The SteelSeries catalog of gaming hardware has steadily grown over the years to become one of the most robust selections of mice, keyboards, headphones, and controllers out there. SteelSeries stuff, to my eye, is the cleanest and most stylish gaming accessories you can find because each product is designed in a sleek, somewhat understated way that doesn't shout "gamer" with glossy plastics and neon colors, but does give you the opportunity to express yourself with feature-rich RBG integration.
Obviously, when the opportunity came up to review some SteelSeries gear, I was excited to take a look. As always, we like to present a mouse, keyboard, and headphone package from a single brand and show how they work (or don't work) together to create a better, easier, or more attractive gaming setup at your desk. We chose the new Sensei 10 mouse, the classic Arctis 7 wireless headphones, and the brand new Apex 7 mechanical keyboard to review because they represent the highest quality, most bang for your buck experience. Overall, SteelSeries offers the coolest looking gear you can get. Luckily the quality matches the design, making these three devices obvious choices for anyone that wants to take their PC gaming to the next level.
Apex 7 Keyboard Looks Good And Feels Great
As I sit here writing this review, the keys on my Apex 7 pulse slowly and softly through a rainbow spectrum of colors. Each keystroke creates a burst of white that radiates out from the key and fades near the edges of the keyboard. Later, when I load up Destiny 2 to grind some Vex Offensive, the Apex 7 will automatically switch over to the profile I've created for the game, lighting up the keys for my abilities in weapons in red and flashing intensely as I mow down hordes of robo-aliens.
Each key on the Apex 7 is fully RGB programmable with tons of base effects and reactive layers to choose from. You can customize the hell out of this keyboard all the way down to an adorable 128px X 40px display in the corner that can provide notification info, image macros, or even memes.
Through the SteelSeries engine, you can customize the Apex 7 with an unlimated amount of profiles for all of your games and experiences, or choose from a number of awesome presets. There's also integration with apps and games like Discord, CS:GO, DOTA, and Spotify that creatives reactive profiles for the keyboard, such as the number keys flashing when you get a new message on discord that then displays on the tiny display.
The Apex 7 comes with either Red, Blue, or Brown switches. I'm a Cherry Red guy myself, and have had a fantastic experience using it so far. It also comes with a magnetic wrist guard that is soft and amazing and I had no idea it was missing from my life. There's a volume wheel as well, which has become a necessity for me, as well as USB pass-through to make it easier to plug other stuff into your PC.
Sensei 10 Mouse Looks Simple, Is Anything But
The most significant feature of the Sensei 10 is its symmetrical shape that makes it truly ambidextrous. It's strange to think that you need to either hold an awkwardly shaped mouse or get used to right-handed mouse control, but the Sensei 10 completely solves that problem and, not only that, but also fits perfectly no matter what grip style you use.
It's remarkable considering how basic the mouse looks. It has two thumb buttons on other side, a sensitivity toggle in the center bellow the scroll wheel, and two RGB regions (around the scroll wheel and on the palm) that can be customized independently.
The SteelSeries Engine once again gives you full control over the Sensei 10's functionality. Polling Rate, CPI, angle snapping, and acceleration can all be tuned to your exact specifications, and you can program each button with custom inputs and macros. It's got a slightly rubberized texture that feels great. I like that it's slightly weightier than the average mouse, and using SteelSeries Engine, I can sync the RGB lights up with my keyboard.
Arctis 7 Headphones Are Compact With Everything You Need
The Arctis 7 headphones aren't the newest headphones on the market, but they are celebrated by many as the best gaming headphones out there, and it's easy to see why. These headphones are incredibly light weight, unassuming with their all-black design and retractable microphone, comfortable, and sound incredible.
For wireless, they use a 2.4GHz USB dongle that you'll need to connect to your PC and set on your desk. The Nilla Wafer-sized adapter is definitely my least favorite component, but it's small enough that it's easy to switch PCs or even plug it into a PS4 for wireless listening, unlike other wireless headphone options that use a larger cradle.
They have a 24-hour battery life, which I can confirm is accurate, and charge through USB. I prefer this over a dock because I like to hang my headphones on a hook behind my monitor, so plugging them in isn't a big deal as long as you don't forget. There's a volume control and chat mix dial to prioritize game or voice, which are pretty standard features, but much appreciated. I love having a retractable microphone that is fully adjustable, so the Artis 7s are a perfect fit for me. I have had some interference and spotty connection issues with them however, and I think that may be due to the adapter being very close to my router.
SteelSeries Engine Is The Best Configuring Software I've Ever Seen
I've mentioned SteelSeries Engine a few times already because it's such a treat to use an interface with great UI and awesome tools. Each of your SteelSeries devices can be customized within the engine and even synced up with their RGB lights. It's easy to use and offers shortcuts to profiles for each device so you don't even have to dig through menus to change anything. It also offers apps for games and services that integrate with SteelSeries products, making the SteelSeries ecosystem one of the best collections you can get to keep things uncomplicated and perfectly customized.
I highly reccomend SteelSeries products if you want high-quality accessories that don't scream "1337 G4M3R" to the world. These are tools for players that want to get the most out of their game time, and don't look half bad on your desk either.
The Sensei 10, Apex 7, and Arctis 7 were provided to TheGamer for review. You can find all of these products, and more, on the SteelSeries website.