10 Best Mechanical Keyboards 2025 in the United States

The SteelSeries Apex 5 is a hybrid mechanical gaming keyboard that blends the tactile, clicky feel of blue mechanical switches with the smoothness of a membrane, offering a unique typing experience. It features an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, making it solid and durable without being too heavy. With a full 104-key layout, this keyboard supports per-key RGB lighting, allowing you to customize colors and reactive effects for each key, which is great for gaming ambiance and visibility in low light. The included premium magnetic wrist rest adds comfort for longer sessions. It also has an OLED smart display above the keys, letting you see game stats, messages, or custom images, which is a nice touch for gamers who want quick info at a glance. In terms of connectivity, it uses USB and is compatible with Windows, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation, making it versatile across systems.

Being a hybrid switch, it might not satisfy purists who prefer fully mechanical switches for their consistency and durability. While the keyboard supports anti-ghosting and key rollover common in gaming keyboards, specific details about the rollover capability aren't highlighted, so heavy fast typists might want to double-check if it meets their needs. The keyboard also lacks dedicated macro keys, which some advanced gamers might miss for custom commands. The Apex 5 stands as a robust, feature-filled keyboard well-suited for gamers who want customizable lighting, durability, and convenient smart display features without committing entirely to traditional mechanical switches.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 keyboard stands out with its innovative OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic switches, which offer 40 levels of adjustable actuation. This means you can customize how sensitive each key press is, making it especially appealing for gamers seeking both speed and precision. The keyboard supports full key rollover and anti-ghosting, ensuring no keypress is missed even during intense gaming sessions. Its build quality is solid, featuring an alloy steel frame that feels sturdy but contributes to a weight of over 4 pounds, so it’s less portable than lighter models. The layout is standard full-size with a wired USB-C connection, suitable for PC gamers who want reliability over wireless convenience. Backlighting is fully RGB and highly customizable, with effects that respond dynamically to your key presses, adding a visually engaging layer. The inclusion of an OLED smart display is a unique bonus, letting you adjust settings or view game stats without leaving your game.

Programmability is strong, with game-ready presets and macros accessible through SteelSeries’ software, perfect for customizing commands or rapid inputs. On the downside, this advanced keyboard may be pricier and more complex than basic mechanical models, which could be overwhelming if you prefer plug-and-play simplicity. Also, its protection mode and rapid trigger features focus on gaming, so if you mainly need a keyboard for typing or casual use, these might be less valuable. This keyboard is ideal for serious gamers looking for top-tier performance, customization, and durable build quality.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard stands out in the mechanical keyboard category, particularly for gamers seeking a highly customizable and responsive experience. One of its main strengths is the OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches, which allow users to set their own actuation points for each key. This means you can adjust how sensitive keys are, making it easier to differentiate between a light tap and a deeper press. This feature can enhance gameplay, as it provides quicker reactions without accidental triggers on critical keys like WASD.

The keyboard's build quality is robust, and it includes a wrist rest, which adds comfort during long gaming sessions. The RGB backlighting is another highlight, offering vibrant color options that can be customized to match your gaming setup. Additionally, the OLED smart display provides useful information from games and apps, enhancing the user experience.

The keyboard may feel overwhelming for users who prefer a more straightforward setup. The advanced features like 2-in-1 action keys and extensive programmability might take time to learn, which could deter casual users. Its wired nature may also be a drawback for those who prefer wireless options, although the USB passthrough is a helpful addition for connecting other devices. If you're a gamer who values speed, customizable controls, and comfort, the Apex Pro could be a great addition to your setup.