High-performance gaming keyboards are essential for any competitive game environment!
Known for durability, precision, and comfort, SteelSeries is one of the top gaming keyboard brands out there without a doubt.
Finding the best SteelSeries keyboard can be tricky with so many models and varieties available. In fact, its hard to tell why one is worth buying over another.
By understanding what each model offers in comparison to its counterparts, you can be well-equipped to make an informed purchasing decision and choose the right keyboard for you.
In this post, Ive listed a number of best SteelSeries keyboards and rated them based on their features such as switch type, macros, backlighting, and more to help you find the right option.
Founded in 2001 in Denmark, SteelSeries is a leading brand in gaming peripherals, offering high-performance equipment like keyboards, mice, headsets, and controllers.
Throughout their long history, all of their products were aimed at professional use. It is this design philosophy that has guided the brand to great heights.
Trusted by professional and competitive gamers, SteelSeries pushes competitive gaming forward with cutting-edge technology.
Countless Esports players and organizations have picked up Steelseries equipment over the years. Some of the Esports organizations and clubs that Steelseries has supported have countless achievements.
Some of the most well-known organizations that the company has supported include OG, Fnatic, Na’vi, Evil Geniuses, Faze Clan, and many more.
By offering the powerful features gamers enjoy, solid software for customization, and a high quality product built to last, steel series standout from the crowd. Some are even featured in MSIs gaming laptop range.
1. Solid build quality: SteelSeries keyboard uses excellent workmanship and high-quality materials: aluminum alloy, ultradurable plastic, etc that makes them sturdy and last long.
2. Phenomenal Performance: SteelSeries keyboard offers some unqiue fantastic features like OmniPoint 3.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic Hall Effect switches know for remarkably low latency and Rapid Trigger, OLED Smart Display, Protection mode, GG Quickset,etc.
3. Good Customization: You can switch between unlimited custom profiles, rebind all keys, custom lighting schemes, or use powerful text-based macrosthrough the SteelSeries GG application.
4. Cool Design: SteelSeries keyboards looks way better or more premium than other gaming keyboards. The bold design and vibrant RGB lighting will grab anyone’s attention!
5. RGB Backlighting: All SteelSeries Keyboards gives you vibrant per-key RGB lighting options to suit your gaming needs as well as add a stylish look to your setup.
6. Warranty: SteelSeries Keyboard offers a two years limited warranty for their gaming keyboards. Much longer than other brands with one-year warranty.
To make sure you find the perfect option for your needs, Ive carefully examined the top 5 most popular SteelSeries keyboards and compared their features side-by-side.
Whether youre looking for a relatively economical option or an expensive gaming beast, theres a SteelSeries keyboard available to suit your needs.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 comes ready to go as the best mechanical keyboard for gaming, typing and navigation.
Apex Pro Gen 3 is available in three sizes: Full-Size, Tenkeyless (TKL/80%), and 60% (Mini), designed to meet different needs for desk space, functionality, and portability
The build quality of the Apex Pro Gen 3 has been enhanced with an aluminum alloy frame, durable construction, thick PBT keycaps, and includes a wrist rest that provides good palm support.
It uses cutting-edge OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic Hall Effect switches with Rapid Trigger and Adjustable Actuation from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, ensuring unmatched speed and precision for competitive gaming.
There are improved stabilizers that reduce key wobble, and internal multiple layers of dampening foam that create a refined, quiet typing sound.
The Apex Pro Gen 3 also features an innovative Protection Mode, full customizable per-key RGB lighting, an OLED smart screen, dedicated media keys, and a volume wheel , completing the premium look of the keyboard.
The SteelSeries Engine 3 software is fairly easy to get to grips with. It lets you customize the backlight, set macros, and save 5 onboard profiles.
With so many modern fancy features, The Apex Pro Gen 3 is the best gaming keyboard on the market, especially if you want to explore new ways to up your game.
SteelSeries New Apex 9 is a more affordable but still remarkable gaming keyboard with split millisecond latency and a super light actuation force.
It is availble in two size: TKL and 60% mini layout, great for gaming and works well in tight spaces. The build quality is very sturdy with military-grade aluminum top plate, and Double Shot PBT Keycaps
The New Apex 9 uses OptiPoint optical switches with custom 2-point 1mm actuation, and Rapid Trigger technology that provides nearly instantaneous responses (0.2ms) to your clicks.
The switches are hot-swappable, so you can change for different switches or replace broken ones – better than Apex pro.
Other fancy features include all-programmable macros, detachable braided USB cable, Five onboard memory profiles, customizable full RGB backlighting, etc.
The bang-for-the-buck ratio of the New Apex 9 puts these keyboards in an excellent competitive place against the rest of the gaming peripheral market, and also against SteelSeries’ own more expensive offerings.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is an outstanding mid-range full-size gaming keyboard with unique hybrid mecha-membrane switches.
Apex 5 has the durable aluminum frame, OLED smart screen, magnetic wrist rest, and volume wheel from their more expensive Apex Pro keyboard.
Its clicky hybrid mecha-membrane switches combines the smoothness of a membrane switch with the added durability, performance, and satisfying tactile click of a blue mechanical switch.
The performance was flawless. They have a smooth travel to them, a prominent click right at the actuation point, and a soft-feeling bottom- out point.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 has dedicated media controls and per-key full RGB backlighting, which is customizable, ABS keycaps are great for bright RGB shine-through.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a good cheap membrane gaming keyboard with rubber dome switches, volume wheel, rubberized wrist rest, and customizable RGB.
The Apex 3 SteelSeries is available in two sizes: 80% TKL and full-size. It has a good build quality despite its budget price: fully plastic frame, ABS keycaps, and a nice magnetic wrist rest.
The Apex 3 uses membrane instead of mechanical switches to cut cost, which provides a slient, soft typing experience. But it still features fast 1000Hz polling rate and Full N-key rollover that makes it decent for casual gaming.
Every key is macro-programmable, dedicated media controls and a rare volume wheel is very convenient that allows you to easily manage your media while focusing on your game.
Ip32 Water-resistant design make it can withstand accidental spills and splashes, while the 10-zone RGB lighting allows you to customize the lighting effects and colors via software.
The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a solid gaming keyboard with a sturdy build, and responsive keystrokes for competitive play that provides good value for money.
This attractive keyboard comes in two different layout sizes: 80% tenkeyless (TKL) and full-size, allowing you to choose one according to your needs and preferences.
Its linear Red switches boast an actuation depth of just 2mm (full press is double that), which means they feel smooth, responsive and comfortable.
The aircraft-grade aluminum top plate feels sturdy and premium. RGB lighting is vibrant and customizable. Standard ABS keycaps with bright, shine-through legends.
The detachable magnetic wrist rest provide excellent ergonomic support, while the OLED screen allows you to manipulate lighting and record macros without opening the SteelSeries GG software.
When choosing a Steelseries keyboard, there are several key factors to consider in order to ensure that you make the right choice.
SteelSeries keyboards now come in three major form factors: Full-size(104 keys), Tenkeyless (87 keys, 80% percent) and 60 percent (68 keys).
Full-size (100%): These have 104, 105 or even 108 keys. Generally the alphanumerics, navigational cluster and number pad are separated horizontally, with the F keys running along the top.
A full size keyboard gives you every key you need—no compromises and have enough space for extra conveniences, such as dedicated media buttons, LED Display, and volume dials.
However, they take up the most desk real estate, making them tricky for cramped situations.
Tenkeyless: Tenkeyless or TKL is the most common compact SteelSeries keyboard layout. This layout is just a full-size layout without the number pad, resulting in 87 or 88 keys with about 80% of the width of a full-size keyboard .
A tenkeyless keyboard reduces reach and improves hand placement, lowering wrist strain and enhancing comfort during long gaming sessions.
60% Mini Size: 60% is perhaps the most common layout after full-size and TKL. As well as ditching the number pad, 60% layout keyboards also lack a F key row at the top and the navigational cluster on the right — you just get the alphanumeric zone.
Smaller keyboards like the 60% size are popular for gaming because they save space, much more portable, and its easier to reach all the keys you need to press during a match.
Different SteelSeries keyboards feature different switches: membrane, mechanical or optical. choose the one which provides a comfortable typing experience according to your preference.
Membrane Switches: Membrane keyboards are generally more affordable and much quieter when typing, making them a good option for those who value a softer typing experience.
Mechanical Switches: Mechanical keyboards feature spring-loaded switches under the keycaps that offers more accurate typing, greater tactile feedback (an audible "click" sound), faster response times, and a much longer lifespan.
There are three types of mechanical switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. They each have a distinct feel when pressed and are made for different kinds of users.
Linear switches are the most straightforward option and offer smooth keystrokes without any feedback or click.
Tactile switches offer a small "bump" sensation, allowing you to know when a key has been pressed without having to bottom-out your keystroke.
Clicky switches are designed to provide a satisfying sound each time they hit their actuation point. And they are fun to use and offer great feedback.
Optical switches: Optical switches are faster actuating and more durable than mechanical switches, which makes them better for ultra-competitive games where you need the extra millisecond advantage.
Make sure the keyboard build materials are durable enough to withstand long-term use.
The keyboards made from durable plastic or metal should provide users with years of use before needing to be replaced.
PBT keycaps are more durable than ABS keycaps, which have excellent touch experience and long serving time.
ABS keycaps are better for RGB lightning, shinier. But they are less durable than PBT keycaps, prone to develop shine from your finger oil over time.
A wired keyboard is better for gaming as it provide a more reliable and stable connection with zero latency than wireless connectivity.
In addition, wired keyboards are cheaper than their wireless counterparts with no additional cost for extra wireless tech and components.
A wireless keyboard communicate with a computer without the need for physical cables, which can drastically cut down the clutter on a computer desk.
These wireless keyboards connect to devices via two wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, or 2.4Ghz radio frequency (RF).
You can use bluetooth keyboards for normal office typing, but they are not designed for gaming and high-speed operations where you cant bear high latency.
2.4GHz offers better range and lower latency, which is great for gaming and professional typists.
Macros are additional programmable keys that allows you to quickly access certain frequently used commands or perform certain actions without having to type them out each time.
Anti-ghosting blocks additional keys from being registered once the rollover limit has been reached.
N-Key Rollover (NKRO) is the highest level of anti-ghosting, which ensures every key press is accurately registered, regardless of how many keys are pressed simultaneously.
All of these SteelSeries keyboards are awesome, and each one offer something special that will fulfill a different need or desire.
Choosing the perfect one is crucial, as ideally, youll be using this keyboard for years to come.
You could go for the Apex 3, which has membrane keys and IP32 water protection. Alternatively, you could go for the shiny new Apex Pro Mini White Gold Prebuilt, which can set a brand new look for your setup.
No matter which of the aforementioned options you decide to go with, you can rest assured knowing it wont go wrong.
SteelSeries keyboards have already been tested by professional gamers, so they will never fail you in the heat of battle.
