The SteelSeries Apex 5 is a feature-rich keyboard with proprietary hybrid mechanical switches. These switches have a short pre-travel distance and light operating force, and they provide satisfying tactile and audio feedback, similar to Cherry MX Blues. However, despite having responsive switches, its latency is quite high for a wired keyboard and might be a dealbreaker for serious gamers looking for the lowest input lag. Like other keyboards of the same lineup, it has an OLED screen that you can customize to show almost anything you want, and its software is intuitive and user-friendly. Every key is macro-programmable, and there's full RGB backlighting for those who like to game in the dark.
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is an outstanding gaming keyboard. However, even though the hybrid switches have a short pre-travel distance and light operating force, the latency is quite high for a wired keyboard, which might be a dealbreaker for some gamers. Every key is programmable, but the absence of dedicated macro keys may be disappointing for some MMO players. On the plus side, it has excellent build quality, and its RGB backlighting is great for gaming in the dark.
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Excellent build quality.
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Good typing experience.
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Outstanding software support.
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Macro-programmable keys.
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No dedicated macro keys for MMOs.
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High latency.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is a wired-only keyboard and can't be used with mobile devices.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is okay for office use. It provides a good typing experience, and it comes with a nice wrist rest for extra support. However, typing noise is loud, so it may not be suitable for noise-sensitive offices. It's compatible with all desktop operating systems, but some keys don't work on macOS.
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Excellent build quality.
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Good typing experience.
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Outstanding software support.
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Loud typing noise.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is a great keyboard for programming. Typing on this keyboard feels good and shouldn't be fatiguing, and you can reprogram or set macros to any key on the keyboard. It's compatible with all desktop operating systems, but Linux users can only reprogram keys using the keyboard's hotkeys, as the customization software is only available for Windows and macOS.
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Excellent build quality.
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Good typing experience.
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Outstanding software support.
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Macro-programmable keys.
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Wired-only.
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No multi-device feature.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is inadequate for use with a home theater PC. It's a wired-only keyboard with no trackpad, so not only do you need to run a cable from the couch to the computer, but you also need a separate mouse to navigate. On the upside, it has dedicated media controls and backlighting.
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Good typing experience.
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Outstanding software support.
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Wired-only.
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No trackpad.
- 8.7 Gaming
- 1.2 Mobile/Tablet
- 6.8 Office
- 7.4 Programming
- 3.6 Entertainment / HTPC
- Updated Jun 21, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated May 26, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Dec 15, 2022: Updated the name of the product within the review to the SteelSeries Apex 5.
- Updated Feb 04, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Feb 14, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Feb 12, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Feb 12, 2020: Early access published.
- Updated Feb 10, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Feb 10, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in black, and there are no other variants. However, there are many keyboards in the SteelSeries Apex lineup, including the Apex 3, Apex 7 TKL, and Apex Pro.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is part of a new breed of hybrid mechanical keyboards on the market. There are only a handful of them at this time, such as the Razer Ornata Chroma and the Cougar 450K, though we haven't reviewed the latter. In terms of typing quality, the Apex 5 feels much more like a mechanical keyboard than one with rubber dome switches. Its clicky switches provide satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click that should satisfy most enthusiasts of Cherry MX Blues. For other options, check out our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best keyboards.
The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 5 are wired mechanical keyboards with similar features but a few important differences. The Apex 7 we tested is a TenKeyLess keyboard, though there’s also a full-sized variant. It’s available with tactile SteelSeries Brown, linear SteelSeries Red, or clicky SteelSeries Blue switches. On the other hand, the Apex 5 is a full-sized keyboard without any smaller variants and is only available with clicky Hybrid Blue Mechanical switches that feel similar to Cherry MX Blue switches. Unfortunately, it also has extremely high latency, which likely won't be a problem for slower-paced gaming, but it's less suitable for competitive and reaction-based games.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 and the SteelSeries Apex 3 are very different despite being from the same lineup. In terms of gaming performance, the Apex 5's hybrid mechanical switches have a shorter pre-travel distance and a slightly lower operating force than the rubber dome switches on the Apex 3, making them more responsive and easier to actuate. However, the Apex 5's latency is much higher than the Apex 3's and likely a dealbreaker for some. Other than that, the Apex 5 has an OLED screen, individually-lit RGB backlighting, and onboard memory, all features that the Apex 3 lacks.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a better gaming keyboard than the SteelSeries Apex 5, mainly because it has significantly lower latency. The Apex Pro has linear Omnipoint switches and allows you to customize the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis to suit your preference. It provides a better typing experience overall, but its switches don't give tactile feedback, which the Hybrid Blue Mechanical switches on the Apex 5 do. That said, the Apex 5 is much louder and might not be ideal for quiet offices. Both keyboards have excellent build quality, full RGB backlighting, and include a wrist rest. The only other difference is that the Apex Pro has a USB passthrough, which the Apex 5 lacks.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is better than the HyperX Alloy Origins for gaming, mainly because the SteelSeries has much higher latency. The HyperX's linear switches are easier to actuate and provide a better typing experience. However, the SteelSeries has some extra features like its OLED screen and volume wheel. Also, its customization software is compatible with macOS, while HyperX's NGENUITY software is only available for Windows users.
The Razer BlackWidow Elite is much better for gaming than the SteelSeries Apex 5, mainly due to the SteelSeries' high latency. The Razer provides a better typing experience overall, and it's available in a variety of mechanical switches, including linear, clicky, and tactile options. The SteelSeries has hybrid switches that also provide a good typing experience, but they're louder, which isn't ideal for quiet office environments. Feature-wise, the SteelSeries has an OLED screen, while the Razer has a USB passthrough.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 and the Logitech G815 LIGHTSYNC RGB are quite different. The Logitech is a low-profile mechanical keyboard that's available in various switch types, while the SteelSeries has a fairly standard height and only comes in one switch type. Gaming-wise, the Logitech is better simply because it has much lower latency. However, the SteelSeries provides a better typing experience, albeit a louder one, so it might not be ideal for noise-sensitive offices. Every key is macro-programmable on the SteelSeries, but on the Logitech, you can only program the dedicated macro keys.
For gaming, the Ducky Shine 7 is better than the SteelSeries Apex 5, mainly because it has much lower latency. The Ducky also provides a better typing experience, and it's available in various Cherry MX switches, whereas the SteelSeries only has one option. The SteelSeries has more features, though, like a customizable OLED screen and dedicated media controls, and it comes with a wrist rest. Also, it has software support for macOS, which the Ducky lacks.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 and the Razer BlackWidow Lite are quite different. The SteelSeries is a full-size keyboard with hybrid mechanical switches, while the Razer is a TenKeyLess keyboard with Razer Orange (tactile) switches. Although both switches have similar pre-travel distance and operating force, the Razer is better for gaming because it has lower latency. That said, the Razer's latency is still a bit high for a wired keyboard. The Razer provides a better and quieter typing experience, so it's a better choice for office use. On the other hand, the SteelSeries has more features, like an OLED screen, onboard memory, and a wrist rest. It also has full RGB backlighting, whereas the Razer is limited to a single white color.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is better than the Razer Ornata V2 if you like the feeling of mechanical switches. The SteelSeries is noticeably better built and feels more durable. The Razer's switches feel a lot more like rubber domes than actual mechanical switches, and the SteelSeries' actuate quicker. However, the Razer has much lower latency, which is great for reaction-based games.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 and the ROCCAT Pyro are wired full-size gaming boards with customizable RGB backlighting. The SteelSeries has a dedicated media button, and all of its keys are macro-programmable. It also has an OLED screen that you can set to display almost anything. On the other hand, the ROCCAT has much lower latency than the SteelSeries, but you can't program macros.
Test Results
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is a large, full-size keyboard. It'll take up even more space if you choose to use the included wrist rest.
The build quality is excellent. The bottom is plastic, but it has an aluminum alloy top to provide rigidity. It uses doubleshot ABS keycaps, which is great for the longevity of the key legends, and the keys are very stable. It comes with a wrist rest that attaches to the keyboard magnetically.
The keyboard comes with a magnetic wrist rest, similar to the SteelSeries Apex Pro and SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL, but it feels a bit more plasticky.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 has full RGB backlighting, and it can be customized using SteelSeries' Engine software. The backlight of each key can be set individually, and there are brightness settings on the keyboard itself.
The cable is rubberized and isn't detachable.
This is a wired-only keyboard.
Like the Apex Pro, the SteelSeries Apex 5 has a good number of extra features. It has an OLED screen that can be customized to show virtually anything you want. You can access the screen's menu by long-pressing the OLED menu button situated next to the screen, and this button also allows you to control media playback.
There are hotkeys that let you control the backlight's brightness, record macros, and change profiles. These can be accessed by pressing the SteelSeries key and the corresponding hotkey (F9-F12). You can lock the Windows key to prevent accidentally minimizing your game by pressing the SteelSeries key and the Windows key.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical keyboard uses proprietary hybrid mechanical switches. These switches provide tactile and audio feedback to indicate the actuation, similar to Cherry MX Blues. They don't require a lot of force to press and their pre-travel distance is slightly shorter than standard Cherry MX switches.
The typing quality on this keyboard is good. The hybrid switches feel very much like Cherry MX Blues. Typing feels light and responsive but can be tiring over time if you don't use the wrist rest. The keys have fairly standard spacing, which is great for typing accuracy, and the keys are stable, with no sign of wobbling.
The typing noise on this keyboard is loud, as there's an audible click with each keypress, so it may not be ideal for quiet office environments. If typing noise is a concern, the SteelSeries Apex 3 can be a good option, though it uses rubber dome switches.
The latency is quite high for a wired keyboard, even higher than some Bluetooth connections. It should be fine for general desktop use and slower-paced games, but it isn't ideal for fast, reaction-based games.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 uses SteelSeries' Engine software for customization. Using this software, you can customize the backlight of each key individually, as well as reprogram keys, set macros, and save profiles. The keyboard has onboard memory to store profiles and key assignments, but not macros. There's a cloud sync option too, but it requires an account.
On Windows, all default keys function. On macOS, the Scroll Lock and Pause/Break keys adjust screen brightness if you have an Apple display. All keys also function properly on Linux; however, since the customization software is only available on Windows and macOS, Linux users won't be able to customize it.