(See our guide to mechanical keyboards for more on the nuances among switch types.) Although the audible feedback is part of the attraction with keyboards that use Blue-style switches, the Apex 7 TKL will be uncomfortably loud if you use it in a communal workspace or in a household of light sleepers. The Apex 7 TKL model that I tested came with the Blue variety of the QX2 switches, which provide tactile feedback when struck and produce a loud click, in the tradition of the classic Cherry MX Blue switches. (Opens in a new window) Read Our Das Keyboard 4Q Mechanical Keyboard Review (The overall typing experience on the two keyboards with Red switches should be identical.) All three key types fall under the umbrella of SteelSeries' own 'QX2' mechanisms. Both keyboards are available with SteelSeries' custom Red switches, and the Apex 7 TKL offers the option for Brown or Blue switches, as well. The Apex 7 TKL can be viewed as an unofficial successor to SteelSeries' Apex M750 TKL keyboard, and both products share many design features, including a classy, rigid aluminum frame. (You buy a tenkeyless keyboard specially for the smaller footprint and the ability to position your hands closer together.) The Apex 7 TKL is attractive, comfortable, and sturdy, and our favorite tenkeyless model of the moment. That's just about all that this killer keyboard is lacking, though, and it's not a shortfall. 'TKL,' for those fluent in keyboard lingo, stands for 'tenkeyless,' meaning a reduced-width keyboard without a 10-digit number pad. Take the $129.99 Apex 7 TKL tested here: It bears a strong resemblance to the company's earlier Apex M750 TKL (Opens in a new window), but with some extra flair and functionality, most notably a little OLED display in one corner. SteelSeries is updating its mechanical keyboards with variations on its new Apex Pro and Apex 7, and some of the changes are subtle in look but significant in practice. Loud key action, in Blue sample tested.How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.

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Steel series apex 7