The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is an entry-level gaming keyboard with rubber dome switches. It's a smaller version of the SteelSeries Apex 3, and it's one of the few non-mechanical gaming keyboards available in a TenKeyLess size, providing you extra space on your desk to move your mouse around since it doesn't have a numpad. It's also certified to be IP32 rated, meaning it's resistant to some liquid, so you shouldn't have to worry about damaging it if you spill your drink. All keys are macro-programmable through the new SteelSeries GG software, and it has RGB backlighting, but the keys aren't individually lit, so you only have eight customizable zones.
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is decent for gaming. The rubber dome switches are fairly light to press, but they have a long pre-travel distance. All keys are macro-programmable, and it has RGB backlighting, but the keys aren't individually lit, so you can only customize the lighting to 8 zones. Sadly, the latency is high for competitive gamers, but it should be fine for casual gamers.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Rubber dome switches are light to press.
- RGB backlighting.
- Latency isn't ideal for competitive gaming.
- Backlight customization is by zones only.
- Lack of wrist rest.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is a wired-only keyboard that isn't designed for use with mobile devices.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is decent for office use. The keys are stable, and the rubber dome switches provide decent typing quality with tactile feedback. Sadly, the ABS keycaps feel slippery, and it doesn't come with a wrist rest, but you still shouldn't feel too much fatigue. Also, it's wired-only, so you can't connect with your mobile devices.
- Rubber dome switches are light to press.
- Decent typing quality with stable keys.
- Lack of wrist rest.
- ABS keycaps feel slippery.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is okay for programming. You can reprogram and set macros to any key, and it has decent typing quality as the keys feel stable. Its ergonomics are just alright as it doesn't come with a wrist rest. It's good to use in a dark environment because it has RGB backlighting, but it's zone-lit with only eight customizable zones.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- RGB backlighting.
- Decent typing quality with stable keys.
- Backlight customization is by zones only.
- Lack of wrist rest.
- ABS keycaps feel slippery.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is disappointing to use with a home theater PC setup, but it's not designed for this use. It's wired-only, so you have to connect directly to the TV, and it lacks a trackpad. Still, it has RGB backlighting and dedicated media keys.
- RGB backlighting.
- Backlight customization is by zones only.
- Wired-only design.
- No trackpad.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL, which is essentially a smaller version of the SteelSeries Apex 3 and doesn't come with a wrist rest. Our results are valid for the TKL version only, but check out the review for the full-size variant if you want to see how it performs.
If you have an Apex 3 TKL that performs differently from ours, let us know, and we'll update the review. You can see the label for our unit here.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is a decent gaming keyboard with rubber dome switches. It's a nice option if you don't like mechanical switches and want a TKL size keyboard. It's similar to the SteelSeries Apex 3, except it doesn't come with a wrist rest, but choosing one over the other comes down to size preference. It also offers better typing quality than other non-mechanical gaming keyboards, but its latency is a bit high.
See our recommendations for the best keyboards for programming, the best gaming keyboards under $100, and the best RGB keyboards.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is essentially a bigger version of the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL, but there are a few differences. The Apex 3 has a numpad, and it comes with a wrist rest for better ergonomics. However, typing feels the same on each because they use the same rubber dome switches. They each have zone-lit RGB lighting, but the Apex 3 has ten customizable zones due to its bigger size compared to the TKL's eight zones. The TKL version uses the new SteelSeries GG software, which includes the Engine software that the Apex 3 uses. Other than that, both keyboards are very similar.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a much better gaming keyboard than the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL, but they're different types of keyboards. The Razer is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard that's smaller than the TKL-size SteelSeries Apex TKL, which has rubber dome switches. The Razer Optical switches available with the Razer keyboard provide a lighter and quicker gaming experience, and it has lower latency. The Razer also has individually lit keys, while the SteelSeries is limited to 8 zones of customizable RGB.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 9 are both wired-only TenKeyLess gaming keyboards. The Apex 9 performs much better overall as it has very low latency and very sensitive mechanical switches. The Apex 3 TKL uses rubber dome switches, which feel mushier and not as satisfying, and its latency is significantly worse.
The Razer BlackWidow V3 is better for gaming than the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL. The Razer is a full-size keyboard available with two types of mechanical switches, while the SteelSeries is TKL and has rubber dome switches. However, the Razer is also available in a TKL size, and the SteelSeries has a full-size variant as well. The mechanical switches on the Razer provide a better gaming and typing experience, and the keyboard has much lower latency. It also has better ergonomics because it comes with a wrist rest, and it has individually lit RGB backlighting, while the SteelSeries is limited to 8 lighting zones.
Test Results
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