SteelSeries Apex 3 Vs SteelSeries Aerox 5 Black Friday 2026

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SteelSeries Apex 3 and SteelSeries Aerox 5 answer different gaming needs: SteelSeries Apex 3 is a keyboard, while SteelSeries Aerox 5 is a mouse. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the distinction clear and find the right SteelSeries pick for each kind of setup.

Here's the bottom line: choose an Apex 3 model when you need a keyboard, or an Aerox 5 model when you need a mouse. The product cards below also compare alternatives for compact desks, adjustable key switches and extra mouse buttons, so you can focus your Black Friday 2026 shopping on the features that matter.

How We Picked

• Compared core specifications, including switch type, sensor resolution, button count and lighting.
• Checked wired and wireless options for connection flexibility and desk setup needs.
• Prioritized practical differences that separate a keyboard from a gaming mouse.
• Reviewed owner feedback themes around comfort, everyday use, customization and durability features.
• Selected alternatives across compact, feature-rich and straightforward gaming setups.

Comparison Table

Product	Best for	Connection	Controls	Standout specification
SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard	Full-size quiet gaming	Wired USB	104 keys	10-zone RGB; IP32
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard	Compact quiet gaming	Wired USB	87 keys	8-zone RGB; IP32
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Gaming Keyboard	Adjustable key response	Wired	Tenkeyless layout	0.1–4.0 mm actuation
SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse	Wired multi-button control	Wired USB	9 buttons	18,000 CPI; 66 g
SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse	Wireless multi-button control	2.4 GHz and Bluetooth	9 buttons	18,000 CPI
SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse	Streamlined wireless play	Wireless	6 buttons	18,000 CPI; 68 g
SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse	Wired side-button control	Wired USB	9 buttons	18,000 CPI; 85 g

Best Picks Reviewed

#1

SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard is the best full-size quiet keyboard for players who want a number pad and simple lighting. The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard's 10-zone RGB lighting and IP32 water resistance give it a practical feature set for everyday gaming.

Best for: Full-size gaming and quiet typing

Layout

Full-size, 104-key US layout

RGB lighting

10 zones

Water resistance

IP32

Connection

Wired USB

Pros

• Quiet gaming switches suit shared rooms.
• Number pad supports work and games.
• IP32 protection adds spill resistance.

Cons

• Full-size frame takes up more desk space.
• Membrane switches lack a mechanical feel.

Is the SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard is worth considering for players who want quiet, full-size wired gaming. The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard's 10-zone RGB lighting, number pad and IP32 water resistance make it a straightforward choice for a desk shared between games and everyday tasks.

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#2

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard is the best compact quiet keyboard for players who want more room for mouse movement. The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard's tenkeyless layout keeps the core gaming controls while removing the number pad.

Best for: Compact desks and mouse space

Layout

Tenkeyless, 87-key US layout

RGB lighting

8 zones

Water resistance

IP32

Connection

Wired USB

Pros

• Smaller footprint than a full-size keyboard.
• Quiet switches suit late-night play.
• IP32 protection helps guard against spills.

Cons

• No number pad for number-heavy work.
• Membrane switches are not mechanical.

Is the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard is a strong fit for players who want a compact wired keyboard with quiet switches. The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard's 87-key layout frees desk space, while 8-zone RGB lighting and IP32 water resistance preserve useful everyday features.

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#3

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Gaming Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Gaming Keyboard is the best premium keyboard for players who want adjustable key response. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Gaming Keyboard's OmniPoint 3.0 switches offer adjustable actuation from 0.1 to 4.0 mm.

Best for: Competitive play and custom key response

Layout

Tenkeyless

Switches

OmniPoint 3.0 adjustable switches

Actuation range

0.1–4.0 mm

Action support

2-in-1 Action Keys

Pros

• Adjustable actuation supports personal preferences.
• Compact layout leaves more mouse room.
• 2-in-1 Action Keys add control options.

Cons

• Advanced features suit players who want customization.
• Wired design is less flexible than wireless.

Is the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Gaming Keyboard worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Gaming Keyboard is worth considering for players who want to tailor key response. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Gaming Keyboard's 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range offers detailed adjustment, and the tenkeyless design keeps the keyboard compact for gaming.

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#4

SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse is the best wired multi-button mouse for players who want quick access to extra commands. The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse's 9 programmable buttons and 18,000 CPI sensor suit games that reward flexible control.

Best for: Wired play and extra command buttons

Buttons

9 programmable buttons

Sensor resolution

18,000 CPI

Weight

66 g

Ingress protection

IP54 AquaBarrier

Pros

• Nine buttons allow flexible control mapping.
• Lightweight design suits fast movement.
• IP54 protection guards against dust and splashes.

Cons

• Wired connection limits desk flexibility.
• Extra side buttons take time to learn.

Is the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse is worth considering for players who prefer a wired mouse with lots of controls. Nine programmable buttons, a 66 g design and an 18,000 CPI sensor make it a versatile option for action-heavy games.

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#5 · Top pick

SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse is the best wireless multi-button mouse for players who want connection options and customizable controls. The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse's 9 programmable buttons pair with 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity.

Best for: Wireless play and flexible connections

Buttons

9 programmable buttons

Sensor resolution

18,000 CPI

Wireless modes

2.4 GHz and Bluetooth

Battery life

Up to 180 hours over Bluetooth

Pros

• Two wireless modes support different devices.
• Nine buttons offer extensive control mapping.
• Lightweight construction supports quick movement.

Cons

• Wireless features need charging.
• Extra buttons are unnecessary for simpler setups.

Is the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse is a good fit for players who want extra buttons without a cable. The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse's 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth modes support flexible connections, and its 9 programmable buttons give players plenty of options for custom controls.

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#6

SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse is the best streamlined wireless pick for players who want a lightweight design without the Aerox 5 button layout. The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse's 6-button configuration keeps controls simple.

Best for: Simple wireless gaming

Buttons

6

Sensor resolution

18,000 CPI

Weight

68 g

Battery life

Up to 200 hours

Pros

• Six-button layout is easy to navigate.
• Lightweight build suits quick movements.
• Wireless design keeps the desk uncluttered.

Cons

• Fewer programmable buttons than Aerox 5.
• Battery use needs to be part of the routine.

Is the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse is worth considering for players who want a lightweight wireless mouse with a straightforward layout. Six buttons keep control simple, while an 18,000 CPI sensor and up to 200 hours of battery life add flexibility.

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#7

SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse

The SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse is the best wired alternative for players who want multiple side controls in a familiar shape. The SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse's 9 programmable buttons include 5 quick-action side buttons.

Best for: Programmable side controls

Buttons

9 programmable buttons

Side buttons

5 quick-action buttons

Sensor resolution

18,000 CPI

Weight

85 g

Pros

• Five side buttons put commands within reach.
• Wired USB connection avoids battery charging.
• Customizable buttons suit varied game genres.

Cons

• Heavier than the Aerox 5 wired mouse.
• Wired connection adds cable management.

Is the SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse is a sensible choice for players who want a wired mouse with programmable side controls. The SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse's 9 buttons include 5 quick-action side buttons, giving players room to map commands across different game genres.

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Are SteelSeries Apex 3 and SteelSeries Aerox 5 direct competitors?

SteelSeries Apex 3 and SteelSeries Aerox 5 serve different roles: SteelSeries Apex 3 is a keyboard, while SteelSeries Aerox 5 is a mouse. The two models are not direct substitutes, so the right choice depends on which part of your setup needs an upgrade.

Choose SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard for a full-size layout, quiet switches and 10-zone RGB lighting. SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard gives up the number pad for a smaller footprint. Both have IP32 water resistance and wired USB connections.

Choose SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse for a wired, lightweight mouse with 9 programmable buttons. SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse adds 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. If you need both a keyboard and a mouse, compare each product on its own features rather than treating the models as alternatives.

Which SteelSeries Apex 3 keyboard should you choose?

SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard suits players who want a full-size board, while SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard suits players who want a compact layout. The key difference is the number pad: the full-size model includes one, and the TKL model leaves it out.

A full-size keyboard makes number entry and number-pad shortcuts convenient. The TKL design saves desk space and leaves more room to position a mouse. Both Apex 3 models use quiet gaming switches, wired USB connections and IP32 water resistance.

For a more customizable typing response, SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Gaming Keyboard is a separate step up in features. Adjustable actuation from 0.1 to 4.0 mm gives players more control over key response. Pick Apex 3 for straightforward, quiet gaming; pick Apex Pro for adjustable switches.

Which SteelSeries Aerox mouse fits your gaming style?

SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse fits players who want 9 programmable buttons in a wired design, while SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse adds two wireless connection modes. Both models pair their button-rich layouts with an 18,000 CPI sensor.

Choose the wireless version for a cable-free desk or for switching between compatible devices. Choose the wired version if you prefer a direct connection and do not want to manage a mouse battery. The Aerox 5 layout is especially useful when games benefit from quick access to mapped commands.

SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse is a simpler alternative with 6 buttons and a lightweight design. SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse offers 9 programmable buttons and a wired connection. Compare shape, button placement and connection type alongside sensor specifications.

What should you compare before Black Friday 2026?

Black Friday 2026 shoppers should compare the exact model, layout and connection type before choosing a SteelSeries gaming accessory. Product names can look similar, but Apex 3 and Aerox 5 belong to different product categories and serve different jobs.

For keyboards, check full-size versus tenkeyless layout, switch type, lighting and water resistance. For mice, check wired or wireless connection, button count, sensor resolution and weight. Wireless models also deserve a close look at battery specifications and supported connection modes.

Match the product to your current setup instead of shopping by the series name alone. A compact keyboard helps when desk space is tight; extra mouse buttons help when mapped commands are useful. Worth it for most players: buying the model that solves a clear setup need.

Can you use these SteelSeries products for console gaming?

SteelSeries Apex 3 keyboards and SteelSeries Aerox 5 mice are USB gaming accessories, but console support depends on the game and platform. Check the console maker’s compatibility guidance and the game’s input settings before relying on keyboard-and-mouse controls.

PC players can choose among the wired Apex models, wired mice and wireless Aerox options based on their preferred setup. Players connecting a wireless mouse should check whether the intended device supports its wireless receiver or Bluetooth mode. Compatibility details are more useful than assuming every connection works with every console.

A keyboard and mouse also need suitable space and positioning. A TKL keyboard saves room for mouse movement, while a wireless mouse reduces cable clutter. For a console desk, confirm game support, connection requirements and available ports before buying.

Buying Guide

Choose the right product category

Start by deciding whether you need a keyboard or a mouse. SteelSeries Apex 3 is a keyboard series; SteelSeries Aerox 5 is a mouse series. Compare within the category that fills a gap in your setup.

Pick a keyboard layout

Choose SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard for a number pad and full-size layout. Choose SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard to save desk space. Consider the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 for adjustable actuation.

Choose wired or wireless

Wired models avoid battery charging and suit fixed desk setups. Wireless models reduce cable clutter; SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse supports both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connections.

Compare controls and comfort

Check button count, weight, switch type and layout before choosing. Nine mouse buttons offer more mapping options, while a lighter model can better suit players who favor quick movements.

Check compatibility and your setup

Confirm platform and game support, available USB ports, desk space and preferred connection. For wireless use, check the exact connection mode required by your device.

FAQ

SteelSeries Apex 3 vs SteelSeries Aerox 5: which is better?

SteelSeries Apex 3 is a gaming keyboard, and SteelSeries Aerox 5 is a gaming mouse, so neither replaces the other. Choose the Apex 3 when you need a keyboard. Choose Aerox 5 when you need a mouse with 9 programmable buttons.

Is the SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard good for gaming?

The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard is a good fit for players who want a quiet, full-size wired keyboard. Its 10-zone RGB lighting, number pad and IP32 water resistance make it a practical choice for everyday gaming and general computer use.

What is the difference between SteelSeries Aerox 5 wired and wireless?

SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse uses a wired connection, while SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse supports 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth. Both have 9 programmable buttons and an 18,000 CPI sensor, so connection preference is a key distinction.

Is the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL worth choosing over the full-size model?

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard is worth choosing when desk space and mouse movement matter more than a number pad. SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard is the better fit for players who regularly use number-pad keys or want a full-size layout.

Which SteelSeries mouse has the most buttons in this guide?

SteelSeries Aerox 5 Gaming Mouse, SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse and SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse each have 9 programmable buttons. SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse has 6 buttons for players who prefer a simpler layout.