SteelSeries Aerox 3 review: A perennial favorite among lightweight gaming mice

At a glance

Expert’s Rating

Pros

Very lightPrecise sensorFlexible, detachable USB-C cableComprehensive customizabilityGood price-performance ratio

Cons

Susceptible to dust and dirtSometimes-cumbersome softwareChallenging to clean

Our Verdict

Two years after its release, the SteelSeries Aerox 3 continues to prove that it can be a valuable addition to a gamer’s setup. With a weight of just a little over 2 ounces (59 grams), a precise sensor, and extensive customization options via software, the Aerox 3 offers many of the advantages of a high-end gaming mouse.

Price When Reviewed

39,99 €

Two years after its launch, the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 ) remains a firm favorite on the gaming market. Its enduring popularity underlines the fact that good design and solid technology retain their value over time. But how does the Aerox 3 compare today, in a landscape characterized by constant innovation? A critical look at this established gaming mouse reveals that it is more than just a relic of a bygone era.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming mice to learn about competing products.

SteelSeries Aerox 3 technical specifications

The focus of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 is its remarkable lightweight construction concept, combined with high-quality components that are optimized for gaming. Weighing just a little over 2 ounces (59 grams), it stands out in particular thanks to its innovative honeycomb pattern, which not only contributes to weight reduction but also improves hand ventilation during intensive gaming sessions. However, this design could also be a double-edged sword for some users, as the open structure is more susceptible to dust and dirt penetrating the inside of the mouse.

The honeycomb structure and choice of material are the main reasons for the gaming mouse’s low weight.
The honeycomb structure and choice of material are the main reasons for the gaming mouse’s low weight.

Friedrich Stiemer

The honeycomb structure and choice of material are the main reasons for the gaming mouse’s low weight.

Friedrich Stiemer

Equipped with a total of six programmable buttons, the Aerox 3 offers sufficient flexibility for most gaming and everyday applications. Among them is a dedicated DPI button that allows for quick sensitivity adjustments — an essential feature for gamers who are at home in different genres and need to quickly switch between precise targeting and faster motion control.

Optical sensor and PTFE skates

The built-in “TrueMove Core” sensor, which supports a DPI of up to 8,500, is at the center of the precise and responsive 1-to-1 tracking of the Aerox 3. This sensor enables exact tracking without hardware acceleration, which ensures an unadulterated gaming experience. The high DPI number is particularly relevant for gamers working on large monitors or with multiple screens, as it enables fast and precise cursor movement over long distances.

Together with the PTFE skates, the TrueMove sensor enables responsive maneuvers.
Together with the PTFE skates, the TrueMove sensor enables responsive maneuvers.

Friedrich Stiemer

Together with the PTFE skates, the TrueMove sensor enables responsive maneuvers.

Friedrich Stiemer

These technical features are complemented by the PTFE gliding feet of the SteelSeries Aerox 3, which minimize friction on almost any surface. This results in smoother movement, which is particularly advantageous in fast games where every millisecond counts. However, these feet may wear out more quickly on very rough surfaces, requiring regular replacement.

Connection and software: A game of light and shade

The connection and software of the Aerox 3 reveal a mixture of advanced features and practical limitations that paint a differentiated picture. The USB-C connection of the Aerox 3 represents the current standard in terms of interface technology, which gives the mouse a certain degree of future-proofing. The connection cable is particularly noteworthy: Not only is it completely detachable, it is also characterized by its exceptional lightness and flexibility. These features minimize potential resistance to movement and distractions during gaming, which offers an advantage that should not be underestimated, especially in fast and reaction-critical gaming situations.

The RGB lighting also creates an impressive halo.
The RGB lighting also creates an impressive halo.

Friedrich Stiemer

The RGB lighting also creates an impressive halo.

Friedrich Stiemer

The Aerox 3 is customized via the SteelSeries Engine software, which enables comprehensive personalization. Users can not only adjust the DPI settings and lighting, but also program macros and individually configure the button functions. This flexibility is of great value to gamers, as it allows them to customize the mouse exactly to their personal preferences and the requirements of specific games or applications.

Sometimes a little fiddly

However, the Aerox 3’s software also poses a challenge. Despite its extensive configuration options, users report that it is sometimes awkward to use and occasionally has stability problems. This can be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users in particular and make the customization process more difficult. In addition, regular software updates, which are necessary to fix bugs and improve the user experience, could be a nuisance for some.

The Aerox 3 lacks a little grip on the outside.
The Aerox 3 lacks a little grip on the outside.

Friedrich Stiemer

The Aerox 3 lacks a little grip on the outside.

Friedrich Stiemer

Another shortcoming of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 is the lighting configuration, which allows for visually appealing personalization of the device, but in practice is sometimes fiddly and less intuitive than we’d want. For users who attach great importance to a specific aesthetic design of their gaming setup, this could be disappointing.

How is the SteelSeries Aerox 3’s performance?

In everyday use, the SteelSeries Aerox 3 impresses with its maneuverability and almost weightless feel. The low weight can help to reduce fatigue, especially during long gaming sessions. However, the honeycomb pattern also reveals a potential weak point: Dust and dirt can easily find their way inside through the openings, making regular cleaning necessary. In addition, the feel of the side gripping surfaces may not suit every user, as they can leave a slippery impression despite their structure.

The USB-C connection cable is completely detachable.
The USB-C connection cable is completely detachable.