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SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 Review
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The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 stands out among gaming keyboards with its innovative features and premium build quality, making it a top-tier model for serious gamers. Designed for both gamers and professional users, the Apex Pro Gen 3 stands out with its advanced technologies and extensive customization options.
In our in-depth review of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3, we take a closer look at every aspect of this premium keyboard. Enjoy the read.
Through this small screen, you can view in-game stats, Discord notifications, currently playing music, and even your PC’s temperature levels. You can easily customize the display using the control button located right next to the OLED screen or through the SteelSeries GG software.
As an example, while playing Minecraft, the OLED screen can display real-time information such as your compass, health, hunger levels, and even the durability of your tools. The SteelSeries GG software includes dedicated apps for games like Minecraft, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and many others. With these apps, you can fine-tune the OLED display settings to get the most out of this feature.
Of course, you can also customize the OLED screen by uploading any image you like, just as I did. Personally, I think the VGNW logo fits perfectly on the display.
Moving beyond the OLED screen, if we take a look at the bottom of the keyboard, you'll find a built-in cable routing channel that helps eliminate cable clutter. Since the Apex Pro Gen 3 is a wired keyboard, you can connect it to your PC using the high-quality USB-C to USB-A cable included in the box.
Now let’s talk about the most standout feature of the Apex Pro Gen 3: its OmniPoint 3.0 adjustable mechanical switches. Developed by SteelSeries, these switches allow users to customize the actuation point of each individual key to match their personal preferences.
Thanks to OmniPoint 3.0 technology, keys are triggered the moment you press them, and can even be reactivated by slightly lifting your finger. This means that in fast-paced FPS games, for example, rapid consecutive movements can be executed without needing the key to fully return to its default position.
You can adjust the actuation distance for each key individually, anywhere between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm. This allows you to fully tailor your keyboard experience by saving different settings and profiles based on your gaming or typing preferences.
For instance, in fast-paced FPS games where quick reflexes are essential, you can lower the actuation point to the minimum (0.1 mm) for ultra-responsive inputs triggered by even the slightest tap. On the other hand, for everyday tasks or writing, as I’m doing right now with the actuation set around 1.8 mm, you can increase the distance for a more controlled and comfortable experience.
Furthermore, two modes are available for these settings: Rapid Trigger and Protection Mode. When rapidly pressing keys in succession, you might unintentionally activate nearby keys. To address this, SteelSeries includes a 'Protection Mode' that lowers the sensitivity of adjacent keys to prevent accidental presses.
Besides all those, the keyboard’s rapid tap feature ensures that during quick key presses, the most recent input takes priority, offering a real-time edge in fast-paced games. However, features like rapid tap and SOCD cleaning are prohibited in games such as Counter-Strike 2, and using them may result in bans or disconnections. So, if you choose to enable this feature, it’s worth considering carefully. Nevertheless, it’s notable that the keyboard provides this option.
The keypresses feel very solid and satisfying, while the sound they produce is soft and quiet. Having used brown switches for a long time, I can honestly say I really like the sound this keyboard makes. Since I spend long hours at the computer at night, the noise from red switch mechanical keyboards can sometimes be disturbing. However, the Apex Pro Gen 3’s sound is completely unobtrusive.
The switches have a lifespan of 100 million key presses, allowing you to use the keyboard for many years without any issues. Additionally, thanks to anti-ghosting and N-Key Rollover features, the keyboard registers every key press even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. In fact, it can detect all key presses even if you were to sit on the keyboard.
For those interested: the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 uses switches with a Cherry MX-style stem, but it does not support hot-swappable switches. The stabilizers are Cherry-style and plate-mounted, providing balanced and smooth performance for larger keys like the spacebar.
Futhermore, you can automatically switch key actuation profiles and RGB settings based on the game or application. The software’s user-friendly and clean interface makes it easy and quick to configure these settings. Plus, you can save all your configurations to the keyboard’s onboard memory, allowing you to use your personalized setup on different computers without needing the software
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is a premium keyboard focused on gaming performance and extensive customization. With its OmniPoint 3.0 switches providing exceptional flexibility and the useful OLED display, it stands out among many competitors. Comfort features like the wrist rest for extended gaming sessions and handy media control keys further enhance the user experience.
That keyboard offers top-tier features that justify its price, ideal for users who want the best for both gaming and daily use. Naturally, this comes with a premium cost, at the time of this review, its price in Turkey is approximately 12,000 TRY.
In our in-depth review of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3, we take a closer look at every aspect of this premium keyboard. Enjoy the read.
Design
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 delivers a strong and sturdy feel with its durable and sleek aluminum alloy frame, while its minimalist yet elegant design adds a premium touch to your gaming setup. Located in the top-right corner of the keyboard, the media control button and the metal volume wheel offer quick and practical usability, while the OLED display just to their left adds a unique and modern touch to the overall design.Through this small screen, you can view in-game stats, Discord notifications, currently playing music, and even your PC’s temperature levels. You can easily customize the display using the control button located right next to the OLED screen or through the SteelSeries GG software.
As an example, while playing Minecraft, the OLED screen can display real-time information such as your compass, health, hunger levels, and even the durability of your tools. The SteelSeries GG software includes dedicated apps for games like Minecraft, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and many others. With these apps, you can fine-tune the OLED display settings to get the most out of this feature.
Of course, you can also customize the OLED screen by uploading any image you like, just as I did. Personally, I think the VGNW logo fits perfectly on the display.
Moving beyond the OLED screen, if we take a look at the bottom of the keyboard, you'll find a built-in cable routing channel that helps eliminate cable clutter. Since the Apex Pro Gen 3 is a wired keyboard, you can connect it to your PC using the high-quality USB-C to USB-A cable included in the box.
Now let’s talk about the most standout feature of the Apex Pro Gen 3: its OmniPoint 3.0 adjustable mechanical switches. Developed by SteelSeries, these switches allow users to customize the actuation point of each individual key to match their personal preferences.
Thanks to OmniPoint 3.0 technology, keys are triggered the moment you press them, and can even be reactivated by slightly lifting your finger. This means that in fast-paced FPS games, for example, rapid consecutive movements can be executed without needing the key to fully return to its default position.
You can adjust the actuation distance for each key individually, anywhere between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm. This allows you to fully tailor your keyboard experience by saving different settings and profiles based on your gaming or typing preferences.
For instance, in fast-paced FPS games where quick reflexes are essential, you can lower the actuation point to the minimum (0.1 mm) for ultra-responsive inputs triggered by even the slightest tap. On the other hand, for everyday tasks or writing, as I’m doing right now with the actuation set around 1.8 mm, you can increase the distance for a more controlled and comfortable experience.
Furthermore, two modes are available for these settings: Rapid Trigger and Protection Mode. When rapidly pressing keys in succession, you might unintentionally activate nearby keys. To address this, SteelSeries includes a 'Protection Mode' that lowers the sensitivity of adjacent keys to prevent accidental presses.
Besides all those, the keyboard’s rapid tap feature ensures that during quick key presses, the most recent input takes priority, offering a real-time edge in fast-paced games. However, features like rapid tap and SOCD cleaning are prohibited in games such as Counter-Strike 2, and using them may result in bans or disconnections. So, if you choose to enable this feature, it’s worth considering carefully. Nevertheless, it’s notable that the keyboard provides this option.
The keypresses feel very solid and satisfying, while the sound they produce is soft and quiet. Having used brown switches for a long time, I can honestly say I really like the sound this keyboard makes. Since I spend long hours at the computer at night, the noise from red switch mechanical keyboards can sometimes be disturbing. However, the Apex Pro Gen 3’s sound is completely unobtrusive.
The switches have a lifespan of 100 million key presses, allowing you to use the keyboard for many years without any issues. Additionally, thanks to anti-ghosting and N-Key Rollover features, the keyboard registers every key press even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. In fact, it can detect all key presses even if you were to sit on the keyboard.
For those interested: the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 uses switches with a Cherry MX-style stem, but it does not support hot-swappable switches. The stabilizers are Cherry-style and plate-mounted, providing balanced and smooth performance for larger keys like the spacebar.
Specifications
- Switch Type:OmniPoint 3.0 adjustable mechanical switches
- Actuation Distance: 0.1 mm – 4 mm (customizable)
- Key Lifespan: 100 million key presses
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
- Weight: 1,065 grams
- Connection: Wired (braided USB-C to USB-A cable)
- RGB Lighting: Per-key RGB illumination
- Wrist Rest: Magnetic, detachable, and soft-textured
- Media Control Keys: Yes
- Rapid Trigger: Yes
- Onboard Memory: Yes
- OLED Display: Yes
- Switch Stem Type: Cherry MX style
- Stabilizer Type: Cherry, plate-mounted
- Hot-Swappable Switches: No
Futhermore, you can automatically switch key actuation profiles and RGB settings based on the game or application. The software’s user-friendly and clean interface makes it easy and quick to configure these settings. Plus, you can save all your configurations to the keyboard’s onboard memory, allowing you to use your personalized setup on different computers without needing the software
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is a premium keyboard focused on gaming performance and extensive customization. With its OmniPoint 3.0 switches providing exceptional flexibility and the useful OLED display, it stands out among many competitors. Comfort features like the wrist rest for extended gaming sessions and handy media control keys further enhance the user experience.
That keyboard offers top-tier features that justify its price, ideal for users who want the best for both gaming and daily use. Naturally, this comes with a premium cost, at the time of this review, its price in Turkey is approximately 12,000 TRY.
