SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL

Sane or insane in the membrane?

- SAM LEWIS

STEELSERIES’ APEX 3 TKL is a smaller take on the brand's most budget-friendly keyboard. As it’s a TKL format, it takes the 10-key numeric pad away from the standard Apex 3 board, making it a favorite amongst esports competitors. With less room taken up on your desk, there's more room to swipe that mouse around. So, is this membrane keyboard a great pick-up for a price tag of under $50? This board also has a pretty nifty feature that may separate it from its main competitors.

Although this is a TKL model, the Apex 3 TKL still offers you a taller format than normal. There is plenty of room on this board and it doesn’t feel as cramped as others. From the few first clicks after setting this keyboard up, it feels a little more premium than its price tag may suggest, which is always a positive.

It’s probably a little too lightweight for our liking, though, and it can slip around on your desk. Unfortunately, you may also find your fingers slipping across the keys after a really long period of typing or action-packed gaming sessions. The keycaps are made of a soft, smooth plastic that results in a lack of grip. However, for general usage, they do feel pretty decent.