Steelseries Apex & Apex Raw Gaming Keyboards - Linus Tech Tips CES 2013
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Steelseries launched the Apex and Apex RAW, with the goal of legitimately making their customers better gamers. They are full programmable (every button) and the new & improved Steelseries software allows you to track which buttons you use most frequently while you're gaming to optimize for travel times. Day 3 - video 1
In this CES 2013 segment, Linus Tech Tips examines the SteelSeries Apex and Apex Raw gaming keyboards, emphasizing their full programmable macro capabilities and the redesigned SteelSeries software. The presenter walks through the Apex Raw, highlighting the two layers of macro functionality, with up to 12 macro keys on the main keypad and additional macro options across multiple layers, enabling roughly 200 potential configurations depending on the active layer. He discusses ergonomic changes such as the Windows key placement, the oversized space bar inspired by comfortable layouts, diagonal keys from prior designs, and slightly raised top row macros designed for rapid input sequences. The video also notes a built in USB hub, adjustable brightness and volume controls, media keys, and a full number pad, all while stressing that these membrane keyboards prioritize speed and travel distance. Throughout, the host demonstrates color zone lighting with five lighting zones and the ability to customize colors per zone, including a white, red, and yellow scheme to visually cue different macro configurations for MMO play. He closes by presenting a prototype Apex model and explains the software’s heat-map feature which suggests optimal keys for different gaming styles, and how the system can guide players to re-map keys for better performance, implying real potential to improve gameplay through hardware and software integration.
Topics · technology · hardware · gaming · peripherals · CES coverage