SteelSeries Launches APEX M500 Tournament-Ready Mechanical Keyboard

Different people are looking for different things when it comes to peripherals. Sometimes it’s lots of extra buttons, other times it’s simplicity; finding that balance between both can be a challenge. SteelSeries attempts to merge the benefits of absolute customization to a simplified keyboard, that’s ready for eSports action with the APEX M500.

SteelSeries’ latest keyboard is effectively an update (by the stats) to the 6Gv2, this time with the inclusion of a blue backlight. It makes use of the venerable CHERRY MX Red switches – the super light and responsive linear switches that are craved by gamers (but not so much typists).

Unlike the 6Gv2 though, the new APEX M500 can make use of SteelSeries’ extensive software suite, SSE3, allowing in-depth customization of lighting, macros and key assignment. We don’t know just yet whether each key can be reprogrammed to any macro (although it does seem likely), but we’ll find out soon enough. Speaking of lights, this is not an RGB backlit keyboard like many of the other APEX keyboards, it just makes use of several shades of blue.

The layout is of a standard design; there are no accidental key presses from bulky macro keys, or a large part of your desk space taken up by features you may never need. It also keeps the numpad, thankfully. The underside makes use of multiple channels to route cables out of the top or either side.

The APEX M500 is keeping the hardware basic, but solid, while offering up an advanced software stack to take the design to whatever level you may require. It has a launch price of under $100, and is available from Newegg or SteelSeries direct.