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SteelSeries Apex 3

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Design
Switches
Customization
Connectivity
Compatibility
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18 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [18]

82
Total expert reviews: 18
  • with a score: 8
  • without a score: 10
Highest score by Lifewire
96
Average score based on 18 reviews
82
Lowest score by GamesRadar+
60

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
SteelSeries Apex 3 Keyboard Review
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a budget-friendly gaming keyboard with rubber dome switches that offers a decent typing experience. It has good build quality, customizable backlighting, and dedicated media controls, making it a suitable option for those on a budget or who prefer non-mechanical keyboards.
+ pros
  • Good build quality and comes with a magnetic wrist rest - The keyboard is well-made and includes a comfortable wrist rest for added support.
  • Budget-friendly - The keyboard is affordable, making it a great option for those on a tight budget.
  • Decent typing experience - While the keys may feel slightly mushy, overall the typing experience is satisfactory.
  • Customization options through SteelSeries' Engine software - Users can personalize the RGB backlight and set macros using the software.
- cons
  • High latency and less responsive - The keyboard has a noticeable delay and the rubber dome switches require a longer distance to register keystrokes, resulting in reduced responsiveness.
  • Lack of tactile feedback - The keys may feel mushy and lack the satisfying click or tactile feedback that mechanical keyboards offer.
  • Not suitable for use with mobile devices - The keyboard may not be compatible with mobile devices, limiting its versatility.
  • Limited functionality on macOS - Some keys may not work properly on macOS, potentially causing inconvenience for Mac users.
90
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Review: Can Do More Than Most for Less
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL gaming keyboard is a budget-friendly option that offers water resistance and a surprisingly good typing experience with its Whisper-Quiet membrane switches. While it may lack some features and could benefit from a bit more weight, it exceeds expectations for its price point.
+ pros
  • IP32 water resistance, which eliminates the risk of keyboard damage from spills.
  • Whisper-Quiet membrane switches that provide a pleasant and responsive typing experience.
  • Affordable price of $45, making it a great value for a gaming keyboard.
  • Lightweight and portable design with cable routing trenches and flip-up feet for added convenience.
  • Dedicated media keys for easy control of audio playback.
  • Water resistance tested and proven to work effectively.
  • Solid plastic construction that doesn't attract fingerprints.
  • Onboard macro-keys and customizable RGB lighting options through the SteelSeries Engine software.
- cons
  • Lack of heft and lightness of the keyboard can cause it to move around on the desk during use.
  • Non-removable USB-A cable may be a downside for some users.
  • Flipped legends on some keys may be a minor inconvenience for those used to standard keyboard layouts.
  • Stabilizer rattle can be more noticeable due to the silent nature of the switches.
  • Media key implementation, particularly for going back to a previous track, can feel awkward.
  • RGB lighting is not per-key and is limited to eight zones.
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ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a sleek and stylish keyboard with ergonomic design, customizable RGB lighting, and durable construction, making it suitable for gamers and general users alike.

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 switches in the Apex 3 are 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.

However, some users may find the keys slightly mushy and lacking distinct tactile feedback.

In terms of customization, the 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.

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.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 offers a stable and reliable wired connectivity option through a USB cable. It does not have wireless connectivity or a USB passthrough for connecting other devices. The wired connection provides a stable and consistent connection, making it suitable for gamers who prioritize reliability and responsiveness in their gaming peripherals.

The 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 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.

Design

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a sleek and durable keyboard with customizable lighting options, making it a great choice for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts.

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.

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Switches

The SteelSeries Apex 3 keyboard features rubber dome switches that offer good typing accuracy and a quiet experience, making it suitable for those who prioritize typing accuracy and a quiet experience, as well as casual gamers who value macro customization and RGB lighting, but it may not provide the same level of responsiveness and tactile feedback as mechanical switches.

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.

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Customization

The SteelSeries Apex 3 offers a decent level of customization with its 10-zone RGB backlighting and programmable keys, making it suitable for gamers and general users looking to personalize their keyboard experience.

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.

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Connectivity

The SteelSeries Apex 3 gaming keyboard offers a stable and reliable wired connection, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize reliability and responsiveness.

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.

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Compatibility

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a versatile gaming keyboard compatible with Windows, gaming consoles, and macOS, but Linux users may have limited customization options.

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.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all gaming keyboards.

Rank Change Price Gaming Keyboard
Tom's Guide
Rtings.com
Tom's Hardware
PC Gamer
TechRadar
PCMag
T3
Laptop Mag
Digital Trends
GamesRadar+
1
- $147
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
1
-
2
- $175
Asus ROG Azoth
The Asus ROG Azoth gaming keyboard is a highly customizable and durable keyboard with hot-swappable ROG NX mechanical switches, extensive RGB lighting, and multiple connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for gamers who prioritize a solid and stable typing experience.
-
-
-
-
11
10
-
-
3
1
3
- $200
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a customizable and durable mechanical gaming keyboard with two switch options and extensive RGB lighting and programmable key options.
-
-
2
-
-
2
-
4
-
8
4
+1 $125
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless keyboard is a highly customizable and responsive keyboard suitable for both gaming and typing, with SteelSeries' proprietary OmniPoint 2.0 switches, per-key RGB lighting, and multiple connectivity options.
5
-
4
-
13
-
-
-
5
-
Show all rows
SteelSeries Apex 3 did not receive any endorsements this month.

Highest recommended gaming keyboards this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. gaming keyboards below are at the top of our ranking this December.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the gaming keyboard for more details.
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Asus ROG Azoth Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless
Reviews
In comparison:
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 rank #1 out of 186. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.7
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Asus ROG Azoth rank #2 out of 186. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Reviews
In comparison:
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless rank #4 out of 186. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.7
Amazing
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Asus ROG Azoth gaming keyboard is a highly customizable and durable keyboard with hot-swappable ROG NX mechanical switches, extensive RGB lighting, and multiple connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for gamers who prioritize a solid and stable typing experience. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a customizable and durable mechanical gaming keyboard with two switch options and extensive RGB lighting and programmable key options. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless keyboard is a highly customizable and responsive keyboard suitable for both gaming and typing, with SteelSeries' proprietary OmniPoint 2.0 switches, per-key RGB lighting, and multiple connectivity options.
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