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The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is a wired, tenkeyless rubber-dome keyboard that makes the most sense for casual gaming and quieter shared spaces—not latency-sensitive competitive play. Its compact layout frees desk room for mouse movement, but long key travel, high latency, zone-based lighting and the lack of an included wrist rest are meaningful trade-offs.
What the Apex 3 TKL is—and who it suits
“TKL” means tenkeyless: this keyboard leaves off the number pad found on a full-size layout. That smaller footprint can give a mouse more room, especially on a crowded desk. The Apex 3 TKL is wired and uses rubber-dome switches rather than mechanical switches. SteelSeries also provides macro programming and eight-zone RGB lighting.
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It is worth considering if you want a compact keyboard with quieter-feeling keys for everyday use or casual games. If your priority is the fastest response in competitive play, strongly defined mechanical feedback, per-key lighting or an included wrist rest, its limitations matter more.
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Casual gaming
RTINGS describes the Apex 3 TKL as decent for gaming, with fairly light-to-press keys and macro-programmable keys. Its compact layout can also benefit players who want more mouse clearance. These are practical advantages for general play, but they do not make it a high-performance choice for every game.
#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 play and response time
RTINGS reports that latency is high for competitive gaming. That makes the keyboard a less suitable choice for players who prioritize minimal input delay. The reviewed evidence does not establish a latency figure here, so there is no meaningful number to compare against another model.
Key feel and noise
The rubber-dome switches are intended to be quiet, but the feel is different from a mechanical keyboard. RTINGS found fairly light actuation and long pre-travel—the distance a key moves before registering. If you prefer a shorter-feeling press or distinct mechanical feedback, try the switch type before buying if possible.
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
SteelSeries described the switches as “Whisper quiet” and said they were designed for over 20 million keypresses in its October 12, 2021 announcement. That is the manufacturer’s design and durability claim, not an independently demonstrated lifespan result in the cited reviews. SteelSeries’ product announcement
What you give up with the compact layout
No number pad
The TKL layout saves space by omitting the numpad. That is useful for mouse movement, but less convenient if you regularly enter numbers or rely on numpad-specific shortcuts.
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.
No included wrist rest
RTINGS notes that the TKL does not include a wrist rest, unlike the full-size Apex 3. A separate tenkeyless-size rest is an option if you want one; check its dimensions and fit rather than assuming every rest will match this keyboard.
Eight lighting zones, not per-key RGB
The TKL’s lighting is configurable across eight zones. Keys are not individually lit, so you cannot set a different color for each key. If per-key effects or key-specific visibility are important, this is a limitation to weigh before purchase.
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
Keycap surface
RTINGS describes the ABS keycaps as slippery. This is a matter of surface feel, but it may be noticeable if you prefer a more textured keycap finish.
Apex 3 TKL vs. the full-size Apex 3
| Feature | Apex 3 TKL | Full-size Apex 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Number pad | No | Yes |
| Included wrist rest | No | Yes |
| Customizable lighting zones | Eight | Ten |
| Desk footprint | Smaller layout; more room for mouse movement | Larger layout with numpad |
RTINGS reports these layout and feature differences between the two models. Choose the TKL if desk space and mouse clearance matter more than a number pad and included wrist support; choose the full-size layout if you want those features and can accommodate its larger footprint. RTINGS’ Apex 3 TKL review
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
Build, cable and water-resistance claims
Tom’s Hardware lists a six-foot rubber USB Type-A cable, dimensions of 364 × 150 × 40 mm and a weight of 1.41 pounds. These details can help with desk fit and cable routing. Its review’s approximately $45 price reflects that review period, not a current October 2026 price. Tom’s Hardware’s review
SteelSeries describes the keyboard as IP32 water- and dust-resistant. IP32 is a protection rating, not a promise that the keyboard is waterproof or immune to spills. Keep liquids away from it rather than treating the rating as spill-proofing. SteelSeries’ product announcement
Should you buy the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL?
- Consider it if you want a wired, compact keyboard for everyday typing and casual games, prefer quieter rubber-dome switches, and value extra mouse room.
- Look elsewhere if competitive latency is a priority, you want mechanical switch feedback or per-key RGB, use a number pad often, or need a wrist rest included.
Price, stock and available layouts vary by region and retailer. Before ordering, confirm that the listing is specifically for the Apex 3 TKL and check the seller, layout and current price; the cited review-era price is not a live quote.
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