Steel Series makes three distinct keyboards worth considering, each targeting a different balance of budget, features, and portability. The Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 (£195.99) is the feature-richest option with customisable switches, the Apex (£99.99) is the entry-level sweet spot, and the Apex Pro Mini (£259.99) prioritises wireless convenience in a compact layout. Your choice depends on whether you value customisation, cost savings, or portability.
Why Steel Series?
Steel Series was founded in 2002 and has specialised in gaming peripherals for over two decades. They’re known for mechanical keyboards that prioritise responsive switches and durable construction — not gimmicky RGB lighting. Their Apex range specifically targets gamers who want sub-£300 mechanical keyboards without compromising on build quality. Unlike budget alternatives, Steel Series validates durability with 50-million-keystroke switch ratings and uses premium materials like 6061 aluminium alloy in their frames.
Top Picks
Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 — £195.99
Best for competitive gamers who want rapid customisation on the fly. The standout feature is OmniPoint switches with adjustable actuation distance (0.4mm to 3.6mm), letting you fine-tune responsiveness between matches. The tenkeyless (TKL) layout removes the numpad, saving desk space while keeping all essential keys. Wired connection eliminates latency concerns.
Apex Wired Gaming Keyboard — £99.99
Best for budget-conscious gamers who won’t compromise on mechanical quality. This is the entry point to Steel Series’ mechanical ecosystem without paying for premium bells. It uses reliable steel switches, a full-size layout with numpad, and costs half the price of the Pro TKL Gen 3. The wired connection is instantaneous and removes charging headaches.
Apex Pro Mini Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — £259.99
Best for portable gamers and esports players who move between venues. At 60% size (61 keys), it’s compact enough to fit a laptop bag but maintains the OmniPoint switch customisation of the Pro range. Wireless connectivity with 2.4GHz dongle provides sub-millisecond latency without cables. The premium price reflects the portability and wireless convenience.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | £195.99 | Competitive gamers | Adjustable OmniPoint switches (0.4–3.6mm actuation) |
| Apex Wired | £99.99 | Budget gamers | Full-size layout, mechanical quality at entry-level price |
| Apex Pro Mini Wireless | £259.99 | Portable/LAN gamers | 60% compact layout + wireless + customisable switches |
What to Look For
- Switch type and actuation distance: Steel Series uses mechanical switches rated for 50 million keystrokes. The Pro models offer adjustable actuation (0.4–3.6mm range), while the standard Apex uses fixed switches. Decide if fine-tuning matters to you.
- Layout size: The TKL (87 keys) removes the numpad for desk space; the 60% (61 keys) is ultra-portable; the full-size (104 keys) includes numpad. Measure your desk depth — a full-size keyboard needs 17–18 inches.
- Connection type: Wired eliminates charging and latency; wireless (2.4GHz on the Pro Mini) requires battery management but removes cable clutter. Competitive players prefer wired; casual gamers often prefer wireless.
- Build material: All three use aluminium or steel frames rated for durability. The Pro models use 6061 aluminium alloy, which resists flexing under heavy typing. Budget for longevity, not just purchase price.
The Bottom Line
The Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 at £195.99 is the best overall choice for gamers wanting customisable switches and a space-saving layout without wireless overhead. If you’re price-sensitive, the Apex Wired (£99.99) delivers mechanical quality at half the cost — skip it only if you specifically need wireless or adjustable switches. The Apex Pro Mini Wireless (£259.99) justifies its premium only if you transport your keyboard regularly or demand wireless reliability during competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steel Series good value for money?
Yes, but it depends on your budget tier. The standard Apex (£99.99) offers excellent value — you’re paying for a 50-million-keystroke mechanical keyboard, not RGB fluff. The Pro models cost more but justify it with customisable switches and premium builds. Compare against Corsair or Razer at the same price points; Steel Series typically edges ahead on durability ratings.
Which Steel Series keyboard is best for typing, not gaming?
The Apex Wired or Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 work well for typing because mechanical switches provide consistent tactile feedback. The adjustable actuation on the Pro TKL Gen 3 lets you reduce the actuation distance to 0.4mm for faster typing, but this is a luxury for typists. If you type eight hours daily, the standard Apex’s fixed switch is perfectly adequate and costs £96 less.
Do Steel Series keyboards need software to work?
No, all three keyboards work immediately when plugged in (or paired via wireless). Steel Series’ GG software is optional — it lets you reprogram keys and (on Pro models) adjust switch actuation, but neither is required for basic functionality. The standard Apex has no software customisation available, which keeps setup simple.
Are Steel Series keyboards good for small desks?
Yes, especially the Apex Pro Mini Wireless at 60% size (11 inches wide). It’s the most desk-efficient option and fits alongside a mouse without crowding. The TKL (14 inches wide) is a middle ground, removing only the numpad. The full-size Apex (17 inches) needs more space but includes the numpad if you use it regularly for spreadsheets or number entry.
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