When comparing Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 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 Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 is ranked 12th. 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 Back-lit keys great for typing in dark
What makes the backlighting of this keyboard so great, is that only the symbols are illuminated, making it very easy to discern each individual letter or number in the dark. Moreover, the brigthness of the illumination is adjusted automatically, depending on the lighting conditions in your room (although you can also change it manually).
Pro Very quiet
The keys hardly make any noise as you press them.
Pro Seamless integration with Windows
The keyboard works right out of the box with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. The drivers are automatically installed when you plug it into the computer, and it only takes a few minutes.
Pro Very comfortable
The keys have an ergonomic shape: they are rounded and slightly concave. The force is distributed evenly across the surface of each key as you press it, making the typing go smoothly and effortlessly.
Pro You don't have to buy new batteries all the time
This keyboard has a rechargable accumulator as opposed to disposable batteries that require regular replacement. One charge lasts for 10 full days of use.
Pro Unified receiver
Logitech's wireless peripherals use a unified receiver where many devices can be used on one receiver. This makes for an easy way to use a Logitech wireless mouse, keyboard, etc without having to have numerous USB receiver plugged into the device.
Pro Keyboard illumination control on the keyboard itself
There is an on off switch on the keyboard that allows the user to turn off the backlight illumination of the keyboard. This is a lot easier than using software on the PC as it is more accessible, especially if the screen is off.
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 Heavy
Total weight of this keyboard is 48 ounces, much more than the average 8.8 ounces for a similiarly-sized device. This is due to the built-in rechargeable battery.
Con Not for gamers
This keyboard works great for office work or casual gaming, but it's not recommended for competitive gamers. It's not meant to deal with the same amount of wear as a mechanical keyboard.
Con Feels cheap
There is a good bit of flex to the keyboard, which makes it feel flimsy and cheap.
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.