SteelSeries Apex 3 Review: A Blend of Comfort, Durability, and Customizability
In our comprehensive review, we delve into the SteelSeries Apex 3, a full-sized keyboard that marries functionality with aesthetics. From its customizable RGB lighting and whisper-quiet keys to its IP32 water resistance and dedicated media controls, learn how this keyboard could be the game-changer for your gaming or regular typing needs.
Today, we're going to take a deep dive into the SteelSeries Apex 3 gaming keyboard.
SteelSeries is a brand that needs no introduction in the gaming world. They have been around for years, consistently delivering products that win the hearts of gamers across the globe. But how does the Apex 3, a budget-friendly offering, stack up against the competition? Let's find out together!
In this comprehensive review, we're going to cover everything you need to know about the Apex 3. We'll look at its design, the quality of its build, the comfort it offers, and much more. To make sure our review is unbiased and reliable, we've also included feedback from various users to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking to upgrade your gear or a newbie exploring the world of gaming keyboards, this review has got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and let's get started on this exciting journey!
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is targeted at gamers and regular users looking for a full-sized keyboard with customizability, resilience against spills, and quiet performance.
- Full-size keyboard with good build quality
- RGB backlight customizable via SteelSeries' Engine software
- IP32 water and dust resistance
- Comes with dedicated media controls and macro-programmable keys
- Provides a quiet and comfortable typing experience
- Keys can feel stiff and lack distinct tactile feedback
- Some keys don't work on macOS, and software is unavailable for Linux
- Lack of per-key RGB customization
- Non-removable USB-A cable
- The lightweight design can lead to movement during use
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a recommended choice for those seeking a quiet, programmable keyboard with decent build quality, all at a reasonable price point. Its IP32 rating for water and dust resistance also makes it a durable option for everyday use. However, those seeking distinct tactile feedback and per-key RGB customization may want to consider other options.
Test Results
Design
Let's start with the design of the SteelSeries Apex 3. This gaming keyboard has been designed keeping user comfort and functionality in mind, with an eye on its overall aesthetics and space efficiency. We'll delve into its dimensions, build quality, ergonomics, backlighting, connectivity, and extra features to give you a comprehensive understanding of its design.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a large full-sized keyboard, measuring 17.5 x 5.5 inches. This size might demand more space on your desk, especially with the included magnetic, detachable 3.1-inch wrist rest. However, this also means there's ample space for a comfortable typing area.
Despite being budget-friendly, the Apex 3 doesn't compromise on build quality. The chassis, made entirely of plastic, feels thin and light. This lightness, however, sometimes causes the keyboard to move during use, which could be a drawback for some users. The keycaps are made of ABS plastic with a soft finish that resists fingerprints. The keyboard comes with an IP32 rating for water and dust resistance, providing some level of assurance against accidental spills and dusty environments.
The Apex 3 is high-profile but offers decent ergonomics. It includes a magnetic wrist rest for support, which aids in providing a comfortable typing experience. The keyboard also has two flip-up feet coated in rubber, which allows for an adjustable and comfortable typing angle. However, due to its light weight, it may occasionally slide around during use, which could impact the overall user experience.
The Apex 3 features 10-zone RGB backlighting that can be customized via the SteelSeries Engine software. However, the lighting is not individually lit for each key and might appear less vibrant, especially in brightly lit rooms. This could be a letdown for users seeking per-key RGB customization.
As for connectivity, the Apex 3 is a wired-only keyboard. It comes with a non-removable, rubberized USB-A cable. The lack of wireless connectivity might not appeal to everyone, but it ensures a steady connection for gaming and other activities without worrying about battery life.
The Apex 3 boasts several extra features, enhancing its functionality. These include dedicated media controls, hotkeys for brightness adjustment, macros, profile switching, and a Windows key lock. A bonus is the keyboard's IP32 water resistance, which can protect it from accidental water spills. Furthermore, it has six onboard macro-keys for custom functions, allowing users to personalize their keyboard use to a great extent.
Typing Experience
Moving on to the typing experience, an aspect critical for any keyboard, gaming or otherwise. The Apex 3 comes with some unique features that provide a different yet comfortable typing experience. We'll analyze the keystrokes, typing quality, typing noise, and latency in our tests to give you a detailed overview.
The Apex 3 uses rubber dome switches which offer a high pre-travel distance, leading to better typing accuracy. While the keys may initially feel stiff and then mushy once depressed, they still provide effective typing. The Whisper-Quiet gaming switches are rated for 20 million keystrokes, less than some other switches but still ample for the keyboard's price range. However, the switches may feel slightly unresponsive to some users due to their design.
Typing on the Apex 3 is generally a good experience. Its keys are stable, but they lack distinct tactile feedback, which may not appeal to users who prefer a more noticeable 'bump' when typing. The Whisper-Quiet switches offer slight tactility, contributing to an elegant and responsive typing experience. The included wrist rest aids in preventing fatigue, allowing for longer typing sessions. Users can achieve a decent typing speed and accuracy with this keyboard, comparable to other devices in the same category.
One of the notable features of the Apex 3 is its quiet operation, making it suitable for quiet office environments or late-night gaming sessions. The membrane switches significantly reduce typing noise. The only notable noise comes from the stabilizers, which become more noticeable due to the overall silent nature of the keyboard.
The Apex 3 offers decent latency for a wired keyboard, with keys that are responsive and do not miss commands during gaming. However, it may not be ideal for competitive gaming as its latency is slightly higher than some might prefer. Specific latency measurements were not provided in the notes, but these observations suggest that the keyboard performs adequately in most situations, but might not meet the demands of more serious gamers.
Software
Finally, let's discuss the software that powers the SteelSeries Apex 3. It's crucial to understand how it enhances the keyboard's functionality and what compatibility issues, if any, you might face. We'll explore the programming capabilities and compatibility of the keyboard with different operating systems.
Programming is an area where the Apex 3 shines. Every key is macro-programmable, enabling users to tailor the keyboard's functionality to their specific needs. Additionally, the keyboard has six programmable onboard macro-keys that can be customized using the SteelSeries Engine software. This provides the flexibility to program macros and remap keys, a feature particularly useful for gamers or anyone needing custom key commands. However, this customization is limited to Windows and macOS users.
The Apex 3 is broadly compatible across desktop operating systems, though with some limitations. While it appears to function well with both laptops and desktops, some keys may not work on macOS. Moreover, the software for customizing the keyboard's functionality is not available for Linux users. As such, while the keyboard offers broad compatibility, certain users may experience limitations depending on their specific operating system.
Customer Reviews
The opinions and experiences of customers are crucial in providing insight into the quality and performance of any product. This is especially true for the SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard. Below, we delve into the benefits and complaints as given in the reviews from several customers.
Benefits
Users have mentioned how the SteelSeries Apex 3 keyboard greatly improves their typing experience. The keyboard design aligns well with the muscle memory of users, helping them type better with fewer typos. The keys' tactile feel and soft resistance have been noted as similar to other high-end keyboards, allowing for a seamless transition. The magnetized palm rest and the illumination around and under the keys are other points of praise. The addition of silent gaming switches, rated for up to 20 million keypresses, has been well-received for their noise reduction capabilities, allowing users to game or work in quieter environments. The keyboard's durability, being water-resistant, adds an extra layer of protection for users prone to accidental spills.
Many customers lauded the keyboard's sleek design and value for money, with some saying it feels like a 'steal'. The customizable 10-zone RGB lighting is another frequently mentioned benefit, providing users the ability to adjust lighting effects and colors according to their liking. The dedicated media controls add convenience for users, allowing easy adjustment of volume and track skipping without leaving the game. The small screen above the number pad, showing system performance information, is another beloved feature by customers.
Complaints
Not all reviews are without complaints. One user mentioned that the key letters' illumination seemed dim compared to other models. Furthermore, despite the keyboard's advertised waterproofing, one user found it to be merely water-resistant. While it was able to withstand a coffee spill, blasting it with a showerhead resulted in slight issues with the LED zone colors.
Another point of criticism is the need for software installation and account creation with SteelSeries to customize the keyboard's color settings. The software has been described as being sizeable and installing irrelevant components, which may be bothersome to some users.
Customer Conclusion
In conclusion, the majority of customers are highly impressed with the SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard, valuing its typing comfort, sound reduction, durability, and customizable lighting. Despite minor complaints, the keyboard delivers a satisfying experience that matches or even surpasses other models in the market. For anyone seeking a reliable, durable, and customizable gaming keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard comes highly recommended by its users.
Customer Questions/Answers
How can I change the keyboard color to solid green?
To change the keyboard color, you need to download the SteelSeries Engine from their official website. This software enables color customization of the keyboard.
Do the lights on the keyboard turn off when the computer is put to sleep?
Yes, the lights on the keyboard turn off when the computer goes to sleep. However, pressing a key will reactivate the lights.
Can I use this keyboard with a PS4?
Yes, the keyboard can be used with a PS4.
Can I use this keyboard with a Chromebook and how will the backlight work?
Yes, you can use this keyboard with a Chromebook. However, as it relies on the SteelSeries Engine software for customization, some features, including custom backlight settings, might not work as expected.
What does three-way cable routing mean?
Three-way cable routing refers to the ability to route the keyboard's cable in one of three ways: out the middle top, out the top left, or out the top right. It's a small feature for additional cable management.
Can I change the light pattern from the keyboard without the software?
No, changing the light pattern of the keyboard without the SteelSeries Engine software is not possible.
Does the keyboard have a dedicated sleep button or can I assign one?
The keyboard doesn't have a dedicated sleep button. However, to put your computer to sleep, you can use a native keyboard shortcut: CTRL+X, then U, then S.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SteelSeries Apex 3 gaming keyboard has some noteworthy attributes. Despite its affordable price, it brings decent build quality to the table. It's not the most robust out there, but its lightweight design and IP32 water resistance make it durable enough for everyday use.
While it doesn't support per-key RGB customization, the 10-zone RGB lighting provides a decent level of personalization. It might not be the most vibrant in bright rooms, but it still adds a touch of flair to your gaming setup. The Apex 3 also comes with dedicated media controls, further enhancing its functionality.
When it comes to the typing experience, the Apex 3 stands out with its Whisper-Quiet switches. They're quiet enough for an office environment, and while the keys may feel a bit mushy, they still provide a relatively pleasant typing experience. The inclusion of a comfortable wrist rest is another bonus that helps to minimize fatigue during long gaming sessions.
On the downside, the latency could be an issue for competitive gamers. It's decent for a wired keyboard, but it might not be ideal for those intense gaming moments. Furthermore, the software compatibility is limited, as some keys may not work on macOS, and the software is not available for Linux.
Overall, if you're after a cost-effective gaming keyboard that delivers a reasonable performance and a decent feature set, the SteelSeries Apex 3 could be a solid choice. Its strengths outweigh its shortcomings, making it a worthy contender in the budget-friendly gaming keyboard market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SteelSeries Apex 3 worth it?
Yes, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is worth considering, especially for budget-conscious users. It offers a robust set of features, including customizable RGB lighting, whisper-quiet keys, and IP32 water resistance. While the build quality is plastic, it is reasonably durable and fingerprint-resistant. The keyboard also provides decent typing experience and dedicated media controls, making it a good value for its price.
Is Apex 5 better than Apex 3?
The Apex 5 and Apex 3 by SteelSeries cater to different segments of users and have their own strengths. The Apex 5 features hybrid mechanical switches and per-key RGB lighting, which the Apex 3 lacks. However, the Apex 3 offers whisper-quiet keys and is more affordable. Therefore, whether one is 'better' depends on your individual preferences and budget.
Is SteelSeries Apex 3 quiet?
Yes, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is known for its quiet operation. It utilizes Whisper-Quiet gaming switches that provide a silent and slightly tactile feel. This makes it suitable for environments where noise is a concern, such as quiet offices or shared spaces.
How long does the SteelSeries Apex 3 last?
The Apex 3's gaming switches are rated for 20 million keystrokes, indicating a solid lifespan for average use. Additionally, its IP32 water resistance provides some protection from accidental spills, potentially extending its durability. However, the exact lifespan can vary depending on usage patterns and care.
Can the keys of SteelSeries Apex 3 be reprogrammed?
Yes, the keys on the SteelSeries Apex 3 can be reprogrammed. The keyboard offers six programmable onboard macro-keys. These can be customized using the SteelSeries Engine software, allowing you to tailor the keyboard's functionality to your specific needs.
What operating systems is the SteelSeries Apex 3 compatible with?
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is compatible with all desktop operating systems. However, some keys may not work on macOS, and the customization software is unavailable for Linux users.
Is the SteelSeries Apex 3 water-resistant?
Yes, the SteelSeries Apex 3is rated with an IP32 water resistance, which protects it from accidental water spills. This can be particularly useful in gaming sessions or work environments where beverages are present.