So did I get a good deal on this?

[Bellabear898]

So, I was at bestbuy and I found this renewed keyboard for 135 dollars and It said the only thing wrong was that it didn't connect to the guys pc. The keyboard is the steel series apex pro tkl (non detachable cord). And they were selling it for 220 new there. I have used it and it works perfect and is awesome. So what do you think? Did I get a good deal?

[TetraSky]

It depends.
The $220 model may have been the "2023" model. There is an older variant that is sold for a bit less.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/steelseries-apex-pro-tkl-wired-mechanical-omnipoint-adjustableactuation-switch-gaming-keyboard-with-rgb-backlighting-black/6346169.p?skuId=6346169

 

In fact, even the 2023 model is only $190

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/steelseries-apex-pro-2023-tkl-wired-mechanical-omnipoint-2-0-adjustableactuation-switch-gaming-keyboard-with-rgb-backlighting-black/6519673.p?skuId=6519673

 

Unless you meant a different keyboard?

Overall though, you still got it for much cheaper than what it sells for brand new. If it works that is all that matters. The guy who returned it probably gave a random excuse to return it.

[dizmo]

Are you happy with the discounted price?
Then yes.
If you're not?
Then no.

[Alex Atkin UK]

Personally it boggles my mind that anyone pays over $40 for a keyboard, then again I don't game with a keyboard so maybe the difference is less impactful for desktop use.

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

2 hours ago, Alex Atkin UK said:

Personally it boggles my mind that anyone pays over $40 for a keyboard, then again I don't game with a keyboard so maybe the difference is less impactful for desktop use.

To be totally honest there is little "need" for anything but the more basic rubber dome keyboards, except maybe ergonomic keyboards. Also I don't think gaming has much to do with getting a nice mechanical board, whatever the marketing says. Gamers are just this decade's target audience for all kinds of overpriced stuff.

 

The main reason to get a mechanical keyboard is simply: it feels nice to use and looks neat. You simply want to keep using/fidgeting with it, just for the sound and feel of it.

 

Personally, my job is mostly PC work, so having a keyboard that not only looks nice but is fun for me to use takes away some of the frustration of work. A good keyboard just feels satisfying to use and you just keep wanting to fidget with it.

Another aspect is modding/customizing the board to your liking, meaning you have something quite personal that you yourself built and maintain. Irrational, but makes a huge difference.

Plus tearing something down to the components, only to reassemble it cleaned and in better shape can be a satisfying hobby. Ask the watchmaker community.

 

There is also something to be said about consistency of mechanical switches over rubber domes and how that can lead to better/faster typing with less effort/strain on your fingers, but I am not necessarily convinced anyone did a proper study on this.

 

[Bellabear898]

On 10/1/2023 at 10:06 AM, TetraSky said:

It depends.
The $220 model may have been the "2023" model. There is an older variant that is sold for a bit less.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/steelseries-apex-pro-tkl-wired-mechanical-omnipoint-adjustableactuation-switch-gaming-keyboard-with-rgb-backlighting-black/6346169.p?skuId=6346169

 

In fact, even the 2023 model is only $190

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/steelseries-apex-pro-2023-tkl-wired-mechanical-omnipoint-2-0-adjustableactuation-switch-gaming-keyboard-with-rgb-backlighting-black/6519673.p?skuId=6519673

 

Unless you meant a different keyboard?

Overall though, you still got it for much cheaper than what it sells for brand new. If it works that is all that matters. The guy who returned it probably gave a random excuse to return it.

Yes I'm pretty sure it's the older one but it was around 200-220 Canadian dollars and the newer one was 250. Overall I like it a lot better than my hyperx alloy origins 65. I need to have f keys. I am a collector though but I'm just starting my collection. Thanks

[Bellabear898]

On 10/1/2023 at 1:53 PM, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

To be totally honest there is little "need" for anything but the more basic rubber dome keyboards, except maybe ergonomic keyboards. Also I don't think gaming has much to do with getting a nice mechanical board, whatever the marketing says. Gamers are just this decade's target audience for all kinds of overpriced stuff.

 

The main reason to get a mechanical keyboard is simply: it feels nice to use and looks neat. You simply want to keep using/fidgeting with it, just for the sound and feel of it.

 

Personally, my job is mostly PC work, so having a keyboard that not only looks nice but is fun for me to use takes away some of the frustration of work. A good keyboard just feels satisfying to use and you just keep wanting to fidget with it.

Another aspect is modding/customizing the board to your liking, meaning you have something quite personal that you yourself built and maintain. Irrational, but makes a huge difference.

Plus tearing something down to the components, only to reassemble it cleaned and in better shape can be a satisfying hobby. Ask the watchmaker community.

 

There is also something to be said about consistency of mechanical switches over rubber domes and how that can lead to better/faster typing with less effort/strain on your fingers, but I am not necessarily convinced anyone did a proper study on this.

 

As someone with adhd this is very true. The sound and feel are very important. I'm planning to make a keybiard with some gateron blacks that I have soon

[saintlouisbagels]

On 10/2/2023 at 1:00 AM, Alex Atkin UK said:

Personally it boggles my mind that anyone pays over $40 for a keyboard, then again I don't game with a keyboard so maybe the difference is less impactful for desktop use.

The same reason people upgrade their kitchen knives or buy the LTT Screwdriver.

The cheaper options are 100% functional and get the job done, but the higher price tiers have the small details that don't translate on spec sheets.

 

Better kitchen knives stay sharp longer and they have a great feel in the hand. I've been using cheap Victorinox Fibrox knives for most of my life, but I recently upgraded to a couple of Shun knives and I "feel" so much better as I'm cutting up meats.

The $70 LTT screwdriver has great back drive force and a nice magnet and it looks decently better than my $50 Wera ratcheting driver.

 

You can still prepare a dish or do basic maintenance with tools that cost a few dollars but there's much more enjoyment in the activity with nicer things.

That's the same thing with a $10 rubber membrane keyboard versus a $150 mechanical keyboard.

 

[Alex Atkin UK]

1 hour ago, saintlouisbagels said:

The same reason people upgrade their kitchen knives or buy the LTT Screwdriver.

The cheaper options are 100% functional and get the job done, but the higher price tiers have the small details that don't translate on spec sheets.

That's the same thing with a $10 rubber membrane keyboard versus a $150 mechanical keyboard.

Fair point, given I bought the LTT screwdriver myself after previously using cheap ones for years and it is indeed night/day difference in the feel and ease of operation.

 

I probably should have Googled the model mentioned by OP as looking at it now, it does seem to offer some genuine improvements over cheap mechanical keyboards, particularly for gamers.

[Jorgemeister]

11 hours ago, Bellabear898 said:

As someone with adhd this is very true. The sound and feel are very important. I'm planning to make a keybiard with some gateron blacks that I have soon

The Apex is not standard mechanical switches right? I recently got a Neo65 and it has been a lot of fun swapping switches and trying different foams and mounting styles, their group buy is still on, I think, and I got mine delivered in less than 3 weeks. it comes completely disassembled, if you plan to mod and try different things this is ideal for it, and quality wise it would leave the steelseries behind, except for the fast actuation switches on the steelseries.

 

Although you did mention you wanted F row. maybe something like the Monsgeek M3 or M1 or the Cidoo V87, I found out that the more you steer away from gaming brand the better quality product you get, but its all about preferences. 

[Bellabear898]

On 10/6/2023 at 8:20 AM, Jorgemeister said:

The Apex is not standard mechanical switches right? I recently got a Neo65 and it has been a lot of fun swapping switches and trying different foams and mounting styles, their group buy is still on, I think, and I got mine delivered in less than 3 weeks. it comes completely disassembled, if you plan to mod and try different things this is ideal for it, and quality wise it would leave the steelseries behind, except for the fast actuation switches on the steelseries.

 

Although you did mention you wanted F row. maybe something like the Monsgeek M3 or M1 or the Cidoo V87, I found out that the more you steer away from gaming brand the better quality product you get, but its all about preferences. 

I have switches and I'm looking to build a board. I know gaming stuff isn't that great but it was just what I got at the time and it works and sounds amazing. I'm going to build a keyboard with Akko cream blacks or yellows soon.

[Jorgemeister]

On 10/7/2023 at 7:40 PM, Bellabear898 said:

I have switches and I'm looking to build a board. I know gaming stuff isn't that great but it was just what I got at the time and it works and sounds amazing. I'm going to build a keyboard with Akko cream blacks or yellows soon.

I use an Akko 3098B for work, with Akko Jelly black switches, they are pretty good. I have also tried the cream yellow and like them too. good luck with your future build.