Steelseries Apex M800 Mechanical Keyboard

The Steelseries Apex M800 is presented as a bold shift away from traditional Cherry MX based gaming keyboards, featuring the QS1 switch developed with Kaiwa. The host explains that the QS1 switches bear little resemblance to Cherry MX designs, and then delves into how this affects typing feel and gaming responsiveness. The keyboard itself sports two Braided USB plugs, a built-in USB 2.0 hub, and adjustable feet for angle customization, continuing SteelSeries’ focus on a low-profile, aggressive industrial look. The reviewer notes the flat keycap profile and reduced travel distance, which contribute to faster actuation but may hinder finger positioning and typing ergonomics. Macro keys are highly programmable, and Engine 3 powers both a large key function suite and advanced lighting, with per-key RGB and numerous ready-made effects. The review highlights an intuitive customization interface, support for cloud syncing, and the ability to switch configurations on the fly, which the author regards as a strong point of the M800. In terms of switches, the QS1s are linear with a low actuation force, offering quick responses for gaming and a quieter operation, though the reviewer cautions that the design is not ideal for typing. Overall, the video frames the Apex M800 as a gaming-first keyboard with strong customization, excellent lighting, and a design that prioritizes competitive play over traditional typing comfort, culminating in a recommendation for gamers while remaining critical of typing experience and high price points.

Topics · hardware · peripherals · gaming · tech_reviews · mechanical_keyboards