SteelSeries Apex 3 Gaming Keyboard
Product Gallery
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.
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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***
NEX 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
Price Comparison (incl. referral links)*
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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3rd-Party Review Videos
External Reviews
rtings[1]
Sentiment Score 38%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]
Sentiment Score 72%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]
Sentiment Score 55%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
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 review by our AI using advanced language models.
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