SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | TekChoice Electronics (2024)

FAQs

Is the SteelSeries Apex 5 good for gaming? ›

Our Verdict. The SteelSeries Apex 5 is an outstanding gaming keyboard. However, even though the hybrid switches have a short pre-travel distance and light operating force, the latency is quite high for a wired keyboard, which might be a dealbreaker for some gamers.

The Apex 5 can store up to, yes, five onboard profiles, making it easy to hot-swap among your favorite configurations if you remap keys for different games. If you're a fan of fancy RGB lighting, I think SteelSeries makes some of the best preset lighting options out there.

To summarize, the Apex 5's hybrid blue mechanical switches don't feel mechanical - they are mechanical. We simply changed how they actuate after you make a keypress.

SteelSeries Apex 5 – Noise Test

Honestly, it isn't loud at all. But it isn't quiet either. SteelSeries Apex 5 is like a middle ground when it comes to noise. It is pretty standard when it comes to that.

In sum, hybrid mechanical switches can be a good solution for those who value the balance between tactile sensation and quiet typing. They provide a balance between the old mechanical keyboard and the membrane counterpart, enabling you to use them in both work and gaming settings.

Best Gaming Keyboard For Enthusiasts

Like our top pick, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023), the compact Wooting has proprietary switches that allow you to change the pre-travel distance of each key. However, this keyboard gives you a few more millimeters range, from an ultra-sensitive 0.1 mm to a lengthy 4.0 mm.

The SteelSeries Hybrid Mechanical Switches feature MX compatible stems, so most aftermarket keycaps will work. Additionally, the Apex 5 features a “standard” bottom row spacing for even greater compatibility. Be sure to check the specifications carefully before you purchase any replacement keycaps.

The Apex Pro has linear Omnipoint switches and allows you to customize the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis to suit your preference. It provides a better typing experience overall, but its switches don't give tactile feedback, which the Hybrid Blue Mechanical switches on the Apex 5 do.

The Apex Pro TKL features SteelSeries-patented OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable Mechanical Switches, which allow you to adjust actuation distance, the distance the keys need to travel before registering as a keypress. Read more about OmniPoint switches here.

Key Differences:

As a result, mechanical keyboards tend to offer a more pronounced tactile feel and audible click compared to hybrid keyboards, making them better suited for users who prioritize precision and feedback in their typing experience.

Does Apex 5 have anti-ghosting? ›

It also boasts premium features, such as per-key RGB customization, an OLED Smart Display, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, premium magnetic wrist rest, multimedia controls, three-way cable routing, and gaming-grade anti-ghosting.

Hold the SteelSeries function key and press “I” for a deeper actuation or “O” for lighter, more sensitive actuation. The number row will light up to indicate the current level (1-0, with 1 being the lightest).

The Apex 3 TKL is rated IP32 dust and water resistant and built with extra durability to prevent damage from liquids and dust particles, so you can continue to play no matter what happens to your keyboard.

The switch was designed to lower acoustic vibrations to reduce noise, so it's extremely quiet to use. Unlike most membrane keyboards, we use highly durable POM rubber dome sheet that is 10x the durability that you typically find on gaming keyboards, so the performance and feel doesn't deteriorate over time.

The SteelSeries is a silent keyboard when typing, so it's good for office use as well. The Corsair is bigger with a well-built design, but the clicky switches might be too loud for an office. The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL are very similar, but the SteelSeries has many more features.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 is an excellent gaming keyboard. It has remarkably low latency, and the OmniPoint switches allow you to fine-tune the sensitivity of your keypresses to best suit your preferences and the game you're playing.

In terms of gaming performance, the Apex 5's hybrid mechanical switches have a shorter pre-travel distance and a slightly lower operating force than the rubber dome switches on the Apex 3, making them more responsive and easier to actuate.

The apex 5 combines the high performance and click tactile feel of a mechanical keyboard with the extreme durability and convenience of ip32 water resistance.

The Razer Huntsman Mini and the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL are both fantastic gaming keyboards. The Razer is a compact keyboard that has much lower latency. It's available with linear and clicky optical switches, while the SteelSeries is available with linear, tactile, and clicky switches.