The Tool Desk
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The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is a wired tenkeyless keyboard with quiet rubber-dome switches, eight-zone RGB lighting, and a compact footprint. It can suit casual gaming and shared spaces, but its high latency makes it a poor fit for competitive play where fast response matters. Whether it is right for you comes down to the value you place on desk space and quieter typing versus mechanical feel, per-key lighting, and wrist support.
What the Apex 3 TKL offers
“TKL” means tenkeyless: the keyboard omits the number pad found on a full-size layout. That frees desk space and can leave more room to move a mouse, but it also means entering numbers is less convenient if you rely on a dedicated numpad.
The Apex 3 TKL is wired and uses rubber-dome switches rather than mechanical switches. SteelSeries describes the switches as whisper-quiet. The keyboard also has macro programming for all keys, according to RTINGS, and eight customizable RGB zones instead of individually lit keys. RTINGS’ Apex 3 TKL review describes the keys as fairly light to press, with long pre-travel.
How it performs for gaming
Casual games and everyday use
For casual gaming, the Apex 3 TKL offers a practical compact layout and quieter switches. The wired connection avoids needing to manage a wireless link or charge the keyboard. Its macro-programmable keys and zone lighting add customization, though the lighting cannot be adjusted key by key.
#1 Best Overall
- The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
- Our whisper quiet gaming switches with anti-ghosting technology for keystroke accuracy are made from durable low friction material for near silent use and guaranteed performance for over 20 million keypresses.
- Designed with IP32 Water & Dust Resistant for extra durability to prevent damage from liquids and dust particles, so you can continue to play no matter what happens to your keyboard.
- PrismSync RGB Illumination allows you to choose from millions of colors and effects from reactive lighting to interactive lightshows that bring RGB to the next level.
- Dedicated Multimedia Controls with a clickable volume roller and media keys allowing you to adjust brightness, rewind, skip or pause all at the touch of a button.
Competitive games
RTINGS considers the keyboard decent for gaming but reports high latency for competitive play. If you play latency-sensitive games or want a keyboard chosen specifically for esports performance, that is a meaningful drawback. The available review evidence does not establish a specific latency figure here, so the practical advice is to treat it as a casual-gaming option rather than a competitive-performance pick.
Typing feel, noise, and comfort
The rubber-dome switches are designed for quieter typing than the more pronounced feedback many users seek from mechanical keyboards. RTINGS reports that the keys are fairly light to press, but their long pre-travel may feel less immediate. Key feel is subjective: if crisp feedback and a shorter-feeling press are priorities, try a keyboard with a different switch type before choosing.
Rank #2
- GAMING-GRADE PERFORMANCE – Flawless performance in TKL form factor, with anti-ghosting keys
- WATER AND DUST RESISTANT — Extra durable to protect against splashes, dust, and more
- TKL FORM FACTOR — The compact Esports-proven TKL design maximizes space and enhances performance
- WHISPER-QUIET GAMING SWITCHES — Nearly silent use for 20 million low-friction keypresses
- 8-ZONE RGB ILLUMINATION — Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects
RTINGS also notes that the keycaps are slippery ABS plastic. The TKL model does not include a wrist rest. A tenkeyless-size wrist rest is an optional way to add support, but check its dimensions against the keyboard and your desk before buying one.
Lighting and water-resistance claims
The Apex 3 TKL uses eight customizable lighting zones. SteelSeries calls the system eight-zone PrismSync lighting; RTINGS likewise describes eight zones, not per-key RGB. If you want to assign a different color or effect to every individual key, this layout does not provide that level of control. SteelSeries announced the Apex 3 TKL on October 12, 2021, describing the switches as “Whisper quiet switches are designed with low-friction, durable materials for over 20 million keypresses and deliver near-silent gameplay.” That is the manufacturer’s design and lifespan claim, not an independently verified durability test.
Rank #3
- The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
- Our whisper quiet gaming switches with anti-ghosting technology for keystroke accuracy are made from durable low friction material for near silent use and guaranteed performance for over 20 million keypresses.
- Designed with IP32 Water & Dust Resistant for extra durability to prevent damage from liquids and dust particles, so you can continue to play no matter what happens to your keyboard.
- PrismSync RGB Illumination allows you to choose from millions of colors and effects from reactive lighting to interactive lightshows that bring RGB to the next level.
- Dedicated Multimedia Controls with a clickable volume roller and media keys allowing you to adjust brightness, rewind, skip or pause all at the touch of a button.
SteelSeries also describes the keyboard as IP32 water- and dust-resistant. IP32 is a protection rating; it does not mean the keyboard is waterproof or immune to spills. Avoid treating the rating as permission to expose it to liquids.
Apex 3 TKL vs. full-size Apex 3
The closest like-for-like choice is the full-size Apex 3. The useful differences reported by RTINGS are layout, wrist support, and the number of lighting zones:
Rank #4
- Ip32 water resistant – Prevents accidental damage from liquid spills
- 10-zone RGB illumination – Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects
- Whisper quiet gaming switches – Nearly silent use for 20 million low friction keypresses
- Premium magnetic wrist rest – Provides full palm support and comfort
- Dedicated multimedia controls – Adjust volume and settings on the fly
| Feature | Apex 3 TKL | Full-size Apex 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Number pad | No | Yes |
| Included wrist rest | No | Yes |
| Customizable lighting zones | Eight | Ten |
These model differences are described in RTINGS’ Apex 3 TKL review. Choose the TKL if desk space and mouse clearance matter more than a numpad or included wrist rest. Choose the full-size layout if you regularly enter numbers or want the included rest and two additional lighting zones.
Size, cable, and buying considerations
Tom’s Hardware lists the TKL keyboard at 364 × 150 × 40 mm and 1.41 pounds, with a six-foot rubber USB Type-A cable. These details can help you check desk fit and cable reach. Its review also mentioned a $45 price, but that figure is historical and is not a current-price guide. Tom’s Hardware’s review is the source for those specifications and its original price context.
Best Value
- Hybrid blue mechanical gaming switches – The tactile click of a blue mechanical switch plus a smooth membrane – guaranteed for 20 million keypresses
- OLED smart display – Customize with gifs, game info, discord messages, and more.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame – Manufactured for unbreakable durability and sturdiness
- Dynamic per-key RGB illumination – Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects for every key
- Premium magnetic wrist rest – Provides full palm support and comfort
Price, stock, and regional layout availability can change. Check the current listing for the exact Apex 3 TKL model, seller, keyboard layout, and price before ordering; do not assume that a past review price is still available.
Quick Recap
Who should choose the Apex 3 TKL?
- Consider it if you want a compact wired keyboard, quieter rubber-dome switches, and a keyboard mainly for everyday work and casual games.
- Look elsewhere if low latency is central to competitive play, if you want mechanical switch feedback, or if per-key RGB customization is essential.
- Compare the full-size Apex 3 if you use a numpad or want an included wrist rest.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
