Corsair K55 Vs Steelseries Apex 3: Which Budget Gaming Keyboard Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- The Corsair K55 has a brushed aluminum top plate that gives it a premium feel, while the SteelSeries Apex 3 has a plastic construction that is still sturdy and durable.
- The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a better choice if you’re looking for a keyboard with more features, such as a magnetic wrist rest, water resistance, and dedicated macro keys.
- The Corsair K55 has a premium build quality and more customization options, while the SteelSeries Apex 3 has more features, such as a magnetic wrist rest, water resistance, and dedicated macro keys.
When it comes to affordable gaming keyboards, the Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 stand out as two of the most popular options. Both offer a solid set of features and performance at a price that won’t break the bank. But which one is the better choice for you?
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Corsair K55 against the SteelSeries Apex 3 to help you make an informed decision. We’ll compare their design, build quality, features, performance, and more to determine which keyboard is the ultimate budget gaming champion.
Design and Build Quality
The Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 share a similar design aesthetic, with a sleek and minimalist look that will complement any gaming setup. Both keyboards feature a full-size layout with dedicated media keys and a volume roller.
The Corsair K55 has a brushed aluminum top plate that gives it a premium feel, while the SteelSeries Apex 3 has a plastic construction that is still sturdy and durable. Both keyboards have RGB lighting, but the Apex 3 offers more customization options with its per-key RGB lighting.
Features
Both the Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 come with a solid set of features that are essential for gaming. These include:
- Anti-ghosting: Ensures that every keypress is registered, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously.
- N-key rollover: Allows for unlimited simultaneous keypresses.
- Media keys: Dedicated keys for controlling volume, playback, and other media functions.
- Game mode: Disables the Windows key to prevent accidental presses during gaming.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 has a few additional features that the Corsair K55 does not, including:
- Magnetic wrist rest: Provides comfortable support for your wrists during long gaming sessions.
- Water resistance: Protects the keyboard from spills and accidents.
- Dedicated macro keys: Allows you to program complex macros for your favorite games.
Performance
Both the Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 offer excellent performance for gaming. The keys are responsive and have a good amount of travel, making them comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
In terms of latency, the Corsair K55 has a slight edge over the SteelSeries Apex 3. However, the difference is so small that it is unlikely to be noticeable in real-world use.
Software
The Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 both come with their own software that allows you to customize the keyboard’s settings. The Corsair iCUE software is more comprehensive and offers more customization options, but the SteelSeries Engine software is easier to use.
With the Corsair iCUE software, you can create custom lighting profiles, adjust the keyboard’s performance settings, and program macros. The SteelSeries Engine software allows you to do the same, but it also includes a library of pre-made profiles that you can use.
Price
The Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 are both very affordable gaming keyboards. The Corsair K55 typically retails for around $50, while the SteelSeries Apex 3 typically retails for around $60.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 are both excellent budget gaming keyboards. The Corsair K55 is a better choice if you’re looking for a keyboard with a premium build quality and more customization options. The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a better choice if you’re looking for a keyboard with more features, such as a magnetic wrist rest, water resistance, and dedicated macro keys.
Ultimately, the best keyboard for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the features that are most important to you and choose the keyboard that best meets your requirements.
The Verdict: Corsair K55 vs SteelSeries Apex 3
The Corsair K55 and SteelSeries Apex 3 are both excellent budget gaming keyboards that offer a solid set of features and performance. The Corsair K55 has a premium build quality and more customization options, while the SteelSeries Apex 3 has more features, such as a magnetic wrist rest, water resistance, and dedicated macro keys.
Which keyboard is the better choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a keyboard with a premium build quality and more customization options, the Corsair K55 is the better choice. If you’re looking for a keyboard with more features, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is the better choice.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which keyboard has better build quality, the Corsair K55 or the SteelSeries Apex 3?
A: The Corsair K55 has a better build quality than the SteelSeries Apex 3. It features a brushed aluminum top plate that gives it a premium feel, while the Apex 3 has a plastic construction.
Q: Which keyboard has more features, the Corsair K55 or the SteelSeries Apex 3?
A: The SteelSeries Apex 3 has more features than the Corsair K55. It includes a magnetic wrist rest, water resistance, and dedicated macro keys.
Q: Which keyboard has better software, the Corsair K55 or the SteelSeries Apex 3?
A: The Corsair K55 has better software than the SteelSeries Apex 3. The Corsair iCUE software is more comprehensive and offers more customization options.
