Why does this keyboard have a MAGNET in every key? - Steelseries Apex Pro First Look

The video provides a first look at the SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard lineup, focusing on the groundbreaking omnipoint adjustable switches that are built with magnets. The presenter explains that every key contains a small magnet and a Hall sensor under the PCB that reads the magnetic field strength hundreds of times per millisecond, enabling on-the-fly, per-key actuation adjustments. He demonstrates how you can customize actuation points from about 3.6 millimeters down to 0.4 millimeters, which translates to faster response times and the ability to tailor key sensitivity for different tasks, such as typing versus gaming. The software interface is shown, allowing users to set unique actuation profiles for each key and switch between profiles automatically when loading different configurations. The demo emphasizes how this technology can effectively treat keys as touch-sensitive inputs, with the possibility of high durability and precise, individualized control across all 63 keys of the keyboard. The presenter further notes that these keyboards are still in development, with the real innovation driven by the patent and the potential for future refinements like adjustable tactile feedback, though current models are linear switches. Pricing and availability are announced for the Apex Pro and Apex Pro TKL variants, with the full-size model listed at 199 USD and the TKL at 179 USD, and regional pricing may vary. Overall, the video frames the Apex Pro as a bold leap in keyboard customization that could reshape how users interact with mechanical keyboards, while also acknowledging that the concept may take time to fully mature and reach broader adoption.

Topics · technology · gadgets · consumer_electronics · input_devices · peripherals