INTRODUCTION

   Much like regular membrane keys/switches have improved over the years with some quite interesting products to show for it (Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E.7, COUGAR 450k/500k and more) it was just a matter of time before manufacturers once again took it upon themselves to improve on current mechanical switches by developing their very own. Razer started the race with their green switches (optimized tactile feedback) which feature a life span of up to 60 million actuations, have an actuation point of 1.9mm (+-0.4mm) and require 50g of actuation force. SteelSeries followed soon after that with their very own QS1 switches which offer an identical life span of up to 60 million keystrokes, have a shorter actuation point of 1.5mm and require just 45g of force. Of course Logitech couldn't stay out of the game so they also made their very own Romer-G switches which offer a higher life span of up to 70 million actuations and feature the same actuation point of 1.5mm and 45g actuation force as the QS1 by SteelSeries (Razer and SteelSeries did so in collaboration with the Chinese Kailh while Logitech did so with OMRON). We've already tested keyboards wearing both Razer Green and Logitech Romer-G mechanical switches so the time has come to also test the Apex M800 by SteelSeries featuring their QS1 mechanical switches.

  SteelSeries is a gaming brand that leads the market in building peripherals with quality, innovation and purpose. The company’s passion has been the driving force behind many first-to-market innovations and technologies that continue to become the industry standard and have-to-have requirements of gamers. The global brand continues to support the growth of competitive gaming tournaments and electronic sports leagues through professional team sponsorships, partnerships and community support. The company surrounds itself with the passion and the commitment to being the best. It is with this mentality that SteelSeries chooses to partner with some of world’s most respected and recognized brands that work together to push the growth and evolution of the gaming industry into an even greater proposition.

   Much like Logitech and their Romer-G mechanical switches SteelSeries also had gamers in mind when developing their QS1 ones so it comes as no surprise that both types feature the same actuation point of 1.5mm and require the same actuation force of 45g. Because of that alignment in specifications however both manufacturers market their models as the fastest mechanical gaming keyboards in the market a claim which based on these numbers isn't far off. Of course whenever we receive a new keyboard our final conclusion is decided by the feeling/feedback we get from its keys (typing speed included) followed closely by its construction quality, looks and available features. Well the M800 also scores highly in number of available features since SteelSeries has equipped it with two microprocessors, full N-Key rollover (NKRO), 6 quick-access macro keys, full anti-ghosting, swappable feet and individual RGB (16.7 million colors) backlit LED illumination for the keys with several available patterns. So let's move forward with our review and see whether or not the Apex M800 is the perfect mechanical gaming keyboard currently in the market.