SteelSeries Apex 3From real comments

Verdict distilled from 68 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment77%
PROS 77%
CONS 23%

Rank based on 68 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You need a quiet membrane keyboard for shared living spaces or late-night sessions
  • You want RGB, water resistance, and solid typing feel on a budget
  • You're upgrading from a stock or cheap office keyboard

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're used to mechanical switches and need that tactile/click feel
  • You want per-key RGB customization or reliable profile-switching shortcuts
  • You've been burned by reports of keys failing after months of use

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
You are here
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

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Quiet operation is the Apex 3's defining strength. Numerous commenters bought this keyboard specifically to avoid disturbing family members or roommates while gaming or working late, and many confirm it delivers on that promise, calling it 'very very quiet' or 'perfect' compared to mechanical boards. A few skeptics found it not dramatically quieter than expectations set by 'whisper quiet' marketing, and one longtime SteelSeries user was surprised by how loud it seemed relative to an older model.

Water resistance and build design earn consistent praise. Several users tested the water-resistant design deliberately, pouring water or even soda on the keyboard and finding it survived unharmed, which they credit to the floating-key design channeling liquid to drainage holes. The aesthetic of the floating keys and RGB zones is also frequently singled out as a favorite visual feature, especially at this price point compared to competitors.

Durability is polarizing among long-term owners. Many users report years of reliable daily use, some citing 3-6 years without issues and strong resistance to wear. However, other commenters describe individual keys failing within weeks to months, sometimes across multiple replacement units, and one described the keycaps and membrane as cheap-feeling with noticeable key wobble leading to mistypes.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?