No valid title: the required prefix is 59 characters, so adding “2026” exceeds the 60-character limit.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) is the better fit for competitive players, while SteelSeries Apex 3 is the better fit for quiet, full-size everyday use. I researched and compared specs, reviews, and owner feedback across seven SteelSeries keyboards to make the choice easier for Black Friday 2026.

The headline difference is simple: SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL uses adjustable mechanical switches, and SteelSeries Apex 3 uses quiet membrane switches. The picks below cover wired and wireless models, compact and full-size layouts, and different switch styles. Here's the bottom line: choose the keyboard that matches your games, desk space, and typing preferences.

How We Picked

• Compared switch technologies, including adjustable mechanical, optical, standard mechanical, and membrane designs.
• Checked published actuation, layout, and connectivity specifications for each keyboard.
• Reviewed owner feedback for recurring comments about typing sound, comfort, durability, and setup.
• Considered which players benefit most from each model, from competitive PC gamers to quiet-workspace users.
• Included a range of SteelSeries keyboard formats and features without relying on price claims.

Comparison Table

Product	Best for	Layout	Switch type	Actuation or protection
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition)	Competitive play	Tenkeyless	OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical	0.1–4.0 mm actuation
SteelSeries Apex 3	Quiet full-size use	Full-size	Membrane	IP32
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition)	Wireless competitive play	Tenkeyless	OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical	0.1–4.0 mm actuation
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL	Traditional mechanical feel	Tenkeyless	Red, Blue, or Brown mechanical	OLED display
SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL	Optical gaming	Tenkeyless	OptiPoint optical	1.0 mm and 1.5 mm actuation
SteelSeries Apex 5	Hybrid full-size typing	Full-size	Hybrid mechanical blue	OLED display
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL	Quiet compact use	Tenkeyless	Membrane	IP32

Best Picks Reviewed

#1 · Top pick

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition)

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) is the best competitive keyboard for players who want adjustable response in a compact layout, with OmniPoint 2.0 actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0 mm. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition)'s tenkeyless footprint leaves more room for mouse movement.

Best for: Competitive PC gaming and adjustable key response

Layout

Tenkeyless, 87 keys

Switch

OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical

Actuation range

0.1–4.0 mm

Connectivity

Wired USB

Pros

• Adjustable actuation supports personalized key response.
• Compact layout saves desk space.
• OLED display and per-key RGB add useful customization.

Cons

• Wired connection and premium feature set are not for every setup.

Is the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) is a strong Black Friday 2026 pick for competitive players who value adjustable switches, a tenkeyless layout, and per-key customization. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition)'s 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range is the standout feature.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#2

SteelSeries Apex 3

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is the best quiet full-size keyboard for players who want a simple, spill-resistant setup, with IP32 water resistance as a standout specification. The SteelSeries Apex 3's membrane switches prioritize quiet keystrokes over the crisp feel of mechanical switches.

Best for: Quiet gaming, everyday typing, and full-size layouts

Layout

Full-size, 104 keys

Switch

Whisper-quiet gaming-grade membrane

RGB zones

10

Protection

IP32 water resistance

Pros

• Quiet membrane typing suits shared rooms.
• Full-size layout includes a number pad.
• Dedicated media controls are convenient.

Cons

• Membrane switches lack mechanical actuation adjustment.

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

Yes. The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a good Black Friday 2026 choice for players who want quiet typing, a number pad, and straightforward gaming features. IP32 water resistance adds everyday spill protection, while its membrane design keeps the key feel softer than mechanical alternatives.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#3

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition)

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition) is the best wireless keyboard for competitive players who want adjustable switches, with OmniPoint 2.0 actuation spanning 0.1 to 4.0 mm. Dual wireless connectivity gives gaming setups more placement flexibility.

Best for: Wireless competitive gaming and adjustable actuation

Layout

Tenkeyless

Switch

OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical

Actuation range

0.1–4.0 mm

Connectivity

2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth

Pros

• Adjustable switches support fine-tuned key response.
• Wireless and Bluetooth modes add flexibility.
• Compact layout frees up desk space.

Cons

• Wireless features add setup and charging considerations.

Is the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition) suits players who want a compact wireless setup without giving up adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 switches. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition)'s 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range and 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth options distinguish it from wired models.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#4

SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL

The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is the best traditional mechanical keyboard for players who want a compact board with dedicated controls, with an OLED smart display as its standout feature. The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL's mechanical switch options deliver a familiar, non-adjustable key feel.

Best for: Traditional mechanical typing in a compact layout

Layout

Tenkeyless

Switch options

Red, Blue, or Brown mechanical

Display

OLED smart display

Lighting

Per-key RGB

Pros

• Mechanical switch choices offer distinct typing feels.
• OLED display provides system and app information.
• Dedicated media controls are built in.

Cons

• Switch actuation is not adjustable like OmniPoint models.

Is the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is worth considering for players who prefer traditional mechanical switches and want a compact board with an OLED display. Choose its Red, Blue, or Brown switch option based on the sound and tactile feedback you want.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#5

SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL

The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is the best optical keyboard for players who want quick switch response in a compact build, with two actuation settings of 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm. The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL's optical switches offer a different feel from the adjustable OmniPoint line.

Best for: Compact optical-switch gaming

Layout

Tenkeyless

Switch

OptiPoint optical

Actuation settings

1.0 mm and 1.5 mm

Lighting

Per-key RGB

Pros

• Two actuation settings support different play styles.
• Tenkeyless shape keeps the setup compact.
• Optical switches offer an alternative to mechanical designs.

Cons

• Two actuation choices provide less adjustment than OmniPoint models.

Is the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a strong option for players who want a compact optical keyboard with two actuation settings. The 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm options keep setup simple, while per-key RGB supports a customized gaming desk.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#6

SteelSeries Apex 5

The SteelSeries Apex 5 is the best hybrid keyboard for players who want mechanical-style feedback with a more approachable hybrid design, featuring a blue hybrid mechanical switch as its standout component. The SteelSeries Apex 5's full-size layout and OLED display suit gaming and daily computer use.

Best for: Full-size hybrid typing and gaming

Layout

Full-size

Switch

Hybrid mechanical blue

Display

OLED smart display

Lighting

Per-key RGB

Pros

• Hybrid switches offer tactile, clicky feedback.
• OLED display adds customization options.
• Full-size layout includes a number pad.

Cons

• Clicky feedback is a poor fit for users who need quiet typing.

Is the SteelSeries Apex 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The SteelSeries Apex 5 fits players who want tactile, clicky feedback, a number pad, and an OLED display in one keyboard. The SteelSeries Apex 5's hybrid blue switches create a more audible typing experience than the quiet membrane design of the SteelSeries Apex 3.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#7

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL

The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is the best compact quiet keyboard for players who want a tenkeyless membrane board, with IP32 water resistance as a useful 1-key protection rating. The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL's smaller layout retains the quiet focus of the full-size SteelSeries Apex 3.

Best for: Quiet gaming at a compact desk

Layout

Tenkeyless

Switch

Whisper-quiet membrane

RGB zones

8

Protection

IP32 water resistance

Pros

• Compact format leaves more room for mouse movement.
• Quiet membrane switches suit shared spaces.
• IP32 protection helps with everyday spills.

Cons

• No number pad and no mechanical switch feel.

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

Yes. The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is a practical pick for players who want quiet keystrokes and a compact layout. IP32 water resistance adds spill protection, and the tenkeyless design saves desk space compared with a full-size keyboard.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL vs SteelSeries Apex 3: which keyboard is better?

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) is the better choice for competitive players, while SteelSeries Apex 3 is the better choice for quiet full-size gaming. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL uses adjustable mechanical switches with a 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range. The SteelSeries Apex 3 uses whisper-quiet membrane switches and includes a number pad.

Pick SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) if quick key response, customizable actuation, and a compact layout lead your checklist. Pick SteelSeries Apex 3 if you value low-noise typing, familiar full-size spacing, and IP32 water resistance. Neither model is a universal winner; switch feel and desk setup decide the better match. Worth it for most players who choose based on those priorities.

What is the main difference between SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL and SteelSeries Apex 3?

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) has adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 mechanical switches, while SteelSeries Apex 3 has quiet membrane switches. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL adjusts actuation from 0.1 to 4.0 mm, and the SteelSeries Apex 3 focuses on quieter keystrokes and a full-size format.

The difference changes both feel and use. Adjustable switches help players tailor key response for movement and repeated actions. Membrane keys offer a softer, quieter typing experience for shared rooms or everyday computer use. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is tenkeyless; SteelSeries Apex 3 keeps the number pad. Choose by switch preference and layout first, then weigh extras such as lighting and media controls.

Which SteelSeries keyboard is best for competitive gaming?

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) is the strongest all-around competitive pick, with adjustable 0.1–4.0 mm actuation and a tenkeyless design. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition) adds 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth for a cable-free setup, while retaining the OmniPoint 2.0 switch approach.

SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is another compact option, with optical switches and two actuation settings: 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm. SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL fits players who want traditional mechanical switch choices instead of adjustable or optical actuation. The best fit depends on the switch response you prefer, whether you need wireless, and how much desk space your mouse movement needs.

Which SteelSeries keyboard is best for quiet gaming?

SteelSeries Apex 3 is the best quiet full-size choice, and SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is the best quiet compact choice. Both use whisper-quiet membrane switches and include IP32 water resistance, while the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL removes the number pad to save desk space.

SteelSeries Apex 5 and SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL are less suited to noise-sensitive rooms because their hybrid or mechanical switches create more audible feedback. Consider your room and typing habits along with your game library. A quieter keyboard suits shared spaces, late-night sessions, and office desks; mechanical options make more sense when distinct tactile feedback matters more than keeping keystrokes subdued.

What should you compare before buying a SteelSeries keyboard on Black Friday 2026?

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition), SteelSeries Apex 3, and five other models in this guide serve different layouts and switch preferences. Start by checking whether you want full-size, tenkeyless, wired, or wireless, then compare the switch type and standout features of the exact model.

Confirm the model name and layout before choosing, since SteelSeries Apex 3 and SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL are different sizes. Check the keyboard’s connection type against your PC or console setup, and decide whether you need an OLED display, adjustable actuation, or a number pad. For Black Friday 2026, compare the listed product and included features rather than choosing by a familiar family name alone.

Buying Guide

Choose a layout that fits your desk

Full-size SteelSeries Apex 3 and SteelSeries Apex 5 include a number pad. Tenkeyless models such as SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) leave more room for mouse movement. Measure your available space and consider whether you use number-pad keys often.

Match switch type to your preferred feel

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL uses adjustable mechanical switches, SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL uses optical switches, and SteelSeries Apex 3 uses membrane switches. Decide whether you prioritize adjustable response, traditional feedback, or quieter keystrokes.

Decide whether wireless matters

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition) supports 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth. Wired SteelSeries models keep the connection straightforward. Choose based on your desk arrangement and preference for a cable-free setup.

Check the features you will use

OLED displays appear on SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL, SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL, and SteelSeries Apex 5. SteelSeries Apex 3 models add IP32 water resistance. Prioritize useful features over extras that will stay untouched.

Verify the exact model name

SteelSeries Apex 3 and SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL differ in size, while SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition) differ in connectivity. Confirm the product name, layout, and connection details before completing a Black Friday 2026 purchase.

FAQ

Is SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL better than SteelSeries Apex 3 for gaming?

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) is better for competitive gaming that benefits from adjustable actuation and a compact layout. SteelSeries Apex 3 is a better fit for quieter play, full-size spacing, and membrane key feel. The right choice depends on your preferred switches and desk setup.

Does SteelSeries Apex 3 have mechanical switches?

No. SteelSeries Apex 3 uses whisper-quiet gaming-grade membrane switches, not mechanical switches. The membrane design prioritizes quieter typing and a softer feel. Players who want mechanical or adjustable switches should compare SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL, SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL, or SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition).

Is SteelSeries Apex 3 water resistant?

Yes. SteelSeries Apex 3 has an IP32 water-resistance rating, which offers protection against everyday splashes. SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL also has IP32 water resistance. The rating does not make either keyboard waterproof, so keep liquids away from the board.

What is the difference between SteelSeries Apex 3 and SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL?

SteelSeries Apex 3 is a full-size keyboard with a number pad, while SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL uses a compact tenkeyless layout. Both use quiet membrane switches and have IP32 water resistance. Choose the full-size model for number-pad keys or the TKL model to save desk space.

Is SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless worth choosing over the wired model?

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023 Edition) is worth choosing when wireless placement matters, since it supports 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) suits players who prefer a wired connection. Both models feature adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 switches.

Which SteelSeries keyboard is best for a quiet room?

SteelSeries Apex 3 is the best full-size choice for quiet typing, and SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is the compact alternative. Both use whisper-quiet membrane switches. SteelSeries Apex 5 and SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL use switch designs with more audible feedback.