Steelseries Apex M750 Gaming Keyboard Review

Conclusion

Let’s talk about the pachyderm in the parlour before we delve into the other elements that make up the Steelseries Apex M750.

Much is made in the literature about how these QX2 switches have a linear response and are more responsive than other comparable switches. A look at the specifications – 45g actuation pressure, 2mm actuation depth, linear response – reminds us of the Cherry MX Red switches and their identical specifications. Indeed typing with the Steelseries Apex M750, which we’ve done for a couple of weeks now, feels exactly like typing on a Cherry Red keyboard. We know that Cherry Speed switches actuate at 1.2mm and there is a noticeable difference with those. These, however, feel like most other Cherry Reds we’ve used.

That might seem like we’re criticising them for being exactly like other options around, but we absolutely aren’t. Cherry Reds are our favourite switch on Earth, so to have a keyboard which is the same but different is no bad thing at all. We understand plenty of people want something that isn’t fitted with the universally popular parts, much like there are people who look at the instruments available and instead of going with piano or guitar choose the accordion or harp. It’s okay to be different or to seek out different things purely because they aren’t owned by everyone and their dog, it’s just in this case you’re fortunately also not having to make any compromises when you do so.

Away from the switchgear the rest of the Apex M750 is up to Steelseries usual high standards.

We adore the soft curves of the chassis. It makes such a nice change from the edges and creases that have found their way into nearly all of modern design tropes. No you wont spend your days feeling the edges of your keyboard in the same style you would a mouse, but it is aesthetically more pleasant and those times you do find your hand idly caressing it you’ll be pleased. The thinness that the curves bring hasn’t compromised the robustness and rigidity though, as the steel spine ensures there is zero flex, no matter how much you might abuse it. Obviously at this price you shouldn’t abuse it at all, but it’s nice to know that it can take it should you lose your mind and give it a thwonk.

The Steelseries Engine software is continually one of the best around combining ease of use – vital when you can customise the lighting to the extent that you can with the Apex M750 – with a low footprint and regular updates ensuring that you’re always kept on top of things. The lighting is a particular highlight where the combination of a transparent key base and some witchery beneath the aluminium enables it to replicate even incredibly subtle shades with aplomb. You’ll be only too familiar with the difficulty in getting colours that are either subtle, or fall in the gap between two primaries. Too often we’ve tried to darken the blue and ended up purple, or enrich the purple and ended up pink. Not so with the Apex M750. It does it all brilliantly.

There is a price to pay for all this brilliance, but post-Brexit most flagship mechanical RGB keyboards are around this price and, as is so often the case, you get what you pay for. This is fantastic and should be high on anyone’s shopping list, hence it winning our OC3D Enthusiast Award.

  

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