Explore the Steelseries Keyboards
SteelSeries - Apex 3 Full Size Wired Membrane Whisper Quiet Switch Gaming Keyboard with 10 zone RGB Backlighting - Black
User rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars with 660 reviews.
4.7(660 Reviews)- 1 Expert Review
- 46 Answered Questions
If received today, the last day to return this item would be Jul 20. Learn more ˃
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Description
Features
IP32 water-resistant
Prevents accidental damage from liquid spills.
10-zone RGB illumination
Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects.
Whisper Quiet Gaming Switches
Nearly silent use for 20 million low-friction keypresses
Premium Magnetic Wrist Rest
Provides full palm support and comfort
Dedicated Multimedia Controls
Adjust volume and settings on the fly
Three-Way Cable Routing
Three built-in channels where the cable can exit
Gaming Grade Anti-Ghosting
Won’t lose inputs when multiple keys are pressed
PC and Mac compatible
For use with your existing computer.
What's Included
- SteelSeries Apex 3 - keyboard
- Magnetic wrist rest
Key Specs
- Lighting TypeRGB
- Form FactorFull-size
- Keyboard TechnologyMembrane
- Key Switch BehaviorTactile
- WirelessNo
General
- Product NameApex 3 Full Size Wired Membrane Whisper Quiet Switch Gaming Keyboard with 10 zone RGB Backlighting
- BrandSteelSeries
- Model Number64795
- ColorBlack
- Color CategoryBlack
Feature
- Lighting TypeRGB
- Customizable LightingYes
- Numeric KeypadYes
- TouchpadNo
- Keyboard TypeGaming, Programmable
- Palm RestYes
- Spill ResistantYes
- FoldableNo
- Keycap MaterialABS
Function
- Form FactorFull-size
- Keyboard TechnologyMembrane
- Dedicated Macro KeysNo
- Adjustable Tilt FunctionYes
- Key Switch BehaviorTactile
- Multimedia KeysYes
- Internet KeysNo
Connectivity
- WirelessNo
- Interface(s)USB
Compatibility
- Operating System CompatibilityWindows, Mac
- Plug and Play OperationYes
Dimension
- Product Height1.6 inches
- Product Width17.5 inches
- Product Weight28.5 ounces
Mouse
- Mouse IncludedNo
Warranty
- Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts1 year
- Manufacturer's Warranty - Labor1 year
Other
- UPC813682026561
Customer reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars with 660 reviews
(660 customer reviews)Rating by feature
- Value4.7
Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Quality4.7
Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Ease of Use4.8
Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Pros mentioned:Color, Design, Keys
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Entry level gaming keyboard
|Posted .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 would recommend this to a friend Features
Value5 out of 5Quality5 out of 5Ease of Use5 out of 5Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great
||Posted .Owned for 1 week when reviewed.Nice product! I recently started Keyboard and Mouse and this has been working really nice for me so far and awesome rgb lightning
Features
Value5 out of 5Quality5 out of 5Ease of Use5 out of 5I would recommend this to a friendFeatures
Value5 out of 5Quality4 out of 5Ease of Use4 out of 5Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Nice
||Posted .Great keyboard really recommend I just switch to keyboard but ima keep upgrading keyboards once I get better this just the start
Features
Value5 out of 5Quality4 out of 5Ease of Use4 out of 5I would recommend this to a friend- Pros mentioned:Color, Keys, Price
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Quiet Mechanical Gamer
|Posted .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).
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Color, Keys, Lighting
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Ooh...purty lights.
|Posted .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.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Color, Keys, Lighting
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great keyboard with extra springy keys.
|Posted .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.
I would recommend this to a friend Features
Value5 out of 5Quality5 out of 5Ease of Use5 out of 5Pros mentioned:Keys, PriceCons mentioned:SwitchesRated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Price! Quietn and Responsive!
||Posted .Owned for 1 week when reviewed.Love this keyboard, shopped around for a bit. I'm extremely picky about keys and keyboards. The response to the keys is phenomenal and the switches are extremely quiet. If you like Blue switches for their sound don't buy this keyboard, if you don't like blue switches because of their sound BUY THIS DANG KEYBOARD! Your significant other will be dead asleep without being disrupted as you and the squad game late into the night!
Features
Value5 out of 5Quality5 out of 5Ease of Use5 out of 5I would recommend this to a friend- Pros mentioned:Design, Keys, Lighting
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Sleek looks and a great value
|Posted .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.
I would recommend this to a friend
- Funky KitChris 731 Articles on September 12, 2019
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gaming Keyboard Review - FunkyKitToday we will be reviewing the Apex Pro Gaming Keyboard from SteelSeries. Big shout out to SteelSeries for providing us with all the great products to show you guys! Today we have a keyboard, that if you haven't heard yet has adjustable switches,
Full Review
Q: QuestionSo does this have pre-set color changing led's like the hyperx alloy core? or do I have to install software to change the colors? I know it says 10-zone rgb illumination, im just very new to pc stuff and not sure.
Asked by NicePerson.
- A:Answer SteelSeries Engine is the software you would need to install to make mods to the color options. You will want to install the software if you want something more than a rainbow keyboard. There is a control button (FN key) that combined with F9 rotates thru the color configs.
Answered by dharr18
Q: QuestionCan you plug it into your Ps4?
Asked by Ahskaheksj.
- A:Answer Yes, you can plug this into a PS4 and it will work as any other USB keyboard. It will return to its default configuration and not retain anything you may have personalized through the SteelSereies Engine software though.
Answered by DavidJr
Q: QuestionSo can you change the silent switches to mechanical or no
Asked by Jose.
- A:Answer You can't change the switch style on the Apex 3. The Apex 5 has blue mechanical gaming switches and the Apex 7 can be chosen as red, blue or brown.
Answered by DavidJr
Q: QuestionIs this good for fortnite and is it loud also is the wrist rest soft?
Asked by Atdsgstguorhfgcfeyhuhhydheguuuu.
- A:Answer Good for Fortnite, Very Quiet but quick response, wrist not soft but comfortable.
Answered by DegnaCin
Q: QuestionDoes it work for Xbox One and will it still light up when plugged in to the Xbox.
Asked by nxkta.
- A:Answer Yes as long as used with compatible games (CoD modern warfare/war zone, fortnite, Minecraft, warframe). It will light up but you will not be able to customize the lighting when used with Xbox (same as all other keyboards)
Answered by RGBShark
Q: QuestionIs it a membrane or mechanical keyboard
Asked by Hi.
- A:Answer The Apex 3 is membrane.
Answered by DavidJr
Q: QuestionIs there a headphone jack for gaming head sets?
Asked by Gamerdood.
- A:Answer No. It's just a standard USB keboard with no additional inputs.
Answered by Myst85
Q: QuestionCan you connect it to a chrome book and is it mechanical or membrane?
Asked by Jeff.
- A:Answer Yes, it will work with a chrome book, it is membrane
Answered by RGBSHARK