SteelSeries Apex 5From real comments

Verdict distilled from 43 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment63%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 43 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a mechanical-feeling clicky switch without full mechanical pricing
  • You like extras such as an OLED screen, per-key RGB, and multimedia keys
  • You can grab it on sale, where several buyers call it a steal

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a quiet keyboard for calls, streaming, or shared spaces
  • You're worried about long-term durability of switches, keycaps, and spacebar
  • You dislike bloated companion software like SteelSeries GG

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
18Mid
SteelSeries Apex 5
Convincing mechanical-like switch feelOLED screen is a fun standout featureSolid build and premium feelDurability issues over timePricing feels high for a hybrid membrane designLoud clicky sound bothers others
SteelSeries Apex 5
Convincing mechanical-like switch feel
OLED screen is a fun standout feature
Solid build and premium feel
Durability issues over time
Pricing feels high for a hybrid membrane design
Loud clicky sound bothers others

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The hybrid switch feels surprisingly mechanical for many typists. Multiple commenters compare the hybrid switch favorably to genuine Cherry MX blue and brown switches, describing smooth actuation and satisfying clickbar sound rather than a mushy membrane feel. One explains the mechanism uses a springed plunger and hard plastic membrane sheets rather than rubber domes, distinguishing it from cheaper membrane boards like the Razer Ornata. Several new owners say it feels 'exactly like a blue' right out of the box.

OLED screen and RGB features are loved extras, but not universally. Buyers repeatedly cite the OLED display for showing gifs, system stats, and even playable Snake as a fun, useful touch, alongside praised per-key RGB and multimedia keys for volume and playback control. However some find the RGB dull and 'lame,' and one user says the backlighting is overwhelming on the eyes. Overall the screen and lighting are seen as differentiators versus plainer keyboards at this price.

Durability and reliability complaints surface after months of use. Owners report switch stems breaking off after drops, spacebars loosening and double-actuating within a year, scraping or squeaking noises developing in switches, and keys resetting unexpectedly with no anti-ghosting. A separate Apex Pro issue involves the keyboard failing to wake or intermittently blinking and disconnecting despite firmware updates and replacement units. These issues lead some long-term users to say quality has declined compared to older Apex models.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?