When comparing Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum vs SteelSeries Apex M800, the Slant community recommends SteelSeries Apex M800 for most people. In the question“What are the best gaming keyboards?” SteelSeries Apex M800 is ranked 4th while Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose SteelSeries Apex M800 is:
This Apex keyboard has virtually limitless backlighting options that can be very useful. Each key’s LED is individually configurable with options like color, brightness or patterns. This enables users to do things like configure certain keys to light up when certain in-game commands are ready to be used. SteelSeries takes backlighting so seriously the M800 even has a second processor just for handling lighting effects, while the main one deals exclusively with inputs.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Dedicated media controls
On its top right corner, this keyboard has 5 media control keys and a volume roller. These keys are round, making it easy to quickly tell them apart from the rest of the keys.
Pro Fully customizable RGB lighting
The Romer-G key switches used on this keyboard have little light-bleed, and the Logitech Gaming software lets you light up individual keys with any color. The software can also detect games running, and provide pre-set lighting profiles for each of them.
Pro Good in-house made switches
This Logitech keyboard uses in-house developed Romer-G switch technology, which is designed with gamers in mind. The keys actuate at just 1.5 mm with a force of 45g, giving them a very responsive feel. They're also built around the RGB lighting, and therefore suffer from little lightbleeding. Another benefit is the long durability of these switches, which have a lifespan rated at 70 million keystrokes (higher than the typical 50-60 million rate of other key switches).
Pro Impressive backlighting options with practical use
This Apex keyboard has virtually limitless backlighting options that can be very useful. Each key’s LED is individually configurable with options like color, brightness or patterns. This enables users to do things like configure certain keys to light up when certain in-game commands are ready to be used. SteelSeries takes backlighting so seriously the M800 even has a second processor just for handling lighting effects, while the main one deals exclusively with inputs.
Pro Silent, low-profile mechanical switches
This keyboard uses QS1 mechanical switches, custom-made by SteelSeries. Those are one of the quieter mechanical switches currently on the market and they have a very low profile. Their travel distance is 3 mm and the actuation distance is 1.5 mm (0.5 mm shorter than the most common Cherry MX switches). This means the keys register earlier than on other keyboards, facilitating fast typing.
Pro Easily disable the Windows key
There is a way to easily turn off the keyboard's Windows key by holding the SteelSeries function key and then tapping the Windows key. This can be used to avoid unwanted interruptions during games when this key is accidentally pressed.
Pro Very stable during use
The M800 keyboard remains stable during energetic gaming. Thanks to its removable rubber feet and hefty build, it always maintains a good hold on the desk.
Pro Powered USB hub
This keyboard has two powered USB 2.0 ports for external devices.
Pro Highly programmable keys
Key functionality is highly adjustable in this keyboard. For example, key mapping can be altered, assigning new characters to keys or even giving them mouse functions or media commands. In addition, complex macros can be created and assigned to dedicated macro keys. Adjustments are made via the SteelSeries Engine 3 companion software, whose macro edition options are impressive. A high level of macro complexity is possible, allowing for any custom combinations of keys and time delays between key presses.
Cons
Con Slight metallic ring when keys bottom out
You may notice a slight metallic ring when bottoming out individual keys. It's hardly noticeable when typing text or gaming, but, on occasion, when pressing keys individually, it's perceptible.
Con No switch choice
Romer-G switches are the only available option for the G810. It could be interesting to have the option of getting this keyboard with Cherry MX switches, which many find more satisfying to use that the Romer-Gs.
Con Not very portable
This Apex keyboard isn’t very portable, since it’s neither light nor compact. It weighs 3 pounds (1.4 kg) and measures 6.8’’ x 20.1’’ x 1.6’’ (173 x 511 x 41 mm). It also misses a detachable cable.
Con Plastic surface gets filthy easily
Except for the keycaps, this keyboard's plastic surface is uncoated, so it gets a dirtied look really quick.
Con Overall build quality could be much better
The overall build quality of the M800 is good, but it could be more durable and feel more solid. The plastic keycaps feel somewhat cheap and easily breakable.
Con Layout isn't changeable
This keyboard's layout can’t be changed at all, since alternative keycaps don’t exist.
Con Space bar inconvenient for typing
This keyboard’s space bar is much bigger than usual and has a slightly curved surface for quick and easy actuation. This makes sense for gaming, but for typing it can become inconvenient since it’s easy to press it unintentionally.
Con Expensive
The M800 keyboard has a retail price of $199.99, meaning that this is by no means a low-cost keyboard. This makes it a good option only for those looking for the most advanced gaming features.