In this review, I will be discussing the SteelSeries Apex, a mechanical gaming keyboard that has been making waves in the market. Its unique features and customization options have attracted the attention of many gamers. I am talking about the Apex Pro keyboard from SteelSeries.
As a gamer, I have always been on the lookout for the perfect keyboard that can enhance my gaming experience. When I got my hands on the Apex Pro keyboard, I was blown away by its performance. The adjustable actuation switches allowed me to customize the actuation distance of each key to my liking. The OLED smart display was also a game-changer as it provided on-the-fly info straight from my game. The aircraft-grade aluminum alloy built of the keyboard made it sturdy and durable, and the RGB illumination added to its aesthetic appeal. The magnetic wrist rest provided full palm support and comfort, making gaming for extended hours a breeze.
SteelSeries Apex: Customizable Actuation Switches
Customizable actuation switches set the SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard apart from other gaming keyboards on the market. With the OmniPoint adjustable switches, you can customize the actuation distance from 0.4 millimeters to 3.6 millimeters, allowing for a more personalized and responsive gaming experience. Whether you prefer a faster response time or a deeper key press, the SteelSeries Apex Pro has got you covered.The customizable actuation switches also make the SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard ideal for typing. You can adjust the switches to your preferred actuation distance, minimizing errors and increasing your typing speed. Plus, the keys feel stable when typing, making for a comfortable and accurate typing experience.
SteelSeries Apex: OLED Smart Display
An OLED smart display serves as an integrated command center for adjusting settings and tracking on-the-fly information straight from your game, Spotify, Discord, and more in the SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard. You can easily customize the display to show the information you need most, such as your system performance, game stats, or music playback.The OLED smart display also allows for quick and easy adjustments to your keyboard settings without having to navigate through software menus. You can adjust the brightness, volume, and even create custom macros right from the display. Overall, the OLED smart display is a game-changer for gamers who want a more streamlined and efficient gaming experience.
Aircraft Grade Aluminum Alloy Build
Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction provides a lifetime of durability and stability in the SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard, making it built to last. Unlike plastic keyboards that can feel flimsy and cheap, the Apex Pro keyboard feels solid and sturdy, even during intense gaming sessions.The aluminum alloy also makes the keyboard resistant to damage from accidental drops or impacts, ensuring that your investment is protected from everyday wear and tear. Plus, the keyboard’s premium magnetic wrist rest provides full palm support and a comfortable, ergonomic feel, making it the perfect keyboard for extended gaming sessions.
SteelSeries Apex: RGB Illumination
RGB illumination with unmatched customization is a feature of the SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard, offering 16.8 million colors per key. You can easily customize the lighting to your preferred color scheme, or even create your own custom animations using the SteelSeries Engine 3.15 software.The RGB illumination is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. It provides better visibility during low-light gaming sessions, making it easier to see the keys you need to press. Plus, the black keys provide a nice contrast with the backlight, making it easy to see where you are typing in darker environments.
SteelSeries Apex: Compatibility
The SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox, and PlayStation. All you need is a USB port to connect the keyboard to your device. The SteelSeries Engine 3.15 software is also available for both Windows (7 or newer) and Mac OSX (10.11 or newer), providing a plethora of customization options, including macros, profiles, and RGB lighting control.However, it’s important to note that the keyboard does not come with the Mac command key like other Apex models do. But Macs can use nearly all keyboards built for Windows PC, whether they are USB or Bluetooth. You may notice that the layout of some of the modifier keys are different on a Mac keyboard from the layout of a Windows keyboard, but this can easily be remapped using the Modifier Keys function in the Keyboard preferences panel.
SteelSeries Apex: Value for Money
With a price point of $149, the SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard is not the most affordable gaming keyboard on the market.99. However, it’s important to consider the value for money that the keyboard offers. With its customizable actuation switches, OLED smart display, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy build, and RGB illumination, the Apex Pro keyboard provides a premium gaming experience that is unmatched by other keyboards in its price range.Plus, the keyboard’s compatibility with a variety of operating systems and its easy-to-use SteelSeries Engine 3.15 software make it a versatile and customizable choice for gamers of all levels. Overall, the SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard is a great investment for gamers who want a high-quality gaming keyboard that will last for years to come.
Pros:
- The SteelSeries Apex Pro has adjustable actuation switches that allow for customization of actuation distance from 0.4 millimeter to 3.6 millimeter, making it the world’s fastest mechanical keyboard.
- The keyboard has an OLED smart display that serves as an integrated command center for adjusting settings and tracking on-the-fly information straight from your game, Spotify, Discord, and more.
- The keyboard is built with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, making it durable and stable for a lifetime of use.
Cons:
- The keyboard is relatively expensive at $149.99, which may not be affordable for all gamers.
- The keyboard may not be compatible with all operating systems, as it requires a USB port and SteelSeries Engine 3.15 software for Windows (7 or newer) and Mac OSX (10.11 or newer) compatibility.
- The keyboard’s magnetic wrist rest is a dust magnet and may require frequent cleaning.
Conclusion
Overall, the SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard is a high-end gaming keyboard that is worth its price. Its customization options, sturdy build, and aesthetic appeal make it stand out from other gaming keyboards in the market. I would highly recommend this keyboard to any serious gamer who wants to take their gaming experience to the next level.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Can you customize the actuation distance of the keyboard switches?
Answer: Yes, the SteelSeries Apex Pro has OmniPoint adjustable switches that allow for customization of actuation distance from 0.4 millimeter to 3.6 millimeter, making it the world’s fastest mechanical keyboard.
Question: Is the keyboard compatible with Mac operating systems?
Answer: Yes, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is compatible with Mac OS X, but Mac users may notice that the layout of some of the modifier keys are different on a Mac keyboard from the layout of a Windows keyboard. This can lead to erroneous keyboard shortcuts or other unexpected key press behavior when using a PC keyboard with a Mac. However, users can remap the Windows and ALT key and the command and option/alt keys on the Windows PC keyboard connected to the Mac, so that the keyboard layouts will mimic expectations based on the standard Apple modifier key layout, rather than what it says on the PC keyboard.
Question: Can you change the sensitivity of the keyboard?
Answer: Yes, users can change the sensitivity of the SteelSeries Apex Pro through the SteelSeries software, which provides a plethora of customization options, including macros profiles, RGB lighting control, and has onboard memory to store all settings. The keyboard also has macro programming built into the board itself, so there is no need for software to create some macros on the fly.
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