SteelSeries has been a dominant force in the mechanical keyboard arena for years, and the Apex Pro line has been a cornerstone of their success. With the release of the Apex Pro Gen 3, they’re aiming to refine the formula that made the previous generations so popular, and succeed with dramatic effect. With OmniPoint 3.0 using new Hall Effect switches, GG Quickset, and an OLED smart display, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 reigns supreme.
Unboxing the Apex Pro Gen 3 evokes a sense of déjà vu. SteelSeries sticks with the tried-and-true design philosophy – a minimalist aesthetic with its stark black is pleasing as it is functional. While some might yearn for a more drastic visual overhaul, the build quality remains undeniably premium. The keyboard feels reassuringly hefty, exuding a sense of durability that will be appreciated during intense sessions. As we’ll get into later, just testing the new Hall Effect Switches, I can attest to the “thockier-sounding keypress” as SteelSeries puts it.
The biggest physical change comes in the form of the adjustable magnetic wrist rest. It snaps firmly into place, offering a comfortable and supportive angle for your palms. However, the black soft plastic matte finish attracts fingerprints, dust, and hair equally like a magnet, making it a constant battle to keep it looking pristine. I appreciate the detachable braided USB-C cable, while this full-size keyboard is not wireless, it is more portable than others.
The true innovation in the Apex Pro Gen 3 lies under the keycaps. SteelSeries continues to champion their proprietary OmniPoint, now in their 3.0 iteration. These beauties boast an adjustable actuation distance, allowing you to tailor the keyboard to your typing style or gaming preferences. This signature feature remains unparalleled. With a simple press of a dedicated button and a turn of the volume wheel, you can switch between a hair-trigger 0.1mm actuation for lightning-fast in-game responsiveness, or a more deliberate 4.0mm for comfortable, error-free typing. It’s a level of customization that most keyboards simply can’t compete with.
Combine the actuation levels with the new “GG Quickset”, and you’ve got a winning combination. SteelSeries have built out the best settings for all types of games based on what you have installed, but Counter-Strike 2 most notably comes up with it being one of the most competitive multiplayer FPS’. GG Quickset per game will adjust things like Rapid Trigger removes the latency of a deactivated key making it ready to press immediately, Protection Mode will prevent accidentally key presses that throw a grenade or use an ability you weren’t ready for, Rapid Tap prioritizes the last key press without needing to keep pressing the previous key, and the aforementioned actuation levels. This is a clever use of hardware and software.
SteelSeries has always excelled in the RGB department, and the Apex Pro Gen 3 is no exception. The per-key RGB lighting is incredibly bright and vibrant, with a wide range of customization options available through the SteelSeries GG software. You can create elaborate lighting profiles, synchronize them with other SteelSeries products, and even have the lights react to in-game events.
Though, compared to other keyboards, I did find the Apex Pro Gen 3 rather dim when set to the full brightness. While some might find the RGB overkill, it undeniably adds a touch of flair and personalization to your setup. The software itself is user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to easily tweak settings, create macros, and even adjust the actuation distance of each individual key.
While the Apex Pro Gen 3 is a solid keyboard, it’s not without its shortcomings. Firstly, the lack of dedicated media controls is a surprising omission. While you can map media functions to specific key combinations, it feels like a missed opportunity for added convenience.
The included magnetic wrist rest, while comfortable, attracts fingerprints like crazy. A different material choice or a more textured finish would have been greatly appreciated. Finally, the price point might raise eyebrows. Starting at $249.99, the Apex Pro Gen 3 sits firmly in the premium keyboard category. While the feature set justifies the cost to some extent, budget-conscious gamers might find better value elsewhere.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 remains a formidable contender in the high-end keyboard arena, and it’s quieter, subdued. The adjustable actuation distance via OmniPoint 3.0 is a game-changer, offering unparalleled customization for both gaming and typing. The build quality is top-notch, and comes in many flavors, I have the full-size, but there’s a TKL and Mini version to suit everyone’s needs and wants. Hall Effect is going to affect the future, and SteelSeries will be leading the charge. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 feels like the final form for this keyboard series, and easily by favorite by a large margin.
An Apex Pro Gen 3 was provided by SteelSeries for review purposes
