Compare SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 vs be quiet! Dark Mount

Acoustics were mixed-positive: many liked the thocky or improved sound, while others heard hollow, clacky, or less refined notes.

Acoustics were exceptional in the reviews that discussed them directly, with reviewers saying the silent operation was nailed.

Actuation was often praised as consistent and precise, but a few tests found software settings did not perfectly match physical results.

Actuation was described as smooth, consistent, and accurate, though reviewers also noted the board lacks adjustable actuation controls.

Analog-style control was a weak point in the TechRadar review, which wanted more gamepad-like analog mapping options.

Analog input support was criticized as absent, with reviewers noting the switches are not analog, optical, or hall effect.

Brightness was a recurring caveat, with reviewers saying the lighting was dimmer than desired or less bright than nearby accessories.

Backlight brightness feedback was mixed: reviewers liked brightness controls, but one noted the display-key brightness could not be adjusted.

Battery life was acceptable but not standout: reviewers reported several days or about two heavy days, while IGN called it not the greatest.

Build quality was widely praised as sturdy, robust, premium, and tank-like despite some plastic construction caveats.

Build quality was broadly strong, especially for the core board, with reviewers praising rigidity, premium feel, and robust construction.

Cable quality was praised when reviewers mentioned the braided, detachable USB-C cable as welcome or less intrusive.

Cable quality received limited but positive-to-mixed feedback, with reviewers noting useful length and toughness but missing older routing or extension conveniences.

Compatibility was a strength because reviewers praised the web-based software for Mac, Linux, browser use, and situations where installing software is not allowed.

Connectivity ranged from smooth setup and simple wired use to serious wireless/dongle complaints in one PCMag review.

Connectivity was mixed: wired and modular connections could be sturdy and easy, but reviewers also criticized play, no wireless, or wired-only limitations.

Customization was a major strength, with reviewers praising granular actuation, bindings, RGB, and profiles despite occasional complexity.

Customization options were a defining strength, with reviewers highlighting modular layouts, remapping, display keys, RGB, macros, and flexible setup choices.

Design aesthetics were mostly positive for clean, minimal, premium looks, though one reviewer found the design nondescript.

Design aesthetics were mostly praised for mature, premium, clean, or elegant styling, though some reviewers felt it looked dated or plain.

Desk-space efficiency was polarizing: full-size models consumed space, while Mini and TKL versions freed up room.

Desk space efficiency was praised because the detachable or left-mounted numpad frees mouse space without giving up full-size functionality.

One review specifically praised durability, saying the board could withstand intense gaming and bumps.

Durability was supported by praise for PBT keycaps, sturdy construction, long-term feel, and robust materials.

Switch replacement sentiment was split: keycap swapping was easy, but non-swappable or hard-to-repair switch designs frustrated reviewers.

Ease of switch replacement was positively supported by the hot-swap design and included tools, making switch and keycap replacement straightforward.

Ergonomics were strong for typing reach and long sessions, but some media-control placement and wrist positioning drew complaints.

Ergonomics were generally positive thanks to angle adjustment, wrist rests, modular positioning, and reduced reach, though magnetic feet had some robustness caveats.

Extra gaming features such as Protection Mode, Rapid Tap, dual actuation, and OLED controls were often praised as genuinely useful.

Extra gaming features were a repeated weakness, with reviewers missing hall effect switches, higher polling, SOCD, analog features, and adjustable actuation.

The Mini review found the board difficult to flex or bend, supporting strong frame rigidity for that version.

Frame rigidity was repeatedly praised, with reviewers describing the board as solid, planted, robust, and difficult to flex.

Gaming performance was strongly praised across written and video reviews, especially for shooters, fast-paced games, and esports features.

Gaming performance was judged good for general play, but not exceptional for competitive users because advanced esports features are missing.

Hot-swap evidence was mixed by model and reviewer, ranging from no hot-swap support to Hall-effect switch swapping on TKL/Mini units.

Hot-swappable switches were consistently praised for making switches and keycaps easy to replace or customize.

Keycaps were generally praised for PBT texture, grip, visibility, or shape, with some caveats around non-premium caps on the Mini.

Keycap quality was mostly praised for PBT durability, texture, and legend longevity, with one reviewer finding the caps slipperier than a competitor.

Responsiveness was one of the strongest themes, with multiple reviewers saying inputs felt immediate and kept up with fast keystrokes.

Key response was generally described as sharp, precise, and dependable across typing and gaming, with repeated praise for accurate registration.

One reviewer found the key reach comfortable, with nothing too far to stretch.

One review found individual key wobble small enough on the dual-rail Hall-effect switches, supporting generally stable key travel.

Key stability was strong in the main board, with reviewers highlighting little wobble, consistent stabilized keys, and planted feel.

Latency evidence was mostly positive in wired use, but Bluetooth and some measured results kept it from being flawless.

Latency-related feedback was positive where discussed, with reviewers saying response time felt sharp and quick during fast or complex input.

Layout options were appreciated in the review that noted full-size, tenkeyless, and wireless variants.

Layout options were a major strength, with praise for the TKL/full-size modular design, ambidextrous numpad, and many possible configurations.

Legend visibility was mixed: the white TKL was praised for readable legends, while Mini front legends were criticized for not shining through.

Legend visibility was mixed: shine-through legends and alternative assignments were praised, while stealth lock icons were criticized as hard to see.

Macro customization was viewed positively, with reviewers noting easy setup and access through software or onboard controls.

Macro customization was broadly praised for display keys, programmable functions, and Windows macro features, though some reviewers found the scope less advanced or less useful than expected.

Materials were mostly praised for aluminum, matte finishes, and sturdy construction, but the Mini plastic-only case felt less premium.

Materials quality was mixed: reviewers liked aluminum, PBT, and premium materials, but several criticized plastic or ABS elements at this price.

Media controls were mixed: OLED and volume controls were useful, but small wheels, cumbersome processes, and missing buttons drew complaints.

Media controls were mixed: reviewers liked the dock concept and utility, but many criticized shallow buttons, mushy feel, confusing navigation, or limited flexibility.

Noise level was usually considered reasonable, with reviewers saying it was quieter than before or not distracting.

Noise level was the strongest consensus point: reviewers repeatedly called the board extremely quiet, whisper-like, or among the quietest mechanical keyboards they had used.

Onboard memory was useful for profiles and cross-PC settings, but lighting behavior and profile requirements limited the experience.

Onboard memory was praised where discussed, especially for saving settings or using board-level controls without constant software dependence.

Passthrough was a clear weakness where reviewers missed USB passthrough or noted its absence alongside wired limitations.

Passthrough features were a weakness, with reviewers criticizing the lack of USB passthrough or the wired-only connection limitations.

Per-key lighting control was useful and flexible, but some custom profiles required GG running in the background.

Per-key lighting control was positively noted where discussed, especially for custom areas, individual keys, and multi-layer lighting control.

Reviewers considered the 1000 Hz polling rate usable and solid, while noting it trails newer 8000 Hz rivals.

The 1,000Hz polling rate was considered fine or a reasonable tradeoff, but reviewers noted it does not compete with faster 8,000Hz gaming boards.

Portability varied by model: Mini and TKL versions were easy to move, while the full-size wired model was desk-bound.

Portability was limited but not wholly negative: one reviewer found it more portable than a daily driver, though the broader design remains a modular desk keyboard.

Profile management was useful through QuickSet, presets, and OLED controls, but five always-loaded profiles and clunky menus created friction.

Profile management was useful but imperfect, with onboard/browser profile handling praised and profile switching or web limitations criticized.

Rapid Trigger/Rapid Tap features were repeatedly praised for faster resets, movement, and competitive control.

Rapid trigger support was a repeated weakness: several reviewers explicitly missed Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation, SOCD, or similar modern gaming functions.

Reliability was supported by accurate input registration and no missed rapid presses in some reviews, but wireless reliability was not perfect.

Reliability was mixed, with several reviewers reporting bugs, wake issues, profile resets, media desync, loose feet, or port-cover issues.

RGB customization was a clear strength, with per-key control and many effects praised, though some reviewers found setup less straightforward.

RGB customization was widely praised for deep software control, per-key effects, layers, presets, and web or app configuration.

RGB lighting quality was often praised for even, attractive, non-intrusive lighting, but color accuracy and brightness were not universally strong.

RGB lighting quality was generally strong, with praise for vivid, uniform, attractive light bars and ambiance; minor complaints included distracting edge lighting or weak purple tones.

Form factor sentiment depended on model: TKL and Mini layouts saved space, while compactness could require adjustment.

Size and form factor drew mixed reactions: one reviewer found the look dated, while another called it big with all modules attached.

Software quality was mixed: GG offered deep, useful tools, but several reviewers called it cluttered, bloated, or inconsistent.

Software quality was good overall but inconsistent: reviewers praised the interface and web option, while others reported bugs, missing refinements, or basic functionality.

Sound dampening was generally seen as improved and effective, though one video reviewer still found the sound less refined than expected.

Sound dampening was one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers praising the multi-layer foam/silicone system for reducing echo, vibration, and typing noise.

Stabilizers were mixed: some reviewers praised reduced wobble or no rattling, while others reported rattly or inconsistent larger keys.

Stabilizer quality was a standout, with reviewers repeatedly praising lubrication, reduced rattle, and quiet large keys.

Reviewers mostly liked the OmniPoint switches for smooth, linear, fast feel, though one found them too light and preferred another board.

Reviewers consistently praised the Dark Mount switches as smooth, quiet, and pleasing to type on, with only minor caveats about personal preference or lack of a thocky feel.

Switch choice drew mixed reactions: reviewers praised the Hall-effect base but criticized limited hardware versatility and mixed switch types on some keys.

Switch choice was seen as adequate but somewhat limited: reviewers liked the silent linear and tactile options, while one wanted a wider default selection.

Typing comfort was often excellent for long writing sessions, but TechRadar disliked the taller keycap typing experience.

Typing comfort was strongly positive, with reviewers calling the board soft, cushioned, comfortable, and suitable for long writing sessions.

Typing feel was usually praised as smooth, satisfying, and enjoyable, though Mini and one video review found it less impressive.

Typing feel was one of the strongest areas, repeatedly described as excellent, smooth, cushioned, fast, and satisfying.

Value was the most divided category: many reviewers justified the cost, while others found the premium price hard to defend.

Value for money split reviewers: some saw strong value in the modules and quiet design, while others felt the high price was hard to justify.

Volume control was generally useful, but the small or recessed wheel hurt ergonomics on some models.

Volume control was mixed, with praise for feel and grip offset by criticism that the roller was imprecise or awkward.

Wireless performance was mixed, with one reviewer reporting dongle issues while others found wireless latency or claimed battery behavior acceptable.

Wireless performance was a weakness because reviewers explicitly noted the lack of 2.4GHz or Bluetooth as a drawback for cable-free users.

The wrist rest was usually praised for comfort, angle, magnetic attachment, and materials, though a few reviewers found it hard or awkward.

Wrist rest quality was mixed but mostly positive: many reviewers found the rests comfortable and secure, while a few criticized alignment, height, or security.