This SteelSeries Apex 3 review looks at a gaming keyboard with whisper quiet switches, customizable 10-zone RGB illumination, and practical desk features.
Apex 3 Keyboard Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3
A spill-resistant, quiet gaming keyboard for buyers who want customizable lighting, dedicated media controls, and a magnetic wrist rest.
- 10-zone RGB illumination offers color schemes and reactive effects.
- IP32 water resistance helps prevent damage from accidental liquid spills.
- Whisper-quiet switches are designed for nearly silent use and 20 million low-friction keypresses.
- A magnetic wrist rest provides full-palm support.
Pros
- Near-silent switch design suits quieter gaming and work spaces.
- IP32 water resistance helps guard against accidental liquid spills.
Consider before buying
- IP32 protection is intended to help with accidental spills, so buyers should still keep liquids away from the keyboard.
- The lighting is organized into zones, which may not suit buyers who want separate lighting control for every key.
Read the full review summary
The Apex 3 pairs whisper-quiet switches with 10-zone RGB illumination and IP32 water resistance. Dedicated multimedia controls make quick volume and setting adjustments convenient, while the magnetic wrist rest adds a support option for longer desk sessions.
It suits players and everyday PC users who prefer a quieter keyboard and want spill resistance as a precaution against accidental liquid spills.
The layout and listed platform compatibility also make it a flexible desk choice for users across Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4, and PS5.
The buying factors
Apex 3 Keyboard Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Quiet switch design
The near-silent switch design is a clear fit for shared rooms or late sessions where loud key sounds are unwelcome.
Spill protection
IP32 water resistance offers a useful buffer against accidental liquid spills, though it is not a reason to place drinks near the keyboard.
Lighting customization
Ten lighting zones provide room for color schemes and reactive effects without assigning illumination separately to every key.
Desk controls
Dedicated multimedia controls provide on-the-fly adjustments to volume and settings.
Wrist support
The magnetic wrist rest provides a removable support option, which may appeal to buyers who like a palm rest at the keyboard.
Platform compatibility
The listed compatibility covers Windows and Mac OS X computers as well as several Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
Key Features and Specifications of Apex 3 Keyboard
- 10-zone RGB illumination offers color schemes and reactive effects.
- IP32 water resistance helps prevent damage from accidental liquid spills.
- Whisper-quiet switches are designed for nearly silent use and 20 million low-friction keypresses.
- A magnetic wrist rest provides full-palm support.
- Dedicated multimedia controls adjust volume and settings.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S and X, PS4, and PS5.
Pros and Cons of Apex 3 Keyboard
Pros
- Near-silent switch design suits quieter gaming and work spaces.
- IP32 water resistance helps guard against accidental liquid spills.
- Ten-zone RGB lighting supports color schemes and reactive effects.
- The included magnetic wrist rest and dedicated media controls add useful desk conveniences.
Consider before buying
- IP32 protection is intended to help with accidental spills, so buyers should still keep liquids away from the keyboard.
- The lighting is organized into zones, which may not suit buyers who want separate lighting control for every key.
Who Should Buy Apex 3 Keyboard?
Good fit
Choose the Apex 3 if quiet key presses are a priority for gaming, work, or a shared room. Its switches are designed for nearly silent use, and the lighting adds visual customization without changing that quieter focus.
It offers IP32 water resistance against accidental liquid spills and dedicated multimedia controls for adjusting volume and settings. Its magnetic wrist rest provides full palm support and comfort.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you specifically want lighting configured independently for each key; the Apex 3 uses 10-zone illumination. Also look elsewhere if your setup requires a keyboard designed for protection beyond accidental liquid spills.
Apex 3 Keyboard: Quiet Features for Everyday Gaming
Quiet switches for shared spaces
The whisper-quiet switches are the defining fit for this keyboard.
Buyers who want a quieter typing character for gaming or general desk use may value the near-silent design, while those seeking a more pronounced switch sound should consider their preference before choosing.
Spill resistance as a precaution
IP32 water resistance is aimed at accidental liquid spills, making it a useful safeguard for a desk where an occasional mishap is possible.
Treat it as protection against that specific risk rather than permission to expose the keyboard to liquids.
Lighting and control at the desk
The 10-zone lighting supports color schemes and reactive effects, while dedicated multimedia controls handle volume and settings. Together, these features suit buyers who want visible customization and quick adjustments without making the keyboard's appeal depend on lighting alone.
Support and compatibility
A magnetic wrist rest gives buyers an included palm-support option, and the listed compatibility spans Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S and X, PS4, and PS5.
Check the connection and setup requirements for your specific device before purchase.
Alternatives to Apex 3 Keyboard
Computer Keyboards alternative
4,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Prefer the Apex 5 if tactile-click switches, per-key lighting, and an OLED display better match your priorities; choose the Apex 3 if near-silent switches and spill resistance matter more.
- The Apex 5 pairs tactile-click hybrid blue mechanical switches with per-key RGB illumination and an OLED smart display.
- The Apex 3 emphasizes near-silent switches and 10-zone lighting, with IP32 water resistance for accidental liquid spills.
Computer Keyboards alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
Choose the Apex 3 TKL if its compact tenkeyless layout and anti-ghosting suit your setup; choose the full-size Apex 3 if you prefer 10-zone lighting and its magnetic wrist rest.
- The Apex 3 TKL has a compact tenkeyless form factor, 8-zone RGB illumination, and anti-ghosting technology.
- The Apex 3 includes a magnetic wrist rest, uses 10-zone lighting, and has IP32 water resistance.
Is Apex 3 Keyboard Worth It?
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is worth considering for buyers who want a quieter gaming keyboard with 10-zone RGB lighting, dedicated multimedia controls, and a magnetic wrist rest.
Its broad listed compatibility also makes it relevant to mixed PC and console setups.
Buy it if its quieter switch design and practical spill protection align with your desk.
Pass if you need per-key lighting or protection intended for more than accidental liquid spills; the Apex 3's strengths center on quiet use, zoned effects, and everyday convenience.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3
A spill-resistant, quiet gaming keyboard for buyers who want customizable lighting, dedicated media controls, and a magnetic wrist rest.
- 10-zone RGB illumination offers color schemes and reactive effects.
- IP32 water resistance helps prevent damage from accidental liquid spills.
- Whisper-quiet switches are designed for nearly silent use and 20 million low-friction keypresses.
- A magnetic wrist rest provides full-palm support.