Storm
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Steelseries Apex RAW Review
Not long ago Steel series announced there exceptionally pleasing Apex keyboard, which received outstanding reviews and is currently a hit in the market. Steel series then took the original Apex, stripped its extra bells and whistles such as the USB HUB, the thickly braided cable and removed the RGB LED lighting, replacing it with a standard white LED only to release the Apex RAW. It seemed Steel series have had some great inspiration, but will the Apex RAW set some high standards in the market?
Up Close
If your hearts weren't set on the previous images, here it is crisp out the box. Straight away you glimpse at the sleek design and raised macro keys, there is a mix of textures from the gloss black frame to the firm supple keys.
Here a side view, of the Apex RAW you instantly see the design to it, because of its rubber dome feet it gives the user a seven degree angle to it. The contrast of this view shows the rounded shape architecture with a white plastic inside and the overall quality is outstanding.
Here we see a back view of the Apex RAW, you will find an array of screws holding it together.
As the original Apex had a thickly braided cable the RAW has a rubberized cable and a USB 2.0 port at the end
Lighting
The Apex RAW features eight different levels of brightness as well as off entirely. The white works very well with the black chassis.
By holding down the Steel series key you can then adjust the lighting intensity from entirely off to the maximum brightness.
(Sorry about the picture is was hard to get the camera to take the picture.)
Here is the Apex RAW at its lowest intensity. Even this low the keys are still visible and it doesn't look like the LED is off.
Specification
• Low profile keys
• White LED
• 8 levels of intensity LED
• Anti-ghosting for up to 20 keys which means you can simultaneously press multiple keys without being ghosted
• 17 macro keys with two levels for a total of 32 macro keys
• W key with tactical bump
• Adjustable keyboard angle with two angles 7 degrees and 10 degrees
• Surface material is Glossy black
• 5 mill keystroke
• OS Windows, Mac and Linux
Software
There has been a big shift lately to manufacturers not including software CD's with their peripherals. Mainly because driver updates occur often and most of us want to be up-to-date with the firmware to enhance performance, it’s a good thing to especially for the environment.
The software itself is easy to use, with clear tabs offering each element of control beneath your fingertips.
Upon opening, it presented the user with an image of the keyboard and options beside it. While in the Buttons tab, I clicked on the MX2 key to give you an idea of what it will look like. As I am in layer 1 I have the ability to rename the key, add a tool pit, the ability to change the key colour as far as the software is concerned not on the actual lighting of the keyboard. On the extreme right, as soon as I hover over a key, it presents me with useful tips, and an explanation of how it works and of what purpose it serves. The fantastic point about Steel series engine is you have the ability to completely reprogram every key on the Apex RAW so nothing has to stay at stock.
The settings tab is much easier. You change the Illumination intensity here, which is the same 8 intensity levels the button on the keyboard offers as well, along as changing the polling rate starting from 250Hz all to 1000Hz in a few jumps.
Here we have the properties tab. This allows the user to rename the profile so let’s name it Crysis3. Then I could click browse and find Crysis3.EXE file and place it into the Application area. Once set the software carries over the profile so when the .EXE has been launched it will load that profile automatically. You also have the ability to have Macro sets for each application if you want to add them to.
As with any of Steel series keyboard the software includes a metering system. Once this is activated, you can run it in the background to see strokes you did while gaming or typing a word up a document. It also include a timer, you can test the words per minute you did. When you are finished, you come back to the software and click the stop then the keyboard on the screen has a range from zero to the max number of strokes you did.
Conclusion
The Steel series Apex RAW is a sleek and low profile keyboard, and has been designed like a tank.
As with any keyboard it does have a few wrinkles which can be expound upon.
The most abiding feel you get from the Apex RAW and from all of Steel series products line, is that top quality feel and bomb proof build. The Apex RAW is extremely sturdy indeed and will have a long lifespan because of its build. It is a light weight keyboard but thick, so it will stand an all mighty beating without flexing. The Apex RAW was designed to give everything the user want and more, with sleek lines and styles, the Apex RAW leave nothing to be desired. As with any keyboard by Steel series, you know that the keys themselves will remain that blend of gorgeous of firm yet supple, responsive tactical wonder. Therefore keeping the standards of its price tag.
Because of its architecture the keyboard has been designed to be low-profile, smooth and rugged for long lifespan and a phenomenal effect. I must say it has been constructed in such a form that is Steel series must be commended for their precision. Thankfully Steel series have kept there matt black design with the tactical response, so you achieve a moment of glory when you press any key on that keyboard. The Apex Raw is going to be extremely hard-wearing and you would have to make a constant effort to damage it in any way shape or form.
Steel series Apex RAW follows in the footsteps of other RAW products and delivers only the essentials for victory. Featuring brilliant white illumination with 8 levels of intensity you can have a light to suit your needs. The Apex RAW has 17 macro keys that are each capable of up to 2 layers of programming. The Apex deliver features like raised macro keys for fast key combinations and quick response to dominate any game. Tactile bumps on the W key to help you find WASD faster and quicker, and to add to what is an already an extravagant keyboard it includes swappable rubber feet for the most comfortable position of the keyboard. To do anything on this is at a push of a button. There is no denying that the Apex RAW a piece of artwork and it will be a huge competitor in the market.
As always with any keyboard there are a few niggles, with one looming larger than others. To start off with the LED brightness on the Apex RAW, isn't a party piece as there are many keyboards on the market that offer much more intense LED. The Logitech illumination with the G710+ is a much brighter LED, but the RAW’s lighting level offered is more than sufficient. Furthermore the interior of the keyboard is a gloss black frame, consequently caches finger print marks & watermarks immediately therefore needs to be clean constantly. Finally Steel series wants to achieve a low profile keyboard so it does not include built in legs but rubber domes to raise it, these rubber domes attracts dust often and also need to be regularly cleansed. To wrap up, if you have a white rig and don’t mind the occasional cleaning job, then this is the keyboard that suits the best for both worlds, but if you are a person that dislike cleaning your keyboard, I not I would not recommend you buying this. It’s a choice your wallets can decide.
This is a radiant keyboard indeed, and as with any of Steel series gaming peripherals you know you are getting only the finest build at its maximum quality. It’s is built like a jet and designed like a stealth bomber, and I would highly recommend this keyboard to a dedicated gamer who uses lots of macro keys for combinations and astonishing tactical feedback also I would recommend the Apex RAW to someone who loves typing thousands of words but hate the strain it puts on the fingertip, if so then this keyboard is the solution. If you are obsessed with Steel series keyboards but don’t like the fact it only supports one LED, the Apex is available of a higher price and has a RGB LED. This is one of the most phenomenal membrane keyboards I've ever felt and almost feels half mechanical.
It is a brilliant keyboard to look at, and feels magnificent so I am going to give the Steel series Apex RAW a…
Performance: 9
Price: 8
Presentation: 10
If I was an official OC3D reviewer, I would the Apex RAW an outstanding OC3D Gold Award.
Thank you for reading my review of the Steel series Apex RAW gaming keyboard.
Storm
Price: £60
IntroductionNot long ago Steel series announced there exceptionally pleasing Apex keyboard, which received outstanding reviews and is currently a hit in the market. Steel series then took the original Apex, stripped its extra bells and whistles such as the USB HUB, the thickly braided cable and removed the RGB LED lighting, replacing it with a standard white LED only to release the Apex RAW. It seemed Steel series have had some great inspiration, but will the Apex RAW set some high standards in the market?
Up Close
If your hearts weren't set on the previous images, here it is crisp out the box. Straight away you glimpse at the sleek design and raised macro keys, there is a mix of textures from the gloss black frame to the firm supple keys.
Here a side view, of the Apex RAW you instantly see the design to it, because of its rubber dome feet it gives the user a seven degree angle to it. The contrast of this view shows the rounded shape architecture with a white plastic inside and the overall quality is outstanding.
Here we see a back view of the Apex RAW, you will find an array of screws holding it together.
As the original Apex had a thickly braided cable the RAW has a rubberized cable and a USB 2.0 port at the end
Lighting
The Apex RAW features eight different levels of brightness as well as off entirely. The white works very well with the black chassis.
By holding down the Steel series key you can then adjust the lighting intensity from entirely off to the maximum brightness.
(Sorry about the picture is was hard to get the camera to take the picture.)
Here is the Apex RAW at its lowest intensity. Even this low the keys are still visible and it doesn't look like the LED is off.
Specification
• Low profile keys
• White LED
• 8 levels of intensity LED
• Anti-ghosting for up to 20 keys which means you can simultaneously press multiple keys without being ghosted
• 17 macro keys with two levels for a total of 32 macro keys
• W key with tactical bump
• Adjustable keyboard angle with two angles 7 degrees and 10 degrees
• Surface material is Glossy black
• 5 mill keystroke
• OS Windows, Mac and Linux
Software
There has been a big shift lately to manufacturers not including software CD's with their peripherals. Mainly because driver updates occur often and most of us want to be up-to-date with the firmware to enhance performance, it’s a good thing to especially for the environment.
The software itself is easy to use, with clear tabs offering each element of control beneath your fingertips.
Upon opening, it presented the user with an image of the keyboard and options beside it. While in the Buttons tab, I clicked on the MX2 key to give you an idea of what it will look like. As I am in layer 1 I have the ability to rename the key, add a tool pit, the ability to change the key colour as far as the software is concerned not on the actual lighting of the keyboard. On the extreme right, as soon as I hover over a key, it presents me with useful tips, and an explanation of how it works and of what purpose it serves. The fantastic point about Steel series engine is you have the ability to completely reprogram every key on the Apex RAW so nothing has to stay at stock.
The settings tab is much easier. You change the Illumination intensity here, which is the same 8 intensity levels the button on the keyboard offers as well, along as changing the polling rate starting from 250Hz all to 1000Hz in a few jumps.
Here we have the properties tab. This allows the user to rename the profile so let’s name it Crysis3. Then I could click browse and find Crysis3.EXE file and place it into the Application area. Once set the software carries over the profile so when the .EXE has been launched it will load that profile automatically. You also have the ability to have Macro sets for each application if you want to add them to.
As with any of Steel series keyboard the software includes a metering system. Once this is activated, you can run it in the background to see strokes you did while gaming or typing a word up a document. It also include a timer, you can test the words per minute you did. When you are finished, you come back to the software and click the stop then the keyboard on the screen has a range from zero to the max number of strokes you did.
Conclusion
The Steel series Apex RAW is a sleek and low profile keyboard, and has been designed like a tank.
As with any keyboard it does have a few wrinkles which can be expound upon.
The most abiding feel you get from the Apex RAW and from all of Steel series products line, is that top quality feel and bomb proof build. The Apex RAW is extremely sturdy indeed and will have a long lifespan because of its build. It is a light weight keyboard but thick, so it will stand an all mighty beating without flexing. The Apex RAW was designed to give everything the user want and more, with sleek lines and styles, the Apex RAW leave nothing to be desired. As with any keyboard by Steel series, you know that the keys themselves will remain that blend of gorgeous of firm yet supple, responsive tactical wonder. Therefore keeping the standards of its price tag.
Because of its architecture the keyboard has been designed to be low-profile, smooth and rugged for long lifespan and a phenomenal effect. I must say it has been constructed in such a form that is Steel series must be commended for their precision. Thankfully Steel series have kept there matt black design with the tactical response, so you achieve a moment of glory when you press any key on that keyboard. The Apex Raw is going to be extremely hard-wearing and you would have to make a constant effort to damage it in any way shape or form.
Steel series Apex RAW follows in the footsteps of other RAW products and delivers only the essentials for victory. Featuring brilliant white illumination with 8 levels of intensity you can have a light to suit your needs. The Apex RAW has 17 macro keys that are each capable of up to 2 layers of programming. The Apex deliver features like raised macro keys for fast key combinations and quick response to dominate any game. Tactile bumps on the W key to help you find WASD faster and quicker, and to add to what is an already an extravagant keyboard it includes swappable rubber feet for the most comfortable position of the keyboard. To do anything on this is at a push of a button. There is no denying that the Apex RAW a piece of artwork and it will be a huge competitor in the market.
As always with any keyboard there are a few niggles, with one looming larger than others. To start off with the LED brightness on the Apex RAW, isn't a party piece as there are many keyboards on the market that offer much more intense LED. The Logitech illumination with the G710+ is a much brighter LED, but the RAW’s lighting level offered is more than sufficient. Furthermore the interior of the keyboard is a gloss black frame, consequently caches finger print marks & watermarks immediately therefore needs to be clean constantly. Finally Steel series wants to achieve a low profile keyboard so it does not include built in legs but rubber domes to raise it, these rubber domes attracts dust often and also need to be regularly cleansed. To wrap up, if you have a white rig and don’t mind the occasional cleaning job, then this is the keyboard that suits the best for both worlds, but if you are a person that dislike cleaning your keyboard, I not I would not recommend you buying this. It’s a choice your wallets can decide.
This is a radiant keyboard indeed, and as with any of Steel series gaming peripherals you know you are getting only the finest build at its maximum quality. It’s is built like a jet and designed like a stealth bomber, and I would highly recommend this keyboard to a dedicated gamer who uses lots of macro keys for combinations and astonishing tactical feedback also I would recommend the Apex RAW to someone who loves typing thousands of words but hate the strain it puts on the fingertip, if so then this keyboard is the solution. If you are obsessed with Steel series keyboards but don’t like the fact it only supports one LED, the Apex is available of a higher price and has a RGB LED. This is one of the most phenomenal membrane keyboards I've ever felt and almost feels half mechanical.
It is a brilliant keyboard to look at, and feels magnificent so I am going to give the Steel series Apex RAW a…
Performance: 9
Price: 8
Presentation: 10
If I was an official OC3D reviewer, I would the Apex RAW an outstanding OC3D Gold Award.
Thank you for reading my review of the Steel series Apex RAW gaming keyboard.
Storm
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