SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 did not make the very best first impression on me. For a retail worth of $220, it is a complete lot of money for a small quantity of keyboard, and the shortage of a wi-fi mode or USB passthrough meant having to eternally dedicate a USB twine to this factor to make use of it long run. Plus, if I have been to seize the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96, I might get the very best wi-fi gaming keyboard proper now, and for a lower cost besides. 

Nonetheless, from its switches to its really feel to its software program, SteelSeries has put collectively an undeniably fanatic keyboard—and that comes by inside only a few hours of use. My first impressions weren’t solely off, thoughts, however they did not seize the nuance of a keyboard simply this devoted to the fanatic trigger.

Beginning with maybe a very powerful factor, the typing really feel, this keyboard is immaculate. Caps sink with out an excessive amount of strain however really feel sturdy sufficient to get pressed after I evenly put my fingers on high earlier than typing. Each key has a reasonably muted but pronounced sound, transferring away from the pings of a typist keyboard and extra of a pleasing ‘thock’. This makes it good for an workplace atmosphere or a gaming room just like the one I share with my accomplice. 

The Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 has an aluminium high with a plastic again, and feels tremendous sturdy in its slightly small body. At below a kg, this factor is mild sufficient to carry with you, but would not present that lightness in construct high quality. It will possibly take successful, although it is just a little too fairly for me to need to do this.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 specs

(Picture credit score: Future)

Measurement: TKL
Connectivity: Wired
Keycaps: Double shot PBT
Switches: OmniPoint 3.0
Scorching-swappable: No
Media controls: Two
Lighting: Sure
Software program: Corsair GG
Worth: $220 | (*3*) 

These keys are very responsive and cozy to sort on for each hours of writing and gaming. They’ve a smoothed, barely curved centre which signifies that your fingers could make out full keys fairly simply at nighttime—although it can not often be so, because of the RGB illumination. With solely two media keys up the highest proper close to the OLED display, I do miss the extra strong controls of the likes of the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed however it makes up for this in lots of different locations. 

As an example, maybe the largest promoting level of this keyboard is the OmniPoint 3.0 switches beneath. Pitched because the “fastest and most sensitive switches in the world”, because of their quicker response time and actuation, they use Corridor Impact sensors which implies contact would not must be met to ensure that it to register keystrokes. In addition to being useful for long-term use, this implies there aren’t strict limits set on the way it picks up exercise. 

Every key’s individually lubed which implies they’re much simpler to press with out resistance, however they may also be activated at simply 0.1mm, which implies you can also make them very delicate should you so select. Every key (aside from the navigation perform keys) can have custom-made actuation factors, which implies the motion keys with WASD may be set to be a bit harder to faucet, however timed situational keys like these with QTEs or particular powers might profit from being straightforward to click on on and off. 

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(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)

In addition to this, speedy set off keys make an impression fairly shortly. As a substitute of activating primarily based on a sure strain level or set off, they activate primarily based on whenever you intend to push and let go. This implies you do not have to totally lean off the important thing for it to cease urgent. 

In apply, this implies the keyboard responds only a bit faster than you would possibly count on. When you obtain SteelSeries’ GG software program, this keyboard begins to actually shine, and never simply because you can also make that RGB even brighter. The principle classes for a keyboard consumer are “Quickset” and “Engine”. The previous means that you can configure profiles for various vibes and video games. It may also be used to open up key customization, which is among the greatest components of the software program.

The value places it simply out of vary of an prompt advice, and a bit nearer to an fanatic choose, however it feels nice to make use of

In right here, you’ll be able to set key bindings and customise actuation, however you too can set twin actuation. This implies urgent the important thing midway down may end up in one keypress, and urgent it to the underside may end up in one other. 

I discover this to be notably helpful within the likes of Name of Obligation: Black Ops 6, the place I may set the left ctrl to my binding for each crouching and mendacity down, whereas with the ability to slide or dive with simply sufficient strain. 

In addition to this, keys have an elective ‘safety mode’ which may make it harder to press adjoining keys if you end up holding one. For instance, if it is advisable stretch to hit ‘m’ whereas enjoying, and also you by chance hit ‘n’ when you’re doing it, this may make ‘n’ more durable to register to keep away from missed inputs. It is a very nice software that most individuals seemingly will not use, however the correct of particular person will adore it. 

(Picture credit score: Future)

Talking of adoring issues, the built-in OLED display may also be custom-made from this menu. Any GIF that works in black and white and is 1287px x 40px can play at 10 frames per second, and it is a actually cute manner of creating your keeb really feel like yours. If you need one thing just a little extra sensible, make your manner over to “Engine” the place you’ll find customized apps. This could can help you hold a relentless monitor of your system efficiency, or show Discord pings with out having besides up the app. 

In apps, you’ll find particular person packages for sure video games and, at its greatest, that is unbelievable. Counter-Strike 2 not solely shows your weapon within the high proper whenever you choose them up and even reveals kills, however the RGB can flash to point how a lot well being you’ve. Although many might not take a look at their keyboard as they play, I discovered these little touches so as to add rather a lot to my gaming house. Even apps like Discord are appropriate, signalling with RGB whenever you’re muted, who in your occasion is speaking, and the way loud you might be talking. 

Purchase If…

You need per-key actuation and RGB customization: You may get very granular in your customization of this keyboard, to a level that’s genuinely spectacular.

You actually desire a aggressive keyboard: This can be a tremendous snappy and responsive board with loads of nice options in case you have the time and want to dig into them

You could journey with it: Due to its dimension and construct high quality, that is a simple keyboard to only slip right into a bag and journey with. 

Do not Purchase If…

You are on a funds: You’re paying further for these new and improved switches, with rapid-fire know-how. You may get strong keyboards for much less, even when this one does present that worth in construct high quality and design. 

You simply need that OLED display: Although it is a good addition to the keyboard, there are cheaper methods to get keyboards with shows on them. 

You do not care about macros, particular key bindings, and RGB: This can be a good keyboard for somebody who likes to fiddle with settings and get every little thing feeling excellent. If you need one thing extra plug-and-play, there are higher choices on the market. 

I felt barely shocked and wowed by so many little issues in my testing of those keyboards, even when, following up on the second-gen keyboard, I used to be by no means absolutely blown away. 

Upon first booting up the software program, I used to be met with a little bit of a bizarre bug the place two keys would not mild up—however this was quickly fastened with a restart and I have never been capable of replicate it since. Sadly, the software program could be a tad inconsistent in its particular implementation of software program compatibility. 

For customized profiles with distinctive and bespoke RGB and pictures, it is advisable entry particularly designed apps. This implies the place DOTA 2’s settings might really feel handmade, you might be left with extra fundamental RGB for Management. You may construct your individual apps by way of the SteelSeries developer site however the one factor you’ll be able to configure for video games within the app are button remaps.

For those who’re in search of one thing comparable however a bit cheaper, the Wooting 60HE is a superb alternative with Fast Set off keys, twin actuation, and beautiful switches. Full worth, it is available in about $50 cheaper however you may get it for even much less because it’s now been out for a number of years. It even has comparable response instances, the identical actuation vary, and beautiful RGB. 

The SteelSeries comes with its personal wrist pad, the OLED display and people new switches are fairly impeccable, however it already has some nice competitors on the market value watching. 

This keyboard is great, from construct high quality to its design, to its new switches. The value places it simply out of vary of an prompt advice, and a bit nearer to an fanatic choose, however it feels nice to make use of, has some genuinely spectacular software program and {hardware} handshakes, and appears nice—should you can abdomen the price.