Thoughts for the day: Gadgets part 2 -- SteelSeries Apex Keyboard

Remember that time you were eyeing something so eargerly you want to get it in your hands? But at the same time you contemplate and think so much as to whether you REALLY REALLY want it????

Well, I finally got through that phase and took the step to BUY it!!

SteelSeries Apex Gaming Keyboard

Now to give a little background on how I decided to get this keyboard (instead of Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Stealth Edition):
I'm in the midst of building a new desktop pc. Thinking along the lines of high-mid range type.

So, getting a keyboard is a BIG part of the whole equation. My criteria for a keyboard to buy is pretty simple:
- A standard QWERTY keyboard layout (practically every single standard keyboard)
- Not noisy (Removing noisy mechanical keyboard from the equation)
- Have decent macro keys for Starcraft gaming purposes (Filtered to gaming keyboards)
- Awesome design (Generally drilled down to a few brands)
- Affordable...? (Bye bye Razer Deathstalker Ultimate T_T)

*Break*

Just so you know... presenting the Razer Deathstalker Ultimate (retails at about RM850)

*Break end*

And the most important part of the whole keyboard!!!!
- BACKLIT KEYBOARDS!! (Once you've owned a backlit keyboard, there's no more turning back)

With the filters above, I narrowed it down to the two keyboards below:

SteelSeries Apex Gaming Keyboard 
 (Retails RM390)

& 

Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Stealth Edition
(Retails RM490)

Choosing between these two was a hard choice. 

After a long time going around reading reviews, comments, and feel both keyboards physically, I've decided to get SteelSeries Apex!!

As all shoppers tend to do, I went around shopping to see if I can get a cheaper price than what the retail price is. Turns out, I managed to get it for RM350! =D

The opportunity cost was a free bag that was supposed to come with the keyboard... and it looks like this:

 

Yeaps.... I can live without that!

And now, the juicy bits....

PICTURESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!

Feast your eyes on the beautiful Apex keyboard!

Presenting: STEELSERIES APEX GAMING KEYBOARD



In the casing!



Unboxing the goodie!



Position-ing it nicely on my table. Now... Look at it, ain't it beautiful?

The only thing I can't get used to is the big-ass space bar... I think I still prefer the normal thin rectangle as the spacebar.. But I'll make do~



Only problem with the keyboard is that it's SUPER LONG!!!! Can't fit into the regular keyboard space built into desks... =(

Side 1: Left


Side 2: Right


As you can see from above, it's jutting out from the sides... Guess I'll have to improvise abit on how to place it on my desk...top...

LASTLY: 
The magnificence of Apex's backlight!! 
(Wins Razer's green backlight anytime IMO)

5 Customisable spots on the keyboard, with a huge palette of colours to choose from for each spot. 
I love this to the max!!

~~~~TA-DA~~~~~

 

All in all, the keyboard has been a satisfying buy for me.. The feel on the keyboard is nice, the light is awesome, the macro keys is (too much).. I'd recommend it to anyone searching for an affordable gaming keyboard. 

Only downside to it is its length... TOO LONG!!!!

In terms of looks and performance, I love this keyboard!

~~Update update~~~
Another picture to boast the beauty of the backlighting of this keyboard!!!
BEHOLD!!!!