SteelSeries Apex 100From real comments

Verdict distilled from 35 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment52%
PROS 52%
CONS 48%

Rank based on 35 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a cheap keyboard with a mechanical-like feel
  • You value a stable, weighted keyboard with anti-spill protection
  • You're fine with blue-only backlighting or no RGB customization

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need clearly visible backlit letters for low-light use
  • You want true mechanical switches or a very loud typing sound
  • You're worried about quality control (some units arrive with dead keys)

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Logitech Signature Slim K950
Replaceable AAA BatteriesLower Price Than MX KeysNo Backlight Preferred by SomeNo Backlight Is a Dealbreaker for SomeLoud Typing SoundConfusing Connect Button
Logitech Signature Slim K950
Replaceable AAA Batteries
Lower Price Than MX Keys
No Backlight Preferred by Some
No Backlight Is a Dealbreaker for Some
Loud Typing Sound
Confusing Connect Button
2Mid
Logitech G710
Exceptional long-term durabilitySatisfying mechanical typing feelDedicated media keys and volume rollerFragile, breakage-prone keycapsVery loud typing soundCheap-feeling volume wheel
Logitech G710
Exceptional long-term durability
Satisfying mechanical typing feel
Dedicated media keys and volume roller
Fragile, breakage-prone keycaps
Very loud typing sound
Cheap-feeling volume wheel
3Mid
SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
Fast hot-swappable optical switches
SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
Fast hot-swappable optical switches
4Mid
Razer Huntsman Mini
Easy to modFast optical switchesRazer Synapse RGB ecosystemOverpriced versus competitorsMissing arrow keys, F-row, and nav clusterSpring ping and switch rattle
Razer Huntsman Mini
Easy to mod
Fast optical switches
Razer Synapse RGB ecosystem
Overpriced versus competitors
Missing arrow keys, F-row, and nav cluster
Spring ping and switch rattle
5Premium
Logitech MX Mechanical
Comfortable Low-Profile Typing FeelExcellent Battery LifeSeamless Multi-Device SwitchingHigh Price Relative to CompetitorsNon-Standard Spacebar and Keycap CompatibilityDivisive Typing Feel
Logitech MX Mechanical
Comfortable Low-Profile Typing Feel
Excellent Battery Life
Seamless Multi-Device Switching
High Price Relative to Competitors
Non-Standard Spacebar and Keycap Compatibility
Divisive Typing Feel
6Budget
SteelSeries Apex 3
Quiet typing experienceGreat value for priceFloating key RGB designLimited RGB/brightness customizationMembrane feel dislikesReports of key failures
SteelSeries Apex 3
Quiet typing experience
Great value for price
Floating key RGB design
Limited RGB/brightness customization
Membrane feel dislikes
Reports of key failures
7Mid
Razer BlackWidow Elite
Satisfying typing feelSwitch variety (green/orange/yellow)Good value on saleHollow metallic key ringLoud switches disrupt streamingUSB passthrough placement
Razer BlackWidow Elite
Satisfying typing feel
Switch variety (green/orange/yellow)
Good value on sale
Hollow metallic key ring
Loud switches disrupt streaming
USB passthrough placement
8
ASUS TUF Gaming K5
Detachable Magnetic Wrist RestImproved Key SensitivityModern Slim DesignSpacebar Misregistration
ASUS TUF Gaming K5
Detachable Magnetic Wrist Rest
Improved Key Sensitivity
Modern Slim Design
Spacebar Misregistration
9Budget
Logitech K380
Affordable priceQuiet typingSeamless multi-device switchingBluetooth reconnection problemsConnectivity lag and dropoutsKey layout and durability issues
Logitech K380
Affordable price
Quiet typing
Seamless multi-device switching
Bluetooth reconnection problems
Connectivity lag and dropouts
Key layout and durability issues
10Premium
Logitech G815
Comfortable low-profile typing feelQuiet, pleasant switchesSolid metal build qualitySecondary characters not backlitAccidental G5 key presses instead of CtrlHigh price relative to switch quality
Logitech G815
Comfortable low-profile typing feel
Quiet, pleasant switches
Solid metal build quality
Secondary characters not backlit
Accidental G5 key presses instead of Ctrl
High price relative to switch quality
You are here
31Budget
SteelSeries Apex 100
Good value for the pricePleasant typing feelDurability over timeConfusing lighting controlsInconsistent build quality / dead keys out of boxBacklight doesn't illuminate letters well
SteelSeries Apex 100
Good value for the price
Pleasant typing feel
Durability over time
Confusing lighting controls
Inconsistent build quality / dead keys out of box
Backlight doesn't illuminate letters well

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Typing feel is a pleasant surprise for the price. Multiple users say the Apex 100 types faster or more comfortably than their old keyboards, mimicking a mechanical feel without true switches. One reviewer typing thousands of words nightly says it 'held its ground,' and a parent noted it didn't hurt their son's fingers or squeak like cheaper boards. However, one commenter felt it sounded more like a membrane keyboard than a true mechanical one.

Backlighting is a recurring frustration. The keyboard only glows blue with no color customization, disappointing buyers expecting RGB. Several users couldn't figure out how to turn the lights on without installing SteelSeries software, and others complained the backlight doesn't shine through the letters, making keys hard to see in the dark. One reviewer called the packaging misleading about color options, while another said the blue glow strained their eyes during long sessions.

Build quality and comfort are inconsistent. While some owners report years of reliable use even at low price points, others received units where half the keys didn't work straight out of the box, or specific keys stopped registering over time. The spacebar's sharp edge bothered at least one user's thumb, and unusual keycap curves caused accidental key slips. Rubber grips on one long-term unit began falling off after two years.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?