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SteelSeries Apex 7 Review | 64 Data compared

Avg. price:~£140Layout size:Full-sizeConnection type:USBSwitch type:mechanicalPolling rate:1000 Hz

SteelSeries Apex 7 Review: Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Keyboards category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

▼Worse than 92% of keyboards

4.5

▼Worse than 97% of keyboards

9.4

★Better than 98% of keyboards

2.1
Gaming
Gaming
2.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for gaming performance.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
28.0%
1.0
Polling rate
24.0%
1.0
Rapid trigger
20.0%
1.0
Adjustable actuation
16.0%
1.0
Hot-swappable switches
12.0%
10
Onboard memory
7.8
Typing
Typing
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for typing performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this keyboards meets your specific typing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
28.0%
10
Wrist rest included
24.0%
8.0
Legend method
20.0%
?
Adjustable feet
15.0%
6.6
Typing angle
13.0%
4.0
Pre-lubed stabilizers
1.2
Programming
Programming
1.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for programming performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this keyboards meets your specific programming needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
1.0
QMK support
26.0%
1.0
VIA support
18.0%
1.0
Mac compatibility
14.0%
?
Multi-device pairing
12.0%
4.0
Connection type

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Technical Specifications of keyboard SteelSeries Apex 7

5.5

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Switches

1.9

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Switch type

mechanical

Switch feel

linear / tactile / clicky

Switch name

SteelSeries QX2

Actuation force

45 g

Min actuation distance

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Design

8.8

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Keyboard type

mechanical

Layout size

Full-size

Layout standard

?

N. of keys

Profile

standard

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Connectivity & Power

3.6

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Connection type

Multi-device pairing

N/A

Bluetooth version

N/A

Mac compatibility

Battery life

N/A

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Features

8.4

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RGB lighting

Per-key RGB

RGB zones

Underglow / side lighting

Backlight direction

north-facing

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Materials

6.0

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Case material

aluminum/plastic

Plate material

aluminum

Keycap material

ABS

Keycap profile

OEM

Legend method

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SteelSeries Apex 7 vs the average keyboard

Why is SteelSeries Apex 7 better than the average keyboard?

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Dedicated media keys
Dedicated media keys
yes
▲ Better than 80% of models
This keyboard includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.4% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Built-in display
Display
yes
★ Better than 91% of models
This keyboard has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
17 more keys
N. of keys
104
▲ Better than 75% of models
Market range: <64 – >108
This keyboard has more keys than the average keyboard (104 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
104 vs 87
Volume control wheel
Volume wheel
yes
▲ Better than 62% of models
This keyboard includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.3% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
21 more RGB zones
RGB zones
104
▲ Better than 81% of models
Market range: <0 – >104
This keyboard has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (104 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
104 vs 83
18.1% higher user score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
Score distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
SteelSeries Apex 7
the average keyboard
SteelSeries Apex 7 has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.45 vs 8.000).
9.45 vs 8
Includes wrist rest
Wrist rest included
yes
▲ Better than 84% of models
This keyboard includes a wrist rest, the average keyboard does not. 16.4% of keyboards include a wrist rest.
62.5% more popular
SteelSeries Apex 7 is more popular than the average keyboard (10 vs 6.2).
10 vs 6.15

18.1% higher user score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
Score distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
SteelSeries Apex 7
the average keyboard
SteelSeries Apex 7 has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.45 vs 8.000).
9.45 vs 8
62.5% more popular
SteelSeries Apex 7 is more popular than the average keyboard (10 vs 6.2).
10 vs 6.15

17 more keys
N. of keys
104
▲ Better than 75% of models
Market range: <64 – >108
This keyboard has more keys than the average keyboard (104 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
104 vs 87
Includes wrist rest
Wrist rest included
yes
▲ Better than 84% of models
This keyboard includes a wrist rest, the average keyboard does not. 16.4% of keyboards include a wrist rest.

Dedicated media keys
Dedicated media keys
yes
▲ Better than 80% of models
This keyboard includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.4% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Built-in display
Display
yes
★ Better than 91% of models
This keyboard has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
Volume control wheel
Volume wheel
yes
▲ Better than 62% of models
This keyboard includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.3% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
21 more RGB zones
RGB zones
104
▲ Better than 81% of models
Market range: <0 – >104
This keyboard has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (104 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
104 vs 83

Why is SteelSeries Apex 7 worse than the average keyboard?

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Less versatile connectivity
Connection type
USB
▼ Worse than 58% of models
This keyboard offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
No hot-swap support
Hot-swappable switches
no
▼ Worse than 65% of models
This keyboard does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 64.7% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
Less durable legends
Legend method
laser-etched
▼ Worse than 86% of models
This keyboard uses laser-etched legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.
laser-etched vs double-shot
No pre-lubed stabilizers
Pre-lubed stabilizers
no
▼ Worse than 82% of models
This keyboard does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.4% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
Min actuation distance
2 mm
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <0.1 mm – >2 mm
This keyboard has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
2 mm vs 1.7 mm
Fixed cable
Detachable cable
no
▼ Worse than 91% of models
This keyboard has a fixed cable, while the average keyboard has yes. 90.8% of keyboards come with a detachable cable.
15.8% worse value for money
SteelSeries Apex 7 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (6.77 vs 7.8).
6.77 vs 7.84
4 older release date
Release date
2019
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <2k – >2k
This keyboard is older than the average keyboard (2019 vs 2023). The average keyboard was released in 2023.
June 2019
2019 vs 2023

15.8% worse value for money
SteelSeries Apex 7 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (6.77 vs 7.8).
6.77 vs 7.84

46.7 mm wider width
Width
403 mm
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Market range: <290 mm – >442 mm
This keyboard is wider than the average keyboard (403 mm vs 356.3 mm). The average keyboard width is 356.3 mm.
403 mm vs 356.3 mm
4 older release date
Release date
2019
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <2k – >2k
This keyboard is older than the average keyboard (2019 vs 2023). The average keyboard was released in 2023.
June 2019
2019 vs 2023

Less versatile connectivity
Connection type
USB
▼ Worse than 58% of models
This keyboard offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Fixed cable
Detachable cable
no
▼ Worse than 91% of models
This keyboard has a fixed cable, while the average keyboard has yes. 90.8% of keyboards come with a detachable cable.

No hot-swap support
Hot-swappable switches
no
▼ Worse than 65% of models
This keyboard does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 64.7% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
Min actuation distance
2 mm
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <0.1 mm – >2 mm
This keyboard has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
2 mm vs 1.7 mm

Less durable legends
Legend method
laser-etched
▼ Worse than 86% of models
This keyboard uses laser-etched legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.
laser-etched vs double-shot
No pre-lubed stabilizers
Pre-lubed stabilizers
no
▼ Worse than 82% of models
This keyboard does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.4% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

tekeurope.co.uk

01/10/2020

Summary of the review

Staff Product Review: Steelseries Apex 7 TKL Keyboard

The TekEurope staff review highlights the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL as a durable, premium-built mechanical keyboard featuring deep software integration for advanced macro customization and responsive gaming performance. It is praised for its robust build quality and intuitive Engine software, making it a functional, long-lasting tool for gamers. However, the review notes a significant drawback in the high price point, which may deter users looking for a budget-friendly option. While the keyboard is considered a solid investment, the cost is highlighted as a major consideration, marking it as a premium peripheral.

silvercipherofficial.medium.com

24/03/2021

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Red Switch TKL Review

The Silvercipher review of the SteelSeries Apex 7 Red Switch TKL highlights its compact design, magnetic wrist rest, and functional OLED display as key pros, creating a premium, comfortable experience. However, noted cons include the confusing OLED menu navigation, a steep learning curve for the SteelSeries Engine software, and the tendency of stock ABS keycaps to collect oils. Medium · While the reviewer customized the keyboard with Razer White PBT keycaps for better durability, this swap made the typing experience significantly louder. Overall, the review balances high praise for the hardware's features with drawbacks concerning software complexity and necessary keycap upgrades. Medium ·Luke Freeman

impulsegamer.com

20/01/2020

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Keyboard Review

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a premium, highly responsive mechanical gaming keyboard built with an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame designed to endure 50 million keypresses. A major highlight of the keyboard is its customizable, top-right monochrome OLED smart display (128x40 resolution) paired with a clickable multimedia scroll wheel. This display delivers instant notifications from Discord, Tidal, or supported games, and can even showcase personalized animations and macros. The review evaluated the silent, linear "Red" switch variant, noting that its 2mm actuation point delivers a smooth, effortless, and rapid typing experience well-suited for fast-paced first-person shooters like Call of Duty and Overwatch. The keyboard features a robust suite of pros, including an exceptionally sturdy chassis, a detachable soft-touch magnetic wrist rest, dynamic per-key RGB illumination, and a glowing USB pass-through port for easy connectivity. It also features 100% anti-ghosting and full N-key rollover to prevent missed inputs. However, a notable con is that maximizing its customizability requires downloading the separate SteelSeries Engine 3 software, as the OLED screen only shows a static company logo by default. Additionally, users transitioning from clicky...

pcmag.com

27/11/2019

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Gaming Keyboard Review

The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is recognized by PCMag as a top-tier tenkeyless keyboard, lauded for its robust aircraft-grade aluminum frame, comfortable ergonomics, and innovative, customizable OLED smart display. Offering per-key RGB lighting and fast, durable mechanical switches (Red, Brown, or Blue), the keyboard is specifically praised for providing a premium, high-utility experience for competitive gamers. Key drawbacks noted in the review include the extremely loud, clicky nature of the Blue switches, making them less suitable for shared office environments. Additionally, the compact, tenkeyless design and lack of a dedicated number pad make it impractical for intensive data entry, although this is intentional for optimizing desk space.

rtings.com

20/01/2020

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Keyboard Review - RTINGS.com

The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is an outstanding, sturdy mechanical gaming keyboard featuring low latency, full N-key rollover, and a 1000Hz polling rate. It offers premium features such as an OLED smart display, dedicated media controls, and a comfortable magnetic wrist rest, with extensive software customization via the SteelSeries Engine. Drawbacks highlighted by the review include a wired-only design with a thick, non-detachable cable and the use of fingerprint-prone ABS keycaps. Additionally, the soft-touch wrist rest gathers dust, and the USB pass-through requires a secondary, dedicated connection to the computer.

tomsguide.com

22/07/2019

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Keyboard Review: Colorful and Competent

The SteelSeries Apex 7 ($160) is a well-designed mechanical gaming keyboard that offers premium features like robust RGB lighting, dynamic in-game performance, and a sleek, compact plastic frame with a magnetic wrist rest. Utilizing SteelSeries' in-house Red, Brown, or Blue switches, the keyboard delivers responsive, precise input that excels in fast-paced gaming environments, such as Overwatch and Age of Empires. Users can highly customize the device using the powerful SteelSeries Engine software to reprogram keys, manage five on-board profiles, and map macros. Additionally, a built-in volume dial provides a genuinely useful physical control for media adjustments. Despite these strengths, the Apex 7 struggles to stand out against similarly priced competitors due to several key design flaws. The signature mini-OLED screen feels largely redundant, as it duplicates software settings and requires players to look away from their primary monitor to read notifications. Furthermore, the proprietary keycaps have an unsatisfying, spongy feel with minimal resistance, causing typos unless typing speed is intentionally throttled. Ultimately, unless you are strictly dedicated to the SteelSeries RGB ecosystem, rivals like the Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 offer...

vonguru.fr

19/07/2019

Summary of the review

Review - SteelSeries Apex 7 Keyboard - Vonguru

Here is a summary of the keyboard review based on the provided text: The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a premium, frameless mechanical gaming keyboard priced around €189.90, featuring an aluminium frame, extensive RGB lighting, and software integration for game-specific profiles. While initial use feels somewhat rigid due to new keycaps, it quickly provides a high-quality, responsive typing experience with Red, Brown, or Blue switch options. Key pros highlighted include the high-end build quality, excellent responsiveness, and lightweight keys that reduce fatigue, making it suitable for long gaming sessions. The main, temporary downside noted is the initial stiff sensation of the keys before they are broken in.

hardwarecooking.fr

14/08/2020

Summary of the review

Review: SteelSeries Apex 7, a keyboard with an OLED screen

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a premium mechanical gaming keyboard evaluated by HardwareCooking for its solid aluminum frame, individual per-key RGB illumination, and an integrated OLED smart display. Priced between €189.99 and €229.94, this model comes equipped with brown mechanical switches featuring a tactile, quiet actuation point of 2 mm and a durability rating of 50 million keystrokes. The layout includes a metal volume wheel, a dedicated media button, and a built-in USB pass-through port on the back for secondary device connectivity. Underneath, three-way cable routing channels and fold-out feet allow for cleaner desktop organization and adjustable positioning. Highly customizable via the SteelSeries Engine 3 software, users can save up to five on-board profiles, assign macros, map key bindings, and configure specific app integrations for games like League of Legends or system monitors. The keyboard earned a "HC Gold Medal" due to several notable design and functional strengths. Its primary pros include sleek design aesthetics, highly responsive typing feedback, and a comfortable, magnetically detachable wrist rest that supports the wrists during long sessions. However, the reviewer highlighted a few cons,...

charlestech.fr

02/08/2024

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7: OLED Screen Gaming Keyboard Review

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is an exceptionally stable and heavy mechanical gaming keyboard equipped with red linear switches, which offer a short actuation travel and quiet operation suitable for both gaming and extensive typing. Its standout features include a highly customisable 16.8-million-colour RGB backlighting system controlled via the streamlined SteelSeries Engine 3 software, a powerful magnetic wrist rest made of soft plastic, and a dedicated volume wheel paired with a mute button. A major highlight is its innovative OLED smart display in the top-right corner, which successfully displays in-game information, Discord notifications, or custom images/logos. Additionally, it features a thick dual-USB cable that powers a convenient built-in USB passthrough port for low-bandwidth accessories, and a bottom groove system for clean desk cable management. On the downside, the reviewer criticises the keyboard's high price tag of nearly €200, suggesting that consumers should wait for it to drop closer to €160 before purchasing. Visually, the design layout sacrifices traditional key labels on utility keys like Insert, Delete, End, and Home to make room for the macro keys (M1 to M6), resulting in...

sitegeek.fr

09/03/2021

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 – Mechanical keyboard review

The review of the SteelSeries Apex 7 by Johnny Ofthedead on Sitegeek.fr highlights it as a premium mechanical gaming keyboard that scores high across design, performance, and features. Among its major pros, the reviewer praises its ultra-durable aircraft-grade aluminium chassis, which provides vastly superior structural strength compared to plastic competitors. Functionally, its standout element is the unique integrated OLED smart display that enables on-the-fly configuration profile adjustments without launching software, showcases direct in-game notifications (like item cooldown tracking), and exhibits animated GIFs. Additional advantages noted include excellent per-key RGB lighting with PrismSync capability, premium high-grade mechanical switches certified for 50 million keystrokes, an ergonomic magnetic soft-touch wrist rest, an extra USB passthrough port, and efficient three-way cable routing channels. On the other hand, the review highlights specific cons that potential buyers should consider before purchasing. The most prominent disadvantage mentioned is its steep retail price point of approximately €190, which may deter budget-conscious users. While the reviewer personally enjoyed testing the tactile and clicky Blue switches, he explicitly notes that the heavy mechanical sound emulates rapid machine-gun fire, indicating that...

ign.com

07/10/2019

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Review: Is the OLED Screen Actually Useful?

The SteelSeries Apex 7 with Red switches features a durable aluminum frame, a comfortable magnetic wrist rest, and linear switches providing a responsive, quiet typing experience. It includes practical features such as per-key RGB lighting, a USB pass-through, media controls with a volume roller, and an OLED smart display for quick settings adjustments. Reddit ·r/ Drawbacks include the use of ABS plastic keycaps that accumulate fingerprints and feel lower-quality for the price point. Unlike the higher-end Apex Pro, the Apex 7 lacks adjustable-actuation OmniPoint switches, and it misses dedicated macro keys, facing stiff competition in its price bracket. YouTube ·

gametales.it

26/08/2020

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7, the mechanical keyboard for everyone with an OLED display", "SteelSeries Apex 7: the almost perfect keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is reviewed as a premium, high-end mechanical gaming keyboard that offers an exceptional layout with minor flaws. The reviewer strongly praises its high-quality construction, featuring a solid plastic body topped with an aluminum plate, and its excellent SteelSeries QX2 mechanical switches that rival premium Cherry MX models. The stable, magnetic wrist rest with its gommated surface provides great comfort during both typing and heavy gaming sessions. Additionally, the per-key RGB lighting delivers seamless illumination, which can be fully customized using the SteelSeries Engine software alongside broad key remapping and multi-profile storage. On the downside, the key selling point—its integrated OLED smart display—falls heavily short of expectations. The reviewer notes that it does far less than anticipated, hides behind the keys depending on your viewing angle, and frustratingly only supports track metadata visualization via TIDAL, leaving popular services like Spotify completely unsupported. Furthermore, the side-mounted multimedia scroll wheel and button can be awkward to use in practice. Ultimately, while its original standard retail price of around €180 feels steep due to the underwhelming OLED screen, the reviewer...

pc-gaming.it

16/11/2019

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Keyboard - Review

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a premium mechanical keyboard featuring a durable aircraft-grade aluminum frame, offering a highly tactile typing experience and a comfortable magnetic wrist rest. It includes individual per-key RGB lighting and customizable on-board profiles via the SteelSeries Engine software, aimed at high-performance gaming. However, the review notes that the OLED Smart Display lacks broad application integration for tracking and can be poorly positioned, rendering it hard to see. Additionally, the keyboard uses fingerprint-prone ABS plastic keycaps rather than premium materials, reducing its overall value proposition for some users.

hardware.info

13/05/2020

Summary of the review

Small but sweet typing: 17 compact mechanical keyboards tested

Kingston HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Review Summary The Kingston HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is a budget-friendly, compact mechanical gaming keyboard featuring an all-black design with floating keys over a durable metal top plate. A major highlight of this keyboard is that Kingston includes authentic Cherry MX switches—available in linear Red or clicky Blue variants—rather than opting for cheaper clone switches typically found in this price bracket. Retailing at an average price of 79 euros, it stands as one of the most affordable options in Hardware Info's roundup, making it highly accessible for budget-conscious gamers looking for reliable build quality and genuine mechanical switches. However, its low price point comes with several noticeable trade-offs in modern features. On the downside, the keyboard completely lacks customisation software and uses an outdated mini-USB connector for its cable. Furthermore, visual customisation is highly restricted; it features only static red backlighting instead of full RGB illumination. Testing also revealed that its standard deviation in switch performance measurements was on the higher side. While it offers premium switches for a low price, cheaper alternatives like the...

hardware.info

07/01/2020

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7 and Apex Pro review: Mechanical and magnetic typing

The Steelseries Apex 7 and Apex Pro gaming keyboards stand out due to their premium build quality, per-key RGB lighting, magnetic wrist rests, and a built-in OLED screen in the top right corner. The flagship Apex Pro model features innovative OmniPoint magnetic switches developed with Gateron, which utilize the Hall-effect to allow users to customize the actuation distance for individual keys. This results in an exceptionally smooth, uniform keystroke and incredibly fast response times ideal for gaming. Additionally, the companion Steelseries Engine 3 software is praised for its intuitive interface, deep lighting customization, and seamless game integration. In contrast, the standard Apex 7 uses traditional tactile Gateron brown or blue switches, or linear red switches, but suffers from less uniform actuation consistency. Despite their strong performance, both keyboards suffer from a high price-to-performance ratio that limits their value. At approximately €190 to €250, they are heavily criticized for utilizing cheap, painted ABS plastic keycaps that do not match their luxury price points. Furthermore, competitors like Wooting pose a massive threat by offering similar variable actuation capabilities alongside true analog input...

xgn.nl

10/07/2019

Summary of the review

Steelseries Apex 7 Review - Good keyboard with a hefty price tag

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is lauded as a premium mechanical gaming keyboard, offering on-the-fly customization, a, durable build, and a functional OLED smart display with RGB lighting. Pros highlighted include an exceptionally comfortable, magnetic wrist rest and excellent tactile switch response, making it a strong competitor to high-end rivals. Conversely, the review identifies the loud, clicky nature of the switches as a primary con, potentially requiring sound isolation, along with a high retail price that positions it as a luxury, rather than entry-level, investment. It is recommended for users seeking top-tier customization and comfort. YouTube ·

tweakers.net

14/07/2025

Summary of the review

SteelSeries Apex 7, QX2 Red, QWERTY US Review", "SteelSeries Apex 7 Review: QX2 Red Switches, US QWERTY Layout

In his comprehensive Tweakers review, user daniel360gt highly rates the SteelSeries Apex 7 (QX2 Red, QWERTY US) after six months of intensive personal use, concluding it is a premium, full-size mechanical keyboard well-suited for a balance of casual gaming and office tasks. Structurally, the reviewer highlights a minimalist, frameless metal design that leaves no space between the keys and the chassis, which successfully prevents dirt from gathering and simplifies dusting maintenance. Functionally, the proprietary linear QX2 Red switches are praised for providing a quick, light, and precise typing experience without any loose key wobble. Additional positive features include the soft and comfortable magnetic wrist rest, strong stability provided by rubber feet, and seamless integration with open-source software like OpenRGB to synchronize the keyboard's vibrant lighting with external hardware. Tweakers Conversely, the review highlights several distinct weaknesses and design compromises. A major drawback is the integrated OLED smart display, which sits too low in the direct field of vision and would have benefited from being placed higher or tilted forward for better readability. In terms of materials, the keyboard utilizes painted...

Third-party reviews

Based on 11,514 buyer reviews from online shops.

Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about SteelSeries Apex 7

Premium build quality featuring an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame for durability
Highly customizable per-key RGB backlighting with 16.8 million colors
Functional OLED Smart Display for in-game info, Discord messages, and setting adjustments
Comfortable, soft-touch magnetic wrist rest included
Smooth and responsive mechanical switches (Red, Blue, or Brown options)
Dedicated media controls including a clickable volume roller
Convenient USB pass-through port for connecting peripherals or flash drives
User-friendly SteelSeries GG/Engine software for deep customization

What we don't like about SteelSeries Apex 7

Stock ABS keycaps are prone to fingerprints and may feel less premium than PBT
OLED screen is considered a 'gimmick' by some users and can be prone to burn-in
The thick, non-detachable USB cable can be difficult to manage
Magnetic wrist rest is a dust magnet and can be uncomfortable for some
Requires two USB ports for full functionality (one for the keyboard, one for pass-through)
Software can occasionally be buggy or fail to save configurations
Higher price point compared to competitors with similar features

Verdict

The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a high-performance mechanical gaming keyboard featuring a durable Series 5000 aircraft-grade aluminum frame and proprietary SteelSeries QX2 switches (available in Red linear, Brown tactile, or Blue clicky) rated for 50 million keypresses. It stands out with an integrated OLED Smart Display for on-the-fly settings and game notifications, alongside a clickable metal roller and media key for dedicated control. Key technical specs include a 1,000Hz polling rate, 1ms response time, 100% anti-ghosting with full N-key rollover, and a built-in USB pass-through port. Main pros include its premium build quality, vibrant per-key RGB illumination, and the comfort of its detachable magnetic soft-touch wrist rest. However, notable cons include its high price point, the use of ABS plastic keycaps that can attract fingerprints, and a thick, non-detachable cable that requires two USB ports for pass-through functionality.

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