Testing the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 keyboard

External, assembly quality

In recent months, we have presented our readers with many gaming keyboards with magnetic switches (Corsair K70 Max, Endgame Gear KB65HE, Keychron Q1 HE, Redragon FIZZ K617, ROG Falcion Ace HFX, SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023), Wooting HE60+, Wooting 80HE), and we want to keep this habit. While we are waiting for several new models, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3of which we tried the full-size variant this time, but there are also 60% and TKL versions.

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We were happy about the different size because the new models brought relatively few, but all the more important changes, but on the outside there is practically no difference between them and the 2023 Apex Pro models. That’s why it might be worth reading our previous test, and we also recommend it to those who don’t know what magnetic switches are. We were basically satisfied with the 2023 model, as we tested an extremely fast and excellent keyboard in person, but we were not satisfied with its sound, which was partly due to the fact that its switches were not lubricated at the factory. Fortunately, the third generation rectified this shortcoming, and more sound insulation was added, plus the switches are also new, since the OmniPoint 3.0 solutions work in the new model. By the way, we have also summarized the innovations.

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The design of the box has not changed, the gray-black packaging will also look good on the shelf, and the main functions were listed by the designers, but they did not go into the details, and the same can be said for the information on the website, so there are a few things, which we are not aware of either. The accessories have not changed, the approximately 2.3 meter long USB Type-C/Type-A cable is cloth-covered and not particularly flexible, but it serves the purpose perfectly. The wrist rest that can be connected magnetically remains, which is a quality accessory, the surface is covered with a fine, rubbery plastic.

In addition, the keyboard comes with an orange cap remover, which is not absolutely necessary due to the design, since the button caps can be easily removed by hand. These are still double injection molded PBT solutions, their surface is slightly rough, which comes in handy when playing. To a hardcore keyboard enthusiast, they probably look mediocre, but in the market for non-modifiable keyboards designed for gaming, they are downright pleasant. Their profile is not communicated by the manufacturer, but it is an OEM. Since they are compatible with Cherry cross stems, they can be easily replaced if needed.

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The general assembly quality and the use of materials are very correct, the 437 x 139 x 41 mm keyboard feels good to hold, and the weight of 1403 grams also fits well with this size. The USB connector is located in the upper left corner, and there are two fold-out bases on the back, which according to our measurements increase the 3-degree angle of inclination available without using them to 10 degrees. The design is tray mount, the switches are attached to the PCB, so much so that they cannot be replaced because they are soldered there.

Disassembling the keyboard is a simple, but completely unnecessary operation: some of the screws on the nicely machined aluminum top plate can be seen even without removing the caps, by unfolding them you can admire one of the innovations of this year’s model, the three layers of sound dampening sponge, the material of which is made by the manufacturer he does not elaborate, but the sound was clearly improved by their insertion.

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The switches are also new, they are called OmniPoint 3.0, they are magnetic solutions with a 4 mm key travel and an adjustable actuation point. The other important innovation is also related to them and is also of an acoustic nature: they are pre-lubed at the factory. They also have less backlash than their predecessors, they don’t have the stability of the ASUS ROG Falchion HFX, but the Lekker Switch v2 in the Wooting 80HE does, so this is also an excellent improvement.

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The manufacturer does not provide data on the springs, so it is not known how much force is required for full depression, it seems to be 45 cN solutions. Another oddity is that not all switches are OmniPoint 3.0, the F row, the function keys, the directional keys and the numeric part have received SteelSeries red switches, which are classic mechanical solutions, so the actuation point cannot be set for them. The majority of players probably don’t even need these while playing, but there are probably those who would use the direction keys, for which there is no rapid trigger option on this keyboard.

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The TKL and Full Size models retain the 128 x 40 pixel black-and-white OLED display in the upper right corner, as well as the associated button and wheel, the 60% model lacks them because they would not fit. With the help of the display and the buttons, we can set the most important parameters without opening the software, we can switch between profiles, we can display various temperature data from our hardware, and we can also use it as a decorative element. ANSI and ISO layouts are also available, but the new Apex Pros cannot be ordered with Hungarian keycaps. In case of ISO allocation, there are 105 buttons on the full-size model, not counting the button and wheel that control the display.

We haven’t mentioned the backlight yet, the updated model didn’t make any changes in this area, but that’s not a problem either. The north-facing RGB light sources, which can be addressed per button, light up very nicely and completely evenly, there was no room for improvement in this area.

Keyboard Inspector results (+)

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