Mechanical keyboards are all the rage. People love that thocky sound and the crisp actuation and button input. I’ve been using a mechanical device for as long as I can remember; as such, it was a bit of a shock to test a membrane keyboard from SteelSeries. The Apex 3 TKL Aqua keyboard is a delightful and almost silent input option that will impress gamers, office workers, and commuters. Additionally, its vibrant colourway, compact design, and exceptional build quality make it the ideal device to chuck in your bag.
This gaming device offers some market-leading tech. The whisper-quiet switches are guaranteed for 20 million keypresses. Furthermore, it has dedicated multimedia controls, RGB zones, and it is water and dust-resistant. Accordingly, this will tick many boxes for younger gamers or clumsy individuals.
What’s in the box of the Apex 3 TKL Aqua keyboard?
- The packaging is sleek, well-designed, and great to look at. Moreover, it is durable and recyclable.
- The Apex 3 TKL Aqua keyboard is a compact beast. This makes it the ideal choice for a smaller workstation or a device that you can take with you when you commute.
- Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
This wired device may not immediately jump off the page at you. However, I urge you to look again. This responsive, comfortable, and easy-to-use peripheral is perfect for entry-level arrangements or someone who wishes to have a decent second keyboard. Furthermore, its wired-only design lets you forget about battery power and get on with the task at hand.
If you are mad for RGB, the PrismSync Lighting creates 8 RGB zones of eye-watering colour. The display works incredibly well with the aqua shell. Furthermore, the keys pop as the RGB lighting complements the action on your monitor or TV screen.
The SteelSeries Engine helps to power this cinematic treat. In short, you configure your lighting effect via the SteelSeries program and enjoy the fruits of your labour. It is simple, free to download, and oh so rewarding.
If you love to watch movies, listen to music, or watch your favourite streamers, you’ll want to control your multimedia from one location. Thankfully, the dedicated media controls let you adjust the volume, pause, fast forward, and skip without playing with your settings.
Build quality.
The Apex 3 TKL Aqua keyboard is built with durability at the fore. It is the first-ever TKL device that is water and dust-resistant! This extra layer of durability is fantastic, as accidents can happen; this prevents your pride and joy from becoming permanently damaged.
Alongside this, there is a 3-way cable channelling system to help with cable management. I went for the simple out-of-the-middle approach, but changing the arrangement was a piece of cake. Finally, the whisper-quiet switches and layers of internal material deliver a comfortable typing experience. Although it took a little getting used to, I liked the silent design and the smooth actuation. The switches are wonderfully responsive, and this was a keyboard that was a pleasure to game or type with.
Is the Apex 3 TKL Aqua keyboard worth it?
I’m not sure a membrane keyboard will ever be my go-to option. However, I can see why it would appeal to many people. This comfortable device is affordable, great to look at, and easy to use. Additionally, the silent switches make it the ideal choice if you work in a busy office or you wish to remain quiet on a train. Moreover, the switches have a 20 million keystroke guarantee. Accordingly, the Apex 3 TKL Aqua keyboard is spectacular, and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
