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Compact black tenkeyless keyboard with aluminium frame and doubleshot PBT keycaps

SteelSeries

SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL HotSwap OptiPoint Gaming Keyboard

SKU CH-16ZS-AHZ9W

Compact TKL keyboard with hot-swappable OptiPoint linear optical switches offering adjustable actuation at 0.2ms response time, doubleshot PBT keycaps, and an aluminum alloy frame

  • Keyboard connectionUSB
  • StyleCompact
  • Keyboard layout80%
  • Key count84
  • Function key count12
  • Keyboard switchesOptiPoint linear optical switches
  • Ultra-fast 0.2 ms response with 33% quicker actuation
  • Adjustable actuation at 0.05 in or 0.2 in for typing and gaming
  • Hot-swappable OptiPoint switches allow easy customization
  • Compact 80% TKL layout frees desk space for mouse movement
  • Durable doubleshot PBT keycaps resist wear and fading

Compact TKL Gaming Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a tenkeyless keyboard built for competitive gaming. It uses OptiPoint linear optical switches with a 0.2ms response time and zero debounce for 33% faster actuation. The 80% layout with 84 normal keys and 12 function keys saves desk space for wider mouse movements. It connects via a detachable USB-C cable and supports Windows 8.1 or newer and Mac OSX 10.13 or newer.

Thermals Noise Power

Optical switches generate minimal heat during extended sessions because they use light-based actuation instead of metal contacts. The keyboard draws power directly from the USB connection without requiring an external adapter. Acoustic output stays low and consistent thanks to the linear switch design and sturdy aluminum alloy frame. No active cooling or fan noise is present.

Hot-Swappable Switches PBT Keycaps

Hot-swappable sockets let you replace switches with compatible OptiPoint options without soldering. Adjustable actuation lets you choose between a 0.2 inch depth for gaming and a 0.05 inch depth for typing. Double-shot PBT keycaps resist wear, fading and shine while providing a textured feel. The package includes only the USB cable; retail packaging, stickers and manuals are not included.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Keyboards for PC Gaming, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $296.99
Pricier than about 90% of the 3,966 comparable items (median $68.99).

Specifications

Product
StyleCompact
Keyboard colorBlack
Product typeUSB-C Wired
Connectivity
Keyboard connectionUSB
Size & build
Main materialAluminum Alloy Frame
Keyboard layout80%
Key count84
Function key count12
Mechanical keyboardNo
Keyboard switchesOptiPoint linear optical switches
Keycap detailsDoubleshot PBT
Product dimensions5.04 in × 14 in × 1.65 in
Compatibility
Compatible systemsWindows (8.1 or newer) and Mac OSX* (10.13 or newer)
In the box
Includes mouseNo
In the boxx1 USB cable is only included.
Retail packaging is not included. Stickers and instruction manuals are not included.
More details
Wrist restNo
BacklightingYes

Questions about this item

How do I install the Apex 9 TKL and what step is often missed?

Plug the detachable USB-C cable into the keyboard and a USB port on a Windows 8.1+ or macOS 10.13+ system; the step often missed is toggling the actuation depth to 0.05" for typing or 0.2" for gaming via the dedicated switch.

What maintenance will the OptiPoint switches and PBT keycaps need later?

Hot-swappable OptiPoint switches can be pulled and replaced with compatible OptiPoint options if a switch fails or feel changes; doubleshot PBT keycaps resist wear and fading, so only occasional cleaning is required.

What limit appears first during long gaming sessions?

The fixed 0.2 ms response time and zero debounce remain constant; the practical limit is the single USB-C wired connection, which ties the keyboard to one host without wireless fallback.

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