THE APEX

Although the center section of the APEX gaming keyboard is dressed with black glossy plastic the exterior features a matte/texture coating. Size-wise the APEX is one of the largest keyboards we've seen to date measuring a maximum of 555mm in length, 220mm in width and 33mm in height (tallest point).

The SteelSeries logo is placed on the upper right and yes just like the keys you can choose the illumination color.

SteelSeries decided to use an oversized space button which took me some time to get used to (the main keyboard area is slightly smaller than what we see with other keyboards).

On the far left we see 4 macro layer keys and 10 macro keys right beneath them.

Unlike most keyboards SteelSeries has left F1 through F12 alone so they don't double as media keys. However right above them they have placed 12 more macro keys this time placed higher to make it easier to locate/use while gaming.

The APEX has in independent media keys placed on the far right (not very useful to me but I’m sure others will disagree).

There are two USB 2.0 ports left and right from where the connection cable exits the keyboard. Of course i still don't know why manufacturers refuse to make their peripherals USB 3.0 compatible (especially since the specs for USB 3.1 were just announced).

SteelSeries has also focused a lot in the design section of the APEX so on both sides there are LED areas that illuminate along with the keys.

Another unique feature of the APEX is the removable rubber feet instead of the usual height adjusters.

The preinstalled rubber feet give the APEX an angle of 7 degrees while the ones in the bundle increase that angle to 10.

As expected SteelSeries has used a long braided cable for the APEX along with two USB connectors (for extra power when you use the forward ports) however for some weird reason they are not gold plated (not that it matters but it does look better).