Skip to main content
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Aqua RGB Gaming Keyboard — Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor — 8-Zone RGB Illumination — Water and Dust Resistant — Whisper-Quiet Gaming Switch

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Aqua RGB Gaming Keyboard

Bottom line: The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Aqua RGB Gaming Keyboard: Water and dust resistant, so it can survive spilled drinks; main trade-off: 8-zone RGB lighting, not per-key customization.

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For keyboards, mice, headsets and other PC peripherals, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Water and dust resistant, so it can survive spilled drinks
  • ✓ Whisper-quiet switches rated for 20 million keypresses
  • ✓ TKL layout frees up desk space for wide mouse movements
  • ✓ Anti-ghosting keys register simultaneous inputs in combos
  • ✓ Dedicated media controls plus three-way cable routing

Cons

  • ✗ 8-zone RGB lighting, not per-key customization
  • ✗ No number pad, which hurts data entry and numpad macros
  • ✗ Water resistant, not waterproof; avoid heavy liquid exposure
  • ✗ Quiet low-friction switches lack a clicky, tactile feel

Manufacturer description

The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is a tenkeyless gaming keyboard built for players who want a compact desk footprint without giving up protection against everyday accidents. SteelSeries bills it as the first water-resistant TKL esports keyboard. It is built to withstand splashes and dust, so a knocked-over drink during a late-night session doesn't have to end your setup. The whisper-quiet gaming switches are rated for 20 million low-friction keypresses. They keep noise down on voice chat and in shared rooms, and anti-ghosting keys register every input during complex combos. Dropping the number pad…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Aqua 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 waterproof?

No. It is water and dust resistant, which protects against splashes, spills and dust. It is not rated for submersion. SteelSeries calls it the first water-resistant TKL esports keyboard.

How loud are the Apex 3 TKL switches?

The Apex 3 TKL uses whisper-quiet gaming switches designed for nearly silent use. That makes it a good fit for voice chat, streaming, or shared rooms. The switches are rated for 20 million low-friction keypresses.

Does the Apex 3 TKL have a number pad?

No. It uses a tenkeyless (TKL) layout that drops the number pad to save desk space and give your mouse more room. If you rely on numpad input, look at a full-size keyboard instead.

Does the Apex 3 TKL have per-key RGB lighting?

No. It has 8-zone PrismSync RGB illumination with color schemes and reactive effects. The lighting is controlled by zone rather than by individual key.

How well do buyers rate the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL?

Buyers generally give it strong marks. For current warranty terms and pricing, check the product listing.

Key Features

  • GAMING-GRADE PERFORMANCE – Flawless performance in TKL form factor, with anti-ghosting keys
  • WATER AND DUST RESISTANT — Extra durable to protect against splashes, dust, and more
  • TKL FORM FACTOR — The compact Esports-proven TKL design maximizes space and enhances performance
  • WHISPER-QUIET GAMING SWITCHES — Nearly silent use for 20 million low-friction keypresses
  • 8-ZONE RGB ILLUMINATION — Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects

Full Specifications

BrandSteelSeries
ColorAqua
StyleWhisper Quiet – Tactile & Silent
MaterialPolymer
Model NameApex 3 TKL
Style NameWhisper Quiet – Tactile & Silent
Switch TypeMechanical
Model Number64933
Power SourceUSB
CompatibilitySwitch
Built-In MediaApex 3 TKL Aqua - US, User Manual
Number of Keys84
Keyboard LayoutQWERTY
Mfr Part Number64933
Special FeatureGaming
Antenna LocationGaming
Compatible DevicesPC
Enclosure MaterialPolymer
Additional FeaturesGaming
Keyboard DescriptionGaming
Full listing titleSteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Aqua RGB Gaming Keyboard — Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor — 8-Zone RGB Illumination — Water and Dust Resistant — Whisper-Quiet Gaming Switch

Ready to buy?

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Aqua RGB Gaming Keyboard — Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor — 8-Zone RGB Illumination — Water and Dust Resistant — 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.

Check price on Amazon →

Related Gaming Peripherals

More guides & deep dives from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all articles & guides →

More reviews from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all reviews →

Earliest SpecPicks reviews

Browse full archive →