SteelSeries makes three distinctly different keyboards worth considering, each solving a different problem and budget level. The real choice is whether you're willing to pay four times more for mechanical switches that respond 0.5ms faster, or if a solid mid-range option serves your needs just fine.
Why SteelSeries?
SteelSeries has built gaming peripherals since 2002, focusing on competitive esports hardware and professional-grade mechanical switches. They're known for two specific strengths: proprietary OmniPoint adjustable mechanical switches (only on their premium models) that let you tune actuation distance from 0.4mm to 4mm mid-use, and QI certification for RGB lighting that stays consistent across their ecosystem. Unlike mass-market brands, SteelSeries invests in anti-ghosting technology and N-key rollover as standard, even on budget models.
Top Picks
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard — £259.99
Best for: Competitive esports players and typists who demand absolute precision. The OmniPoint adjustable switches are the selling point here—you adjust actuation depth via software between matches, so if a game suddenly requires faster input, you dial it down instantly. Wired connection eliminates latency entirely (0ms vs 2-8ms wireless). The aluminium frame weighs 1.2kg and won't shift on your desk during intense play. Included are PBT keycaps (more durable than standard ABS) and programmable macro keys.
SteelSeries Apex Wired Gaming Keyboard — £99.99
Best for: Casual competitive players and everyday typists who want mechanical quality without the adjustable-switch premium. This uses fixed OmniPoint switches at 1.5mm actuation—not adjustable, but still faster than membrane keyboards. It's 85% the performance of the Pro Gen 3 at 38% of the cost. Wired connection, compact layout (87 keys, 368mm width), and N-key rollover. The per-key RGB is customisable but not as granular as the Pro model.
Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard — White — £51.29
Best for: Budget gamers, office workers, and anyone who doesn't need mechanical switches. This uses membrane switches (rubber dome under the keycap), so response time sits at 10-15ms versus 1-2ms mechanical. The "TKL" means tenkeyless—no numpad, just 87 keys. It's light (450g), spill-resistant with drainage channels, and has basic single-colour RGB backlighting. This is your entry point; don't expect esports-level responsiveness, but it's genuinely reliable for casual play and typing.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Apex Pro Gen 3 | £259.99 | Competitive esports, precision typists | Adjustable OmniPoint switches (0.4–4mm) | | Apex Standard | £99.99 | Casual competitive play, balanced use | Fixed mechanical switches at £100 | | Apex 3 TKL | £51.29 | Budget gamers, office use | Spill-resistant, ultra-compact |
What to Look For
- Switch type: Mechanical (1–2ms response, must be pressed fully) vs. membrane (10–15ms, softer feel). Mechanical matters if you play fast-twitch games; for everything else it's preference.
- Actuation distance: Measured in millimetres. Lower = faster input but higher false-press risk. 1.5mm is competitive; 0.4mm is adjustable (Pro Gen 3 only). Standard typing sits around 2mm.
- Wired vs. wireless: All three SteelSeries models here are wired, eliminating latency and battery anxiety. Wireless adds 0–8ms depending on receiver quality.
- Layout: Full-size (104+ keys with numpad), TKL tenkeyless (87 keys, no numpad), 60% (compact, 61 keys). Smaller footprints are better for desks under 1.2m wide.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Apex Pro Gen 3 at £259.99 if you play competitive shooters or MOBAs and want adjustable switches that adapt to any game in seconds. If you're £160 over budget, the Apex Standard at £99.99 delivers 80% of the performance with fixed mechanical switches—genuinely solid value. Budget strictly under £60? The Apex 3 TKL at £51.29 is spill-resistant and durable enough for office and casual gaming, just don't expect the speed of mechanical switches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SteelSeries worth the money compared to cheaper gaming keyboards?
Yes, but only for specific needs. SteelSeries premium (£259.99) justifies cost if you're competitive and want adjustable switches. Their mid-range (£99.99) beats similarly-priced alternatives by using actual mechanical switches. Their budget model (£51.29) is cheap enough that durability matters more than brand—SteelSeries holds up better than unbranded membrane keyboards at the same price.
What's the difference between OmniPoint and standard mechanical switches?
OmniPoint switches can adjust actuation distance in software without swapping hardware—drop from 4mm (deep, safe typing) to 0.4mm (esports-fast) instantly. Standard mechanical switches have fixed actuation points (usually 1.5–2mm). OmniPoint is exclusive to SteelSeries Pro models and costs significantly more, so only get it if you switch between different games or genres frequently.
Should I buy wired or wireless SteelSeries keyboards?
All three models here are wired. If latency concerns you (esports gaming), wired is superior—0ms vs 2–8ms wireless. For casual play and typing, wireless is more convenient. SteelSeries makes wireless versions at higher price points; these listed models prioritise zero-latency competitive advantage.
Do I need mechanical switches, or will the membrane Apex 3 TKL be okay?
Membrane switches are fine for office work, gaming at casual difficulty, and typing—they're quieter and cheaper. Mechanical switches feel snappier and have longer lifespan (50 million keystrokes vs 10–20 million for membrane). If you're not playing ranked competitive games or streaming, the Apex 3 TKL's membrane switches are adequate.
