Which SteelSeries Keyboard Should You Buy? A Breakdown of Their Best Options
SteelSeries makes three standout keyboards at different price points: the Apex Pro Gen 3 (£259.99) for competitive gamers wanting adjustable switches, the Apex (£99.99) for balanced everyday gaming, and the Apex 3 TKL (£51.29) for budget-conscious players. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise switch customisation, full-size layout, or pure value.
Why SteelSeries?
Founded in 2002, SteelSeries has built a reputation for high-precision gaming peripherals used by esports professionals. Their keyboards focus on mechanical switches, low-latency response, and durable construction—typically lasting 3–5 years of regular use. Unlike generic gaming brands, SteelSeries tests products with pro players and publishes switch lifespan specs (most claim 50 million keypress durability). Their Apex line specifically balances cost and performance, avoiding the ultra-premium pricing of specialist mechanical keyboard brands whilst maintaining tournament-grade reliability.
Top Picks
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard — £259.99
Best for: Competitive gamers and those who want switch customisation mid-use. This is the flagship—it features adjustable mechanical switches (actuation depth configurable from 0.4mm to 4mm) so you can tune responsiveness without replacing hardware. Includes per-key RGB backlighting and a 2.5m braided cable. Ideal if you alternate between fast twitch games (shooters) and slower-paced titles (strategy).
SteelSeries Apex Wired Gaming Keyboard — £99.99
Best for: Everyday gaming and typing at a mid-range price. Delivers mechanical switches, per-key RGB, and a full-size layout with number pad. No adjustable actuation here, but the build quality rivals boards costing £150+. Good if you want proven reliability without the premium.
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard (White) — £51.29
Best for: Budget gamers or desk-space-constrained setups. The TKL (tenkeyless) layout removes the number pad, saving 15% desk real estate. Membrane switches rather than mechanical (less durable but quieter and cheaper). This is your entry point if SteelSeries' brand matters but your budget is tight.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Apex Pro Gen 3 | £259.99 | Competitive gaming | Adjustable switch actuation (0.4–4mm) | | Apex | £99.99 | Balanced gaming & typing | Full-size mechanical at mid-range price | | Apex 3 TKL | £51.29 | Budget & compact spaces | Smallest footprint; entry-level price |
What to Look For
- Switch type: Mechanical switches (Apex Pro Gen 3 and Apex) last 50+ million keypresses and feel crisp; membrane switches (Apex 3 TKL) are quieter and cheaper but wear out faster (typically 10–20 million presses). Choose mechanical if you game daily.
- Layout: Full-size boards include a number pad (useful for spreadsheets and numeric input); TKL saves ~15cm of desk space without sacrificing gaming keys. Measure your desk before committing.
- Adjustability: Only the Apex Pro Gen 3 lets you tune actuation depth on the fly. If you switch between game genres frequently, this £160 premium pays off; otherwise, the fixed Apex is enough.
- Cable length: All three come with 2.5m braided cables, sufficient for most desk setups. If your PC is >2.5m away, plan for an extension or wireless alternative (SteelSeries doesn't offer wireless in this range).
The Bottom Line
Buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 (£259.99) if you want the best-in-class experience and adjustable switches—it's tournament-grade and worth the investment for serious gamers. If you're spending less, the Apex (£99.99) delivers 90% of that quality for £160 less and suits most players. The Apex 3 TKL (£51.29) is respectable for tight budgets but uses membrane switches, so expect a noticeably softer feel and shorter lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SteelSeries good value for money?
Yes—SteelSeries' Apex line offers genuine mechanical keyboards at or below typical market prices (£50–£260 vs. £40–£350 for competitors). The Apex Pro Gen 3's adjustable switches justify the £259.99 premium for gamers who value customisation; the standard Apex at £99.99 is particularly good value, offering mechanical switches and RGB for less than many brands charge for membrane boards.
What's the difference between the Apex and Apex Pro Gen 3?
The Apex Pro Gen 3 adds adjustable switch actuation (you can tune how soon a keypress registers, from 0.4mm to 4mm), per-key customisation via software, and premium build materials. The standard Apex has fixed-actuation mechanical switches and full RGB but no mid-use adjustability. If you play only one or two game genres, the Apex's fixed switches are fine; if you alternate between fast-twitch and strategy games, the Pro Gen 3's flexibility justifies the £160 difference.
Should I buy the Apex 3 TKL if I'm on a budget?
Only if your budget is under £60 or desk space is critical—the TKL layout is genuinely compact. However, its membrane switches feel mushy compared to mechanical ones, and the lifespan is shorter (10–20 million vs. 50 million keypresses). If you can stretch to £99.99, the standard Apex's mechanical switches offer a dramatically better experience and longer durability for only £48 more.
Do SteelSeries keyboards work with Mac?
Yes—all three models are wired USB and work with any Mac with USB-A ports. RGB customisation requires SteelSeries Engine software (available for Mac), so you can reprogram keys and adjust lighting on macOS. No native Mac-specific features, but full compatibility otherwise.
