This SteelSeries Apex 3 review looks at a full-size gaming keyboard built around quiet switches, customizable lighting, and practical spill resistance. It suits buyers who want a comfortable-feeling desk setup with dedicated media controls.
Apex 3 Keyboard Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3
A quiet, spill-resistant keyboard with customizable lighting and a magnetic wrist rest for gaming and everyday desk use.
- 10-zone RGB illumination with color schemes and reactive effects.
- Whisper-quiet, low-friction gaming switches designed for 20 million keypresses.
- IP32 water resistance intended to help prevent accidental liquid-spill damage.
- Magnetic wrist rest designed to provide full palm support.
Pros
- Whisper-quiet switches suit buyers who want less keyboard noise.
- Ten lighting zones offer color schemes and reactive effects.
Consider before buying
- The switch design prioritizes near-silent use, so buyers seeking a pronounced mechanical click may prefer a different typing feel.
- IP32 protection is aimed at accidental liquid spills; treat the keyboard as spill-resistant rather than waterproof.
Read the full review summary
The Apex 3 combines whisper-quiet switches with 10-zone RGB illumination, a magnetic wrist rest, and dedicated multimedia controls.
Its IP32 water resistance is intended to help prevent accidental liquid-spill damage, making it a practical fit for a gaming desk that also handles everyday computer use.
Consider it if you prefer near-silent keypresses and want an included wrist rest and lighting zones without moving to a compact layout.
The switches are described as low-friction and intended for 20 million keypresses, but that durability figure does not establish how the keyboard feels or performs in use.
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 fit
Whisper-quiet switches and a near-silent-use design make it a strong match for buyers who want to keep keyboard noise down.
Lighting customization
Ten lighting zones support color schemes and reactive effects, giving buyers meaningful visual customization.
Spill protection
IP32 water resistance is a useful safeguard against accidental liquid spills, though it is not a reason to expose the keyboard to water deliberately.
Wrist-rest inclusion
The magnetic wrist rest provides palm support and is included as part of the keyboard’s feature set.
Desk controls
Dedicated multimedia controls let you adjust volume and settings directly from the keyboard.
Platform range
Compatibility covers Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S and X, PS4, and PS5, which can suit a multi-device setup.
Key Features and Specifications of Apex 3 Keyboard
- 10-zone RGB illumination with color schemes and reactive effects.
- Whisper-quiet, low-friction gaming switches designed for 20 million keypresses.
- IP32 water resistance intended to help prevent accidental liquid-spill damage.
- Magnetic wrist rest designed to provide full palm support.
- Dedicated multimedia controls for adjusting 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
- Whisper-quiet switches suit buyers who want less keyboard noise.
- Ten lighting zones offer color schemes and reactive effects.
- A magnetic wrist rest is included for palm support.
- IP32 water resistance can help with accidental spills.
- Dedicated media controls and broad platform compatibility add setup flexibility.
Consider before buying
- The switch design prioritizes near-silent use, so buyers seeking a pronounced mechanical click may prefer a different typing feel.
- IP32 protection is aimed at accidental liquid spills; treat the keyboard as spill-resistant rather than waterproof.
- If you depend on a number pad or have limited desk space, confirm the full-size layout suits your setup before buying.
Who Should Buy Apex 3 Keyboard?
Good fit
Buy the Apex 3 if you want a quiet gaming keyboard with 10-zone lighting, dedicated media controls, and a magnetic wrist rest in one setup.
The combination is also useful for a desk shared between gaming and general computer work.
It is a sensible option for users who want their keyboard to work across Windows or Mac computers and the listed Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
The spill-resistant design may also offer some peace of mind around drinks, provided you still take care to keep liquids away from the keyboard.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your priority is a clearly tactile, clicky switch experience: the Apex 3 is built around whisper-quiet switches and near-silent use.
Consider another layout if you specifically need a compact keyboard. The Apex 3 is presented as a full gaming keyboard, so check that its footprint and key arrangement fit your desk and workflow.
Apex 3 Keyboard Review Analysis
Quiet switches for shared spaces
The whisper-quiet switch design is the clearest reason to choose this keyboard.
It may suit shared rooms or late sessions where reducing key noise matters, while buyers who want audible, pronounced feedback should consider their preferred switch feel carefully.
Lighting and desk control
Ten RGB zones provide color schemes and reactive effects, while dedicated multimedia controls handle volume and settings. Those features combine visual customization with quick access to common adjustments without requiring a separate control device.
Spill resistance and care
IP32 water resistance is framed around preventing damage from accidental liquid spills.
That makes it a helpful precaution for a desk where spills are possible, but it should not be treated as waterproofing or permission to clean the keyboard with liquids.
Wrist support and durability
The included magnetic wrist rest is designed to provide full palm support, and the switches are intended for 20 million low-friction keypresses.
These are practical design points for longer sessions, but neither specification guarantees comfort or lifespan for every user.
Alternatives to Apex 3 Keyboard
Computer Keyboards alternative
4,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Choose the Apex 5 if you want tactile-click hybrid switches, per-key lighting, or an OLED display; choose the Apex 3 if near-silent switches and zone lighting better suit your workspace.
- The Apex 5 uses hybrid blue switches with tactile click, per-key RGB lighting, an OLED smart display, and an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame.
- The Apex 3 focuses on whisper-quiet switches, 10-zone lighting, and a magnetic wrist rest, a combination for buyers who favor a quieter, simpler desk setup.
Computer Keyboards alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
Choose the Apex 3 TKL if you want a compact tenkeyless layout and its 8-zone lighting; choose the Apex 3 if you prefer 10-zone lighting and the magnetic wrist rest.
- The Apex 3 TKL uses a compact tenkeyless form factor, whisper-quiet switches, 8-zone lighting, and IP32 water and dust resistance.
- It also has dedicated multimedia controls with a clickable volume roller and media keys.
- The Apex 3 offers 10-zone RGB lighting, whisper-quiet switches, and a magnetic wrist rest, suiting buyers who want those features in its full-size format.
Is Apex 3 Keyboard Worth It?
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is worth considering if you want quiet switches, customizable 10-zone lighting, a magnetic wrist rest, and controls for volume and settings. Its broad platform compatibility also makes it practical for a mixed computer-and-console setup.
Choose it when low-noise use and spill resistance matter more than a clicky switch feel or a compact layout.
The IP32 rating is for accidental liquid spills, so keep liquids away and check the keyboard’s fit for your desk before committing.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3
A quiet, spill-resistant keyboard with customizable lighting and a magnetic wrist rest for gaming and everyday desk use.
- 10-zone RGB illumination with color schemes and reactive effects.
- Whisper-quiet, low-friction gaming switches designed for 20 million keypresses.
- IP32 water resistance intended to help prevent accidental liquid-spill damage.
- Magnetic wrist rest designed to provide full palm support.