SteelSeries Apex 100 Blue Backlit Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How alternatives compare to Apex 100

Redragon Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard

The Redragon K503 offers wireless connectivity and RGB backlighting, which the Apex 100 lacks. It uses silent switches similar to the Apex 100 but adds a wrist rest for ergonomic support. The Redragon is slightly shorter in length but wider in width, altering your desk footprint. You gain multi-device connectivity and customizable macros, which the Apex 100 does not provide. However, you lose the splash resistance and the specific 20-million click lifespan guarantee found in the Apex 100. This model suits users who prioritize battery life and a clutter-free desk over wired reliability and spill protection.

EPOMAKER AegisSil Silicone Keycap Set

The EPOMAKER AegisSil is not a keyboard but a silicone keycap set for full-size boards. It transforms existing keyboards into quieter typing stations, addressing the noise level of the Apex 100 indirectly. While the Apex 100 is a complete unit with blue backlighting and splash resistance, this product only modifies keycaps. It offers soft typing comfort and noise reduction but lacks any electronic features, backlighting, or durability guarantees. You should choose this if you already own a full-size board and want to reduce noise without replacing your entire setup. It does not provide the gaming-specific features or anti-ghosting of the Apex 100.

LexonElec 90% Wireless Membrane Keyboard

The LexonElec M96 provides wireless connectivity and RGB backlighting, contrasting with the Apex 100’s wired blue LED design. It features PBT keycaps and a volume knob for media control, which the Apex 100 does not include. The LexonElec is rechargeable and supports both Mac and Windows, whereas the Apex 100 is wired and primarily optimized for Windows gaming. It is slightly narrower but taller than the Apex 100. You gain quiet wireless operation and premium keycap material but lose the splash resistance and dedicated anti-ghosting features. This pick suits users who want media controls and wireless freedom over wired simplicity.

HK Gaming 60% Hot-Swap Optical Keyboard

The HK Gaming 60% Optical Keyboard is a compact hot-swappable option, significantly smaller than the full-size Apex 100. It uses optical switches for faster reaction times and includes a detachable cable for portability. Unlike the Apex 100, it lacks dedicated navigation keys and splash resistance. The 60% form factor saves desk space but removes arrow keys and function rows. You gain hot-swap sockets for easy switch customization and a lighter weight, but you lose the tactile, silent switch feel and the 20-million click lifespan guarantee. This model fits gamers who prioritize speed and portability over traditional layouts and spill protection.

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL White Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL White offers a tenkeyless layout, making it shorter than the Apex 100. It features RGB backlighting instead of blue LEDs and maintains silent operation. The Apex 3 TKL is lighter and more compact, freeing up desk space for mouse movement. However, it lacks the splash resistance and the specific 20-million click lifespan guarantee of the Apex 100. You gain a modern RGB aesthetic and a smaller footprint but lose the wider width and splash-proof design. This keyboard suits users who want a compact, quiet SteelSeries option with customizable lighting rather than the durable, spill-resistant design of the Apex 100.

SteelSeries Apex 3 Silent Gaming Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex 3 Silent is a wired keyboard with black coloring and RGB backlighting, differing from the Apex 100’s blue LEDs. It shares the silent switch characteristic but omits the splash resistance and 20-million click lifespan guarantee. The Apex 3 Silent is slightly narrower and lighter than the Apex 100, offering a more streamlined profile. You get RGB customization and a reliable wired connection but lose the spill protection and specific durability rating. This model is ideal for users who want a quiet, wired SteelSeries keyboard with modern lighting features but do not require the splash-resistant construction of the Apex 100.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

SteelSeries Apex 100 Blue Backlit Keyboard

Best for: Quiet typing and splash resistance

Backlighting

Blue LED

Use

Gaming

Noise Level

Silent

Dimensions

6.13 × 18.2 × 1.58 inches

Weight

2.42 pounds

View on Amazon: SteelSeries Apex 100 Blue Backlit Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex 100 is a full-size gaming keyboard featuring tactile, silent switches and blue LED backlighting. It offers splash resistance and anti-ghosting for reliable input. Weighing 2.42 pounds, it provides a stable base for your setup. This model suits users who prefer quiet, durable typing with straightforward media controls and a classic layout.

Pros

• Tactile and silent switch operation
• Blue LED backlighting with ground effects
• Splash resistant design
• Anti-ghosting for fast gameplay
• 20-million click lifespan

Cons

• No wireless connectivity options
• Fixed blue lighting only
• No dedicated macro keys

Good fit if

• You want a quiet keyboard for shared spaces
• You need splash resistance for daily use
• You prefer a full-size layout with media controls

Skip if

• You require wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
• You want customizable RGB lighting
• You need a compact or 60% layout

Verdict: SteelSeries Apex 100 Blue LED Gaming Keyboard is a solid choice for gamers who value silent operation and durability over wireless convenience or advanced lighting customization.

2 Best budget

Redragon Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard

Best for: silent typing and long battery life

Switch Type

Silent Membrane

Connectivity

2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB wired

Backlighting

RGB LED

Use

Gaming

Operating System

Windows

Ergonomic Features

Wrist Rest

View on Amazon: Redragon Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard

The Redragon K503 is a full-size silent membrane keyboard with RGB backlighting. It offers three connection modes: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB wired. A 4000 mAh battery supports up to 300 hours of use with lighting off. You get fully programmable keys via software, including macro assignments. The layout includes 10 independent multimedia keys and splash resistance. It measures 17.5 by 7.9 inches and includes a wrist rest.

Pros

• Tri-mode connectivity for Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired use
• 4000 mAh battery lasts up to 300 hours with RGB off
• Fully programmable via software for macros and lighting
• 10 independent multimedia keys for quick access
• Silent membrane switches reduce typing noise

Cons

• Membrane switches lack tactile feedback for typing
• No dedicated numeric keypad despite full-size layout
• Software required for full customization capabilities

Good fit if

• You want silent typing for shared spaces
• You need wireless flexibility with a long battery life
• You prefer programmable keys for gaming or office work

Skip if

• You require mechanical switches for tactile response
• You need a compact layout for small desks
• You prefer hardware-only controls without software

Verdict: Redragon K503 Wireless Silent Keyboard is a practical choice for users who prioritize quiet operation and battery longevity. It suits those who need multi-device connectivity and customizable macros without the noise of mechanical switches.

3 Best full-size

EPOMAKER AegisSil Silicone Keycap Set

Best for: quiet typing on full-size boards

Keycap Material

Silicone

Form Factor

Full-Size

Use

Gaming

Color

Blue

Dimensions

5.91 × 14.8 × 1.38 inches

View on Amazon: EPOMAKER AegisSil Silicone Keycap Set

This EPOMAKER set replaces standard keycaps with 113 silicone units. It offers a soft, quiet typing experience by dampening switch impact noise. The Cherry profile provides ergonomic height differences across four rows. Semi-transparent legends diffuse light gently. It fits standard 60%, TKL, and full-size ANSI keyboards with MX-style switches. You get a tacky, sweat-resistant surface for stable gaming or office use.

Pros

• Silicone material reduces impact noise significantly
• Cherry profile with ergonomic row heights
• 113 keys fit 60%, TKL, and full-size layouts
• Semi-transparent legends diffuse backlighting softly
• Tacky surface resists slipping and sweat

Cons

• Silicone attracts dust and needs regular wiping
• Not a complete keyboard, just keycap replacements
• Blue color option only available

Good fit if

• You want a quieter typing experience
• You have a full-size mechanical keyboard
• You prefer soft, cushioned keycaps

Skip if

• You need a complete keyboard unit
• You want hard plastic keycaps
• You dislike dust accumulation on surfaces

Verdict: EPOMAKER AegisSil Silicone Keycaps transform your existing full-size board into a quieter, softer typing station. You should buy this if you prioritize noise reduction and ergonomic comfort over traditional rigid keycap materials.

4 Best premium

LexonElec 90% Wireless Membrane Keyboard

Best for: Quiet wireless typing with media knobs

Switch Type

Membrane

Form Factor

90%

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.0/3.0, 2.4GHz wireless

Backlighting

RGB

Keycap Material

PBT

Media Controls

Volume Knob

View on Amazon: LexonElec 90% Wireless Membrane Keyboard

The LexonElec M96 is a 90% layout membrane keyboard with Bluetooth 5.0/3.0 and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. It features a multi-function display, a volume knob, and PBT keycaps. The 3000 mAh battery lasts up to 60 hours with backlighting. This quiet, low-profile design suits users who want wireless convenience and media controls without mechanical switches.

Pros

• Dual-mode wireless via Bluetooth 5.0/3.0 and 2.4GHz receiver
• Built-in volume knob and multi-function display for battery status
• Durable PBT keycaps with RGB backlighting
• 3000 mAh battery provides up to 60 hours of use with backlighting on

Cons

• Uses membrane switches instead of mechanical switches
• No dedicated app for customization or firmware updates
• Lacks a wired USB-C charging option for data sync

Good fit if

• You want a compact 90% layout with dedicated media controls
• You prefer quiet typing with membrane switches
• You need multi-device switching via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz

Skip if

• You require tactile feedback from mechanical switches
• You need a full-size numpad for data entry
• You want programmable macros via software

Verdict: LexonElec M96 90% Wireless Keyboard fits users who value quiet operation and built-in media controls over mechanical switch feel.

5 Best 60%

HK Gaming 60% Hot-Swap Optical Keyboard

Best for: gamers wanting a compact hot-swappable keyboard

Switch Type

Gateron Optical Red

Form Factor

60%

Connectivity

Detachable USB-C to USB-A

Backlighting

RGB LED

Keycap Material

Doubleshot

Hot-Swap Support

Hot-Swappable

View on Amazon: HK Gaming 60% Hot-Swap Optical Keyboard

This compact 60% keyboard features hot-swappable Gateron Optical Red linear switches and a detachable USB-C cable. With 61 keys, it takes up far less desk space than a standard full-size keyboard. You get a 1000Hz polling rate, customizable RGB backlighting, and pre-lubricated stabilizers. It suits you if you want fast switches in a minimal footprint.

Pros

• Hot-swappable Gateron Optical Red linear switches
• 1000Hz polling rate with 1ms response time
• Detachable 5-foot USB-C to USB-A cable
• Durable doubleshot OEM profile keycaps

Cons

• Compact 61-key layout lacks dedicated arrow keys and a number pad
• Wired connection only with no wireless functionality

Good fit if

• You want linear optical switches with hot-swap support.
• You prefer a compact 60% footprint to maximize mouse space.
• You need a detachable USB-C cable for easy transport.

Skip if

• You rely on a dedicated numeric keypad or arrow keys.
• You need wireless connectivity for your setup.

Verdict: HK Gaming 60% Optical Mechanical Keyboard fits players who prioritize desk space and fast optical switches over dedicated navigation keys. Its hot-swap sockets and detachable cable make it easy to service and transport.

6 Best tkl

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL White Keyboard

Best for: compact quiet gaming setups

Switch Type

Whisper Quiet

Form Factor

TKL

Backlighting

8-zone RGB

Use

Gaming

Color

White

Noise Level

Silent

View on Amazon: SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL White Keyboard

This SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is a compact tenkeyless keyboard designed for gaming. It features whisper-quiet switches for silent operation and 8-zone RGB lighting for visual customization. The white chassis offers a clean look, while water and dust resistance adds durability. It suits players who want a smaller footprint without sacrificing key functions or build quality.

Pros

• TKL form factor saves desk space
• Whisper-quiet switches for silent typing
• 8-zone RGB backlighting
• Water and dust resistant design

Cons

• No wireless connectivity options
• Only 8-zone RGB instead of per-key
• No dedicated media keys listed

Good fit if

• You need a compact keyboard for limited desk space
• You prefer silent operation for late-night gaming
• You want a white aesthetic for your setup

Skip if

• You require a full-size numpad for data entry
• You need wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
• You want per-key RGB customization

Verdict: SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL White is a solid choice for gamers seeking a quiet, compact, and durable keyboard. It fits well in setups where space and noise levels matter more than extensive customization.

7 Best black

SteelSeries Apex 3 Silent Gaming Keyboard

Best for: quiet, spill-resistant wired gaming

Switch Type

Silent

Form Factor

Full-size

Use

Gaming

Color

Black

Dimensions

17.5 × 5.97 × 1.56 inches

Weight

1.78 pounds

View on Amazon: SteelSeries Apex 3 Silent Gaming Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a black, silent gaming keyboard with 104 keys. It measures 17.5 inches long and weighs 1.78 pounds. The design includes high water resistance for durability. You get a standard English layout with tactile, quiet switches. This compact tenkeyless style fits well on smaller desks. It suits gamers who prefer a quiet typing experience without loud mechanical clicks.

Pros

• Silent switch operation for quiet typing
• High water resistance for spill protection
• 104-key English layout for full functionality

Cons

• No wireless connectivity options listed
• Lacks RGB lighting features
• Fixed non-hotswappable switches

Good fit if

• You need a spill-resistant keyboard for your desk
• You prefer silent switches to avoid disturbing others
• You want a durable, wired gaming keyboard

Skip if

• You require wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
• You want customizable RGB lighting effects
• You need hot-swappable switches for easy maintenance

Verdict: SteelSeries Apex 3 Silent Gaming Keyboard is a solid choice for gamers who prioritize durability and quiet operation over wireless convenience. It fits users who want a reliable, wired keyboard with spill protection.

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