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Corsair K55 Vs Steelseries Apex 3: The Battle Of The Budget Gaming Keyboards

Michael is the owner and chief editor of MichaelPCGuy.com. He has over 15 years of experience fixing, upgrading, and optimizing personal computers. Michael started his career working as a computer technician at a local repair shop where he learned invaluable skills for hardware and software troubleshooting. In his free time,...

What To Know

  • The membrane switches on the K55 provide a responsive and tactile typing experience, while the hybrid mechanical switches on the Apex 3 provide a more precise and durable typing experience.
  • The Apex 3 is a better choice if you’re looking for a more premium keyboard with a wider range of features and a more durable typing experience.
  • The K55 is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers, while the Apex 3 is a better choice for gamers who want a more premium experience.

The Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 are two popular gaming keyboards that offer a range of features and functionalities. In this article, we will compare these two keyboards in various aspects to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best one for your needs.

Build Quality and Design

Both the Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 feature a sturdy and durable construction. The K55 is made from plastic, while the Apex 3 has a combination of plastic and metal. The Apex 3 has a more premium feel, but the K55 is lighter and more portable.

In terms of design, the K55 has a more traditional gaming keyboard look with sharp angles and RGB lighting. The Apex 3, on the other hand, has a more minimalist design with a focus on functionality.

Switches and Keycaps

The Corsair K55 uses membrane switches, which are known for their quiet and tactile feedback. The SteelSeries Apex 3 uses hybrid mechanical switches, which combine the precision of mechanical switches with the durability of membrane switches. The Apex 3 switches are also slightly quieter than traditional mechanical switches.

The keycaps on both keyboards are made from ABS plastic. The K55 keycaps are laser-etched, while the Apex 3 keycaps are double-shot molded. Double-shot molding is a more durable and long-lasting process, but it also makes the keycaps more expensive.

Features

The Corsair K55 offers a range of features, including:

  • 6 programmable macro keys
  • RGB lighting with multiple effects
  • Volume control wheel
  • Dedicated media keys

The SteelSeries Apex 3 offers a similar range of features, including:

  • 10 programmable macro keys
  • RGB lighting with multiple effects
  • Volume control wheel
  • Dedicated media keys
  • Wrist rest

The Apex 3 has a few additional features that the K55 does not, such as:

  • Magnetic wrist rest
  • USB passthrough
  • Anti-ghosting and N-key rollover

Performance

Both the Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 offer excellent performance for gaming. The membrane switches on the K55 provide a responsive and tactile typing experience, while the hybrid mechanical switches on the Apex 3 provide a more precise and durable typing experience.

In terms of gaming, both keyboards offer fast and accurate keystrokes. The programmable macro keys on both keyboards can be used to create custom macros for quick and easy access to in-game commands.

Software

The Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 both come with their own software for customization and programming. The Corsair iCUE software is powerful and feature-rich, allowing you to customize every aspect of your keyboard. The SteelSeries Engine software is also easy to use and offers a range of customization options.

Price

The Corsair K55 is available for around $50, while the SteelSeries Apex 3 is available for around $60. The Apex 3 is the more expensive keyboard, but it also offers a few additional features that the K55 does not.

Which Keyboard is Right for You?

The Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 are both excellent gaming keyboards that offer a range of features and functionalities. The K55 is a great choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly keyboard with a responsive and tactile typing experience. The Apex 3 is a better choice if you’re looking for a more premium keyboard with a wider range of features and a more durable typing experience.

Final Verdict: Corsair K55 vs SteelSeries Apex 3

Both the Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 are excellent gaming keyboards that offer a range of features and functionalities. The K55 is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers, while the Apex 3 is a better choice for gamers who want a more premium experience.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which keyboard is better for gaming, the Corsair K55 or the SteelSeries Apex 3?
A: Both keyboards offer excellent performance for gaming, but the Apex 3 has a slight edge due to its more precise and durable hybrid mechanical switches.

Q: Which keyboard has more features?
A: The SteelSeries Apex 3 has a few more features than the Corsair K55, such as a magnetic wrist rest, USB passthrough, and anti-ghosting and N-key rollover.

Q: Which keyboard is more expensive?
A: The SteelSeries Apex 3 is the more expensive keyboard, but it also offers a few additional features that the K55 does not.

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Michael

Michael is the owner and chief editor of MichaelPCGuy.com. He has over 15 years of experience fixing, upgrading, and optimizing personal computers. Michael started his career working as a computer technician at a local repair shop where he learned invaluable skills for hardware and software troubleshooting. In his free time, Michael enjoys tinkering with computers and staying on top of the latest tech innovations. He launched MichaelPCGuy.com to share his knowledge with others and help them get the most out of their PCs. Whether someone needs virus removal, a hardware upgrade, or tips for better performance, Michael is here to help solve any computer issues. When he's not working on computers, Michael likes playing video games and spending time with his family. He believes the proper maintenance and care is key to keeping a PC running smoothly for many years. Michael is committed to providing straightforward solutions and guidance to readers of his blog. If you have a computer problem, MichaelPCGuy.com is the place to find an answer.
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