SteelSeries makes three gaming keyboards worth considering right now, each targeting different budgets and use cases. The Apex 3 TKL is genuinely good value at £51.29 if you want a compact, no-frills board. The Apex Wired at £99.99 sits in the practical middle ground with more features. The Apex Pro Mini Wireless at £239.99 is the specialist choice — expensive, but wireless and customisable in ways the others aren't.
Why SteelSeries?
SteelSeries has been making gaming peripherals since 2002 and specialises in keyboards, mice, and headsets built specifically for esports and high-performance gaming. What sets them apart is their focus on mechanical switches and programmable features — even their budget boards aren't stripped down, they're deliberately compact. They're widely trusted by competitive players, which means their budget options often punch above their price point because they inherit design principles from their premium lines.
Top Picks
Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard, White — £51.29
Best for: Budget gamers and desk space–conscious users.
The Apex 3 TKL is the entry point done right. TKL means tenkeyless — no number pad — so it's roughly 30% smaller than a full-size board while keeping all your gaming keys intact. At £51.29, it's competitive with cheaper gaming keyboards but includes SteelSeries' own switches and a solid build. You're not getting wireless or per-key lighting, but for casual gaming or office use, it's a smart buy.
Apex Wired Gaming Keyboard, Black — £99.99
Best for: Players who want mid-range features without breaking the bank.
The Apex Wired at £99.99 is the sensible middle option. Full-size layout (includes number pad), wired connection means zero latency, and SteelSeries includes programmable keys and RGB lighting. It's not wireless, which some players dislike, but wired eliminates battery anxiety and guarantees millisecond response times. This is the keyboard most people actually choose when they stop overthinking.
Apex Pro Mini Wireless Gaming Keyboard — £239.99
Best for: Wireless enthusiasts and players who customise extensively.
The Apex Pro Mini Wireless at £239.99 is SteelSeries' premium compact option. Wireless with USB-C charging, per-key RGB customisation, and — most notably — adjustable mechanical switches that let you fine-tune actuation distance on individual keys. This level of customisation appeals to esports players and those who've used high-end boards before. Wireless adds convenience but costs nearly 2.5x the budget option.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Apex 3 TKL | £51.29 | Budget gamers, compact desks | Tenkeyless size, SteelSeries switches | | Apex Wired | £99.99 | Practical gamers, office+gaming | Full-size layout, zero latency | | Apex Pro Mini Wireless | £239.99 | Enthusiasts, customisation-focused | Adjustable per-key switches, wireless |
What to Look For
- Switch type: SteelSeries uses its own mechanical switches across the range. They're not Cherry MX clones, so if you've used Cherry boards before, expect slightly different feel and reliability specs.
- Layout: Tenkeyless saves desk space (roughly 30% smaller footprint) but removes the number pad — fine for gaming, frustrating for spreadsheets. Only the Apex Wired is full-size.
- Wireless vs wired: Wireless (Apex Pro Mini) adds £140+ to the cost but eliminates cable clutter. Wired (Apex 3, Apex) guarantees no latency and no charging.
- RGB and programmability: Budget boards skip per-key RGB, mid-range adds zone lighting, premium adds full per-key customisation. Decide if lighting matters to you — it doesn't affect performance but adds £50–£100 to cost.
The Bottom Line
If you want the best value, buy the Apex Wired at £99.99 — it balances features, durability, and price better than the others. If you're tight on space or budget, the Apex 3 TKL at £51.29 is genuinely solid and won't feel cheap. Only stretch to the Apex Pro Mini Wireless at £239.99 if you specifically value wireless connectivity and programmable per-key adjustments; it's premium kit, not essential for most gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SteelSeries any good, or is it just marketing hype?
SteelSeries is legitimate. They've been making gaming peripherals since 2002 and their budget keyboards are genuinely competitive — they cost less than equivalent boards from Corsair or Logitech, but use proprietary SteelSeries switches rather than cheaper alternatives. Esports teams use SteelSeries, which matters, though that doesn't automatically make their budget range "professional-grade."
What's the difference between the Apex 3 TKL and the Apex Wired?
The Apex 3 TKL is compact (no number pad), smaller, and £48 cheaper at £51.29. The Apex Wired is full-size, includes the number pad, and costs £99.99 but has more RGB customisation. Both are wired. Choose Apex 3 if you value desk space; choose Apex if you need the number pad or want more features.
Is the wireless Apex Pro Mini worth the extra £140?
Only if wireless matters to you. At £239.99, you're paying substantially more for USB-C charging, adjustable per-key switches, and lack of cables. If you're on a tight budget or gaming at a fixed desk, the Apex Wired at £99.99 performs identically in speed and responsiveness. Wireless is a convenience choice, not a performance upgrade.
Can you replace the switches on SteelSeries keyboards?
Not easily. SteelSeries uses proprietary switches, not standard Cherry MX, so hot-swap kits and aftermarket switches won't fit. The Apex Pro Mini does let you adjust individual switch actuation in software, which is their version of customisation, but you can't physically swap switches like you can on some gaming boards.
