Skip to main content

New SteelSeries tournament-focused keyboard has Cherry MX Red switches, costs a mere $100

SteelSeries Apex M500
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Peripheral manufacturer SteelSeries has launched a new tournament-ready mechanical keyboard called the Apex M500. Its biggest selling point is the use of Cherry MX Red mechanical switches that guarantee 50 million key presses, making this device ideal for PC gamers. It’s also backed by the company’s SteelSeries Engine customization software, for quickly creating macros and programming individual keys.

As a brief explainer, Cherry Corporation provides a number of keyboard switches in its Cherry MX family. The “Red” versions are typically found in gaming keyboards, provide an actuation force of 45g, and aren’t “clicky” like many mechanical keyboard keys.

In addition to using Cherry MX Red switches, the keyboard also offers anti-ghosting technology with 104 key rollover. “Ghosting” means that when you press multiple keys simultaneously, some of those key presses don’t show up on the screen or are missing in a string when executing multi-keyed commands. The keyboard will support up to 104 simultaneous key inputs (although that will never happen unless you’re an alien), enabling fast gameplay and input precision.

A built-in “smart” cable management system eliminates tangles and interference. This is accomplished by three cable guides that “adapt” to your current setup. That’s important, as there’s nothing more visually unappealing than a mess of cables draping across the desktop and potentially getting in the way of your gaming.

The Apex M500 keyboard features blue LED backlighting, making it a perfect fit for your dark PC gaming cave. It also features a traditional key layout for universality so that it can be used in other applications other than PC gaming. On a whole, it’s a performance-focused keyboard that doesn’t add bulky, unnecessary features, making it affordable for everyone.

Backing this new keyboard is the company’s SteelSeries Engine software. Compatible with both Windows and OS X, the tool lets gamers program individual keys for better combo execution, advanced macros, saved game profiles, and more. The latest version is Engine 3, which requires Windows 7 or newer, or Mac OS X 10.8 or newer. Engine 2 is also available for Windows XP machines and Macs running OS X 10.7.

The latest Engine software comes packed with GameSense, which is capable of changing the keyboard’s illumination in real time to reflect in-game events. This is most apparent in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, as the company worked with Valve to have the keyboard change its illumination when the ammo level gets low, taking out an enemy with a headshot, getting hit by a bullet, and more.

The new SteelSeries Apex M500 mechanical keyboard is available now in North America at the SteelSeries website and Newegg, costing $100.

Editors' Recommendations

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
This HP Pavilion desktop PC had its price cut from $700 to $440
HP PC connected to a monitor.

HP is one of the most reliable sources for dependable desktop PCs at affordable prices. Take this as an example -- the HP Pavilion Desktop TP01, originally priced at $700, is currently available for just $440 following a $260 discount. With a configuration that's more than enough for the usual tasks that you'll do for work or school, this is one of the most attractive desktop computer deals that we've seen in a while. We're not sure how long this offer will remain online though, so you'll have to complete the purchase as soon as possible if you don't want to miss out.

Why you should buy the HP Pavilion Desktop TP01
Let's get it out of the way -- the HP Pavilion Desktop TP01 isn't going to be as powerful as the top-of-the-line models of the best desktop computers. However, with its AMD Ryzen 3 5300G processor, integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, and 8GB of RAM, it's going to be more than enough to handle activities such as doing online research, making reports, and creating presentations. The desktop PC excels in its storage capabilities though, as it's got a 256GB SSD for its primary storage where Windows 11 Home is pre-installed and a 1TB HDD for its secondary storage. That's a lot of space for your files!

Read more
This Lenovo 2-in-1 laptop is discounted from $3,409 to $799
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 front angled view showing display.

If you skip past Lenovo's somewhat disingenuously high estimated value system, there are generally some great laptop deals to check out at the site. Right now, you can buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga for $799. Lenovo reckons that's reduced from $3,409 which seems excessively high and unlikely to us, but we do know that $799 is a pretty sweet deal for this laptop. If you're keen to know more, keep reading while we take you through what to expect from it. Don't forget to hit the buy button if it sounds like the one for you.

Why you should buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Read more
Quick — This 32-inch 4K monitor just had its price slashed by 21%
The 27-inch Dell S2721QS 4K monitor on a table.

Dell often has some great monitor deals and the firm has certainly excelled itself with an offer on the Dell 32-inch SE3223Q 4K monitor. Usually priced at $380, it's down to $300 for a limited time only. A fantastic price for a 4K monitor, you might already know to hit the buy button below but if you need some more guidance, keep reading while we explain what it offers.

Why you should buy the Dell 32-inch SE3223Q 4K monitor
Dell makes some of the best 4K monitors around with the Dell 32-inch SE3223Q 4K monitor reflecting many of those qualities. It offers 99% sRGB on its VA panel with 1.07 billion colors overall. There's also the aforementioned 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 wide viewing angles and an anti-glare surface. It also has a response time of as little as 4ms gray-to-gray extreme and AMD FreeSync support. While the response rate isn't perfect for a gaming setup, it's fine for some light gaming with AMD FreeSync ensuring you get smooth browsing while you work.

Read more