CONCLUSION

   The APEX [RAW] may not share some of its brothers unique characteristics/features but it still has the same high quality build, the same sleek design, 32 total macro key commands, low-profile keys that are obviously faster to use than regular height ones, the same anti-ghosting feature, rubber feet which are simply more "durable" than typical height adjusters (also the keyboard can't be pushed around easily) and finally it comes with a 8-level white key illumination. However the APEX [RAW] shares the drawbacks of its brother and so the keys are still too soft and offer very little feedback (at least for my taste) while the overal distance between the keys is not much compared to other keyboards which is something that may require extra time to get used to. Also the lack of a braided cable may reduce the overall durability of the keyboard although to date i never had such a problem with normal cables.

   The APEX [RAW] is basically a cut-down version of the APEX so naturally its price tag is also lower and so currently you can find it for USD60 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 60Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). This price tag is roughly 40% less than that of the APEX so i really think that SteelSeries hit the sweet spot between performance and price. Now of course some people will probably not like that this is not a mechanical keyboard but at that price range there aren't really any mechanical keyboards available aside quite a few very basic models. Besides SteelSeries gives their rubber dome key technology a lifespan of no less than 5 million keystrokes so just like with the APEX i really don't see a problem with the APEX [RAW] durability-wise. Bottom line although not as impressive as the APEX the APEX [RAW] is a very good alternative for people on a tight budget who have use for the number features offered by it which is why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Low-Profile Keys
- 17 Macro Keys (34 Macro Commands Total)
- 8-Level White Illumination
- Anti-Ghosting Technology (Up To 6 Simultaneous Key Presses)
- Enlarged Space Bar
- Removable Rubber Feet
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Membrane Keys (For Some)
- Plain Cable (For Some)