Steelseries Apex M800 featuring New Keyswitch CES 2015

The video covers the SteelSeries Apex M800 keyboard debuted at CES 2015, highlighting a new, custom SteelSeries key switch designed for lower profile keys. The host notes several design choices including a replaceable rubber foot feed on the bottom, a lower profile compared to older Apex models, and dual USB hubs on the back that are unpowered but usable for basic tasks. The keyboard features individual key lighting rather than zone lighting, with each key capable of RGB lighting controlled through the SteelSeries software, enabling 16.8 million color options. A major hardware shift is the new SteelSeries switch, which provides 3 mm of total travel and a 1.5 mm actuation point, with a rating of 60 million presses. The stem is not Cherry MX compatible, meaning you cannot swap in Cherry MX switches, but the keycaps are shorter to reduce travel distance and typing height. The switch is described as linear, with the expectation that its actuation feel sits between red and black switches, though exact specifications were not confirmed in the segment. The keyboard also supports some cross-compatibility,Apple users can swap in command keys, and the overall layout has fewer macro keys while offering improved individual key lighting. The presenter closes by teasing additional CES coverage and acknowledging sponsors, inviting viewers to subscribe for more content and follow the sponsor channels. In sum, the Apex M800 represents SteelSeries’ push toward a sleek, low-profile, fully customizable keyboard experience built around a new proprietary switch and advanced per-key lighting, aiming to rival established mechanical keyboards with its own distinctive engineering choices.

Topics · technology · hardware · gaming · keyboards · product_design · ces_coverage