SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Blue Switch Review
Peter Donnell / 4 years ago
How Much Does it Cost?
While it’s certainly not a cheap keyboard, the latest from SteelSeries is still very competitive. It has all the features of any other flagship keyboards but still has its own unique features on top of that too. The OLED display alone is a really cool feature and you don’t appear to be paying another premium for it either. It’s typically on Amazon for £159.99, however, a sale at the time of writing saw that as low as £120, but I wouldn’t expect that deal to last.
The keyboard is available in multiple switch types, TKL and standard, and multiple languages.
Overview
SteelSeries has one of the most comprehensive keyboard ranges out there right now, and that’s no easy task. The market is packed full ten times over with amazing keyboards for around the same price. However, with such a broad range of switch types, including their own red, brown and blue models that are all just a touch lighter and faster than Cherry switches. Plus, they have their insanely clever Omni-point switches too on the Apex Pro, the highest edition of the Apex keyboard. Then you have the Apex 5, a membrane/mechanical that looks identical to the one reviewed today but at a lower price point. Plus, all these come in full-size, or the more compact TKL form factor and in a broad range of languages. In short, it’s easy to find the right SteelSeries keyboard for you.
Too Blue For You?
I love these new Blue switches, they’re really fantastic for typing on. I’m writing this review on them right now actually. Plus, when it comes to gaming, the tactile and audible feedback you get is brilliant. You know for a fact you’ve struck a key and your brain can move onto the next command. It just gives confirmation and confidence in those fast paced gaming moments.
I’ll admit it’s a bit noisy, and that doesn’t bother me. However, if I was to rock up to a quiet office with one of these, I’d likely be thrown out on my ass half-way through my first email.
Added Value
The keyboard is brimming with really cool features. The USB pass-through is a welcome quality of life addition. However, so is the big wrist rest. It extends out quite a bit, allowing for a very relaxed and comfortable wrist position. If you work and game at the same PC 14+ hours a day like I do, posture is everything, so big points to SteelSeries there. The OLED display is awesome too, and having little animations on there, track information and things like that is cool. It’s not needed, but it’s a nice thing to have.
Should I Buy One?
While I can confidently recommend their blue switches, you’re getting a great keyboard regardless of which switches you choose. I’ve tested every version of this keyboard and I loved them all. Easily one of the best constructed and designed keyboards on the market today, highly recommended.