In an age of multi-hundred-dollar price tags, custom-tuned switches, and designer-made keycaps, many mechanical keyboards still face one potentially crucial flaw: They can’t survive a spilled drink. Steelseries’ Apex 3 TKL is meant to respond to this problem.
The Apex 3 TKL retails for $45 and boasts an IP32 water-resistance rating, which means the keyboard is protected from any solid objects 2.5mm or larger (metal wires and tools, for example) and water from up to a 15-degree angle.
While the Apex 3 doesn’t have the best keypress, nor does it have a particularly sturdy assembly (i.e. the board will flex if you try to bend it with your hands), it still works well for gaming. The keyboard boasts a 24-key rollover (meaning it can register 24 keys being pressed at the same time) and is almost fully remappable through the Steelseries Engine.
While the Apex 3 offers a ton of perks for the price, it isn’t going to compare to a $100+ mechanical keyboard with individual switches. The keys are a bit mushy and have a rattly, plastic-y sound when typing on them — par for the course among membrane boards.
However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive water-resistant keyboard, either to protect against spilled drinks or your dangerously sweaty gamer hands, then this is a fantastic option. For under $50, the Apex 3 TKL offers a reliable keyboard with programmable keys, dedicated volume controls, and effective waterproofing, making it a fantastic tool for even the most accident-prone and anxious gamers.