SteelSeries keyboards span three distinct tiers, each delivering genuine value rather than marketing noise. The Apex Pro Gen 3 (£259.99) justifies its premium with OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches, the Apex (£99.99) balances solid engineering with affordability, and the Apex 3 TKL (£51.29) proves that budget gaming peripherals don't have to feel cheap. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise switch customisation, standard reliability, or pure cost efficiency.
Why SteelSeries?
SteelSeries has manufactured gaming peripherals since 2002, building a reputation for durable mechanical keyboards rather than chasing trends. Their strength lies in transparent build quality: they publish switch specifications, actuation distances, and material grades rather than relying on vague claims. The Apex line specifically focuses on accessibility—offering mechanical keyboards at multiple price points without compromising the core typing experience. Most competitors either go budget-basic or premium-exclusive; SteelSeries fills the middle with thoughtful engineering that lasts beyond a single competitive season.
Top Picks
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard — £259.99
Best for: Esports players and typists who demand switch customisation. The OmniPoint 2.0 switches adjust actuation from 0.4mm to 2.0mm via firmware, meaning you can fine-tune sensitivity per game or key. 100% 8K polling rate eliminates lag in fast-paced titles. Per-key RGB and aluminium frame justify the premium for serious competitors.
SteelSeries Apex Wired Gaming Keyboard — £99.99
Best for: Everyday gamers seeking reliable mid-range performance. Fixed mechanical switches (actuation at 1.5mm) remove customisation complexity without sacrificing quality. Full-size layout suits desk setups where space isn't a constraint. Steel stabilisers and 8K polling rate deliver responsive gaming without the adjustability overhead of Gen 3.
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard — £51.29
Best for: Budget-conscious builders and lap gamers. Tenkeyless layout saves 20% desk space compared to full-size models. Membrane switches (rather than mechanical) reduce durability slightly but keep cost competitive. RGB backlighting and 1000Hz polling are present despite the price—this isn't a bare-bones board.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Apex Pro Gen 3 | £259.99 | Esports, typists | Adjustable OmniPoint switches (0.4–2.0mm actuation) | | Apex | £99.99 | Everyday gamers | Full-size + mechanical switches at mid-range price | | Apex 3 TKL | £51.29 | Budget builds, portable setups | Tenkeyless + RGB under £52 |
What to Look For
- Switch type matters: Mechanical switches (Apex Pro Gen 3, Apex) last 50–80 million keystrokes; membrane switches (Apex 3 TKL) typically manage 5–10 million. If you stream or type 8+ hours daily, mechanical is worth the jump.
- Polling rate and lag: All three models hit 8K (Apex Pro Gen 3, Apex) or 1000Hz (Apex 3 TKL) polling, which is competitive-grade. Anything above 1000Hz is marketing fluff for gaming.
- Layout trade-offs: Tenkeyless saves desk space but removes numpad and dedicated macro keys. Choose based on whether you use number entry or custom binds regularly.
- Customisation depth: OmniPoint 2.0 adjustability is unique to Gen 3 and unnecessary for casual play—fixed switches on the Apex handle 99% of gaming scenarios identically.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Apex Pro Gen 3 (£259.99) if you compete in esports or value precision tuning; buy the Apex (£99.99) for reliable everyday gaming without overpaying; buy the Apex 3 TKL (£51.29) if space or budget is tight and you're not grinding ranked. All three are durable SteelSeries builds—the difference is customisation depth, not fundamental quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apex Pro Gen 3 worth £260 over the standard Apex at £100?
Only if you adjust switch actuation regularly between games or need 8K polling for competitive shooters. For most players, the £99.99 Apex delivers identical typing feel and gaming response—you're paying £160 extra for OmniPoint flexibility and aluminium build, not performance gains.
Can you use the Apex 3 TKL seriously for competitive gaming?
Yes, 1000Hz polling and RGB are tournament-standard specs. The membrane switches feel mushier than mechanical, so aim precision might suffer slightly, but the keyboard itself won't bottleneck you. Use it for casual play or if space is your constraint; upgrade to mechanical later if needed.
Do SteelSeries keyboards work on Mac and console?
Yes—all three models are standard USB input devices. They work on Windows, Mac, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Per-key RGB customisation requires the SteelSeries GG app (Windows/Mac only), but the keyboard functions perfectly on any platform without it.
How long do SteelSeries keyboards actually last?
Mechanical models (Apex Pro Gen 3, Apex) typically outlast the user. Switches are rated 80+ million keystrokes; the Apex 3 TKL membrane switches are rated 5–10 million. SteelSeries also offers stabiliser replacements as spare parts, so you can refresh switches without replacing the whole board.
