What the LTD editions are
SteelSeries announced the Cyber and Steel limited editions of the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 to mark its 25th anniversary. They are not a new generation. They are two limited-edition variants of the existing Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, and the changes go beyond a new coat of paint. The hardware and features are otherwise the same, including Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap and Protection Mode through SteelSeries' QuickSet software.
The one meaningful difference is the switch weighting:
| Edition | Switch | Character (per BGR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber | OmniPoint 3.0 Speed | Lighter and faster |
| Steel | OmniPoint 3.0 Control | Heavier, more deliberate press |
The Speed switches appear to be locked to the Cyber edition and the Control switches to the Steel edition. If you want a particular feel, you have to pick the matching colorway.
Both switch types support actuation adjustment from 0.1 to 4.0mm. The Hall-effect sensors track switch position continuously instead of waiting for a fixed electrical contact point. That is what makes adjustable actuation possible.
Build and design
BGR calls the boards robust, with a premium look and feel. It points to per-key lubrication, heavy noise dampening and a solid aluminum frame. The reviewer expects the double-shot PBT keycaps to last, and says the legends should not wear off. SteelSeries lists the Gen 3 internals as improved stabilizers to reduce wobble, per-key lubrication and a triple-layer dampening foam stack.
These are impressions from hands-on use, not a long-term wear test.
The main complaint is that the translucent keycaps can be hard to read under the backlighting. The reviewer suggests swapping them for another style. A keycap puller is included, stored in a component on the underside of the board.
Extras the reviewer liked:
- A volume wheel
- An integrated OLED display, adjusted with the adjacent wheel. The reviewer says it can show custom text, images or animated GIFs. Treat those media capabilities as BGR's claim, because I could not confirm them elsewhere.
- A magnetic palm rest
- A long, high-quality USB cable
- Extending feet for typing angle
Switch features and software
The review covers these gaming features:
- Rapid Trigger: you can press a key again without waiting for it to fully return. SteelSeries describes this as the key resetting while it is being released, with no conventional fixed reset point.
- Protection Mode: this is meant to prevent accidental keystrokes.
- Rapid Tap: it prioritizes the most recently pressed key when opposing inputs overlap. The reviewer says it can help in fast-paced games.
- Double actuation: individual keys can do different things depending on how far or hard they are pressed.
BGR admits this is a lot for casual players. The SteelSeries GG software's QuickSet feature applies presets for various games. It also lets per-key actuation presets and advanced features auto-launch with individual game profiles.
Windows note: SteelSeries lists support for Windows 10 and later, and macOS 11 and later. It says not all software features work on Mac. Windows users get the full configuration experience, but check this if you also use a Mac.
How it performed
The reviewer found the keyboard comfortable and responsive. They used the Speed version for typing and the Control version for gaming. They tested it across writing, web browsing, photo and video editing, and gaming.
In Battlefield 6, the reviewer saw more kills, better placement and more wins than on their previous Corsair keyboard. They say they cannot be sure the keyboard was the cause. That is an anecdote, not a controlled test. BGR also gives no latency, accuracy or durability measurements.
Price and alternatives
BGR puts the MSRP at $239, which it calls definitely on the pricier end of the spectrum. SteelSeries and other launch coverage list the Cyber and Steel editions at $239.99 in North America.
BGR's reported prices on November 6:
- Standard black and white models on sale for $204 and $188, against the same $239 MSRP
- A wireless black model at $299
- Corsair Vanguard 96 on sale for $139.99, down from $179.99
- Razer Huntsman Pro V3 TKL listed close to $100 below the LTD
These prices change often, so check current listings before you buy. BGR also notes the LTD is $20 below the full-size Apex Pro Gen 3's MSRP, and that the full-size board was on sale at nearly the same price as the TKL.
Verdict
The reviewer is enthusiastic. They praise the feel, build and OmniPoint customization, and say it justifies the price, particularly for enthusiasts. The caveats are real:
- Cheaper boards from Corsair and Razer cover much of the same ground.
- The standard black and white versions use the same platform and, per BGR, were selling for less.
- The LTD premium buys the Speed or Control switch choice, the colorway and the limited-edition status. Cyber and Steel are only available for a limited time, per BGR.
- If the translucent keycaps are hard to read, you will need to swap them.
For Windows gamers who will use the tuning options, it looks like a strong pick. If you mostly want a good typing board, the cheaper standard models or rivals are probably better value.