This SteelSeries Apex 3 review looks at a full-size gaming keyboard built around whisper-quiet switches, 10-zone RGB lighting, and a magnetic wrist rest.
Apex 3 Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3
A full-size gaming keyboard for buyers who value quiet switches, customizable lighting, spill resistance, and a magnetic wrist rest.
- IP32 water resistance intended to help prevent accidental damage from liquid spills.
- Ten-zone RGB illumination with color schemes and reactive effects.
- Whisper-quiet gaming switches designed for nearly silent use and 20 million low-friction keypresses.
- Magnetic wrist rest intended to provide full palm support.
Pros
- Quiet switches suit buyers who want nearly silent keyboard use.
- IP32 water resistance helps address accidental liquid spills.
Consider before buying
- IP32 water resistance helps prevent accidental damage from liquid spills.
- Lighting is arranged in ten zones, so buyers seeking per-key lighting should check whether this layout meets their customization needs.
Read the full review summary
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is worth considering if you want a gaming keyboard with quieter-feeling switches and practical spill protection.
Its 10-zone RGB lighting adds customization, while the magnetic wrist rest and dedicated multimedia controls make it easier to tailor a desk setup for longer sessions.
It suits players and everyday computer users who prefer subdued key sounds, want lighting organized by zones, and value a wrist rest included with the keyboard.
Its compatibility spans Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4, and PS5, making it a flexible option for households with more than one gaming platform.
The buying factors
Apex 3 Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Quiet-switch fit
The switches are designed for nearly silent use, a useful fit for shared rooms or buyers who want less audible keyboard activity.
Spill protection
IP32 water resistance helps prevent accidental damage from liquid spills.
Lighting flexibility
Ten lighting zones and reactive effects offer visual customization, with control organized by zones rather than individual keys.
Wrist-rest inclusion
The magnetic wrist rest provides a ready-to-use palm-support accessory as part of the keyboard setup.
Media access
Dedicated multimedia controls let users adjust volume and settings from the keyboard, which can be convenient during play or media use.
Platform coverage
Compatibility includes Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S and X, PS4, and PS5, providing options across common computer and console setups.
Key Features and Specifications of Apex 3
- IP32 water resistance intended to help prevent accidental damage from liquid spills.
- Ten-zone RGB illumination with color schemes and reactive effects.
- Whisper-quiet gaming switches designed for nearly silent use and 20 million low-friction keypresses.
- Magnetic wrist rest intended to provide full palm support.
- Dedicated multimedia controls for volume and settings.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S and X, PS4, and PS5.
Pros and Cons of Apex 3
Pros
- Quiet switches suit buyers who want nearly silent keyboard use.
- IP32 water resistance helps address accidental liquid spills.
- Ten-zone RGB lighting provides color and reactive-effect customization.
- A magnetic wrist rest and dedicated multimedia controls are built into the overall setup.
Consider before buying
- IP32 water resistance helps prevent accidental damage from liquid spills.
- Lighting is arranged in ten zones, so buyers seeking per-key lighting should check whether this layout meets their customization needs.
- If you need a numeric keypad or another specific layout, confirm the keyboard arrangement fits your desk and workflow before buying.
Who Should Buy Apex 3?
Good fit
Choose the Apex 3 if quiet operation is a priority and you want a gaming keyboard with spill protection for everyday desk use.
Its nearly silent switches and IP32 design address two practical concerns for shared spaces and desks where accidental splashes are possible.
It is also a sensible fit if you want RGB effects without configuring lighting key by key, and you value a wrist rest plus quick keyboard access to volume and settings.
Check that ten-zone lighting and the keyboard layout fit your preferences before committing.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want a keyboard with quiet typing and gaming: its switches are nearly silent, rated for 20 million low-friction keypresses, and the magnetic wrist rest provides full palm support and comfort.
Apex 3 Review: Quiet Gaming and Everyday Tradeoffs
Switch character and shared spaces
The defining choice is a quieter switch profile.
Nearly silent use can be appealing in a shared room or a work-and-play setup, but buyers who specifically want a loud, clicky typing feel should consider whether this quieter direction matches their preference.
Lighting control and desk style
Ten-zone RGB illumination brings color schemes and reactive effects to the keyboard, while whisper-quiet switches support nearly silent use.
Spill resistance in context
IP32 water resistance helps prevent accidental damage from liquid spills, a useful consideration for a gaming desk where drinks may be nearby.
Setup convenience and compatibility
A magnetic wrist rest, dedicated multimedia controls, and compatibility with several computer and console platforms make the Apex 3 convenient for mixed-use setups.
Confirm that your intended device is among the supported platforms and that the keyboard layout suits your desk before buying.
Alternatives to Apex 3
Computer Keyboards alternative
4,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Prefer the Apex 5 if you want tactile, clicky hybrid switches, per-key lighting, or an OLED display; stay with the Apex 3 if whisper-quiet switches and ten-zone lighting better suit your setup.
- The Apex 5 uses hybrid blue mechanical switches with a tactile click, per-key RGB lighting, an OLED smart display, and a magnetic wrist rest.
- The Apex 3 pairs whisper-quiet switches with ten-zone RGB, IP32 spill resistance, and a magnetic wrist rest, making its feature mix more focused on quieter use and practical desk convenience.
Computer Keyboards alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
Choose the Apex 3 TKL if a compact tenkeyless layout matters more to you; choose the Apex 3 if you prefer its ten-zone lighting and standard configuration. Both use whisper-quiet switches and IP32 water resistance.
- The Apex 3 TKL uses a compact tenkeyless form factor with eight-zone RGB, IP32 water and dust resistance, and whisper-quiet switches.
- The Apex 3 offers ten-zone RGB lighting, IP32 water resistance, and whisper-quiet switches in the standard keyboard configuration.
Is Apex 3 Worth It?
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is worth considering if you want a gaming keyboard centered on quiet switches, ten-zone lighting, spill resistance, and desk convenience.
Its magnetic wrist rest and multimedia controls round out a practical feature set for gaming and everyday computer use.
Buy it if its ten-zone RGB lighting, whisper-quiet switches, and magnetic wrist rest suit your setup.
IP32 water resistance helps prevent accidental damage from liquid spills, and it is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4, and PS5.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3
A full-size gaming keyboard for buyers who value quiet switches, customizable lighting, spill resistance, and a magnetic wrist rest.
- IP32 water resistance intended to help prevent accidental damage from liquid spills.
- Ten-zone RGB illumination with color schemes and reactive effects.
- Whisper-quiet gaming switches designed for nearly silent use and 20 million low-friction keypresses.
- Magnetic wrist rest intended to provide full palm support.