Gen 3 family. It keeps the main typing area, function row, navigation cluster and arrow keys but omits the numeric keypad. It also uses OmniPoint 3.0 with the announced 0.1–4.0 mm adjustable actuation range.
Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3
SteelSeries announced a wireless TKL configuration alongside the wired Gen 3 models. Do not assume its connection, included accessories or battery behavior from the wired model’s listing; select the exact wireless SKU and read that listing’s specifications.
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Apex Pro TKL (2023)
The official 2023 TKL product page identifies a wired tenkeyless keyboard with OmniPoint 2.0, an OLED display and a detachable USB-C cable. Older stock can look similar to Gen 3 in photographs, so the year and switch generation matter. Its historical launch MSRP was $189.99 in 2022; that figure does not establish what remaining inventory should cost today.
Full-size versus TKL: what you actually gain and lose
| Decision factor | Apex Pro Gen 3 full-size | Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric keypad | Dedicated number pad included | No dedicated number pad |
| Desk footprint | Wider conventional footprint | Narrower; leaves more lateral room for a mouse |
| Portability | Less convenient to carry because of the larger footprint | More transportable for LAN events or shared desks |
| Best fit | Mixed work, data entry, shortcuts and gaming | Gaming-focused setups and desks where mouse space is scarce |
| Gen 3 switch system | OmniPoint 3.0; adjustable actuation specified at 0.1–4.0 mm | OmniPoint 3.0; adjustable actuation specified at 0.1–4.0 mm |
| Launch US MSRP (September 24, 2024) | $239.99, manufacturer-announced launch MSRP | $219.99, manufacturer-announced launch MSRP |
The table compares the Gen 3 wired layouts. It does not turn the historical launch MSRPs into current prices, and it does not describe the separate wireless TKL configuration.
Rank #2
- Ip32 water resistant – Prevents accidental damage from liquid spills
- 10-zone RGB illumination – Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects
- Whisper quiet gaming switches – Nearly silent use for 20 million low friction keypresses
- Premium magnetic wrist rest – Provides full palm support and comfort
- Dedicated multimedia controls – Adjust volume and settings on the fly
When the full-size Apex Pro is the better choice
You use a number pad every week
Entering invoices, prices, measurements, spreadsheet data or long strings of digits is generally more comfortable with a dedicated keypad than with the number row. The keypad can also be useful for application shortcuts and custom key bindings. If that work is part of your normal routine, the extra width buys a function you would otherwise have to give up or recreate with a separate accessory.
You want one keyboard for work and play
The full-size layout avoids the compromises of moving between a compact gaming board and a separate office keyboard. It keeps the conventional navigation and number-pad arrangement available when you need it, while retaining the same Gen 3 adjustable-actuation concept as the TKL.
Your mouse does not need a wide swing
A large keyboard is not automatically a problem. If you use a high mouse sensitivity, have a deep or wide desk, or keep the mouse on the other side of the keyboard, the TKL’s additional clearance may not change your setup. Measure the usable space rather than assuming that smaller is always better.
When the Apex Pro TKL is the better choice
You need room for low-sensitivity mouse movement
Removing the number pad shortens the distance between the left edge of the keyboard and the mouse. That can make a practical difference for players who use broad arm movements, especially when the keyboard would otherwise force the mouse toward the desk edge.
You carry the keyboard
The TKL footprint is easier to pack for a LAN event, tournament, office commute or shared workspace. SteelSeries specifically highlights transportability in its Gen 3 positioning. You still need to account for the cable, wrist rest and any case, but the keyboard itself occupies less space than the full-size model.
Rank #3
- The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
- Our whisper quiet gaming switches with anti-ghosting technology for keystroke accuracy are made from durable low friction material for near silent use and guaranteed performance for over 20 million keypresses.
- Designed with IP32 Water & Dust Resistant for extra durability to prevent damage from liquids and dust particles, so you can continue to play no matter what happens to your keyboard.
- PrismSync RGB Illumination allows you to choose from millions of colors and effects from reactive lighting to interactive lightshows that bring RGB to the next level.
- Dedicated Multimedia Controls with a clickable volume roller and media keys allowing you to adjust brightness, rewind, skip or pause all at the touch of a button.
You rarely enter numbers
If your games, writing and everyday apps do not require a dedicated keypad, the missing keys are mostly unused footprint. A TKL keeps the function row, arrow keys and navigation cluster that many compact boards remove, so it is a middle ground rather than an extreme mini layout.
OmniPoint 3.0, actuation and the generation gap
Gen 3 is defined in the supplied SteelSeries materials by OmniPoint 3.0 adjustable actuation. The manufacturer specifies a range from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm, allowing the actuation point to be configured rather than fixed at one depth. The same Gen 3 family also advertises Rapid Trigger, Protection Mode, Rapid Tap and QuickSet. Exact feature presentation can vary by configuration, so verify the selected SKU and its current software support.
The older wired TKL (2023) page specifies OmniPoint 2.0 instead. That difference is not a cosmetic year label: it identifies a different switch generation. Do not describe an older OmniPoint 2.0 keyboard as Gen 3 merely because a retailer uses “Apex Pro TKL” without a year.
What adjustable actuation means in practice
A shallower setting can register a key with less travel, while a deeper setting requires more deliberate movement. The useful setting depends on the game, the key and your tolerance for accidental presses. Start with a conservative setting, then change it only after you know which keys benefit from a shorter or longer trigger. The 0.1–4.0 mm range is a manufacturer specification, not a guarantee that every player will gain measurable performance.
Rapid features need careful interpretation
Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap and Protection Mode are named features in the Gen 3 announcement, but the product materials do not provide an independent comparative test showing that the full-size model or TKL makes a player faster. Treat them as configuration tools whose usefulness depends on the games you play and how you set them up.
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- Hybrid blue mechanical gaming switches – The tactile click of a blue mechanical switch plus a smooth membrane – guaranteed for 20 million keypresses
- OLED smart display – Customize with gifs, game info, discord messages, and more.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame – Manufactured for unbreakable durability and sturdiness
- Dynamic per-key RGB illumination – Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects for every key
- Premium magnetic wrist rest – Provides full palm support and comfort
The response-time claim
SteelSeries’s September 24, 2024 launch announcement claimed a 0.54 ms response time versus 6 ms for standard mechanical keyboards. This is a vendor-published comparison in a product announcement, not an independently named laboratory study. It should not be used as proof that one form factor is faster than the other; both layouts belong to the same Gen 3 family.
OLED display, cable and connectivity considerations
The official Apex Pro TKL (2023) page lists an OLED display and detachable USB-C cable. Those details identify that older model and should not automatically be copied into every Gen 3 listing unless the exact Gen 3 SKU states them. Gen 3 includes wired full-size and wired TKL models, plus a wireless TKL variant, so connection type is part of the model name you should verify.
Choose wired when simplicity matters
A wired model avoids battery charging and wireless pairing decisions. It is the straightforward choice for a fixed desktop, provided the cable reaches your computer and the port placement works with your desk.
Choose wireless only when the exact TKL SKU meets your needs
The Gen 3 announcement identifies a wireless TKL variant, but a wireless listing may differ in included accessories, battery details, color, regional layout or software behavior. Check those particulars at checkout instead of treating “wireless TKL” as a single universal specification.
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Price: what the documented numbers do—and do not—tell you
| Model | Price evidence | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Apex Pro Gen 3 full-size | $239.99 US launch MSRP announced September 24, 2024 | Historical manufacturer MSRP, not a verified current checkout price |
| Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | $219.99 US launch MSRP announced September 24, 2024 | Historical manufacturer MSRP; do not call it today’s price |
| Apex Pro TKL (2023) | $189.99 wired launch MSRP announced in 2022 | Historical older-generation MSRP; remaining-stock pricing may differ |
The Gen 3 launch difference was $20, with the full-size model announced at $239.99 and the wired TKL at $219.99. That is not a current price gap. The retrieved official TKL listing displayed a $0.00 MSRP placeholder, which is not a usable retail price. Before buying, verify the live US listing for the exact layout, color, generation and connection type.
Best Value
- Take your gaming skills to the next level: The Logitech G413 TKL SE is a tenkeyless keyboard with gaming-first features and the durability and performance necessary to compete
- PBT keycaps: Heat- and wear-resistant, this computer gaming keyboard features the most durable material used in keycap design
- Tactile mechanical switches: Uncompromising performance is always within reach with this wired gaming keyboard
- Premium color, material and finish: Elevate your gaming setup with this backlit keyboard featuring a sleek, black-brushed aluminum top case and white LED lighting
- 6-Key rollover anti-ghosting performance: Experience reliable key input with this anti-ghosting keyboard versus non-gaming mechanical keyboards
A lower price on a 2023 TKL can be sensible if you specifically want that older keyboard and its OmniPoint 2.0 system. It is not evidence that the older model offers the same features as Gen 3, nor is it a fair basis for declaring the TKL generally better value.
A practical decision process
- Answer the number-pad question. If you enter numbers or rely on keypad shortcuts regularly, select the full-size layout. If not, continue.
- Measure mouse clearance. Place your current keyboard and mouse in your normal position. If the keyboard crowds your mouse arm, the TKL’s narrower footprint has a concrete benefit.
- Decide whether portability matters. Frequent travel, LAN events or shared desks favor the TKL; a permanent desk weakens that advantage.
- Choose the generation. Select Gen 3 for OmniPoint 3.0 and the Gen 3 feature set. Consider the 2023 TKL only when its lower price and OmniPoint 2.0 specification are acceptable.
- Choose connection type. Pick wired for a fixed, no-charging setup. Pick the wireless TKL only after confirming the exact regional SKU and included equipment.
- Verify the live listing. Confirm US layout or your required language, color, keyboard size, generation, connection and current checkout price. Do not rely on a retailer title that omits the year.
Buying pitfalls and how to avoid them
Comparing a discounted 2023 TKL with a Gen 3 full-size
This is the most misleading comparison because it combines a layout difference with a generation difference. Put the model year and OmniPoint version in separate columns before deciding whether a discount is meaningful.
Assuming every “Apex Pro TKL” is wireless
The announced Gen 3 family contains wired and wireless TKL configurations, while the official 2023 TKL page describes a wired keyboard. Confirm the connection in the selected SKU.
Calling launch MSRP the current price
Manufacturer launch prices are useful historical reference points. They are not a live guarantee after promotions, regional changes or product replacement. Check the current US checkout total for the exact configuration.
Expecting a number pad from a TKL
TKL means tenkeyless: the dedicated numeric keypad is removed. If you occasionally need one, budget for a separate keypad or choose the full-size Apex Pro from the start.
Treating a manufacturer’s speed claim as independent testing
The 0.54 ms versus 6 ms statement comes from SteelSeries’s launch announcement. It does not establish a head-to-head result between the full-size and TKL layouts, and it should not replace your own comfort and workflow criteria.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Apex Pro Gen 3 full-size if
- You use a numeric keypad for work, data entry or shortcuts.
- You want one keyboard that covers office tasks and gaming without an accessory keypad.
- Your desk provides enough width for the keyboard and your preferred mouse movement.
- You prefer the conventional full-size arrangement and do not need to transport the board often.
Buy the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 if
- You almost never use a dedicated number pad.
- You need more horizontal room for a mouse or a smaller desk footprint.
- You take the keyboard to LAN events, tournaments or multiple workspaces.
- You want the Gen 3 OmniPoint 3.0 feature set in a narrower wired layout.
Consider the Apex Pro TKL (2023) only if
- The listing clearly identifies the 2023 wired model and OmniPoint 2.0.
- The actual current price reflects an older generation.
- You have checked that the older model’s features meet your needs and do not require Gen 3-specific capabilities.
For most buyers, the decisive question is simple: do you need the number pad more than you need the desk space? Answer that first, then use generation, connectivity and verified current price to choose among the exact listings.
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.
