This SteelSeries Apex 3 review looks at a full-size gaming keyboard built around whisper-quiet switches, 10-zone lighting and a magnetic wrist rest.
Apex 3 Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3
A full-size gaming keyboard for buyers who want quiet switches, spill resistance, customizable lighting and a magnetic wrist rest.
- Whisper-quiet gaming switches are designed for nearly silent use.
- The switches are specified for 20 million low-friction keypresses.
- Ten-zone RGB illumination includes color schemes and reactive effects.
- IP32 water resistance is intended to help prevent accidental spill damage.
Pros
- Whisper-quiet switches suit buyers who want less keyboard noise.
- IP32 water resistance helps guard against accidental liquid spills.
Consider before buying
- The 10-zone lighting is organized by zones, so buyers seeking per-key lighting should look for that specific feature.
- IP32 water resistance is aimed at accidental spills; it should not be treated as protection for submersion or heavy exposure to liquids.
Read the full review summary
The Apex 3 is a practical fit for a gaming or general-use setup where quieter keystrokes matter.
Its whisper-quiet switches, 10-zone RGB illumination, dedicated media controls and magnetic wrist rest bring together useful everyday features without centering the design on mechanical switches.
Its IP32 water resistance is intended to help prevent damage from accidental liquid spills, which may suit a desk where drinks are nearby.
The keyboard is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4 and PS5, giving buyers several platform options to consider before purchase.
The buying factors
Apex 3 Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Quiet-switch appeal
The switches are designed for nearly silent use, making this a strong fit for buyers who prefer less keyboard noise.
Spill resistance
IP32 water resistance addresses accidental liquid spills, a useful layer of protection for a desk setup.
Lighting customization
Ten RGB zones and reactive effects offer lighting customization, though the controls are organized by zones rather than individual keys.
Wrist support
A magnetic wrist rest is included and provides full palm support, adding a useful ergonomic feature to the setup.
On-keyboard media control
Dedicated multimedia controls let users adjust volume and settings on the fly without relying only on software controls.
Platform coverage
Compatibility spans Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S and X, PS4 and PS5, covering a broad range of common gaming and computing systems.
Key Features and Specifications of Apex 3
- Whisper-quiet gaming switches are designed for nearly silent use.
- The switches are specified for 20 million low-friction keypresses.
- Ten-zone RGB illumination includes color schemes and reactive effects.
- IP32 water resistance is intended to help prevent accidental spill damage.
- A magnetic wrist rest provides full palm support.
- Dedicated multimedia controls adjust volume and settings on the fly.
- Compatible systems include Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S and X, PS4 and PS5.
Pros and Cons of Apex 3
Pros
- Whisper-quiet switches suit buyers who want less keyboard noise.
- IP32 water resistance helps guard against accidental liquid spills.
- Ten RGB zones offer color schemes and reactive effects.
- The magnetic wrist rest and dedicated media controls are convenient desk features.
Consider before buying
- The 10-zone lighting is organized by zones, so buyers seeking per-key lighting should look for that specific feature.
- IP32 water resistance is aimed at accidental spills; it should not be treated as protection for submersion or heavy exposure to liquids.
- The emphasis on whisper-quiet switches may not suit buyers specifically seeking a loud, clicky typing feel.
Who Should Buy Apex 3?
Good fit
Choose the Apex 3 if quieter keystrokes are a priority and you want lighting, spill resistance and desk controls in one gaming keyboard.
Its magnetic wrist rest and dedicated multimedia controls add useful features for a setup used throughout the day.
It also makes sense for a buyer who wants one keyboard to work across a computer and several console platforms.
Check compatibility against your exact setup before buying, especially if you rely on a system outside the named platforms.
Who should skip it
Skip it if individual-key lighting or a mechanical switch design is central to your preference; its lighting is presented as 10-zone RGB, and its switches are positioned as whisper quiet.
It is also a poor fit if your desk regularly exposes equipment to substantial liquid contact.
IP32 water resistance is described in the context of accidental spills, so this is not a keyboard to choose for submersion or wet use.
Apex 3 Review: What Matters for Your Setup
Quiet Switches for Shared Spaces
The clearest buying case is the near-silent switch design.
That can be appealing for shared rooms, late sessions or workspaces where loud keystrokes would be distracting, while buyers who want a pronounced click should consider their typing preference carefully.
Lighting and Spill Protection
Ten-zone RGB provides room for color schemes and reactive effects, while IP32 water resistance adds a measure of protection against accidental liquid spills.
These features address desk customization and everyday mishap concerns, but the spill protection should not be treated as waterproofing for wet environments.
Useful Desk Conveniences
A magnetic wrist rest supports the palm, and dedicated multimedia controls handle volume and settings on the fly.
These conveniences are most relevant to buyers who expect to use the keyboard for more than short gaming sessions, though individual comfort will depend on the user and setup.
Check Your Platform
The named compatibility spans Windows and Mac OS X as well as Xbox Series S and X, PS4 and PS5.
Buyers should verify that their particular device and intended connection method match their setup before relying on the keyboard across platforms.
Alternatives to Apex 3
Computer Keyboards alternative
4,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Prefer the Apex 5 if you want tactile-click hybrid switches, lighting for each key and an OLED display; choose the Apex 3 if near-silent switches and 10-zone lighting better match your priorities.
- The Apex 5 uses hybrid blue mechanical switches with tactile click, per-key RGB, an OLED smart display and an aircraft-grade aluminum frame; its magnetic wrist rest is also included.
- The Apex 3 centers on whisper-quiet switches, 10-zone lighting and a magnetic wrist rest, making it a fit for buyers who favor restrained typing noise and built-in palm support.
Computer Keyboards alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
Choose the Apex 3 TKL if desk space and a tenkeyless layout are priorities; choose the full-size Apex 3 if you prefer 10-zone lighting and its magnetic wrist rest.
- The Apex 3 TKL has a compact tenkeyless design, 8-zone lighting, IP32 water and dust resistance, whisper-quiet switches and anti-ghosting technology.
- The Apex 3 combines 10-zone lighting, a magnetic wrist rest and dedicated multimedia controls in a gaming keyboard aimed at buyers who do not want to give up those features.
Is Apex 3 Worth It?
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is worth considering if you want a quiet gaming keyboard with IP32 spill resistance, customizable zone lighting, a magnetic wrist rest and dedicated media controls.
Its broad named platform compatibility adds flexibility for a desk shared between a computer and console.
It is less compelling for buyers who require per-key RGB, clicky mechanical switches or protection beyond accidental spills. For a quieter, feature-rich setup where those tradeoffs are acceptable, it presents a straightforward keyboard choice.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Apex 3
A full-size gaming keyboard for buyers who want quiet switches, spill resistance, customizable lighting and a magnetic wrist rest.
- Whisper-quiet gaming switches are designed for nearly silent use.
- The switches are specified for 20 million low-friction keypresses.
- Ten-zone RGB illumination includes color schemes and reactive effects.
- IP32 water resistance is intended to help prevent accidental spill damage.