** STEELSERIES APEX M800 - MECHANICAL KEYBOARD REVIEW **

  • Thread starter Thread starter rjk
  • Start date Start date
After the last firmware update... after a random amount of time (not too long either - 30-120 minutes)... the keyboard will simply stop responding or doing anything.

The lights continue to function as you would expect... but nothing is registered by the computer.

This doesn't resolve itself until you disconnect/reconnect or reboot the computer.



Does anyone know where to download the firmwares and manually re-apply? I'd like to roll back to the last one or reapply this one... but on the steelseries page they only offer the main software program downlkoad :(
 
crinkleshoes said:
After the last firmware update... after a random amount of time (not too long either - 30-120 minutes)... the keyboard will simply stop responding or doing anything.

The lights continue to function as you would expect... but nothing is registered by the computer.

This doesn't resolve itself until you disconnect/reconnect or reboot the computer.



Does anyone know where to download the firmwares and manually re-apply? I'd like to roll back to the last one or reapply this one... but on the steelseries page they only offer the main software program downlkoad :(
Click to expand...

Interesting you saying this as I have been having this problem recently with my M800. I guess it's only a matter of time before they release a new software package with a new firmware. Must be plenty of other people with this issue as well.

On a side note. . .

I've been using my keyboard for just over a week now and have to say its the best mech keyboard I've ever used. Love the new key action, its superb! And the space bar is very comfortable to use, it does really work being bigger.

Also the lighting is the best I have seen on any keyboard let alone the effects work very well indeed.

:)
 
Not having this issue myself though I do sometimes have a moment when the keyboard lights will be off and it's unresponsive till a second after pressing a key when booting my PC and it gets to the login screen.

Anyone found an option to download more lighting effects yet?
 
A little tip which I have noticed if you have the usb problem.

Install the latest Steelseries Engine 3 over the top, even if its the same version.

It was effecting my Sensei wireless as well, so the engine software I knew was the problem, not just the keyboard. ;)

Seems to have solved all my usb cutting out now and all working fine now.
 
I'm actually going off this keyboard... irregardless of the usb failure thing as that isn't bothering me much.

The keystroke reminds me too much of a Razer non-mech keyboard I bought 5-7 years ago... despite the actual pressure being low, it makes my fingers ache without much use.

Despite using it for a few weeks, I am still not used to the key layout... something which is very strange to me as I adjust quickly. I find myself mis-typing quite frequently as despite the subtle differences... it is quite different from the QPAD QT85 and other keyboards... this has a different layout and it's noticeable, even if it is only a couple of mm difference.

One thing I didn't like about the QPAD... is that you had to manually enable the back lighting every time you started the computer. The backlighting on this keyboard is the prettiest I have ever seen... but of course I look at the screen more than the keyboard ;)

I'm going to buy a Corsair RGB to replace it and see how well I get on with that... otherwise I might end up going back to a QPAD again.
 
crinkleshoes said:
I'm actually going off this keyboard... irregardless of the usb failure thing as that isn't bothering me much.

The keystroke reminds me too much of a Razer non-mech keyboard I bought 5-7 years ago... despite the actual pressure being low, it makes my fingers ache without much use.

Despite using it for a few weeks, I am still not used to the key layout... something which is very strange to me as I adjust quickly. I find myself mis-typing quite frequently as despite the subtle differences... it is quite different from the QPAD QT85 and other keyboards... this has a different layout and it's noticeable, even if it is only a couple of mm difference.

One thing I didn't like about the QPAD... is that you had to manually enable the back lighting every time you started the computer. The backlighting on this keyboard is the prettiest I have ever seen... but of course I look at the screen more than the keyboard ;)

I'm going to buy a Corsair RGB to replace it and see how well I get on with that... otherwise I might end up going back to a QPAD again.
Click to expand...

Surprised you say that about the layout. I did not even realise its different (albeit we are talking mm).
I was using a Razor Black Widow before and find this far more comfortable to type on. I love the sensitivity and how you don't have to press the keys down as much. It's made my keying more enjoyable and faster!
 
It's VERY similar to Razer layout... so that might explain it ;)

I don't like Razer layout... it's non-standard... and this is closer to that than the QPAD or most normal keyboards are.

I've decided that I'm going to give this to a friend... order the Corsair K70 Blue & Brown... and return either the blue or brown.
 
I don't think it looks that premium for the price... very expensive keyboard. I like thät spacebar idea though, just wish it didnt look so awkwardly sized among the other regularly layed out keys. Wanna see what the switches are like though :)
 
berryal said:
I don't think it looks that premium for the price... very expensive keyboard. I like thät spacebar idea though, just wish it didnt look so awkwardly sized among the other regularly layed out keys. Wanna see what the switches are like though :)
Click to expand...

To be fair I don't think the pics do it justice. The build quality is very good and it has a nice substantial feel to it. I've really gotten used the keys now and its so comfortable to use. I also really love the lighting (and funky effects!) I think it's the best from any keyboard I have seen.

You get a better idea from a video:

 
Steelseries Engine Version 3.4.0

New firmware available
Apex M800, v1.23 – Fixes some irregular color writes to the zone that controls the logo and sides.

Bug fixes
The tray icon now has a tooltip.
Fixed a few conditions that would prevent the app from communicating with the background process, causing connection errors.
Mouse buttons 3-8 with special playback options should now work as expected.
Fixed restored windows being hidden off-screen after connecting and disconnecting extra monitors.
 
Combat Fighter said:
Steelseries Engine Version 3.4.0

New firmware available
Apex M800, v1.23 – Fixes some irregular color writes to the zone that controls the logo and sides.

Bug fixes
The tray icon now has a tooltip.
Fixed a few conditions that would prevent the app from communicating with the background process, causing connection errors.
Mouse buttons 3-8 with special playback options should now work as expected.
Fixed restored windows being hidden off-screen after connecting and disconnecting extra monitors.
Click to expand...

You can also now play games ON the keyboard. :cool:
 
crinkleshoes said:
After the last firmware update... after a random amount of time (not too long either - 30-120 minutes)... the keyboard will simply stop responding or doing anything.

The lights continue to function as you would expect... but nothing is registered by the computer.

This doesn't resolve itself until you disconnect/reconnect or reboot the computer.



Does anyone know where to download the firmwares and manually re-apply? I'd like to roll back to the last one or reapply this one... but on the steelseries page they only offer the main software program downlkoad :(
Click to expand...

Apologies for bumping this thread.

Did you manage to fix this issue? It's become less frequent with my M800 but still an issue, it always happens at the most inconvenient times, requiring the USB pulled out and put back in.

Highlands.
 
I've tried that a couple of times to no avail! :(

I had the same problem with my Wireless Sensei but that was resolved with one of the recent updates.
 
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