The Apex Pro TKL 3 Gen Keyboard is the latest product from SteelSeries. It is a vibrant, exciting, and exceptional gaming device that’ll change the way you play. With adjustable actuation, customisable profiles, preset profiles, responsive RGB, and more, this is the keyboard that’ll set you apart from the crowd.
This wired-only device offers incredible polling rates, high-accuracy inputs, and a vibrant light display that will put Aurora Borealis to shame. Moreover, it is highly customisable with its free-to-download software. This makes it the ideal choice if you love to tinker. Additionally, if you want a plug-and-play peripheral where SteelSeries carries the load, it does that as well.
In short, this is the ideal keyboard for advanced and newbie gamers. Its super responsive design takes a little getting used to. However, once you break the back of the learning curve, you’ll adore the sharp and responsive inputs.
What’s in the box of the Apex Pro TKL 3 Gen Keyboard?
- The packaging highlights every key selling point. It is attractive, professional, and alluring.
- The Apex Pro TKL 3 Gen Keyboard has a detachable USB-C cable. Moreover, there is an OLED smart display to keep you informed.
- A user manual talks you through the basics.
- The braided USB-C cable is long, robust, and perfect for most gaming setups.
Technical aspect.
A wired-only device can seem restrictive. However, I love the freedom of having no battery to worry about. Instead, you simply plug the keyboard in and away you go. This is one of the major advantages of the Apex Pro TKL 3 Gen Keyboard. It just works out of the box. No worrying about charging, no gauges to read; simply plug it in and enjoy gaming.
The lack of Bluetooth and wireless also guarantees your polling rates. 1000 Hz polling is enjoyed alongside the Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap features. This rapid choice is ideal when you consider the highly responsive magnetic switches. The analogue switches offer 0.1mm to 4.0mm adjustable actuation. This can be customised using the SS software. Alternatively, you can use the preinstalled profiles for the best results.
The OLED smart display highlights every key programmed feature while allowing you to adjust things without opening the software. Whether it is simply your chosen actuation distance or the profile you are using, you are never in the dark. This may seem a little gimmicky, but when time is money, and seconds are the difference between success and failure, this screen becomes your new best friend.
Gaming edge.
One of the main benefits of the Apex Pro TKL 3 Gen Keyboard is the gamer-supportive features. Not only can you adjust the profile to each game you are playing, but there are Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, Protection Mode, and the OmniPoint 3.0 Hypermagnetic switches.
Rapid Tap and Rapid Trigger offer incredible reaction times for fast-paced games. Tap focuses on the last input to deliver impressive counter-strafing and fast directional changes. Trigger allows players to input the same key once you are in the upward motion. This creates a ridiculously fast defensive and offensive approach for lovers of FPS titles.
Protection mode is ideal for heated situations. Pressing the wrong buttons is commonplace, and making mistakes is not ideal. Thankfully, this feature focuses on the most aggressive or urgent input while ignoring the surrounding keys. This is ideal if you are clumsy and you want improved accuracy during clutch and challenging moments.
Finally, the switches deliver different styles for different needs. Maybe you are working from home and need something less flighty and twitchy? If the answer is yes, adjust the actuation and enjoy the comfortable and accurate inputs. Alternatively, maybe work is over, and you’re aiming to top the leaderboard. Smash the ultra-fast FPS profile and show the world your god-like reactions.
Build quality.
No matter if you want a comfortable typing keyboard or something that’ll break your foes, the Apex Pro TKL 3 Gen Keyboard is ideal for both. The premium materials offer a sturdy and reliable platform for typing and gaming. The acoustic layers generate a creamy and delightful soundscape that is neither silent nor obnoxious. It is the perfect combination of clack and calm that suits an office environment. However, it is the RGB that makes it stand out from other keyboards.
The dynamic RGB reacts to every input or can be set to a steady pattern. Whatever you choose, this keyboard offers a visual treat that cannot be sniffed at. The RGB can be synced using PrismSync for an immersive and impressive light display. Moreover, the reactive feature brings every game to life.
The aluminium top plate delivers a rigid peripheral with minimal flex. No matter how hard you are with the keyboard, it doesn’t offer a flimsy and uncomfortable typing or gaming experience. Instead, it resists wear and tear, and the hardened case and magnetic switches will last the test of time.
Finally, the double-shot PBT keycaps are designed to withstand grease marks, fading, and damage. This is perfect, as the Apex Pro TKL 3 Gen Keyboard offers a fresh and professional look no matter how tough you are with it.
Is the Apex Pro TKL 3 Gen Keyboard worth it?
If you are a wireless-only gamer, SteelSeries offers a wireless version of this keyboard. However, I’m not sure it’s entirely necessary. The ability to plug this in and go massively outweighs the downside of the wired-only design. Moreover, the guaranteed performance was reassuring.
If you want a keyboard that’ll set you apart from the crowd, this is the device for you. The RGB is stunning, and the smaller form factor is perfect for small workstations. Alongside this, the included wrist support is a welcome addition. Accordingly, I think it is the perfect gaming peripheral, 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!)
