Customer Ratings & Reviews

Great budget keyboard. Great mechanical feel and quiet switches.

This keyboard is awesome if you are trying to have an affordable gaming setup. You can adjust the setting of the keyboard to your preference. RGB lighting could be better, but it does the job.

It's a really good keyboard with a detachable bottom to make us of more space if you have a small desk

Great keyboard really recommend I just switch to keyboard but ima keep upgrading keyboards once I get better this just the start

The Apex 3 has tons of customizable options with Button re-assignments macro features color selection and schemes. The Apex 3 has ten color zones to play with. The zones are set up as columns along the keyboard, and each zone can be set to it's own color scheme or unite all zones for a solid color accross the board. You have to download the SteeleSeries Engine 3 to really take advantage of all the options for the keyboard. The program is where all the extra options are. They even have certain color schemes for specific apps, they have several popular games already included. You can even create your own scheme for apps not listed. Some features can be changed on the fly with keyboard shortcuts. by pressing the "SteeleSeries" icon button and : F9 - you can switch between the default profiles F10 (for 3 seconds) - you can record a macro ( press the SteeleSeries button and F10, to end and save) F11 - decrease brightness F12 - increase brightness There is even a multimedia button to cycle through different multimedia features ,..ie ..volume,mute, play, pause, forward, reverse and skip These features can be manipulated by the roller bar above the multimedia button. All features aside this is a very accurate and comfortable keyboard to use. The keys themselves have a nice curve at the surface, so your fingers actually rest in place perfectly into each key. making it even easier to distinguish the keys through touch. The pressure needed to press each key is seamless, yet just enough to provide feedback of the press. The keys do make a low click when you are typing very fast, but can be whisper quiet once you get used to the feel of everything. The magnetic wrist pad is an excellent idea, and comfort. It holds it's place perfectly, yet can be removed with ease if someone else using the computer doesn't want it. Adding the water resistant feature is just one more bonus to this keyboard. It helps everything stay protected from accidental spills, and makes things much easier to keep it clean. Overall this keyboard really has been fun customizing, and extremely useful with all it's options. By using the app and mod for minecraft, I can easily tell what direction I'm going in based on the color of the keyboard (N,E,S,W). There are just so many ways the features can be utilized. Very excited to explore more ways to take advantage of these features.

I wanted something quiet and backlit that I could use for work. I wish it had a setting for all solid 1-color lights on the keyboard since I can't install software to control this. The Caps Lock indicator light is actually directly above the numpad - and the keys stick up so far you can't even see it if you are in a sitting position. Not real happy, but it was only $40 and it is quiet.

You can only press 2 or 3 buttons at once but still a good keyboard for the price

Very good gaming keyboard for a fair price. Would definitely recommend.

Great keyboard. Got it for my father's build. As good it better than the expensive keyboards I've owned.

This is the budget level keyboard that has many of the features that higher priced gaming keyboards provide. With the SteelSeries Engine software installed you can customize the 10 RGB zones for your illumination desire. The lights are bright, but kind of broad, so you can’t make individual keys light up like the SteelSeries Apex 5 or Apex 7, but can create shifting, steady, breathing or even audio visualizer color patterns. Just a word of advice, I didn’t realize it at first, but you have to select the zones you want to change for them to take effect, then save it to keep it that way. The keys are soft and quiet and since it uses a rubber membrane it gains water resistance. With the Steelseries Engine software you can also configure each key to be a different key, function or macro. With the Profile key combo you would think you can easily switch between the different configurations you design, but you can’t, not yet at least. You can however use the SteeleSeries icon in the tray tool and select the various configs that you set in the Engine software so that you can have a different color background that coordinates with your programmed key functions that might have macros assigned or such. The macro record and brightness keys work as described though. Just make sure to go in and give the macro a new name in the macro editor as you won’t be able to assign it with the generic name it creates. The added media button is a simple way to play/pause any media player as well as to quickly adjust the main system volume. The ability to route the cable through three different areas is something I forgot keyboards used to have as most of them now just have a static cable out the back. This is nice for anyone that wants to keep cables neatly to one side of the desk. The magnetic wrist rest appears to be made of the same material as the body of the keyboard. I wouldn’t say it is soft, like I think of a gel wrist rest, but it is helpful to give that added edge. Overall, if you desire an illuminated gaming keyboard without paying the premium, this is a nice one to have.

I am pleasantly surprised with this keyboard. Despite not have mechanical switches it feels very nice to type on. The keys have a pleasant tactile bump and make very little sound, they also have very little wobble which can drive me nuts on other boards. The matte finish and chunky font on the key caps is pretty sharp looking and the illumination through the keys is adequate but I do wish it was a little brighter to match the rest of the keyboard. The white base under the keys diffuses the light very well and provides a floating key look that I really like. It offers 10-zones as opposed to per key RGB control but I have personally never gotten much use out of per key control even when I've had it available. The lighting can be controlled by function keys on the keyboard or in the SteelSeries Engine software. The software also allows you to program macros or even remap every key if the need arises. The included wrist rest is very sturdy with a nice rubberized finish and attaches magnetically. I enjoy using the volume control on upper right of the keyboard, it rolls smoothly and has very satisfying indexing points, you can also click the wheel to mute. I actually catch myself using it as a fidget toy while browsing and researching online. The button below the wheel is a multi-function media key, one press to play/pause, double for next track and triple for previous track. My only gripes are with the travel distance of the keys and the amount of light shown through the legend. The total key travel is a bit longer than I am used to, however they actuate quiet high so if you type lighter or aren't used to short travel keys you likely won't be bothered by this. These two things are rather minor and can be completely overlooked due to list of positives and this keyboards inherent value given it's price point. I would have no problems recommending this keyboard to friends or family especially since it is IP32 rated and a few of them have killed keyboards with liquid spills in the past. TL;DR Great tactile feel, despite not being a mechanical keyboard. Keys are sturdy with next to no wobble and actuate pretty high in the stroke. Very pleasant lighting effects with a floating key look. It's good build quality and IP32 rating make it very easy to recommend for those looking for a high value wired keyboard.

It’s a good keyboard if your looking for one decent priced

Really impressed with this keyboard. While this is the lower tier keyboard from SteelSeries, I think it’s still a decent keyboard for gaming or for just normal use. The keyboard has soft keys so it doesn’t have that click when you press the keys. Some people prefer that however I don’t. I like the fact they keys are fairly quite. The LED lights on this keyboard are very cool. I have mine setup at 2 seconds intervals and it cycles through the range of colors on the keyboard. Really like this aspect more than anything else. Nice rainbow of colors on my desk. One issue I noticed is the height of the keys. With the LEDs, it adds a bit of height to the keys which takes a bit of getting used to. The magnetic wrist rest helps a bit but typing on this keyboard does take a little getting used to. That said, still a solid feeling keyboard and the lights alone make it worth the purchase.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a testament to the idea that you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality gaming keyboard. After weeks of testing, I can confidently say that this keyboard punches well above its weight class in terms of features and performance, especially considering its price point. First off, the build quality is surprisingly robust for a budget keyboard. The frame is sturdy, and there's a reassuring weight to it that I didn’t expect. It feels like it can withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions, which is a big plus in my book. One of the standout features of the Apex 3 is its IP32 water resistance. Accidental spills during frenzied gaming sessions or while working can happen to anyone, and this feature adds a layer of practicality and durability. The keys themselves are membrane, not mechanical, but they have a nice tactile feel to them. There's a satisfying 'thud' with each press, and the key travel is just right – not too shallow, not too deep. The whisper-quiet keys are a boon, especially if you share your space with others or stream your games. The customizable RGB lighting is another highlight. It’s bright, vibrant, and easily adjustable with the SteelSeries Engine software, which is intuitive and user-friendly. The dynamic reactive lighting effects add a touch of flair to your gaming setup. The dedicated multimedia controls are a great convenience, allowing for easy adjustment of volume and media playback without interrupting your game or work. The inclusion of a wrist rest is another thoughtful touch, enhancing comfort during long usage sessions. On the downside, the absence of mechanical switches might be a dealbreaker for some enthusiasts, but for its price, the performance of the Apex 3 is more than adequate. In summary, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is an excellent choice for gamers and general users looking for an affordable yet feature-rich keyboard. It offers a great balance of performance, durability, and aesthetics. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise too much on quality, the Apex 3 should definitely be on your radar.

I'm loving this keyboard. Its very affordable and the keystrokes are soft, but defined. There is no annoying click/clack sound, it would say its pretty silent (just a tad above a regular non gaming keyboard). They keys feel linear, with no tactile bump. The RGB is great and it can be configured via Steelseries software. They were nice enough to include a media wheel, I use it for volume. It also has a memory key and a brightness key, so you can adjust those on the fly (or using the software). They also include a wrist rest! I'm amazed they include so much, for the price. The only con I could see, is that it doesn't include a pass through USB port, but hey, that doesn't hinder the keyboard's function. In short, if you are looking for a non expensive gaming keyboard, with all the bell and whistles others have (RGB, wrist rest, media wheel), this is one of the best!

There's no amount of hate in this world, then how much I hate this keyboard

So this review is actually of a returned product, more on that in a second... The keyboard is very light weight and the keys have very good travel and control. It was comfortable and responsive, and I played BG3 on it for 6 hours straight with no fatigue. Aside from the issue which I returned it for, this is a quality keyboard with good tactile feel, cool lights, and extended usability. Of note, I very very much appreciated the magnetic wrist rest. It was the perfect balance of sturdy and comfortable, and attached with a satisfactory clik, and was held very tight with the magnets. The scroll wheel is nice as well. The reason I returned the keyboard is the description clearly states the keyboard is USB C, which is not correct. The keyboard has a USB A. I wanted a USB C connection to the computer, as I just purchased a new Mac Mini Pro which only has USB C inputs, and I want to lead a dongle free life. So I enjoyed the colors for the evening and returned the keyboard the next day. However, if you need USB A or don't mind a dongle, I can easily recommend this very nice looking and working keyboard. Especially at its lower price point o 40$

This is my first Apex SteelSeries keyboard, and I'm really impressed. For the price, this easily bests other brands available at Best Buy and elsewhere. Plus, if you have a significant other, roommate, or co-worker that can't stand the loud typing from a previous mechanical keyboard, this will easily appease them. The keys feel great when pressed, the audible click is noticeably quieter, and the software makes configuration easy. Using the SteelSeries Engine Software (which can be downloaded from steelseries dot com), you can set the back light brightness (default on max), set key bindings for your favorite games or use, and configure the lighting. It comes with some basic presets, but can select from the RGB lighting space for the entire keyboard or for select zone. This won't allow customization of individual key colors, like others, but the zones make selecting areas of the keys for color coordination. The live preview option on the software didn't work for me, but your experience may be different (it was just stuck on red). Once you save a setting, you'll see the keyboard colors change based on the selections you made. The media controls are fairly basic, the scroll wheel controls the volume, and the white lit button below it controlled play/pause and skipping of tracks (double tap for forward, triple for backward). If you want to control the back light from the keyboard directly, simply hit the Apex button, located near the right CTRL key, and hit the F11/F12 keys. The F9-12 keys can be used with the APEX button to allow for Macro recording and Profile switching (if you've setup multiple profiles in the app).I found using the Function keys easy, and recording a macro was also fairly simple. Gaming with this keyboard was very satisfying, as the keys have a nice feel, and have a pretty quick response. The magnetic wrist pad was comfortable, and easy to install since it's just using magnets. The IP32 water resistant covering, under the keys, mean it takes spills fairly well. I don't recommend spilling anything into the keyboard, but it's a nice touch for those who like to drink their favorite beverage and experienced an accidental spill. In my testing, a water test passed with flying colors, only requiring that I tilt the keyboard a few degrees to let the water out, and then let it dry. It didn't skip a beat. Overall, for the price this mechanical gaming keyboard is hard to pass up. It offers an excellent, comfortable feel during use with no lag, and is much quieter compared to others. It lacks individual key colors, but the 10 zones are well aligned for some customization of colors. The app experience is actually pretty great, and you'll likely be prompted for a firmware update (which was SUPER quick).

One broken foot riser out of the box. So disappointing.

I've been testing the Steelseries Apex 3 RGB gaming keyboard for a few days and so far, my experience has been good. At first glance the keyboard looked a bit large but it's actually a standard size and shape. The keys are quiet and super responsive, key caps and wrist rest are nice and soft, RGB backlighting is vibrant. The plug and play setup was a breeze and the Steelseries Engine software made it simple to change the colors of the backlight, set the key bindings and change the polling rates which is great for aesthetics and gaming. It also included one of my favorite features which is the media control wheel. The only thing that I’m not a fan of is the extra springiness of the keys but, I guess that is the trade I have to make for them being quiet. With all that being said, this is still a great keyboard.