SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3

Name: SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
Brand: SteelSeries
SKU: 23741

Manufacturer: SteelSeries

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is a full-sized gaming mechanical keyboard designed for gamers seeking high customization and performance. It features Hall effect OmniPoint 3.0 switches for ultra-responsive keystrokes and comes with RGB lighting for a dynamic gaming experience.

Equipped with a polling rate of 1000 Hz and adjustable actuation from 0.1 mm to 4 mm, the keyboard provides precise and rapid input. Additional features include dual actuation, NKRO support, and a rotary dial, all housed in an aluminum and plastic case with a detachable cable for easy portability.

Pros

The keyboard features adjustable actuation, allowing for customizable key response from 0.1 mm to 4 mm.
It includes a detachable cable, providing convenience for portability and cable management.
The keyboard supports NKRO (N-Key Rollover), ensuring accurate key presses even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously.
The inclusion of a rotary dial allows for intuitive control over settings or media.
The keyboard has RGB lighting and a backlit design, offering vibrant customization for a personalized look.

Cons

The keyboard is not designed specifically for Mac, which may limit compatibility for some users.
It lacks USB passthrough, meaning users cannot easily connect additional peripherals to the keyboard.
The switches are not hot-swappable, limiting customization options for users who prefer to change switches.

Who is this for?

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is ideal for gamers who require precise and customizable key response, thanks to its adjustable actuation feature. It is also well-suited for those who value tactile feedback and durability, with its OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches and RGB lighting for a dynamic, personalized gaming experience. The inclusion of NKRO ensures that users can press multiple keys simultaneously without issues, making it a great choice for fast-paced gaming environments.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard may not be suitable for users who need seamless Mac compatibility, as it is not designed specifically for Mac and lacks dedicated Mac keys. Additionally, those seeking to customize their switches for different typing preferences may find it limiting due to the non-hot-swappable switches. Users who require easy connectivity for additional devices may also be disappointed by the absence of USB passthrough.

General info:

Keyboard type	Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size	Full (100%)
Profile	Standard
connectivity	Wired
connection type	USB
polling rate	1000 Hz
designed for Mac	✕
has a detachable cable	✓
height	139 mm
width	437 mm
thickness	41 mm
weight	1403 g
release date	November 2024

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is a full-sized gaming mechanical keyboard with a polling rate of 1000 Hz for fast and precise input. It features a detachable cable for easy portability and is designed with a standard profile for a familiar typing experience. With a wired connection and USB interface for the mouse, the keyboard measures 437 mm in width, 139 mm in height, and 41 mm in thickness, weighing 1403 g. It is not specifically designed for Mac, and does not include Mac keys.

Design:

has RGB lighting	✓
Has a backlit keyboard	✓
Case material	Aluminum, Plastic
Case colors	Black
has adjustable feet	✓
includes a wrist rest	✓

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 features a sleek design with a black aluminum and plastic case, combining durability and a modern aesthetic. It is equipped with RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard, allowing for vibrant customization. For added comfort, the keyboard includes a wrist rest and adjustable feet, ensuring a more ergonomic typing experience.

Switches:

Switch type	Hall effect
Switch feel	Linear
Hot-swappable switches	✕
Switch name	OmniPoint 3.0
Actuation distance (min)	0.1 mm
Actuation distance (max)	4 mm
Actuation force	43 g

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is equipped with OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches, providing a linear switch feel with an actuation force of 43 g. These switches offer a highly customizable actuation distance ranging from 0.1 mm to 4 mm, allowing for fine-tuned performance. However, the switches are not hot-swappable, ensuring durability without the need for constant replacements.

Features:

has analog input	✓
has rapid trigger	✓
has dual actuation	✓
has adjustable actuation	✓
has NKRO	✓
has USB passthrough	✕
Has a display	✓

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 offers a range of advanced features, including analog input for precise control and dual actuation for varying response types in a single key press. It also includes adjustable actuation, allowing users to fine-tune the sensitivity from 0.1 mm to 4 mm. With NKRO support for simultaneous key presses and a built-in display for on-the-fly information, this keyboard provides enhanced functionality. However, it does not feature USB passthrough.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout	ANSI (United States)
Keycap type	PBT, Double-shot
Keycap profile	OEM
uses a standard key layout	✓
Media keys	Via Fn key
has a rotary dial	✓

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 features an ANSI (United States) layout with PBT, double-shot keycaps for improved durability. The keycap profile is OEM, offering a comfortable typing experience, and the layout follows a standard configuration. It also includes a rotary dial for enhanced control and dedicated media keys accessible via the Fn key.

Final Verdict

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is a highly customizable and feature-rich mechanical gaming keyboard, designed for gamers who prioritize precision and responsiveness. Its adjustable actuation and OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches provide a unique level of control, while the inclusion of RGB lighting and NKRO support enhances the overall gaming experience. While it may not be ideal for Mac users or those seeking hot-swappable switches, it excels in performance and design, making it a solid choice for dedicated gamers looking for a versatile and reliable keyboard.