Well, let me tell ya, if you’ve been lookin’ at them keyboards, like the Apex Pro TKL and the newer Apex Pro TKL 2023, you might be wonderin’ what’s the big difference, right? I see folks askin’ about it every day, and I reckon it’s about time we clear it up, ‘cause there’s some stuff you should know before you make up your mind on which one to grab. Now, don’t go thinkin’ it’s all the same, ‘cause it ain’t.
First off, you gotta know that the Apex Pro TKL 2023 is a newer model, so don’t be fooled by them old reviews or when folks talk about the earlier version. This here 2023 version is all fresh with some upgrades that’ll make a difference in how well the thing works, especially if you’re playin’ them games or needin’ to type quick-like.

What’s new in the 2023 version?
- It’s got them new Omnipoint 2.0 switches, which are much faster than the old ones. They react quicker, and when you press them keys, they respond a lot swifter. We’re talkin’ about 11 times quicker response and 10 times faster actuation. That’s mighty impressive, if ya ask me!
- Now, another big thing is the keycaps. The old Apex Pro TKL, the one from 2019 or whenever it came out, had ABS keycaps. But the 2023 model, it’s got PBT keycaps. If ya don’t know what that means, don’t worry. The PBT ones are just sturdier, don’t get all shiny and worn out from usin’ ‘em like them ABS ones do. That’s a plus if you ask me!
- Also, I heard the 2023 model’s got a little bit better build quality. Some folks been sayin’ it feels a bit more solid and sturdy, like it’s gonna last ya longer. Ain’t nothin’ worse than a keyboard feelin’ flimsy, especially when ya got your hands all over it all the time.
Why should you care about these changes?
Well, if you’re the type who plays them fast-paced games, like them shooters or whatever, then you sure do want that faster response time. Ain’t no time to be wastin’ when you’re tryin’ to take down the enemy, and those quick key presses in the 2023 model could give ya a little edge. Plus, if you type a lot, you’re gonna notice them PBT keycaps lastin’ a lot longer than the ABS ones did.
What’s the same between the two?
- They’re both tenkeyless, so you ain’t got that number pad on the side. If you don’t need it, that’s fine, but if you’re someone who uses that number pad a lot, you might wanna think twice about whether or not you want a TKL keyboard.
- Both keyboards got that RGB lighting, so you can make ‘em light up however you want. Ain’t no difference there if you like makin’ your keyboard look all pretty-like.
- They both still use SteelSeries’ fancy software to adjust the settings and stuff. Ain’t no change there, so you can still mess around with your key assignments and profiles like before.
Which one’s better for you?
If you’re lookin’ for something that’s got the latest tech, more durability, and faster responses, then the Apex Pro TKL 2023 is the way to go. It’s got them faster switches, better keycaps, and a sturdier build, so you’re gonna get more out of it in the long run. But, if you’re just wantin’ somethin’ to type on and you’re not all that worried about the latest features, the older model still gets the job done just fine. Either way, you ain’t gonna go wrong, but the 2023 model’s got a little more to offer.

Final thoughts: Well, I’d say if you got the chance to grab the 2023 version and you’re willin’ to spend a little extra, go ahead. But if you find a good deal on the older version, it’ll still work fine for ya. At the end of the day, both of ‘em will help ya play them games or get your work done without much trouble. Just think about what matters most to you—faster reactions or saving a few bucks!
Tags:[Apex Pro TKL, Apex Pro TKL 2023, SteelSeries, gaming keyboard, Omnipoint switches, PBT keycaps, mechanical keyboard, keyboard comparison, TKL keyboard, best gaming keyboard 2023]