SteelSeries
SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard
Bottom line: The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard ($43.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): IP32 water resistance shrugs off accidental spills; main trade-off: membrane-style switches, not mechanical.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ IP32 water resistance shrugs off accidental spills
- ✓ 10-zone RGB, not a single-color backlight
- ✓ Whisper Quiet switches rated for 20M keypresses
- ✓ Magnetic wrist rest and multimedia keys included
Cons
- ✗ Membrane-style switches, not mechanical
- ✗ 10 zones is coarser than per-key RGB
- ✗ IP32 covers drips only, not submersion
- ✗ Full-size layout eats desk space
Manufacturer description
The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a full-size membrane gaming keyboard built for players who want RGB and comfort without spending flagship money. Its Whisper Quiet gaming switches are rated for 20 million low-friction keypresses, so late-night sessions and shared-room setups stay near-silent while still registering fast, and gaming-grade anti-ghosting keeps simultaneous inputs from dropping mid-fight. Ten-zone RGB illumination lets you run reactive effects or per-section color schemes across the board rather than a single static backlight. An IP32 water-resistance rating gives you a buffer against…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. SteelSeries's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SteelSeries Apex 3 mechanical?
No. It uses SteelSeries Whisper Quiet gaming switches, rated for 20 million low-friction keypresses, designed for near-silent typing rather than mechanical click feedback.
How quiet is the Apex 3 for streaming or shared rooms?
The Whisper Quiet switches are built for nearly silent use, which makes the Apex 3 a reasonable pick for open-mic streaming, dorm rooms, or an office where clicky boards are a problem.
Does the Apex 3 work with PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes. SteelSeries lists compatibility with Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4, and PS5.
What does the IP32 rating actually protect against?
IP32 means the keyboard resists dripping liquid at a slight angle, so it can survive an accidental spill. It is not rated for immersion, so don't submerge or rinse it.
Does it come with a wrist rest?
Yes. A premium magnetic wrist rest is included and attaches to the front edge for full palm support, so you don't need to buy one separately.
Key Features
- Ip32 water resistant – Prevents accidental damage from liquid spills
- 10-zone RGB illumination – Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects
- Whisper quiet gaming switches – Nearly silent use for 20 million low friction keypresses
- Premium magnetic wrist rest – Provides full palm support and comfort
- Dedicated multimedia controls – Adjust volume and settings on the fly
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5
Full Specifications
| Brand | SteelSeries |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Style | Whisper Quiet – Tactile & Silent |
| Theme | Gaming |
| Model Name | Apex 3 |
| Style Name | Whisper Quiet – Tactile & Silent |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Switch Type | Whisper Quiet |
| Model Number | 64812 |
| Power Source | DC power supply |
| Compatibility | PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, Mac |
| Series Number | 3 |
| Built-In Media | Item |
| Number of Keys | 104 |
| Button Quantity | 104 |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | 64812 |
| Special Feature | Water Resistant, Wrist Rest |
| Antenna Location | Gaming |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Full listing title | SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard – 10-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water Resistant – Premium Magnetic Wrist Rest (Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch) |
Ready to buy?
SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard – 10-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water Resistant – Premium Magnetic Wrist Rest (Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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