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SteelSeries is the company that turned me on to mechanical keyboards in the first place, and they’ve consistently put out good products in the category. Now they’re putting both feet into the eSports arena with the Apex line of keyboards. Their first announcement is the backlit Apex M500.

It’s actually rather appropriate that I should mention the 6Gv2 featured in my original article, because the Apex M500 is SteelSeries’ sequel to that keyboard. The M500 is “built like a tank,” and will feature the same build quality. The key layout is also kept nice and simple, with the same compact 104-key design that utilizes Cherry MX Red mechanical switches.

This isn’t going to be a retread with some LEDs added though. The Apex M500 will utilize the SteelSeries Engine Software, allowing gamers the ability to program individual keys for unique combinations, as well as build complex macros. Multiple profile support is also present, meaning you can switch your key bindings quickly and easily. Cable management tracks have also been added to the underside of the M500, keeping your peripheral cables untangled and you engaged in the action.

TheĀ SteelSeries Apex M500 mechanical gaming keyboard is available now for and MSRP of $99.99 USD. For more info, check out the press release below.

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SteelSeries Apex M500, the Mechanical Keyboard For eSports Now Available

Battle-ready mechanical keyboard for performance purists now armed with Cherry MX and SteelSeries Engine software

CHICAGO – April 11, 2016 – SteelSeries, leader and innovator in gaming peripherals, announces the availability of the SteelSeries Apex M500, a tournament-ready mechanical keyboard outfitted with Cherry MX Red gaming switches and SteelSeries Engine customization software. Available for $99.99 / ā‚¬119.99, the ultra-durable Apex M500 also features a traditional key layout for universality, Anti-Ghosting technology and blue LED backlighting.

“The APEX M500 is my new keyboard of choice. It’s a tank and lives up to the quality of the 6Gv2, the mechanical keyboard that I’ve been using for a year now,” says Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling, Carry for Evil Geniuses Dota 2. “This keyboard is everything I think a majority of players look for when it comes to quality and feel, it’s going to be a product that will be used at the pro level for a long, long time.”

Cherry MX Red Switches

The #1 preferred choice of pro gamers worldwide, Cherry MX Red mechanical switches provide remarkable consistency and durability. With the world’s best switch rating for gaming and a 50 million press guarantee, Cherry MX keys continue to be an essential part of any gamers arsenal.

SteelSeries Engine Software

SteelSeries’ acclaimed software delivers the ultimate level of individual customization for gamers. Pros and enthusiasts can program individual keys for unique combinations, create advanced macros for faster gaming commands, launch game profiles automatically, and create unlimited profiles to unlock infinite gaming possibilities.

Cable Management and Anti-Ghosting

SteelSeries’ Apex M500 showcases a smart cable management system with three cable guides that adapts to your keyboard setup to eliminate tangles and interference. It is also armed with 100% Anti-Ghosting technology with 104 key rollover to ensure precision no matter how fast you play.

SteelSeries Apex M500 mechanical gaming keyboard is now available in North America for $99.99 at Newegg and SteelSeries.com. For more information about the Apex M500 or SteelSeries entire selection of gaming accessories, visit www.SteelSeries.com.

About SteelSeries

SteelSeries leads the market in building gaming peripherals with quality, innovation and purpose. The company’s passion has been the driving force behind many first-to-market innovations and technologies that continue to become the industry standard and have-to-have requirements of gamers. The global brand continues to support the growth of competitive gaming tournaments and electronic sports leagues through professional team sponsorships, partnerships and community support. The company surrounds itself with the passion and the commitment to being the best. It is with this mentality that SteelSeries chooses to partner with some of world’s most respected and recognized brands that work together to push the growth and evolution of the gaming industry into an even greater proposition.

To learn more about SteelSeries’ complete line of products, visit http://SteelSeries.com or follow us on social media for the latest updates at http://facebook.com/steelseries and be a part of the conversation on Twitter @SteelSeries.

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