SteelSeries Apex 3

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a sleek and stylish keyboard with a classic SteelSeries aesthetic. It features an ergonomic design with rounded edges, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. The keyboard comes with a premium magnetic wrist rest, providing full palm support and enhancing comfort during long gaming sessions.

The Apex 3 has 10-zone RGB illumination, allowing for customizable color schemes and reactive effects. The RGB lighting can be controlled through the SteelSeries Engine software and can sync up perfectly with other SteelSeries products.

The keyboard is primarily constructed using plastic materials, but it still has good build quality and durability. The plastic frame gives it a solid feel, and the keycaps made of ABS plastic with a soft finish provide a comfortable typing experience. The Apex 3 is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry while traveling.

It is also water-resistant, with an IP32 rating to prevent damage from liquid spills.

The size and weight of the Apex 3 make it compact and suitable for various gaming setups. Its sleek design and tasteful RGB display make it visually appealing for both gaming and office work. However, the lightweight nature of the keyboard can cause it to move during use, but this can be addressed with the flip-up feet and the magnetic wrist rest.

The Apex 3 offers customizable lighting options with good brightness control. The RGB settings are generally considered to be good, although the colors produced may be more pastel than vibrant primary colors. The SteelSeries Engine software allows for easy customization of lighting settings and effects, as well as programming macros and remapping keys.

Overall, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is a visually appealing and durable keyboard with customizable lighting options. It is suitable for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts who want a comfortable and stylish keyboard for their gaming setup or office work.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 keyboard uses rubber dome switches, which have a fairly high pre-travel distance, leading to better typing accuracy and reduced chance of unintended keystrokes. The switches require a moderate amount of force to get over the tactile bump, but they are not heavy.

While they are not mechanical switches, they are designed to be quiet and durable, with a certified lifespan of over 20 million key presses.

In terms of typing, the switches provide a satisfying feeling and have very little resistance without feeling overly spongey. However, some users may find the keys slightly mushy and lacking distinct tactile feedback. For gaming, the Apex 3 is considered a good option, although the rubber dome switches and long pre-travel distance can make the keyboard feel a bit unresponsive.

The keyboard's latency is also reported to be fairly high, which may not be ideal for competitive gaming. However, the Apex 3 allows for macro customization and has zone-lit RGB backlighting.

Overall, the switches in the SteelSeries Apex 3 provide a decent typing experience and a good gaming experience, but they may not offer the same level of responsiveness and tactile feedback as mechanical switches. The keyboard is suitable for those who prioritize typing accuracy and a quiet experience, as well as casual gamers who value macro customization and RGB lighting.

However, for competitive gamers or those who prefer a more tactile feel, mechanical switches may be a better option.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 offers a decent level of customization for its price range. It features 10-zone RGB backlighting that can be customized using the SteelSeries Engine software. You can adjust the lighting effects, colors, and brightness, and even create your own presets. The software also allows you to program macros and remap keys, giving you additional customization options.

However, it's important to note that the Apex 3 does not have individual backlighting for each key. Instead, it uses a zone-based RGB setup, where you can customize each of the eight zones. This may be a limitation for users who prefer per-key lighting customization.

In terms of use cases, the Apex 3 is suitable for gamers who want to personalize their gaming experience. The programmable macro keys and key remapping feature allow for easy customization of commands and actions, making it more efficient to perform in-game tasks. The RGB lighting customization adds a visually appealing element to the gaming setup.

For general users, the Apex 3 can also be customized to suit their preferences. The macro keys can be programmed for shortcuts or repetitive tasks, enhancing productivity. The RGB lighting customization can add a touch of personalization to the keyboard, making it stand out on the desk.

Overall, while the customization options on the Apex 3 may not be as robust as some higher-end keyboards, it still offers a good level of customization for its price range. The SteelSeries Engine software is praised for its user-friendly interface, making it easy to customize the RGB lighting and programmable keys.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 gaming keyboard offers a wired connectivity option through a USB cable. This ensures a stable and reliable connection, making it ideal for seamless gaming experiences. The keyboard does not have wireless connectivity, but it does have USB connectivity with a non-detachable USB-A cable.

However, it does not have a USB passthrough for connecting other devices. The wired connection of the SteelSeries Apex 3 provides a stable and consistent connection, making it suitable for gamers who prioritize reliability and responsiveness in their gaming peripherals.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is compatible with Windows operating systems, with all keys functioning properly. Linux users can also use the keyboard, but they won't be able to customize it due to the lack of software and onboard memory. On macOS, some keys like Scroll Lock and Pause/Break may not work.

In terms of gaming platforms, the Apex 3 is designed to work with multiple platforms, including gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, as well as PCs. This makes it a versatile option for gamers who want to use the keyboard across different platforms.

To fully utilize the features of the Apex 3, users will need to download and install the SteelSeries Engine software. This software allows for customization of the RGB backlighting, setting custom macros, and adjusting other settings on the keyboard. It is described as quick and intuitive to set up and use.

However, Linux users won't have access to this software and customization options.