The keyboard market is saturated with Cherry MX switches, and we’re seeing more companies move away from them in a bid to offer something different. SteelSeries is one such company, and its Apex M800 is fitted with a brand-new switch, the QS1. SteelSeries claims the M800 is the fastest available mechanical keyboard, and it offers per-key RGB backlighting and reprogramming for every key.
The M800 features six dedicated macro keys, and a function key that can be used to control brightness, media and the Windows lock. There are also two USB 2 ports on the rear, both powered by the secondary USB connection; they’re handy but a single USB 3 port would be preferable.
Replacement keycaps with Apple keyboard symbols are included too, but there’s no key puller, nor is there a wrist rest, which feels stingy at this price. Rated for 60 million clicks, the new QS1 switch is a joint effort by Kailh and SteelSeries. It has a square-shaped plunger with space for an RGB LED in the middle, unlike Cherry switches where LEDs are top-mounted. The result is a more even backlighting, but the most striking aspect is the low profile – the linear switches have a total travel of just 3mm with a 1.5mm actuation point, 25 per cent shorter than a Cherry MX Red but with the same actuation force (45cN). The keycaps too are very short too – similar to what you’d find on a membrane keyboard.
The shorter actuation point is noticeable and the switches have a smooth action. Also, the keycaps’ surfaces are aligned on a single plane, making it easy to glide fingers across them. The M800 really is fast, and it’s easily the quietest mechanical keyboard we’ve used too.
The software we used was in beta, but it still impressed. Key bindings and illumination settings both use an intuitive key map, and multiple profiles are easy to set up and assign to programs. Your profiles can also be backed up to the cloud for access anywhere. The M800 can store one profile on-board too, but requires software to be running for macros and LED-based countdown timers to work.
Meanwhile, the lighting effects are complex; Corsair’s software has yet more options, but SteelSeries’ is by far the easier one to use. The M800 features active and idle modes, with the latter being a screensaver-style pattern that activates when the keyboard isn’t in use. Key bindings include the usual functions, such as shortcuts to programs and profile switching, and practically every key can be remapped, not just the macro ones. Reprogramming is again very easy and the macro editor in particular is a joy to use. Regardless of your lighting patterns’ complexity, the keyboard won’t skip a beat – the M800 has n-key rollover and dual processors, with one CPU dedicated to handling key presses.
Conclusion
At £160, the M800 is one of the most expensive keyboards around. Developing a new switch is obviously costly and, to be fair, it’s paid off; many people will appreciate the low profile, responsive keys and quietness. However, the QS1 switch needs to find its way into cheaper models to gain some ground. As it stands, the M800 is a feature-rich keyboard with good switches, but it’s also let down by its plastic build quality for the price.
VERDICT
Too expensive for the build quality, but the QS1 is a great new switch and we look forward to seeing how it’s used elsewhere.
CLOUD CIRCUITRY SCORE = 79
