SteelSeriesApex 3 TKL White RGB Gaming Keyboard — Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor — 8-Zone RGB Illumination — Water and Dust Resistant — Whisper-Quiet Gaming Switch

The media could not be loaded. So I’ve been using mechanical keyboards for what feels like forever, and I've owned models from Varmilo, Ducky, Glorious (never again), Logitech, Razer, WASD, Keychron, and probably some I'm forgetting. I don’t consider myself an expert in mechanical keyboards, but I’ve had my fair share of experience. I’m currently using a Keychron K2 Pro with the notoriously loud and wonderfully thocky Kailh Box Jade Crystal switches, so I thought it’d be fun to see what it’s like to type without making such a delightful racket.I honestly can’t remember the last time I used a membrane keyboard, so I picked up this SteelSeries model out of curiosity. I also wanted to see what kind of build quality they offer at this price point. I was very pleased—this is a well-made and attractive keyboard at a great price if you’re not looking for mechanical. I’m actually envious that my premium Keychron board doesn’t have media controls at this form factor, because they work fantastically here.Overall, it’s a great keyboard if membrane keyboards are your thing. I didn’t find it particularly noisy (check my uploaded video for some thunky ASMR). It’s ploddy and thunky, as expected, but at a soft and unobtrusive level. It was comfortable to type on, with responsive keys. I also appreciated the finish on the keycaps, which didn’t feel slippery and had a soft-touch texture. I’m not sure how well that coating will hold up over time, especially since they’re backlit shine-through caps, but at this price, any wear would be expected and probably no worse than what you’d see on more expensive boards.One thing that did bother me a little was the frame height. Since the board has that floating key design with a very low frame, I found the spacebar felt like it sat higher than I’m used to. If I rest my palm against the edge of the keyboard, the spacebar is nearly a full thumb height above that, which makes it very noticeable when typing. I usually flip the spacebar on my keyboards, which isn’t possible on this one, so that likely made the height feel even more awkward for me. It’s a minor complaint, but it could be noticeable depending on your typing style or hand posture.However, I’m not entirely sure who the target audience is here, but that's probably my bias speaking. Membrane keyboards are usually more typing or office-focused in my mind, but this board is clearly styled for gaming with its RGB lighting and SteelSeries branding. I’ll assume it’s aimed at gamers who want something quieter and less disruptive to people around them. It definitely succeeds at that and still feels good to use while looking good doing it. The RGB brighting is incredibly vivid and I love that its so customizable in such an affordable board.On that note, it's worth pointing out that the keyboard is fully compatible with SteelSeries’ GG software. It’s plug and play and unlocks a lot of useful features, including full RGB customization, macro programming, and more. I don’t think the included manual does a great job highlighting that. I know a lot of people hate having to install branded gaming software, but I find SteelSeries GG pretty inoffensive. I’ve been impressed with it and already use it with my Arctis Nova 7 headset without any issues.Reviewing: SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL White RGB Gaming Keyboard — Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor — 8-Zone RGB Illumination — Water and Dust Resistant — Whisper-Quiet Gaming SwitchPrice at time of review: $45.99

I am blown away at how good this keyboard feels to type on. My goodness. I didn't think it was possible to make good-feeling membrane keyboards, but this Apex 3 tkl has proven that notion to be false. What an incredible board and at a great price too.Apart from the spacebar, this is an extremely quiet keyboard and it feels lovely to type with. The membrane switches have a decent amount of resistance at the start but then break with a clean a crisp actuation with the best bounce back ive ever felt in a membrane switch.There is absolutely 0 mushiness to speak of. There is no pre-travel; it is either actuated or it isn't, and I love it. Stabilisation is also great.I am thoroughly impressed with this keyboard and like it more than many of the "mechanical" boards I own.If you collect keyboards, this is a must-have for your collection. The lack of a removable cable is kinda a bummer but the built-in cable management channels do a great job accommodating almost any desk/wire arrangement that you might want.Excellent choice for anyone on a budget.Steel Series has decent software as well. There is some bloat, but its not too bad. GG Client has been stably running on my pc for years because I use an Aerox 5 wireless mouse. I really like Steel Series products, and their customer service did a fantastic job helping me replace my mouse when the scroll wheel failed. I dont love everything about their products and design decisions, but they know how to treat a customer, and I respect them for that.This is by far the best membrane keyboard I have ever used. It makes me reconsider the "superiority" of mechanical and magnet switches.

Wonderful entry level keyboard and you know this being a SteelSeries product the quality is top notch. You can replace the keycaps to make it look the way you want. This is a membrane keyboard and you cannot change out the switches but that is what gives it a great price point. This is also recognized in my SteelSeries GG software so you can customize the RGB in so many awesome ways, GG software is also the best Audio controller I have ever used on a PC. I love the color and it being all white, gives it a great clean look. The size is perfect without the Ten Key and is perfect for my Nephew. I got this for him as I am building him a PC and this is a perfect keyboard to game on and use for school. Buttons feel great and you don't have that horrible membrane feel that I normally have with other membrane keebs. It functions flawlessly and I have had no issues at all with double typing or software errors. Great entry level keyboard that I wouldn't hesitate to suggest to anyone that is looking for a keyboard that will last for a long time. It is also resistant to fluids which is perfect for a younger user that may be yelling at the monitor whilst drinking energy drinks playing online multiplayers. Anything from this brand is amazing. Great quality at a great price point.