SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL Switch option comparison - Optipoint Switch sound test
25Hello! Prawn here with a look at the different optical switch options for the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini. These keyboard come with swappable optical switches (SteelSeries Optipoint) which is a rare thing to see. You have three different options, tactile, clicky and linear. So I thought it would be worth showing off what they're like and how you can install them. Basically showing you a sound test of the switches and the difference between them.
The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini come with linear switches as standard (mostly) and those switches are the most logical choice for many people as they'll give you a fast and smooth response for gaming. They're also adjustable in actuation level from 1mm to 1.5mm which is bonkers. These are fast actuating switches and responsive too. Whichever ones you get, but obviously the linear ones require a light touch and less actuation force in order to work vs the click switches for example. So the clicky ones are better if you're a typist or if you just like a nice loud keyboard?!
It's worth noting that optical switches are different to standard mechnical ones as they don't have the metal contact pins. Just one single pin that attaches to the keyboard. So don't buy these and try to fit them in a normal keyboard and don't buy standard switches and try to get them into the Apex 9 keyboards either!
Please note links listed here include affiliate links which may earn me a commission. Find out more below.*
Amazon US - https://amzn.to/44vbXmQ
Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3nFNQB8
Amazon FR - https://amzn.to/3LVTdEL
Amazon IT - https://amzn.to/3nD0nFt
Amazon DE - https://amzn.to/3NBivua
Amazon CA - https://amzn.to/44us1oS
Related videos:
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini unboxing and sound test https://youtu.be/LZuXdSCjMd8
My new favourite headset is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless https://youtu.be/OlSjpae6U6s
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini sound test Linear optical https://youtu.be/_jvwqZeG5wU
Optipoint switch options:
Clicky https://steelseries.com/gaming-accessories/optipoint-switches?switch=clicky
Tactile https://steelseries.com/gaming-accessories/optipoint-switches?switch=tactile
Linear https://steelseries.com/gaming-accessories/optipoint-switches?switch=linear
Specs of the SteelSeries Optipoint switches:
Blue Clicky:
Total travel distance 4.0Β±0.4mm
Actuation force 55g
Yellow Linear
Total travel distance 3.2Β±0.4mm
Actuation force 35g
Pink Tactile
Total travel distance 4.0Β±0.4mm
Actuation force 55g
Benefits of SteelSeries Optipoint switches:
"OptiPoint optical switches use lightbeams to detect presses and actuate. Our switches use two sensors, IR (infrared), which produces the beam of light, and PT (phototransistor) which measures the amount of light coming through.
As your finger pushes a key down, the bottom of the switch lowers and interrupts that beam of light. It's measuring a certain amount of light as it travels through the switch.
Optical switches tend to be very fast and reliable, with rapid response times. Since they don't have metal parts, there is no debounce, which means that you won't accidentally get a double press."
Find out more about the switches here:
https://steelseries.com/blog/omnipoint-vs-optipoint-switches-explained-860
πBig thanks to my super awesome YouTube members:
SirSpawnsALot, Meatykeyboard, Rawrr483, Aaron Yarden, Space Cannons, Riggs79, Mike S, Jay Shank 007, Jason Morgan, Starastin, Charles Latrom, McFarty, Chief Hao, Kraken Tortoise and Megan Schafer.
Want to send me things for videos or other reasons? Use this address:
The Provoked Prawn
PO Box 13277
MANNINGTREE
CO11 9BE
United Kingdom
π«Sub to my gaming channelπ«https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2eHpDRz4HCpDtAhXIL7cMg
Come check me out on Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/provokedprawn
Join my Discord to keep up to date or ask questions https://discord.gg/TCWQqb4
Follow on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TheProvokedPrawn/
Read this far? You're awesome. Smash those sub and like buttons!
π Support the channel:
π See the benefits of being a member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQGDPYRgV5egNGUy9wE1Tyw/join
Get some merch - https://theprovokedprawn.com/
Check out my dedicated Amazon Storefront to see my current fave gear - https://www.amazon.com/shop/theprovokedprawn
πΈ Recorded with https://amzn.to/3kYrhGP
PLEASE NOTE
Affiliate links*:
Disclosure: Shopping links within the description of this video generate a commission at no extra cost to you. These are added for your convenience but other retailers are available. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Products:
Products featured may also have been sent for free for review/testing purposes. Often these have to be returned by me, but not always. I endeavour to avoid bias in my videos wherever possible and try to give honest, subjective opinions.