SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
Bottom line: The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard ($49.97 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Tenkeyless layout frees desk space for wide low-sensitivity mouse swings; main trade-off: only one switch type offered - no tactile or clicky alternative.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Tenkeyless layout frees desk space for wide low-sensitivity mouse swings
- ✓ Whisper-quiet gaming switches rated for over 20 million keypresses
- ✓ IP32 water and dust resistance guards against spills and desk grime
- ✓ 8-zone PrismSync RGB with reactive and interactive lighting effects
- ✓ Clickable volume roller plus dedicated media and brightness keys
Cons
- ✗ Only one switch type offered - no tactile or clicky alternative
- ✗ No numpad, so heavy numeric entry needs a separate keypad
- ✗ IP32 covers dripping liquid and dust only, not submersion
- ✗ 8-zone lighting rather than per-key RGB, so effects look banded
Manufacturer description
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL strips the numpad off a full-size board so your mouse hand gets the desk space competitive players want — the tenkeyless layout SteelSeries calls the most popular form factor used by the pros. Underneath the keys sit whisper-quiet gaming switches built from durable low-friction material and rated for over 20 million keypresses, with gaming-grade anti-ghosting so fast key combos register in the order you pressed them. An IP32 water and dust resistance rating means a knocked-over drink or a dusty desk isn't automatically the end of the keyboard. Eight-zone PrismSync…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the gaming peripherals category before committing. 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 TKL a mechanical keyboard?
SteelSeries lists whisper-quiet gaming switches made from durable low-friction material and guaranteed for over 20 million keypresses, not mechanical switches. Check the product listing for the full switch specification.
Does the Apex 3 TKL 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, so it covers a mixed PC and console setup.
Will it survive a spilled drink?
It carries an IP32 water and dust resistance rating, which covers dripping liquid and dust particles rather than submersion. Wipe spills promptly and check SteelSeries support for care guidance.
Does it have per-key RGB lighting?
No. The Apex 3 TKL uses 8-zone PrismSync RGB illumination with millions of colors and effects ranging from reactive lighting to interactive lightshows, so colors are set per zone rather than per key.
Are there volume and media controls on the keyboard?
Yes. It includes a clickable volume roller plus dedicated multimedia keys for brightness, rewind, skip and pause.
Key Features
- The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
- Our whisper quiet gaming switches with anti-ghosting technology for keystroke accuracy are made from durable low friction material for near silent use and guaranteed performance for over 20 million keypresses.
- Designed with IP32 Water & Dust Resistant for extra durability to prevent damage from liquids and dust particles, so you can continue to play no matter what happens to your keyboard.
- PrismSync RGB Illumination allows you to choose from millions of colors and effects from reactive lighting to interactive lightshows that bring RGB to the next level.
- Dedicated Multimedia Controls with a clickable volume roller and media keys allowing you to adjust brightness, rewind, skip or pause all at the touch of a button.
- 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 |
| Language | English |
| Model Name | Apex 3 TKL |
| Style Name | Whisper Quiet – Tactile & Silent |
| Switch Type | Whisper Quiet |
| Model Number | 64831 |
| Power Source | Wired |
| Compatibility | PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, Mac |
| Series Number | 64831 |
| Built-In Media | USB Cable |
| Number of Keys | 87 |
| Button Quantity | 87 |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | 64831 |
| Special Feature | Backlit, Lightweight, Volume Roller |
| Antenna Location | Gaming, Multimedia |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Full listing title | SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard – Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor - 8-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water & Dust Resistant – Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch – Gaming Grade Anti-Ghosting,Black |
Ready to buy?
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard – Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor - 8-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water & Dust Resistant – Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch – Gaming Grade Anti-Ghosting,Black 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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