When it comes to PC gaming a solid keyboard can sometimes be the difference between an average player and a great player. However, with so many keyboard brands on the market it's hard to find one that fits the needs of the gamer, and is functional in a regular setting.

Enter the SteelSeries APEX [RAW], a new, wired keyboard from the popular PC peripheral manufacturer. Game Rant was lucky enough to get our hands on the keyboard to give it a test run, and see how it stands up to the competition. Read on for our thoughts on the APEX [RAW].

First and foremost, gamers will notice that the APEX [RAW] is a very bulky keyboard. This isn't the type of keyboard that players will want to lug around, or travel with; the APEX [RAW] is meant to sit on a desk and stay there. That's not a negative against the keyboard, mind you, just something to point out.

A lot of that bulk comes from the APEX's design, which is gorgeous by the way. The keys are laid out nicely, and there are 15 macro keys for easy customization of the keyboard. When it comes to the feel of the APEX [RAW], the keys are responsive and snappy. They aren't overly stocky like a standard keyboard, and the WASD keys have small bumps so you can easily jump back to "starting position."

Gamers that like to play at night will also like the APEX [RAW]'s 8 levels of illumination. Yes, it's a common feature, but one that's useful, especially for gaming.

With this being a wired keyboard, the responsiveness of the device is of the highest quality. Typing at a high WPM rendered no issues, and the keyboard was also able to register multiple key presses for those important gaming scenarios like reloading while running.

Even if you're not a gamer, the APEX [RAW] is a perfectly functional keyboard on its own, with a big, almost oversized, space bar for easy access and the typical set of media keys (play, pause, volume control). It's hard to recommend it as a non-gaming keyboard for the price ($69.99), but as a dual threat keyboard (gaming and general use) the device is solid.

My only major complaint with the keyboard is that, as was briefly mentioned, it takes up a lot of space on a desk. That's not a deal breaker by any means, but something to be mindful of for desks where space is limited. The APEX [RAW] fit fine on my desk, but others who tested it in that same scenario found it a little too cumbersome.

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The keyboard may lack the bells and whistles of a high-end gaming keyboard, and it is a wired device, but the APEX [RAW] still performs admirably in any number of situations. It has the basic functionality you need out of a keyboard like this, and interesting design choices like the large space bar and raised WASD keys make it a useful gaming device. A major selling point for the keyboard is the set of 15 macros (technically 30 if you use a modifier key), which will suit any gaming need.

The overall design of the keyboard, while bulky, is about comfort and the device delivers in that regard. Those gamers that are looking for a relatively inexpensive gaming keyboard that has a nice design, is very responsive, and has a few unique but useful features might want to give the SteelSeries APEX [RAW] a look.

Does this SteelSeries' keyboard sound like the type of device that might meet your needs? What do you look for in a gaming keyboard?

The SteelSeries APEX [RAW] is available now for $69.99. Game Rant was provided a review unit of the APEX [RAW].