The SteelSeries Apex 7 is one of my favourite gaming keyboards. It is a solid mid-range gaming keyboard offering a choice of either linear, tactile or clicky key switches to suit your needs. The included magnetic wrist rest is not as great as some third party rests and I also felt the built in OLED Smart Display was not that useful. Overall a highly recommended keyboard for either gaming or general use.
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Summary
A solid mid-range gaming keyboard from SteelSeries. Choice of linear, tactile or clicky key switches to suit your needs. The included magnetic wrist rest is not as great as some third party rests and I felt the built in OLED Smart Display was not that useful. Overall a highly recommended keyboard for either gaming or general use.
Criteria
Usage
- Fantastic build quality, aluminium frame.
- Includes a magnetic wrist rest.
- Choice of SteelSeries QX2 Red (linear), Brown (tactile) or Blue (clicky) key switches.
- Highly customisable RGB lighting.
- Available in both full size and tenkeyless (TKL) models.
- SteelSeries Engine software supports both Windows and macOS.
- Full key rollover (NKRO) with anti-ghosting.
- SteelSeries Apex 5 is a better buy if you prefer Blue (clicky) key switches.
- Included OLED Smart Display not that useful.
- Wrist rest is not the best quality, but it is included for free!
- Macro programming not as comprehensive as with other keyboards.
Features : 84%
I have always enjoyed the range of gaming accessories from SteelSeries, and the Apex 7 does not disappoint. Aimed at gamers, it includes highly customisable RGB lighting and full key rollover (NKRO) with anti-ghosting. The Apex 7 is available in both full size and tenkeyless (TKL) models. Whilst I tested the full size model, the TKL model would have been a better fit for my desk. It did notice the size difference over my Glorious GMMK Tenkeyless and perfer the smaller size. Similar to the Corsair iCUE software, the SteelSeries Engine software supports both Windows and macOS. I did find that the included OLED Smart Display to not be that useful,being too small to display anythig meaningful. Whilst the keyboard includes a magnetic wrist rest, I found it is not the best quality and I used my wooden Glorious wrist rest instead. The macro programming is not as comprehensive as with other keyboards, but should be okay for setting up basic macros.
Build Quality : 90%
As with many SteelSeries products, it has fantastic build quality with a sturdy and rigid aluminium frame.
Typing Experience : 94%
SteelSeries have opted to manufacture their own key switches rather than use those from manufacturers such as Cherry, Gateron or Kailh. I did not notice any differences, they fely smooth and they have a solid reputation. The naming follows the conventions of most key switches, and you can choose from the linear SteelSeries QX2 Red, tactile SteelSeries QX2 Brown or clicky SteelSeries QX2 Blue.
Value : 75%
The SteelSeries currently retails for USD 142. Is not the cheapest gaming keyboard available, bbut goes come with a comprehensive set of features and a great build quality. A cheaper Tenkeyless (TKL) model is available for USD 130.
Specifications
Physical Specifications | |
Length | 40.33 cm |
Width | 13.92 cm |
Height | 1.72 cm |
Weight | 1.31 kg |
Cable Type | Non Braided USB-A |
Cable Length | |
Removable Cable | No |
Keyboard Layout | 104 Key US |
Keyboard Features | |
N-Key Rollover | Full |
Keycaps | |
Removable Keycaps | Yes |
Backlit Keys | Yes |
RGB Lighting | Yes |
Media Hotkeys | Yes |
USB Passthrough | 1 x USB 2.0 |
Wireless | No |
Charging Port | N/A |
Battery Capacity | N/A |
Key Switches | |
Type | Mechanical |
Key Switch Model(s) | SteelSeries QX2 Mechanical RGB Switch Brown, Red or Blue |
Removable Key Switches | No |
Support Software | |
Windows | Yes |
Mac | Yes |
Linux | No |