SteelSeries Introduces Apex Pro Mini Keyboard

SteelSeries has released the new Apex Pro Mini and Apex Pro Mini keyboards, which feature adjustable mechanical switches like the popular Apex Pro but with a more compact form factor.

Both versions received improved OmniPoint 2.0 switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches which use metal contacts to register keystrokes, OmniPoint linear switches use magnetic Hall sensors, allowing them to accurately read force pressing.

This allows you to adjust the sensitivity of pressure registration in the range from 0.2 mm to 3.8 mm of travel, compared to 0.4-3.6 mm in the first generation. This will reduce the number of accidental keystrokes.

It is also possible to assign multiple commands to the same switch: for example, half-press to go, and full press to run or half press to pick up a grenade and full press to throw her. OmniPoint 2.0 switches are rated for 100 million keystrokes - just like the popular Cherry MX Red in-line switches.

Both new items have a compact 60% layout, so there are no function keys, numeric keypad, or even arrows. This can be an advantage for gamers, who will get more desk space for mouse movement, but it's not very convenient for office purposes. However, it is already clear from the design that the target audience of the new keyboards is not office workers at all.

The SteelSeries Apex Mini Wireless can connect to a computer via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (via the bundled dongle) or via Bluetooth. Its autonomy is 30 hours when connected via Wi-Fi or 40 hours via Bluetooth (in standard backlight mode).

The standard Apex Pro Mini was priced at $180, the wireless version will cost $240. Interestingly, in Europe prices are much higher: 200 and 260 euros, respectively (about 11,400 and 14,800 rubles). Both modifications are already on sale.