Hey there, fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share my in-depth SteelSeries Apex Pro review with you. I’ve been putting this bad boy through its paces for the past few weeks, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s dive into what makes this keyboard tick.
Unboxing the Apex Pro Keyboard: First Impressions
When I first got my hands on the SteelSeries Apex Pro, I was immediately struck by the premium packaging. Sliding the keyboard out of the box, I couldn’t help but marvel at its sleek design. The aluminum alloy top plate gave it a solid, weighty feel that screamed quality.
As I plugged it in, the per-key RGB lighting came to life, and I knew I was in for a treat. The OLED Smart Display caught my eye, and I couldn’t wait to explore its functionality. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what sets this keyboard apart from the rest.
How the Apex Pro Stands Out Among SteelSeries Gaming Keyboards
SteelSeries has a reputation for making top-notch gaming peripherals, but the Apex Pro takes things to a whole new level. What really sets it apart from other SteelSeries gaming keyboards is its groundbreaking OmniPoint 3.0 switches. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill mechanical switches – they’re in a league of their own.
The OmniPoint 3.0 switches use magnetic sensors to detect keystrokes, allowing for an unprecedented level of customization. You can adjust the actuation point of each key from a hair-trigger 0.1mm to a deep 4.0mm. This means you can have lightning-fast responses for gaming on some keys, while keeping others at a more standard depth for typing. It’s like having multiple keyboards in one!
SteelSeries Apex Pro Keyboard: Design and Build Quality
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the Apex Pro’s build quality is nothing short of exceptional. The aluminum alloy frame not only looks sleek but also provides rock-solid stability. I’ve had my fair share of keyboards that flex or wobble during intense gaming sessions, but the Apex Pro remains steadfast.
The keycaps feel great under my fingers, with a slightly textured surface that provides just the right amount of grip. And can we take a moment to appreciate the detachable wrist rest? It’s magnetic, so it snaps into place effortlessly, and the soft-touch finish is a godsend during long gaming marathons.
One thing that really impressed me was the attention to detail in noise reduction. The Apex Pro features triple-layer foam dampening, which significantly cuts down on the clacking you might expect from a mechanical keyboard. It’s not silent by any means, but it’s much more pleasant to use in shared spaces.
Hands-On with the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3: What’s New?
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been testing the latest Gen 3 version of the Apex Pro, and there are some notable improvements over its predecessors. The OmniPoint 3.0 switches are the star of the show here, offering even more precise control and faster response times than before.
SteelSeries claims these switches are 20 times faster and have 11 times quicker response times compared to traditional mechanical switches. While it’s hard to quantify such claims in real-world use, I can definitely feel the difference, especially in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts.
Another new feature that caught my attention is the “Rapid Trigger” mode. This nifty addition allows keys to reset faster, making double-taps and rapid key presses more responsive. For games that require quick, repetitive actions, this can be a game-changer.
Gaming Performance: Putting the Apex Pro to the Test
Now, let’s get to the meat of this SteelSeries Apex Pro review – how does it perform in actual gaming scenarios? I put it through its paces with a variety of games, from fast-paced shooters to strategy games and MMOs.
In first-person shooters like “Apex Legends” and “Valorant,” the customizable actuation points really shone. I set my movement keys to activate with the lightest touch, allowing for quick strafing and peeking. Meanwhile, I kept my ability keys at a slightly higher actuation point to prevent accidental activations in the heat of battle.
For MMOs and strategy games, I appreciated the ability to create game-specific profiles. The OLED Smart Display came in handy here, allowing me to switch profiles on the fly and see which macros were active. Speaking of macros, the SteelSeries Engine software made it a breeze to set up complex key combinations and timings.
One feature that really impressed me was the “Protection Mode.” It allows you to disable certain keys during gaming, preventing those frustrating moments when you accidentally hit the Windows key and get booted out of your game. It’s a small touch, but one that shows SteelSeries really understands gamers’ needs.
Typing Experience: Not Just for Gaming
While the Apex Pro is marketed primarily as a gaming keyboard, I found it to be excellent for everyday typing as well. The ability to adjust actuation points means you can find the perfect balance between speed and accuracy for your typing style.
I set up a profile with slightly higher actuation points for work, which helped reduce typos during long writing sessions. The keys have a satisfying tactile feel without being overly loud, making it suitable for office environments or late-night gaming sessions when you don’t want to wake up the whole house.
Customization and Software: Making the Apex Pro Your Own
One of the things I love about the Apex Pro is just how customizable it is. The SteelSeries Engine software is intuitive and powerful, allowing you to tweak just about every aspect of the keyboard’s performance and appearance.
The per-key RGB lighting is a standout feature, offering 16.8 million color options. You can create stunning lighting effects that react to your gameplay, audio, or even display system information. It’s not just eye candy – I found it useful for highlighting important keys in different games.
The OLED Smart Display is another nifty feature that I grew to appreciate more over time. It can display everything from system stats to Discord messages, and you can even upload custom graphics. It’s a small screen, but it adds a layer of functionality that I didn’t know I needed until I had it.
Comparison with Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
In the world of high-end gaming keyboards, the Apex Pro faces stiff competition. Compared to keyboards like the Razer Huntsman Elite or the Corsair K100, the Apex Pro holds its own and even excels in several areas.
The OmniPoint 3.0 switches are truly unique in the market, offering a level of customization that other keyboards can’t match. While some competitors offer optical switches with fast response times, none can compete with the Apex Pro’s adjustable actuation points.
In terms of build quality, the Apex Pro is on par with the best in the business. The aluminum frame feels just as premium as Corsair’s offerings, and the overall fit and finish are top-notch.
Where the Apex Pro really shines is in its software integration and additional features. The OLED display and extensive customization options give it an edge over many competitors, making it a more versatile choice for both gaming and productivity.
Pros and Cons: The Good, The Bad, and The Pricey
After spending considerable time with the SteelSeries Apex Pro, here’s my breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Unparalleled customization with adjustable actuation points
- Exceptional build quality with premium materials
- Versatile OLED Smart Display
- Extensive RGB lighting options
- Comfortable wrist rest
- Powerful and user-friendly software
Cons:
- Premium price tag may be a barrier for some
- Learning curve to fully utilize all features
- No dedicated macro keys (though any key can be programmed)
- Wrist rest, while comfortable, could be more durable
Is It Worth the Price? My Honest Opinion
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the SteelSeries Apex Pro is not a budget keyboard. With a price tag of around $270, it’s definitely an investment. So, is it worth it?
In my opinion, if you’re serious about gaming and want a keyboard that can adapt to any game or typing style, the Apex Pro is absolutely worth considering. The level of customization it offers is unmatched, and the build quality means it’s likely to last for years.
However, if you’re a casual gamer or don’t see yourself tweaking actuation points and creating multiple profiles, you might be better served by a more affordable option. The Apex Pro’s advanced features are fantastic, but you need to be willing to dive in and really use them to get your money’s worth.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As I wrap up this SteelSeries Apex Pro review, I can confidently say that it’s one of the most impressive gaming keyboards I’ve ever used. The OmniPoint 3.0 switches are a game-changer, offering a level of customization that I didn’t even know I wanted until I experienced it.
From its solid build quality to its extensive feature set, the Apex Pro ticks all the boxes for what a high-end gaming keyboard should be. It’s not just a tool for gaming – it’s a versatile peripheral that enhances both work and play.
Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, it has a bit of a learning curve. But for those willing to invest the time and money, the SteelSeries Apex Pro offers an unparalleled typing and gaming experience. It’s a keyboard that grows with you, adapting to your needs and preferences in a way that few others can match.
So, if you’re in the market for a top-tier gaming keyboard and don’t mind spending a bit extra for quality and features, the SteelSeries Apex Pro should be at the top of your list. It’s more than just a keyboard – it’s a gateway to a new level of gaming performance and customization.