SteelSeries has finally adapted its Gen 3 technology into the entire Apex Pro line, and that includes the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. The latest, the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 features everything the larger Apex Pro series keyboards have, but in a smaller package. Not only that, but SteelSeries has introduced several new software features to make the most of the new hardware.
DESIGN
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is a 60% keyboard. Basically, what that means is that the keyboard is 60% of what a full-sized keyboard would be. There is no number pad, no function keys, and no extra keys on the side. Instead, all you get are the essential keys needed for typing and gaming. These are considered compact keyboards, and you can see that with just how small the form factor is. Many gamers prefer these types of keyboards because they take up very little space and are easily transportable over their full-sized siblings.
Aside from that, the Apex Mini Pro Gen 3 retains much of the looks from the Apex Pro Mini Wireless; however, it has more in common with the wired version of the Apex 9 Mini. For starters, the base is very small, and SteelSeries has tried to make the footprint as small as possible. Yet despite its small size, it has some great weight to it, which helps keep it solidly in place during heavy gaming sessions. The keycaps are still double-shot PBT keycaps and feature side-printed secondary functions so all the options from the larger keyboards are retained for use.
The bottom of the keyboard has very grippy rubber feet at the bottom along with some adjustable height clips towards the back of the keyboard. There is also a little rubber flap that you can lift up in the middle of the keyboard. Underneath it, you’ll now find a keycap puller, which is a really nice addition.
Lastly, the Apex 9 Mini has Prismsync RPG lighting for each key with 16.8 million color options.
OMNIPOINT 3.0 SWITCHES
The most significant update to the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is the inclusion of the OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect switches. These switches are 20x faster actuation and 11x quicker response time than their previous switches, with 40 levels of adjustable actuation. They have a full adjustability range from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm.
However, it’s the software enhancements that really make the new OmniPoint 3.0 switches shine. These new features are included in GG Quickset – Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, 2-in-1 Action Keys, and Protection Mode.
EXPERIENCE
Like its larger siblings, the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 sounds amazing. The keys do have an audible click, but it’s not as sharp-sounding and sounds a bit more muted. They don’t sound quite as loud as the older switches did, which is great if you also use this for typing and not just playing games.
The keycaps also feel great thanks to the texturing on the top of the keys, and based on my time with the larger Apex Pro Gen 3, the keycaps will last quite a long time and won’t show any strange wear or tear marks like the old glossy keycaps did.
In terms of usage, this feels very much like the Apex Pro Gen 3, just smaller with a much more compact footprint.
As for the software, this still uses the SteelSeries GG app. You’ll be using the app for firmware updates and key customization. For newly released features, SteelSeries GG is where you fine-tune Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap. Rapid Trigger dictates key sensitivity when released, and while Rapid Tap monitors the actions of two separate key pairs and dictates how they are activated based on a selected behavior. Aside from that, you can also use the SteelSeries GG app to set Dual Bindings, Dual Actuations, and Meta Bindings. If much of this sounds daunting, it is. While not difficult to set up, it will require some work. Luckily if you screw up, you can always set everything back to default.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Like it’s large siblings, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is an excellent gaming keyboard. The new OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect Switches help differentiate this keyboard from other gaming keyboards that use regular mechanical switches, and the fact that you can fine-tune so many aspects of the switches is incredible. This gives it a huge boost over other keyboards.
In terms of reliability, I can say that the larger Apex Pro Gen 3 has worked flawlessly since I’ve had it, so I don’t expect anything different from the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3. I’m actually enjoying the smaller footprint and the fact that I can just throw this in my bag. I saw this because I also use my keyboards for things other than gaming, and when it comes to typing, the OmniPoint 3.0 switches are a joy to use.
With that said, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is one of the best 60% keyboards out there. The build quality is top-notch, and I love the weight this thing has. It really is a joy to use, and the SteelSeries GG app is the cherry on top. It really is a great app that makes fine-tuning all your SteelSeries gear a breeze.
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