SteelSeries
Apex 3
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a quiet, budget-friendly membrane keyboard with zone-based RGB and spill resistance, but trades away mechanical responsiveness and USB passthrough.
Summed up from 7 published reviews
Affiliate link · we may earn a commission

What reviewers like
Best for
Budget-conscious gamers wanting quiet keys, RGB lighting, and spill protection
Skip it if
You prioritize fast mechanical response, per-key lighting, and USB passthrough
Where it fits
- use
- Games
- size
- Full size
- feel
- Low & quiet
- connection
- Wired
Specs
- Size
- Full size
- Switches
- Membrane
- Best for
- Gaming
- Wireless
- No
- Hot-swap
- No
- Backlight
- RGB
Also worth a look
Logitech GG213 ProdigyThe G213 is a budget-focused gaming keyboard with useful media controls, RGB, and low latency, but its bulky…
RazerOrnata V3The Razer Ornata V3 is a comfortable, budget-focused hybrid keyboard for casual gaming, with trade-offs in…
RedragonK556A sturdy, budget mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable brown switches, RGB, macros, and a numpad, though…
Questions
Is the SteelSeries Apex 3 worth it?
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a quiet, budget-friendly membrane keyboard with zone-based RGB and spill resistance, but trades away mechanical responsiveness and USB passthrough.
What do reviewers like about the SteelSeries Apex 3?
Affordable pricing with RGB, macros, and multimedia controls. Quiet membrane switches suit shared spaces and extended typing. IP32 water resistance provides practical everyday spill protection. Sturdy construction and adjustable typing angles support daily use.
What are the downsides of the SteelSeries Apex 3?
Membrane response feels slower and less precise than mechanical switches. Fixed cable may knot or fray and cannot detach. Lacks USB passthrough for convenient front-panel connections. Zone-based RGB lacks per-key lighting and extensive customization.
Who should buy the SteelSeries Apex 3?
Budget-conscious gamers wanting quiet keys, RGB lighting, and spill protection. Skip it if you prioritize fast mechanical response, per-key lighting, and USB passthrough.
Sources
We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 7 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.
- techradar.com SteelSeries Apex 3 review | TechRadar
- tomshardware.com SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Review: Can Do More than Most ...
- rtings.com SteelSeries Apex 3 Review - RTINGS.com
- makeuseof.com SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Keyboard Review: The World's First Water-Resistant TKL
- compsmag.com SteelSeries Apex 3 Review - Price, Pros and Cons | Compsmag
- well-played.com.au SteelSeries Apex 3 Review – Quiet, Sturdy And Affordable
- t3.com Black Friday: Don't buy the SteelSeries Apex 3, buy the Roccat Vulcan instead | T3