Top 5 Steelseries Keyboards: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Imagine this: you’re in the middle of an intense gaming match, or maybe you’re just typing up an important school paper. Suddenly, your keyboard feels sluggish, a key sticks, or it just doesn’t feel *right*. Frustrating, isn’t it? Choosing a new keyboard, especially a high-quality one like a Steelseries, can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many different models, each with its own special features. It’s easy to get lost and wonder if you’re making the best choice for your needs.

But what if there was a way to cut through the confusion? What if you could quickly understand which Steelseries keyboard is perfect for *you*? In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the world of Steelseries keyboards. We’ll break down what makes them so great and help you figure out which one fits your budget and your style. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for, so you can finally get that amazing typing and gaming experience you deserve.

Our Top 5 Steelseries Keyboard Recommendations at a Glance

Image Product Rating Links
SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard – 10-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water Resistant – Premium Magnetic Wrist Rest (Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch) SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard – 10-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water Resistant – Premium Magnetic Wrist Rest (Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch) 8.7/10 Check Price
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic Switches — Adjustable Actuation — Rapid Trigger — Game-Ready Presets — Protection Mode — Rapid Tap/SOCD — OLED — RGB — PBT Keycaps — USB-C SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic Switches — Adjustable Actuation — Rapid Trigger — Game-Ready Presets — Protection Mode — Rapid Tap/SOCD — OLED — RGB — PBT Keycaps — USB-C 8.6/10 Check Price
SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard — Adjustable Actuation — OLED Screen — RGB – USB Passthrough​ SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard — Adjustable Actuation — OLED Screen — RGB – USB Passthrough​ 9.2/10 Check Price
SteelSeries New Apex 9 TKL – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – TKL Esports Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycaps SteelSeries New Apex 9 TKL – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – TKL Esports Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycaps 8.9/10 Check Price
SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – OLED Smart Display – USB Passthrough and Media Controls – Linear SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – OLED Smart Display – USB Passthrough and Media Controls – Linear 8.7/10 Check Price

Top 5 Steelseries Keyboard Detailed Reviews

1. SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard – 10-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water Resistant – Premium Magnetic Wrist Rest (Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch)

SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard – 10-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water Resistant – Premium Magnetic Wrist Rest (Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch)

Rating: 9.5/10

Get ready to level up your gaming experience with the SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard is built for gamers who want performance and style without breaking the bank. Its cool features make gaming more fun and comfortable.

What We Like:

  • It’s IP32 water-resistant, so spills won’t ruin your game.
  • The 10-zone RGB lighting lets you create awesome color effects for your setup.
  • The whisper-quiet gaming switches are super quiet, letting you focus on your game or chat with friends without loud clicking.
  • It has a comfy magnetic wrist rest that supports your whole palm.
  • You can easily control your music and game volume with dedicated media keys.
  • It works with many devices like Windows, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some gamers might prefer mechanical switches for a different feel.
  • While quiet, the switches might not feel as responsive as some other gaming keyboards.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a fantastic keyboard for most gamers. It balances a lot of cool features with a friendly price, making it a solid choice for your gaming rig.

2. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic Switches — Adjustable Actuation — Rapid Trigger — Game-Ready Presets — Protection Mode — Rapid Tap/SOCD — OLED — RGB — PBT Keycaps — USB-C

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic Switches — Adjustable Actuation — Rapid Trigger — Game-Ready Presets — Protection Mode — Rapid Tap/SOCD — OLED — RGB — PBT Keycaps — USB-C

Rating: 9.3/10

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 keyboard is built for speed and precision, especially for gamers. It uses special OmniPoint 3.0 switches that are super fast, making your actions in games happen almost instantly. You can even adjust how much you need to press each key. This keyboard helps you play better and react quicker.

What We Like:

  • Incredibly fast OmniPoint 3.0 switches with Hall Effect technology.
  • Adjustable actuation lets you set how sensitive each key is.
  • Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap features make your keystrokes register even faster.
  • Protection Mode stops accidental key presses, keeping your game smooth.
  • Game-ready presets in GG QuickSet make it easy to set up for your favorite games.
  • The OLED Smart Display shows your settings without you leaving the game.
  • The TKL (tenkeyless) design saves desk space, but it still has full keyboard functions.
  • Durable PBT keycaps feel good and last a long time.
  • USB-C connection is modern and easy to use.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The advanced features might take some time to get used to.
  • The price point might be higher than basic keyboards.

If you want the fastest keyboard for gaming, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is a top contender. Its advanced features give you a real edge in competitive play.

3. SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard — Adjustable Actuation — OLED Screen — RGB – USB Passthrough​

SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard — Adjustable Actuation — OLED Screen — RGB – USB Passthrough​

Rating: 9.3/10

The SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard is a super-fast and customizable keyboard for gamers. It uses special magnetic switches that let you change how far you have to press a key to make it work. This means you can make some keys super sensitive for quick actions and others require a deeper press so you don’t hit them by accident. It also has a cool screen that shows you information while you play.

What We Like:

  • Super fast with OmniPoint 2.0 HyperMagnetic switches.
  • Rapid Trigger technology makes keys react instantly.
  • You can set 40 different levels for how far each key is pressed.
  • 2-in-1 Action Keys let you do two things with one key.
  • The OLED Smart Display shows game info and has a clickable roller.
  • It has a USB Passthrough to plug in other devices.
  • It’s 20x faster to activate and 11x faster to respond than normal keyboards.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The price might be a bit high for some gamers.
  • The many customization options can take time to learn.

This keyboard offers amazing speed and control for serious gamers. It’s a powerful tool that can really boost your gaming performance.

4. SteelSeries New Apex 9 TKL – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – TKL Esports Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycaps

SteelSeries New Apex 9 TKL – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – TKL Esports Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycaps

Rating: 9.2/10

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL keyboard brings pro-level gaming to your desk. This compact, tenkeyless design frees up space for big mouse moves, and its speedy optical switches react faster than you can blink. Plus, you can make it your own with customizable RGB lights and swappable switches.

What We Like:

  • Lightning-fast speed: The OptiPoint optical switches actuate in just 0.2ms, making your in-game actions quicker.
  • Adjustable actuation: You can choose between a 1mm or 1.5mm press depth to match your gaming style or typing preference.
  • Hot-swappable switches: Easily change out the switches for different feels or to replace one if it breaks.
  • Durable build: The aluminum alloy frame and double-shot PBT keycaps mean this keyboard is built to last and won’t show wear easily.
  • TKL design: The compact size is perfect for esports players who need lots of mousepad real estate.
  • Rapid Tap feature: This helpful update lets you prioritize key presses for smoother actions like counter-strafing.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Requires GG update: The Rapid Tap feature needs the latest SteelSeries GG software to work.
  • No number pad: If you frequently use a number pad for work or gaming, you’ll miss it.

This keyboard offers impressive speed and customization for serious gamers. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their setup.

5. SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – OLED Smart Display – USB Passthrough and Media Controls – Linear

SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – OLED Smart Display – USB Passthrough and Media Controls – Linear , Quiet – RGB Backlit (Red Switch)

Rating: 8.6/10

The SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a powerful tool for gamers. It’s built with strong materials and has cool features to help you play better. This keyboard uses red switches, which means the keys are smooth and quiet. It also lights up with colors, so you can make your setup look amazing.

What We Like:

  • The OLED smart display is super handy. You can see game info, check Discord messages, or control Spotify without leaving your game.
  • It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. This makes it really strong and it won’t move around when you’re gaming hard.
  • You can customize the RGB lights for every single key. Pick from 16.8 million colors to match your style.
  • The keyboard has n-key rollover, so it registers every key press, even if you press many at once.
  • The magnetic wrist rest is soft and comfy. It supports your wrists for long gaming sessions.
  • The mechanical gaming switches are built to last. They give you a great typing and gaming feel.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the red switches are quiet, some gamers might prefer a clickier sound for feedback.
  • The 84-key layout might be a bit different for those used to a full-size keyboard with a number pad.

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a top-notch keyboard for serious gamers. Its smart features and strong build make it a fantastic upgrade for any gaming setup.

The SteelSeries Keyboard Buying Guide: Level Up Your Typing

Looking for a new keyboard? SteelSeries makes some awesome ones! This guide will help you pick the perfect SteelSeries keyboard for you. We’ll talk about what makes them great and what to watch out for.

1. Key Features to Look For

When you’re checking out SteelSeries keyboards, keep an eye out for these important features:

Mechanical Switches

This is a big one! Mechanical keyboards use individual switches under each key. This makes typing feel really good. SteelSeries uses its own special switches called SteelSeries switches. They come in different types:

  • Red (Linear): These are smooth and quiet. They are great for gaming because you can press them quickly.
  • Blue (Clicky): These make a satisfying “click” sound when you press them. They feel great for typing.
  • Orange (Tactile): These give you a little bump when you press them, so you know when the key has been activated. They are a good mix for gaming and typing.
RGB Lighting

Many SteelSeries keyboards have cool lights. You can change the colors and patterns. This makes your setup look awesome. You can even sync the lights with your games.

Durability and Build Quality

A good keyboard should last a long time. Look for keyboards made with strong materials. SteelSeries keyboards are usually built tough.

Connectivity

Most SteelSeries keyboards connect with a USB cable. Some newer ones might offer wireless options. Wired connections are usually the most reliable for gaming.

Extra Keys and Features

Some keyboards have special media keys. These let you control music and videos easily. Others have programmable macro keys. You can set these keys to do a sequence of actions with one press.

2. Important Materials

The materials used in a keyboard affect how it feels and how long it lasts.

Keycaps

These are the tops of the keys you press. SteelSeries often uses PBT keycaps. These are really strong and don’t get shiny over time. ABS keycaps are also used, but they can wear down faster.

Keyboard Body

The main part of the keyboard is often made of plastic. High-quality plastic feels solid. Some keyboards might have an aluminum top plate. This makes the keyboard even stronger and gives it a premium feel.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Certain things make a SteelSeries keyboard better, while others can make it less good.

What Makes it Better:
  • High-Quality Switches: SteelSeries switches are known for being smooth and responsive.
  • Solid Construction: A keyboard that doesn’t flex or creak feels much better.
  • Good Software: SteelSeries Engine software lets you customize lighting and settings easily.
  • Detachable Cables: This makes it easier to pack up your keyboard or replace the cable if it gets damaged.
What Can Reduce Quality:
  • Wobbly Keys: If keys feel loose, it can be annoying.
  • Cheap Plastic: A keyboard that feels flimsy might not last long.
  • Poorly Designed Software: Confusing software makes it hard to use features.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Who is a SteelSeries keyboard for? Pretty much anyone who types or plays games!

For Gamers

Gamers love SteelSeries keyboards. The fast mechanical switches help with quick reactions. RGB lighting makes gaming setups look amazing. Features like macro keys can give you an edge.

For Typists

If you type a lot for work or school, a mechanical keyboard feels great. The clicky or tactile switches give you good feedback. This can make typing faster and more enjoyable.

For Everyone

Even if you just use your computer for everyday tasks, a good keyboard makes a difference. SteelSeries offers keyboards that are comfortable and look good on any desk.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the main Key Features of SteelSeries keyboards?

A: The main key features include mechanical switches for great typing feel, customizable RGB lighting for a cool look, durable build quality, and often extra features like media keys or programmable macro keys.

Q: Are SteelSeries keyboards good for gaming?

A: Yes, SteelSeries keyboards are excellent for gaming. They use responsive mechanical switches that help with fast reactions, and many have features that gamers love, like customizable lighting and macro keys.

Q: What are SteelSeries’ own mechanical switches called?

A: SteelSeries’ own mechanical switches are called SteelSeries switches. They come in different types like Red (Linear), Blue (Clicky), and Orange (Tactile).

Q: What are PBT keycaps?

A: PBT keycaps are made of a strong plastic. They are very durable and don’t get shiny or worn out easily, which helps your keyboard look good for a long time.

Q: Do all SteelSeries keyboards have RGB lighting?

A: No, not all SteelSeries keyboards have RGB lighting. Some models might have simpler backlighting or no lighting at all. You should check the product details to see if it has RGB.

Q: Is it easy to change the settings on a SteelSeries keyboard?

A: Yes, SteelSeries provides software called SteelSeries Engine. This software makes it easy to customize RGB lighting, program macro keys, and adjust other settings.

Q: What is the difference between Red, Blue, and Orange SteelSeries switches?

A: Red switches are smooth and quiet, good for fast gaming. Blue switches make a “click” sound and are great for typing. Orange switches have a tactile bump, offering a good balance for both gaming and typing.

Q: Can I connect a SteelSeries keyboard wirelessly?

A: Some newer SteelSeries models offer wireless connectivity. However, most SteelSeries keyboards connect using a USB cable for the most reliable connection, especially for gaming.

Q: Are SteelSeries keyboards expensive?

A: SteelSeries keyboards can range in price. Simpler models are more affordable, while keyboards with advanced features like custom switches and premium materials will be more expensive. They offer good value for their quality.

Q: How long do SteelSeries keyboards usually last?

A: With proper care, a SteelSeries keyboard built with good materials and quality switches can last for many years. They are designed to be durable for regular use.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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