SteelSeries 64812-cr Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard Renewed — main product image

SteelSeries 64812-cr Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard Renewed

SteelSeries

SteelSeries 64812-cr Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard Renewed

Name: SteelSeries 64812-cr Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard Renewed
Brand: SteelSeries
SKU: 64812-cr

★★★★★4.4 (312 reviews)

Whisper-quiet switches and IP32 water resistance make the Apex 3 a durable, comfortable RGB gaming keyboard.

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Overview

The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard targets gamers who want a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. Its whisper-quiet membrane switches are rated for approximately 20 million keypresses, and the IP32 water resistance rating provides a practical safety net against spilled drinks — a genuine concern during long gaming sessions. The 10-zone RGB illumination, while not per-key, offers enough segmentation to create visually distinct lighting profiles through SteelSeries Engine software, supporting reactive lighting effects tied to in-game events.

This renewed unit retains the full feature set of the original, including the premium magnetic wrist rest that snaps securely to the keyboard's front edge and dedicated multimedia controls for quick volume and playback adjustments. The full-size layout includes a number pad and standard key spacing. It connects via a single USB 2.0 cable with no wireless option. The Apex 3 fits best for gamers who prioritize quiet operation and spill protection over the mechanical key feel and per-key lighting granularity found in higher-tier boards. As a renewed product, it offers the Apex 3 experience at a lower entry cost, though buyers should expect potential cosmetic imperfections.

Specifications

Brand

SteelSeries

Model

64812-cr

Condition

Renewed

Switch Type

Whisper Quiet Gaming Switches (Membrane)

Illumination

10-Zone RGB

Water Resistance

IP32

Wrist Rest

Premium Magnetic (Included)

Media Controls

Dedicated Multimedia Controls

Connection

USB Wired

Layout

Full Size

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

IP32 water resistance protects against accidental spills, a durability feature absent from most keyboards at this price point
Whisper-quiet membrane switches produce significantly less noise than mechanical alternatives, measured well below 40dB in typical use
Included magnetic wrist rest provides ergonomic support without a separate purchase
Dedicated media controls offer hardware-level volume and playback adjustment without software key mapping
10-zone RGB illumination is customizable through SteelSeries Engine with reactive and color-shift effects

👎 Cons

Membrane switches lack the tactile feedback and per-key actuation consistency that mechanical switch users expect
10-zone RGB limits customization compared to per-key lighting offered by competitors at similar price points
No USB passthrough or additional ports on the keyboard chassis
Renewed status means the unit may show cosmetic wear and carries a shorter warranty than a new purchase
Plastic construction feels lighter and less rigid than aluminum-framed keyboards in the same category

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of switches does the Apex 3 use, and how do they compare to mechanical switches?

The Apex 3 uses membrane-based whisper-quiet gaming switches, not mechanical ones. They offer a softer, quieter keystroke with less audible click, which reduces fatigue during long sessions but lacks the tactile feedback and individual key actuation profiles of mechanical switches.

Is the Apex 3 compatible with non-Windows systems like Mac or Linux?

The keyboard connects via USB and functions as a standard input device on Mac and Linux. However, the SteelSeries Engine software for RGB customization and macro programming is Windows and Mac only, so Linux users will be limited to default lighting profiles.

What does the IP32 water resistance rating actually protect against?

IP32 means the keyboard is protected against dripping water at angles up to 15 degrees and objects larger than 2.5mm. It can survive minor drink spills, but it is not submersible and should not be rinsed under a faucet.

Does this renewed model include the magnetic wrist rest?

Yes, the renewed unit includes the premium magnetic wrist rest along with the keyboard. The wrist rest attaches magnetically to the front edge and is detachable for compact storage.

Can you customize individual key RGB colors on the Apex 3?

No. The Apex 3 uses 10-zone RGB illumination, meaning you can customize colors per zone rather than per key. For per-key RGB control, you would need the Apex 5 or higher in the SteelSeries lineup.