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| Source: Amazon |
Overview
The SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a top-of-the-line gaming keyboard that offers the ultimate gaming experience. It features per-key RGB illumination that allows you to customize your keyboard with a variety of colors and effects. The keyboard is made with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring durability and longevity.
The Apex 5 also boasts a unique OLED Smart Display that provides users with instant access to information such as game stats, Discord messages, and music playlists. The Hybrid Blue Switches provide a tactile and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers who want a mechanical feel without the excessive noise.
In conclusion, the SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the perfect combination of style, function, and durability. It is an excellent choice for gamers who demand the best from their equipment and want to take their gaming experience to the next level.
Pros
- Per-key RGB illumination allows for customizing the keyboard with various colors and effects
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame provides durability and longevity
- OLED Smart Display offers instant access to game stats, Discord messages, and music playlists
- Hybrid Blue Switches provide a tactile and responsive typing experience, ideal for gamers who want a mechanical feel without excessive noise
- Multimedia controls provide easy access to audio and video playback
- USB passthrough port allows for convenient connection of other USB devices
- Magnetic wrist rest adds comfort and support during long gaming sessions
- Dedicated media control knob offers quick and easy adjustments to volume and playback.
Cons
- The price point is higher compared to other gaming keyboards in the market
- OLED Smart Display may not be useful to all users
- Hybrid switches might not be suitable for those who prefer pure mechanical or pure membrane switches
- The keyboard might be too heavy and bulky for some users, making it less portable than other options
- The keycaps are not double-shot molded, which could cause wear and tear over time
- Some users may not like the font used on the keycaps, as it may be difficult to read in low light settings.
Specifications
These specs showcase the key features of the SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, including its Hybrid Blue switch, per-key RGB illumination, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, detachable wrist rest, dedicated multimedia controls, and OLED Smart Display. The keyboard also has a single USB connection with a passthrough port, a 6 ft cable length, and weighs 2.8 lbs.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Switch type | Hybrid Blue mechanical-membrane switch |
| Key rollover | 24-key anti-ghosting |
| Illumination | Per-key RGB |
| Frame material | Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy |
| Wrist rest | Magnetic detachable wrist rest |
| Multimedia controls | Dedicated multimedia controls and volume wheel |
| Smart display | OLED Smart Display for quick access to settings and info |
| USB connectivity | Single USB connection with passthrough port |
| Cable length | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Dimensions | 17.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches (44.5 x 14 x 3.8 cm) |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg) |
Rating and Customer Reviews
the SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard had a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on over 9000+ customer reviews. Many customers praised the keyboard for its sturdy build quality, comfortable wrist rest, customizable RGB lighting, and tactile Hybrid Blue Switches. However, some customers mentioned that the OLED Smart Display was not very useful, and others found the price point to be high compared to other gaming keyboards in the market. Overall, the keyboard received mostly positive reviews and was recommended by many customers for its high-quality features and superior gaming experience.
Design and Build Quality
The SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard boasts a stylish and contemporary design, featuring a black color scheme and customizable RGB lighting that illuminates each key individually. The keyboard is built to last, with a solid and robust construction that ensures durability and longevity.
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| Source: Amazon |
Furthermore, the keycaps have a unique hybrid blue mechanical-membrane switch that provides a tactile and responsive typing experience, without being too noisy. The multimedia controls, volume wheel, and OLED Smart Display are all conveniently located for easy access, making it an ergonomic keyboard design that is comfortable to use.
Overall, the SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has an impressive design and build quality that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of gamers.
Keystrokes, Sound and Keycaps
The SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features hybrid blue mechanical-membrane switches, which offer a unique combination of both mechanical and membrane technology. The key switches provide a tactile feel with a satisfying bump and a soft landing, while also being quieter than traditional mechanical switches. This makes them ideal for gamers who want a mechanical feel without excessive noise.
In terms of sound, the keyboard emits a relatively low noise level, making it a good option for those who want a quieter keyboard during use. The keycaps are made from high-quality ABS plastic, which is durable and long-lasting. However, they are not double-shot molded, which means that over time, the lettering on the keys may wear off. Additionally, some users may not like the font used on the keycaps, as it may be difficult to read in low light settings.
Overall, the SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard's keystrokes are tactile and responsive, with a soft landing and low noise level. The keycaps are made from durable ABS plastic, but may show wear over time.
USB and Cable
The SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has a single USB connection with a passthrough port, allowing users to connect other USB devices directly to the keyboard. The USB connectivity is reliable and fast, ensuring quick response times during gameplay. Additionally, the keyboard's cable length is 6 ft (1.8 m), which is long enough to allow for comfortable use without limiting mobility.
Compatibility
The SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, as well as with most gaming consoles that support USB keyboard input. This makes it a versatile and widely compatible keyboard for a range of users, including gamers, professionals, and enthusiasts.
Gaming Experience
Typing Experience
Features of SteelSeries Apex 5 Keyboard
Hybrid Blue Mechanical-Membrane Switches: The SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features unique hybrid blue mechanical-membrane switches, which offer a tactile feel with a soft landing and a satisfying bump, without being too noisy.
Per-Key RGB Illumination: The keyboard has customizable RGB lighting that illuminates each key individually, allowing users to create a unique gaming atmosphere and enhance their overall gaming experience.
Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Alloy Frame: The keyboard's frame is crafted from high-quality aluminum alloy, providing a sturdy foundation that ensures durability and longevity, even during intense gaming sessions.
OLED Smart Display: The keyboard has an OLED Smart Display that allows users to access important information, such as in-game statistics, Discord messages, and more, without interrupting their gameplay.
Detachable Magnetic Wrist Rest: The keyboard includes a detachable magnetic wrist rest that adds comfort and support during long hours of use, helping to reduce strain and fatigue.
Dedicated Multimedia Controls: The keyboard has dedicated multimedia controls, including a volume wheel and media playback keys, making it easy to control music and other media without leaving the game.
USB Passthrough Port: The keyboard has a USB passthrough port, allowing users to connect other USB devices directly to the keyboard, making it more convenient and easier to manage cables.
Compatible with Multiple Operating Systems: The keyboard is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, as well as most gaming consoles that support USB keyboard input, making it versatile and widely compatible.
Reasons You Should Buy
The SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard offers several compelling reasons why it's a worthwhile purchase. Firstly, the keyboard uses hybrid mechanical switches that provide a tactile and responsive typing experience, while also being more durable and long-lasting than traditional membrane keyboards. Additionally, the Apex 5 features customizable per-key RGB lighting, allowing you to create a unique look that matches your gaming setup. The keyboard also includes a built-in OLED display, which can be used to display in-game stats or show custom gifs and images. Finally, the Apex 5 includes dedicated media controls and a detachable wrist rest, making it a comfortable and convenient option for extended gaming sessions.
Reasons You Should Not Buy
While the SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has several impressive features, there are a few reasons why it may not be the best choice for everyone. Firstly, the keyboard is relatively expensive, which may not be feasible for some buyers on a tight budget. Additionally, the hybrid switches used in the keyboard may not offer the same tactile feedback and sound as fully mechanical switches, which could be a drawback for some users. Finally, the keyboard's software may be complicated for some users to navigate, which could make customization and configuration more challenging.
Verdict
The SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a high-quality and versatile keyboard that offers impressive performance and customizable features. With its hybrid mechanical switches, per-key RGB lighting, built-in OLED display, and comfortable design, this keyboard is a great option for gamers and power users who demand top-notch performance and aesthetics. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option and the software can be complex, the overall experience is excellent and well worth the investment.