SteelSeries has included a TKL design keyboard in its range with the Apex 3 TKL. The special feature is that the keyboard is equipped with rubber dome keys, which is rare for TKL keyboards. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann has tested the keyboard for you.
Which keyboard is it? The Danish manufacturer SteelSeries has introduced a compact keyboard with rubber dome mechanics, the Apex 3 TKL. TKL means that the keyboard does not have a number pad.
The combination of TKL design and rubber dome mechanics is rather uncommon. For this reason, I wanted to try the keyboard and spent several weeks typing and gaming on it.
Who tested it?
I have a passion for peripherals and test everything from mice to keyboards and gaming headsets. Since 2019, I have been testing hardware for MeinMMO for our readers. Especially gaming mice are among my absolute favorites.
The manufacturer provided me with the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL for testing.
Benedikt Schlotmann
Hardware editor MeinMMO
Features and technical details:
| Design/Interface | Wired, TKL keyboard | ||||||||||
| Key type | Rubber dome mechanics | ||||||||||
| Programmable keys | Yes | ||||||||||
| Lighting | Yes, PrismSync lighting with 8 zones | ||||||||||
| Compatibility | PC (with software) | ||||||||||
| Included items | Keyboard, manual | ||||||||||
| Special features | Media keys, all keys programmable | ||||||||||
| Price (RRP) | 54.99 Euro | ||||||||||
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Contents, design and build
What does the package include? In the keyboard’s box, you will find the keyboard and a thin manual. The cable is firmly attached to the keyboard and cannot be removed. The software can be downloaded from SteelSeries’ website.
What is the keyboard’s structure like? The keyboard features a black design with RGB lighting. SteelSeries implements zone lighting, which is common in the budget range. Therefore, individual keys cannot be customized, but only specific RGB zones. However, I did not perceive this as a disadvantage, as the aesthetics still make a good impression.
Additionally, the keyboard uses a TKL design. This model does not offer a numpad, making it somewhat slimmer. On the right side, there are also two media control keys.
Build quality
The keyboard feels well built. An integrated cable channel on the underside allows the fixed USB cable to be elegantly routed. The keys and the case of the model are made entirely of plastic, and the keycaps cannot be removed or replaced.
According to the manufacturer, the keyboard is “water-resistant according to IP32 for protection against spilled liquids.” However, I refrained from pouring water over the keyboard during the test.
Moreover, the Apex 3 TKL is made solely of plastic. The keycaps use ABS. This plastic is commonly used in many keyboards. Typing on ABS keys feels very smooth, and they tend to get dirty easier than PBT keycaps.
Software
The Apex TKL uses the software “SteelSeries GG.” This works flawlessly, but it always seems a bit cluttered to me. Especially for those who are using a SteelSeries device for the first time, creating an account and subsequently searching for their device might be cumbersome.
Other software suites appear to be more organized and intuitively designed. I had no issues or crashes, and the device software can be easily updated via “SteelSeries GG.”
On the next page, you can read about how the keyboard performs in terms of ergonomics and key performance. In the concluding summary, you can also find out if purchasing the Apex 3 TKL could be worthwhile for you.
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