Steelseries APEX M500 Mechanical Keyboard Review

Introduction

SteelSeries are back with another mechanical keyboard, the APEX M500. Following the success of the Steelseries 6Gv2, their latest keyboard comes with a strong focus on the competitive gaming market, tuned for eSports pros and at home gamers alike, equipped with a full bank of Cherry MX Red switches, remappable keys, full anti-ghosting, 104-key rollover, and unlimited profiles.

“The Apex M500 adds to the legacy which began with our release of the first mechanical gaming keyboard, the 6Gv2. With the addition of Cherry MX Red switches, the M500 creates a new standard for pro-performance and durability. Featuring the industry-leading Cherry MX Red Mechanical Gaming Switches, the Apex M500 delivers the game-winning performance required by pros. The low force and actuation point of the switch results in dramatically faster gameplay making Reds the undisputed choice of professionals. Games are decided in seconds, and every advantage is essential.” – Steelseries

The M500 is certainly well equipped, nothing crazy in terms of features, but what it does have ticks all the right boxes for great performance in gaming and we’re eager to get it out of the box and take a closer look at what it has to offer.

Switches

• Switch Type: Mechanical
• Switch Name: Cherry MX Red Gaming Switches
• Throw Depth: 4 mm
• Actuation and Reset Depth: 2 mm
• Actuation Force Needed: 45cN
• 50 Million Click Lifetime Guarantee

Design

• Layout: Traditional
• Full Anti-Ghosting Support
• N-Key Roll Over: 104 Key
• Illumination: Per-Key Blue LEDs
• Quick Access Media Keys
• Fully Programmable Keys
• Cable Management System
• Weight: 1241 g, 2.742 lbs
• Height: 136.43 mm, 5.37 in
• Width: 440.56 mm, 17.34 in
• Depth: 39.52 mm, 1.56 in
• Large Adjustable Rubber Feet
• Cable Length: 2 m, 6.5 ft

Customisation Options

• Engine Support: SSE3
• Remappable Keys
• Custom Key Illumination
• Unlimited Profiles

Packaging

The box is very nicely designed, with a glossy image on the front that really shows off the overall design and blue LED lighting really well, as well as offering details of the MX Red Switches. The box does show the US layout, but it actually is the UK layout product.

Around the back, a few details about the main features of the keyboard, such as the software suite and LED lighting.

The keyboard comes hard-wired with a long rubber coated USB cable, and while there is software available, the keyboard is plug and play ready.