And it isn't called Topre..
For about 6 months I've been on a quest to move on from my trusty and famous Dell Quietkey RT7D5JTW (Thailand) keyboard I've used for about 4 years now. A few keyboards have come close but eventually it comes back on my desk. My motivation to move on are several-fold; Spacebar I feel has lost a bit of responsiveness (have to make sure to fully depress it), would like something more modern (tad smaller/flatter and maybe volume control), possibly illuminated as I work at night often but not a priority and time to retire any PS/2 devices (active -> usb adapter I have has been great though).
I've already tried probably 15 various keyboards. MX blue/browns (twice each), MX Red, Matias Quiet Pro, plus too many to list current membrane based and scissor switch keyboards. I've probably spent as much on gas as keyboards just going to all area stores.
Two nights ago while at Wal-Mart, I wandered to the keyboard section thinking they'd just have same old Logitech's best Buy has (they did), but in a very small PC "gaming" section I spotted my wonder I've never seen before but knew the brand. I was intrigued and bought it for $29.99 after reading the back. It has since blown my mind how close this feels to the Alps based Matias Quiet Click Pro I JUST had last week.
Steelseries Apex 100 https://steelseries.com/gaming-keyboards/apex-100Here it is next to my Dell Quietkey
It is maybe a few mm wider than the Dell but not as long.
Using the nickel test method I measured my Dell as having between 65-70g all over. Maybe one or two slightly less than 65g. The spacebar measured at 70+g. The Apex 100 whole keyboard measured 50-55g on all keys except the enter-key and spacebar which both measured at 70+. Pressing keys very slowly down on the Apex they actuate VERY close to or right after the tactile bump. Whereas on the Quietkey I could go slow enough to pass the bump and not have a letter appear until it touches bottom. I don't know how Steelseries did it, but their dome works and basically feels like a slightly heavier MX Brown with a more prominent tactile bump. Like I said above already they feel to me almost exactly like the Matias Quiet Click switch on the Pro version I had last week. Even down to the very slight scratchiness.
Here is a picture of the actual Apex 100 switch:
You can see it has some pretty solid clear stabilizers (this the backspace key) and some plastic gold colored lip over a slider. The actual membrane inside looks clear with a pointy dome-like thingy.
The keyboard feels solid too. About the same weight (maybe heavier) than the Quietkey. Same type of quality plastic. Very understated plain black too which is much appreciated considering it is considered a gaming keyboard (Anti-ghosting advertised). Here is a pic from the side to show the thickness.
This keyboard is so good and feels as close to a mechanical that I've ever tried. Tactile mechanical enthusiasts or anyone looking for the best rubber dome keyboard should seriously consider getting this board. The only disappointment is the illumination. It is more of a blue glow around the keys rather than the keys themselves. I find it actually makes it harder to see the keys in the dark with this illumination on.
