SteelSeries is no stranger to gaming peripherals, and when it comes to gaming keyboards, it is arguably one of the best brands. The company makes mechanical gaming keyboards for both casual and professional gamers, pioneering the latest technologies and designs. Not only are the keyboards well-built, but they also come with useful features that actually enhance how you interact with your computer. There is also awide assortment of gaming keyboards availableto purchase, which makes the purchase decision a bit harder.
The Apex lineup of gaming keyboards is available in different sizes, with unique features and multiple price points. This guide will help you decide which keyboard works best for you.
The Best SteelSeries Keyboards for Gaming in 2024
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is one of the SteelSeries' higher-end tenkeyless gaming keyboards. This compact keyboard is an excellent travel companion and suits those who want a gaming keyboard that doesn’t take up unnecessary space on the desk. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) comes with adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which allow customization of the actuation point between 0.1 and 4.0 millimeters for a more personalized feel. The smart OLED display provides information about games, delivers Discord messages, or displays Spotify songs. The build is durable and stable thanks to a frame built from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.
SteelSeries has updated its lineup of top-tier keyboards, and the Apex Pro TKL stands at the top as the best gaming keyboard overall. Among the upgrades made over the previous generation are the new and improved Omnipoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic switches. These switches allow adjustable actuation between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm, which is perfect for both casual and pro gamers, as they can change the actuation depending on the game they are playing.
This comes in handy whenplaying first-person shootersversus single-player campaign games. Typically, shooters require quicker inputs and faster response times and a shorter travel distance would be beneficial. Furthermore, the switches allow for setting two actions with a single key differentiated by the force of the key press.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is a compact, wired keyboard that has solid build quality thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum alloy top plate, double-shot PBT keycaps, and legs at the bottom for height adjustment. The switches are rated for 100 million key presses, which goes to show that SteelSeries makes some of the most durable keyboards on the market.
The features don’t end there, as the Apex Pro TKL comes with anOLED displaythat allows you to adjust various settings, change profiles, and see updates without having to go into any software. Of course, there is bright RGB lighting that is fully customizable.
SteelSeries Apex 5 Gaming Keyboard
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is a gaming keyboard, which includes fast and smooth hybrid mechanical switches. These are designed for gaming where the player wants a distinct, tactile click but can also appreciate the smooth experience provided by the membrane. The keyboard comes with a smart OLED display that can be customized to show gifs, game information, discord messages, and other content. The durable construction features an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, and the keyboard supports dynamic RGB per-key lighting.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly full-size gaming keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 5 checks all the right boxes. It has a solid construction, an OLED smart display, and comes with a magnetic wrist rest. Being a budget option, it does not have the durability of some of the more premium options and is rated for only 20 million key presses. Furthermore, it uses hybrid blue mechanical gaming switches that bring the smoothness of a membrane switch along with the performance and feel of a mechanical switch.
The OLED screen can show game info, incoming Discord messages, various other settings, the music being played, and you’re able to even load up your favorite GIFs. Right next to the screen is a metal roller for volume control and dedicated media controls. It also features per-key RGB lighting, which is mostly zone-based on budget keyboards, but that’s not the case with the Apex 5. It does not have an N-key rollover, but it does come with a 24-key rollover, which is more than enough.
SteelSeries ships this keyboard with a magnetic but hard wrist rest which is the same as with its other more premium keyboards as well. But you do get adjustable feet at the bottom tomake the keyboard more ergonomic.
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
Professional gamers appreciate the 60% form factoras these keyboards have only the essential keys that gamers need, freeing up a lot more space on the desk for sweeping mouse movements. Competitive shooters require quick and often sweeping movements and the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini allows gamers to do just that. Its compact form factor and detachable USB cable make it ideal for carrying it around and connecting to different setups. This also bodes well for those who like to have different profiles for different games as the keyboard allows storing up to five profiles on board.
It also features the company’s impressive OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic switches that allow actuation distance to be adjusted between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm. It has per-key RGB lighting customizable through the SteelSeries Engine software. Being a pro-grade esports gaming keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini does not have any OLED displays or dedicated media controls, but it does have feet at the bottom that allow for three stages of height adjustment.
The Apex Pro Mini also brings the latest SteelSeries technologies, including Rapid Trigger and 2-in-1 action keys. The switches are rated for 100 million key presses, making them among the most durable on the market, in line with the other premium SteelSeries offerings. There is also a wireless version of the Apex Pro Mini that brings all the same features as the wired option, without a tether.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023)
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) is the upgraded model to the previous generation Apex Pro keyboards, and it brings improved OmniPoint 2.0 key switches that allow for adjustable actuation between 0.1 mm and 4 mm. There is a handy OLED display that shows useful information and allows adjusting several settings on the fly.
If budget is of no concern, and you want the absolute best that SteelSeries offers, check out the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless. It is essentially the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) keyboard, which is the best overall, but with the added benefit of wireless functionality. You get impressive adjustable actuation with the OmniPoint 2.0 switches, a smart OLED display, a metal roller, and a compact form factor that is a perfect mid-point between a full-size and a 60% keyboard.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless can be used via a 2.4GHz connection as well as Bluetooth. With the lower latency 2.4 GHz connection and default lighting, it can last up to 37.5 hours, while on Bluetooth, it can deliver up to 45 hours of battery life. The additional benefit is that it can also be used in wired mode, so as soon as you notice the battery dropping, connect the USB Type-C cable and continue playing while recharging the built-in battery simultaneously.
The gamingkeyboard comes with per-key RGB lightingand the same three-level height adjustment with the included feet. You also get a magnetic wrist rest with the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless.
The build quality, adjustable switches, and added wireless functionality make the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless the most premium keyboard offering in the company’s arsenal.
SteelSeries Apex Pro
The Apex Pro is one of the higher-end premium gaming keyboards on the market. This wired keyboard comes with adjustable OmniPoint switches, which allow customization of the actuation point between 0.4 and 3.6 millimeters for a more personalized feel. The smart OLED display provides information in games, delivers Discord messages, or displays Spotify songs. The build is durable and stable thanks to a frame built from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.
Not all gamers like to let go of the numpad. Those looking for the best-in-class mechanical switch technology without sacrificing the numpad will find the SteelSeries Apex Pro to be ideal for them. It is a full-size keyboard that brings the latest SteelSeries technologies and premium build quality but at a relatively steep price.
You get the OmniPoint 2.0 switches, aircraft-grade aluminum top plate, per-key RGB lighting, and a magnetic wrist rest. The switches are rated for 100 million key presses, which is the standard for the top-shelf SteelSeries keyboards. It should be noted that not all the keys have the OmniPoint 2.0 switches underneath. The function row, numpad, arrow keys, and navigation keys are not OmniPoint switches. It still has the smart OLED display that lets you adjust actuation on the fly, along with other settings.
One great addition to this big keyboard is a USB Type-A passthrough for connecting additional peripherals or USB devices like dongles, freeing up a USB port on the computer. Of course, you get 100% anti-ghosting and dynamic per-key RGB lighting, but the cable is not removable, so that’s something to keep in mind if you plan on traveling with this keyboard.
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Ghost
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The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Ghost is the perfect keyboard for those wholove white peripherals and RGB lighting. While it carries features from the standard Apex 7 TKL, the white aesthetic and choice of Double Shot PBT PrismCaps (pudding keycaps) make the RGB lighting pop even more. These keycaps not only have translucent letters but also translucent sides, giving them an elegant yet fancy appearance.
The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Ghost has an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame in white, a smart OLED display, a metal roller, and media keys. Even though it is a wired keyboard with a non-detachable cable, there are three routes for managing the cable, so those who like their keyboard cable to exit from the left can do so. There is also a white wrist rest that is magnetic, and it comes with adjustable feet for more ergonomic positioning.
Being a relatively older keyboard, it does not have the latest OmniPoint 2.0 switches but instead uses the company’s Red linear switches that are rated for 50 million key presses, which is sufficiently durable. With this TKL keyboard, you get 100% anti-ghosting and, interestingly, a USB passthrough port.
While you’re able to get pudding keycaps and install them on almost any keyboard, the combination of the keycaps and the white aluminum frame is what makes the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Ghost stand out.
How to Choose a SteelSeries Gaming Keyboard
Potential buyers should consider these factors before purchasing a new gaming keyboard:
Size:Gaming keyboards come in a variety of sizes, ranging from full-size to as small as 60% percent keyboards (60% of the keys of a full-size keyboard). Full-size keyboards have the benefit of a numpad and even more keys, such as macros and media controls. On the other hand,TKL or ten-key-less keyboardsdrop the numpad, while even smaller keyboards get rid of more keys, allowing more space on the desk for mouse movements.
Switches: Switches define how the keyboard feels to type on. Key switches can be clicky, linear, tactile, or hybrid. The different types of switches have different actuation distances and weights, and this is a very subjective matter. To find out which switch works best for you, it is ideal to first get a sampler with the switch options you are considering.
Connectivity: SteelSeries, like many other brands on the market, offers both wireless and wired keyboards. With the advancement in wireless technology, wireless keyboards perform at par with wired ones in terms of latency and responsiveness. However, wireless options do come with batteries that eventually need to be recharged.
Build Quality: Build quality is not just defined by the outer construction of the keyboard, but also by the internal components like the stability of the switches, dampening, consistency in key presses, and more. Most keyboard manufacturers have started using aluminum plates and frames to give rigidity and SteelSeries is one of them. Usually, as the price goes up, the build quality gets better.
Budget: There are mechanical gaming keyboards that start fromas low as under $50to over $300, depending on the features and the build quality. SteelSeries has offerings that go beyond the $300 range and close to $50 at the lower end. Regardless, having a budget in mind will make the purchase decision easier.
FAQ
Q: Why do gamers like mechanical keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards have better responsiveness, latency, and durability as compared to membrane keyboards. Additionally, they allow for personalization with the type of key switches that can be used, delivering a variety of typing experiences. Modern mechanical keyboards even allow for adjustable actuation, which makes them ideal for gamers.
Q: Do pro gamers use mechanical keyboards?
Yes, most pro gamers use mechanical keyboards from many different manufacturers including SteelSeries, Razer, Logitech, and Corsair.
Q: Is SteelSeries owned by Logitech?
No, SteelSeries is not owned by Logitech. In 2021, it was acquired by GN Store Nord and the deal closed in January 2022.
