Wait a minute – didn’t we just review a SteelSeries Apex 9 keyboard? You’re right, we did (you can see that here). That was the ten-keyless (or TKL) version. What if you want something that’s a bit more compact to take along with you? Well, friend, that’s what the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is all about.
![](https://i0.wp.com/knapsack.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/05140244/Steelseries-Apex-9-Mini-9-1024x714.jpeg?resize=930%2C648&ssl=1)
Now, we first told you about the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini here, which came out the same time as the TKL version was released. In many ways, these keyboards are the same – it’s just the Mini is a good bit smaller. From the photo right above, you can see how much more compact the keyboard is. You lose all of the keys over on the right-hand side (including the oh-so-handy volume rocker and multi-function button). You also lose the arrow keys, which takes some getting used to (and you can get them back via CTRL key).
![](https://i0.wp.com/knapsack.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/05140244/Steelseries-Apex-9-Mini-8-1024x553.jpeg?resize=930%2C502&ssl=1)
Past that, these keyboards look the same, feel the same, and even type the same. And hey, look at that, it’s a compact USB-C connection as well. As it turns out, I had a perfect scenario for testing out the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini. In our new hybrid world, we’ve moved office spaces, and no one has assigned desks anymore. That means you’ve got a monitor waiting on a desk, but nothing else. So, if you don’t want to type on your laptop’s keyboard, you need to bring your own external one.
![](https://i0.wp.com/knapsack.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/05140244/Steelseries-Apex-9-Mini-7-1024x768.jpeg?resize=930%2C698&ssl=1)
So, I popped the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini into my backpack, and headed on in. Sure, you could take a larger keyboard with you, I suppose, but I appreciate being able to fit other things (like, say, my lunch) in my backpack as well. Once I was at the office, it was quick to setup and get going. And, since most office spaces have a smaller work surface than what you may be using at home, the compact nature of the board really plays well.
![](https://i0.wp.com/knapsack.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/05140245/Steelseries-Apex-9-Mini-4-1024x1024.jpeg?resize=930%2C930&ssl=1)
As with any keyboard switch, going from another keyboard to the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini takes some getting used to. Going from the TKL version to this wasn’t too much of a curve – except for learning how to properly interact with the CTRL key and the “hidden” functions that are mapped on the keys, a necessity of this compact design. Once I had that down, it’s worked well for the occasional foray back into being a commuter.
![](https://i0.wp.com/knapsack.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/05140246/Steelseries-Apex-9-Mini-6-1024x533.jpeg?resize=930%2C484&ssl=1)
Another thing you may notice – and actually prefer – is that the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini looks to be unlabeled. It’s just a black rectangle ready for your inputs, so no distraction there. While I like this one for commuting, I prefer something more on the scale and size of the TKL version, with the few extra buttons and dedicated arrow keys. For a travel keyboard – and you want to be mechanical with it – this is a very solid route to go. It’s available for $129.99 direct from SteelSeries.com (or slightly less over at Amazon).
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Tech Specs from SteelSeries
- Key Switches: SteelSeries Linear OptiPoint Optical
- Switch Rating: 100 Million Keypresses
- On-Board Memory: 5 Custom Profiles
- Processor: 32 bit ARM
- Actuation Points / Force: 1.0-1.5 mm / 35g
- Connection: Detachable USB Type-C
- Width: 293 mm / 11.53 in
- Depth: 103 mm / 4.02 in
- Height: 40 mm / 1.58 in
- Weight: 676 g, Reinforced w/ Zero Flex Steel
- Height Adjustment: Rubber Tri Level Feet
- Lighting: Per Key RGB Illumination
- Compatibility
- OS
- Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, and Mac OS X*. USB port required
- *Not all software features supported on Mac OS
- Software
- SteelSeries Engine for Windows (8.1 or newer) and Mac OSX* (10.13 or newer)
- *Not all software features supported on Mac OS
- OS
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