Choosing the right gaming keyboard involves more than just aesthetics and features; the sound profile significantly impacts the overall experience. The SteelSeries Apex 3 is often touted as a budget-friendly gaming keyboard packed with features, but a persistent question lingers: Is the Apex 3 loud? Let’s dissect this query by examining the keyboard’s design, switch type, user experiences, and potential noise reduction methods.
Understanding Keyboard Noise: The Fundamentals
Before diving into the specifics of the Apex 3, it’s crucial to understand what contributes to keyboard noise. Several factors play a role:
- Switch Type: This is the primary determinant of a keyboard’s sound. Mechanical switches are generally louder than membrane switches.
- Keycap Material: The material and thickness of the keycaps influence the sound produced when a key is pressed.
- Keyboard Construction: The overall build quality and materials used in the keyboard’s frame can amplify or dampen sound.
- Typing Style: How hard and fast you type directly impacts the loudness of the keyboard.
- Environment: The surrounding environment, including desk material and room acoustics, can affect how keyboard noise is perceived.
The SteelSeries Apex 3: A Membrane Keyboard
The SteelSeries Apex 3 differentiates itself from many gaming keyboards by utilizing membrane switches instead of mechanical ones. This is a crucial factor when considering its sound profile. Membrane keyboards typically have a softer, quieter sound compared to their mechanical counterparts.
How Membrane Switches Differ From Mechanical Switches
Membrane switches operate through a pressure pad that registers a keypress when pressed down. Mechanical switches, on the other hand, use individual mechanical components to register each keypress, resulting in a distinct “clicky” or “thocky” sound. The absence of these individual mechanical components in the Apex 3 significantly reduces its potential noise level.
Apex 3 Design And Construction: Contributing Factors To Noise
The Apex 3 is built with a plastic frame, which, compared to metal frames, generally contributes less to echoing and amplification of sound. While a plastic frame might not be as durable as metal, it often helps in keeping the noise levels down. The keycaps are made of ABS plastic, a common material that doesn’t particularly dampen sound but is also not known for amplifying it excessively.
Is The Apex 3 Loud? Real-World User Experiences
While the inherent design suggests that the Apex 3 should be relatively quiet, let’s analyze what users are saying about its sound levels.
General Consensus: A Relatively Quiet Keyboard
The overwhelming consensus among users is that the Apex 3 is, indeed, a relatively quiet keyboard, especially compared to mechanical keyboards. Many reviews highlight its suitability for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared offices or late-night gaming sessions. However, “quiet” is a relative term.
Factors Influencing Perceived Loudness
Several factors can influence how loud someone perceives the Apex 3 to be:
- Typing Force: Users who type heavily will naturally generate more noise, even on a membrane keyboard.
- Desk Material: A hollow desk can amplify the sound of the keyboard. Placing a desk mat underneath can mitigate this.
- Individual Sensitivity: Some individuals are simply more sensitive to keyboard noise than others.
Comparing The Apex 3 To Other Keyboards
To provide context, it’s helpful to compare the Apex 3’s sound profile to other keyboard types:
- Mechanical Keyboards: As previously mentioned, mechanical keyboards are significantly louder, especially those with clicky switches like Cherry MX Blues.
- Other Membrane Keyboards: Compared to other membrane keyboards, the Apex 3 is generally considered to be within the average range. Some premium membrane keyboards might be slightly quieter due to better dampening materials.
- Silent Mechanical Keyboards: Keyboards with silent mechanical switches (e.g., Cherry MX Silent Reds) are designed to minimize noise and could be quieter than the Apex 3, although they typically come at a higher price point.
Quantifying The Noise: Decibel Measurements And Comparisons
While subjective impressions are valuable, let’s look at how we can quantify the noise produced by the Apex 3.
Limitations Of Decibel Measurements For Keyboards
It’s important to note that measuring the decibel level of a keyboard can be tricky. Several variables influence the readings, including the microphone’s distance and sensitivity, the ambient noise level, and the consistency of the typing. Therefore, decibel measurements should be considered as guidelines rather than definitive values.
Typical Decibel Ranges For Different Keyboard Types
As a general guide:
- Mechanical Keyboards (Clicky): 55-70 dB
- Mechanical Keyboards (Tactile/Linear): 45-65 dB
- Membrane Keyboards: 35-55 dB
Based on available data and user reports, the SteelSeries Apex 3 typically falls within the 40-50 dB range during normal typing. This places it firmly within the quieter spectrum of keyboards available.
Strategies For Reducing Keyboard Noise: Apex 3 Edition
Even though the Apex 3 is already relatively quiet, users seeking an even quieter experience can explore several noise reduction strategies.
Optimizing The Typing Environment
- Desk Mat: Placing a desk mat beneath the keyboard can absorb vibrations and reduce noise.
- Keyboard Pad: Using a dedicated keyboard pad can further dampen sound.
- Room Acoustics: Soft furnishings like carpets and curtains can absorb sound and reduce echoes in the room.
Modifying The Keyboard (With Caution)
- O-Rings: While primarily used for mechanical keyboards, O-rings can be placed under the keycaps of some membrane keyboards to cushion the impact and reduce noise. However, compatibility with the Apex 3 should be verified before attempting this modification.
- Dampening Material: Adding dampening material inside the keyboard case, if accessible, can help absorb sound vibrations. This requires disassembling the keyboard and should be done with caution to avoid damaging the components.
Adjusting Typing Habits
- Typing Technique: Consciously typing with less force can significantly reduce noise. Focus on gently pressing the keys rather than hammering them.
- Ergonomic Considerations: Using an ergonomic keyboard position can reduce strain and promote a lighter typing style.
Alternatives To The Apex 3: Other Quiet Keyboard Options
If noise is a primary concern, several alternative keyboards offer even quieter performance.
Top Recommendations For Quiet Keyboards
- Silent Mechanical Keyboards: Keyboards equipped with silent mechanical switches (e.g., Cherry MX Silent Red) offer a tactile feel with minimal noise.
- Topre Keyboards: Topre switches provide a unique electrocapacitive feel and are known for their relatively quiet operation.
- High-End Membrane Keyboards: Certain premium membrane keyboards are designed with advanced dampening materials for exceptional noise reduction.
Comparing Features And Price Points
When considering alternatives, it’s essential to compare features, price points, and overall user experience. Silent mechanical keyboards often come at a higher price than the Apex 3, while high-end membrane keyboards can offer similar or better noise reduction capabilities.
Conclusion: The Verdict On The Apex 3’s Loudness
So, is the SteelSeries Apex 3 loud? The answer is a resounding no, especially when compared to mechanical keyboards. Its membrane switches and plastic construction contribute to a relatively quiet typing experience. While individual perceptions and typing habits can influence perceived loudness, the Apex 3 is generally considered a suitable option for noise-sensitive environments. By understanding the factors that contribute to keyboard noise and exploring potential noise reduction strategies, users can further optimize their typing experience and minimize any unwanted sounds.
FAQ 1: What Type Of Switches Does The SteelSeries Apex 3 Use?
The SteelSeries Apex 3 keyboard features membrane switches rather than mechanical switches. This is a key differentiator from many other gaming keyboards and directly impacts the sound profile. Membrane switches operate by pressing a rubber dome down onto a circuit, which is generally quieter than the individual mechanical components of a mechanical switch that generate sound upon actuation.
The membrane design also contributes to the Apex 3’s water resistance, a feature not commonly found on mechanical keyboards. This design choice, while impacting the feel and sound of the keyboard, allows for enhanced durability and protection against spills, which can be a significant benefit for many users.
FAQ 2: Why Is The Apex 3 Sometimes Described As “loud” Despite Using Membrane Switches?
While membrane switches are generally quieter than mechanical switches, the SteelSeries Apex 3 can still be perceived as “loud” by some users. This is often due to the bottoming out of the keys, where the keycap strikes the base of the keyboard with considerable force. The plastic construction of the keyboard can amplify this impact sound.
Furthermore, the specific membrane switch implementation in the Apex 3 may contribute to the perceived noise level. Some membrane keyboards are designed to be virtually silent, while others have a more noticeable sound profile. The sound signature of the Apex 3 is distinct, and while not as clicky as a mechanical keyboard, the bottoming-out sound can be disruptive in quiet environments.
FAQ 3: How Does The Apex 3 Compare To Other Membrane Keyboards In Terms Of Noise?
The Apex 3 is generally considered to be within the average range for membrane keyboards in terms of noise. Some membrane keyboards are designed with specific dampening features to minimize noise, while others prioritize tactile feedback, which can result in slightly louder operation.
Compared to a very quiet membrane keyboard, the Apex 3 might seem louder. However, compared to some of the older, less refined membrane designs, or even some particularly loud buckling-spring keyboards, the Apex 3 is relatively quiet. The perception of loudness is subjective and depends heavily on the reference point.
FAQ 4: Does The Construction Of The Apex 3 Contribute To Its Noise Level?
Yes, the plastic construction of the SteelSeries Apex 3 does contribute to its overall noise level. The plastic case can amplify the sound of the keys bottoming out, creating a slightly hollow and potentially louder sound than if the keyboard were constructed from a more dense or dampened material.
A metal case, for example, can sometimes provide more dampening characteristics depending on its build quality and weight. Similarly, a heavier plastic with added dampening material could reduce the perceived noise. However, the Apex 3 is built with a lightweight plastic which contributes to the transfer of sound throughout the board when typing.
FAQ 5: Are There Any Modifications That Can Be Made To Reduce The Apex 3’s Noise?
Yes, there are a few modifications that can be made to potentially reduce the SteelSeries Apex 3’s noise level. One of the simplest is to add O-rings to the keycaps. These small rubber rings cushion the impact of the keycap bottoming out, reducing the noise generated.
Another modification is to add dampening material inside the keyboard case. This can help to absorb vibrations and reduce the resonance that contributes to the keyboard’s overall sound. However, opening the keyboard to add dampening may void the warranty, so it is crucial to proceed with caution.
FAQ 6: Is The Apex 3’s Noise Level A Dealbreaker For Gaming Or Office Use?
Whether the Apex 3’s noise level is a dealbreaker depends entirely on individual preferences and the environment in which the keyboard will be used. For users who are accustomed to mechanical keyboards, the Apex 3 might feel relatively quiet and acceptable.
However, for users who require a near-silent keyboard for noise-sensitive environments, such as shared office spaces or late-night gaming sessions in close proximity to others, the Apex 3 might be too loud. It’s best to consider the intended use case and noise tolerance before making a purchase.
FAQ 7: Where Can I Find Audio Samples Of The SteelSeries Apex 3’s Typing Sound?
The best way to get a sense of the SteelSeries Apex 3’s typing sound is to search for audio samples online. Many YouTube reviewers and keyboard enthusiasts have created videos that showcase the sound of the keyboard while typing at different speeds and with varying levels of force.
Searching for terms like “SteelSeries Apex 3 sound test” or “Apex 3 typing sound” on YouTube or other video platforms should provide a variety of audio samples. Listening to these samples through headphones is recommended to get the most accurate representation of the keyboard’s noise characteristics.