Pros
High quality build
Colorful and vibrant RGB backlighting
Customizable patterns and reactive keys
Comfortable wrist support
Easy to use customization app
Satisfying tactile feedback similar to mechanical keyboards
OLED smart display for images, gifs, and hardware monitoring
Multimedia buttons and volume wheel
Durable and sturdy design
Great value for the price
Good typing and gaming experience
Cons
Keys can be quite loud
Packaging issues reported
No low profile keycaps
Main Product Advantages
9 Build Quality
Constructed with an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, the keyboard is noted for its sturdy and durable build. The overall build quality is highly praised, providing a satisfying and robust feel during use.
9 RGB Illumination
Features per-key RGB illumination with vibrant and customizable lighting patterns. The multiple preset options and customizable features via the app are highly regarded, adding a fun and visually appealing aspect to the keyboard.
9 Comfort and Ergonomics
The keyboard includes a detachable wrist rest and an ergonomic design that reduces wrist fatigue, making it comfortable for long-term use. The layout and angle of the keys provide a natural typing posture.
9 Price/Value
Considered an excellent mid-range option, the Apex 5 provides many of the features of higher-end models at a more affordable price. Users found it to be a great value for its performance and features.
8 Hybrid Mechanical Switch
Equipped with hybrid mechanical blue switches, offering a tactile and clicky feel. While not true mechanical switches, the keys provide a satisfying typing experience comparable to more expensive mechanical keyboards.
8 OLED Smart Display
The OLED screen can display images, GIFs, and provide system information in real-time. Users found this feature enjoyable and useful, adding another layer of customization and functionality.
8 Software Customization
The SteelSeries GG software is regarded as easy-to-use and intuitive, allowing users to fully customize their keyboard settings, including lighting, reactive keys, and the OLED display.
8 Typing Experience
Positive feedback on the typing experience; the keys are tactile and responsive, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Some users noted that the noise level might be a bit loud for some environments.
7 Additional Features
Includes practical features such as a multimedia button, volume wheel, and sturdy adjustable feet. These additions enhance overall usability and convenience.
SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a standout product in the realm of gaming peripherals. This keyboard combines the best of both worlds, offering the high performance and click-tactile feel of a mechanical keyboard, along with the durability and convenience of IP32 water resistance.
Durability and Build Quality
Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, the Apex 5 is built to withstand the wear and tear of intense gaming sessions. The IP32 water resistance adds an extra layer of durability, ensuring that accidental spills won't ruin your gaming experience.
Gaming-Centric Features
Designed with gamers in mind, the Apex 5 includes per-key RGB illumination, allowing for customizable lighting profiles to match your gaming setup. Additionally, the keyboard features a premium magnetic wrist rest, which provides comfort during extended gaming sessions. The OLED smart display is another notable feature, offering on-the-fly adjustments and important notifications without interrupting your game.
Performance
The hybrid mechanical switches offer a unique combination of the satisfying tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards and the responsive performance needed for competitive gaming. This makes it an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday typing tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard stands out as a versatile and durable option for gamers. Its combination of high-performance features, exceptional build quality, and thoughtful design elements make it the perfect hybrid between gaming and real life. Whether you're an avid gamer or someone who uses their keyboard for a variety of tasks, the Apex 5 has something to offer.
