SteelSeries Apex 3 Gaming Keyboard

MSRP 50 USD55% External
Keywords: entry-levelfull-sizegamingkeyboardrgb-lightingsteelseries

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Product Overview

SteelSeries Apex 3 is an entry-level gaming keyboard with membrane switches. It drops much of the premium features found in higher-end SteelSeries keyboards, though the Apex 3 uniquely adds IP32 water resistance.
The Apex 3 comes with 10-zone RGB backlighting and 24-key rollover. Despite its plastic construction, the entry-level keyboard still comes with a magnetically-attached wrist rest. Dedicated media controls can still be found on the Apex 3, though it drops the OLED display.
While marketed as a gaming keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3 makes for a good, affordable option for office use.

Ratings

What we found**

Pros
  • Comfortable keyboard with rubber dome switches and individually-lit keys
  • Good build quality
  • Comfortable wrist rest
Cons
  • Limited customization options

What external reviewers found***

External score 55% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Good build quality
  • Fantastic palmrest
  • Comfortable typing experience
  • Sleek, lightweight design
  • Comfortable wrist rest
Cons
  • Expensive for a mechanical keyboard
  • Mediocre RGB lighting
  • No onboard memory
  • No dedicated macro keys
  • Cable is fairly low quality
  • Limited to Windows and macOS users
Read More

Price Comparison

Specifications

Connectivity

Ports
USB

Construction

Cable
2m braided cable
Form Factor
Full-size keyboard
Switch Type
SteelSeries Whisper-Quiet Switches (membrane)

Dimensions

Size | Depth
151.62 mm
Size | Height
39.69 mm
Size | Width
444.7 mm
Weight
1.8 lbs

Function

Keyboard Backlight
10-zone RGB Lighting
Misc
24-key Rollover
Weather Resistance
IP32

Performance

Durability
20 million key strokes
Key Travel
0.4-3.6mm adjustable actuation, 45g actuation force

Production

Debut
2019-05

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Launch Comparison
Clear List

3rd-Party Review Videos

External Reviews

rtings[1]

Reviewer score 38%
Reviewers from rtings have found the following***:
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a wired-only keyboard and can't be used with mobile devices. The rubber dome switches offer a decent typing experience, though some may find it a bit mushy. It has backlighting for those who like to watch TV in the dark, but the keys aren't individually-lit.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Compatible with all desktop operating systems
  • Good build quality
  • Comfortable typing experience
Cons
  • No dedicated macro keys
  • Limited to Windows and macOS users
  • No onboard memory

techradar[2]

Reviewer score 72%
Reviewers from techradar have found the following***:
The Steelseries Apex 3 is a full-size keyboard, sporting a tenkey number pad, a dedicated media button and knob. It boasts 10-zone RGB illumination that's fully customizable via the SteelSeries Engine 3 software. The bottom of the board includes a three-way cable routing channel, which is nice for keeping your workspace tidy.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Sleek, lightweight design
  • Fantastic palmrest
  • High-quality RGB lighting
Cons
  • Cable is fairly low quality

tomsguide[3]

Reviewer score 55%
Reviewers from tomsguide have found the following***:
For a $50 keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3 has fairly robust software. It runs on SteelSeries Engine 3, which has been one of the better gaming-peripheral programs. The keys are workable, sure, but they feel stiff at first, and mushy once depressed.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Solid build quality
  • Comfortable wrist rest
  • IP32 water resistance
Cons
  • Expensive for a mechanical keyboard
  • Mediocre RGB lighting

User Reviews

Comments

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References

  1. ^ SteelSeries Apex 3 Keyboard Review. [rtings]. https://www.rtings.com/keyboard/reviews/steelseries/apex-3. 2020-02-17. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  2. ^ SteelSeries Apex 3 review. [techradar]. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/steelseries-apex-3. 2020-02-28. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  3. ^ SteelSeries Apex 3 review. [tomsguide]. https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/steelseries-apex-3. 2020-02-06. Retrieved 2021-03-22.

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These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

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