68 grams, modern sensor and stylish lighting: MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann tested the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2. He explains where the strengths and weaknesses of the mouse lie and what alternatives exist.
Which device is it about? The shooter fan loves lightweight mice, and the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 from SteelSeries is one such case: At 68 grams, it may not be as light as the notorious Zaunkoenig, but it still belongs to the lighter representatives of the genre.
I thoroughly tested the mouse for MeinMMO. I will explain to you in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the mouse and what alternatives exist. Not interested in the details? Then jump straight to the conclusion via the table of contents.
The test at a glance:
- Scope of delivery, design and build
- Processing
- Software
- Weight, ergonomics and battery life
- Mouse buttons, mouse wheel and sensor
- Conclusion
Who tested it?
Benedikt is a tech editor at MeinMMO and has been testing hardware for readers for many years. He tests mice, keyboards, headphones, and pretty much everything you can use with a computer, console, or other devices.
The model was provided to us by the manufacturer.
Benedikt Schlotmann
Hardware editor MeinMMO
Details
| Sensor | TrueMove 26K (Pixart) |
| Resolution | Up to 26,000 DPI |
| Switches | mechanical switches |
| Buttons | 5 buttons |
| Design | Black mouse. RGB lighting on the underside, symmetrical right-handed mouse. |
| Skates | 2 |
| Cable | Detachable 1.8 m USB-C cable |
| Weight | 68 grams (Honeycomb) |
| Price (RRP) | €99.99 |
Scope of delivery, design and build
What does the scope of delivery look like? In addition to the gaming mouse, there are also a data cable, an extension adapter (USB-C to USB-C), and the dongle for the wireless connection in the box. Additional accessories, such as grip tape or replacement mouse feet, are not included in the scope of delivery. This has become almost standard among many manufacturers.
How is the mouse built? You can buy the mouse in different colors, I am using the black model in the test.
- On the top side of the mouse are the main buttons and between them the mouse wheel. On the top side in front of the mouse wheel
- On the underside is a switch with which you can turn off the mouse and switch between Bluetooth and wireless connection.
What is special? The mouse relies on a honeycomb design: the casing is perforated and thus weighs less. In addition, the mouse optionally supports a 1K and a 4K mode via wireless connection.
Processing
The honeycomb design is, in my opinion, always a double-edged sword: on one hand, it makes the mouse lighter, on the other hand, dirt, dust or grime can penetrate into the inside of the mouse much faster.
At least SteelSeries states that the mouse is certified with the IP54 protection rating. This should at least protect the mouse from dust and splashes from all directions. This is a big plus for the open design.
Software
The mouse uses SteelSeries GG for its settings. SteelSeries has transitioned to not only offering software for peripherals but also integrates several other programs. These include a 3D aim trainer, a gameplay recording software (Moments), and an audio software (Sonar). In addition, there are giveaways that have also made their way into SteelSeries GG. Many features are also hidden behind a login requirement.
Most of the features are, after all, optional, yet the software appears overall overloaded when you just want to configure your mouse.
By the way, the software is not slim. In the memory, it occupies a constant 500 to 600 MB. Also annoying: SteelSeries GG does not scale properly on large displays, so parts of the software are not visible or only partially displayed.
Weight, ergonomics and battery life
The weight: Among the Aerox models, SteelSeries markets its lightweight gaming mice, and the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 weighs only 68 grams. Thus, the mouse is in the middle range. For comparison: Mice like the Turtle Beach Burst II Air (47 grams) or the Razer Viper V2 Pro (58 grams) weigh even less.
The Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 has most of its weight in the rear of the mouse. You notice this especially when you want to lift the mouse with your thumb and ring finger to reposition it.
The ergonomics: The model from SteelSeries is similar in size to the competition. The Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 is about the same size as the Superlight 2 from Logitech or the Burst II Pro from Turtle Beach.
Nevertheless, the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 has an advantage, which is the slightly ergonomic indentation in the thumb area. This allows the thumb to fit better than in purely symmetrical mice (ambidextrous). Other mice, such as the Xtrfy M4 Wireless (for the test), emphasize this asymmetric design even more strongly, but this is rather rare in the shooter segment.
A plus point for the mouse: the surface is rough, thus the mouse lies better and grips more than a mouse with a very smooth surface, as is the case with Logitech or Turtle Beach. Here, however, grip tape is included to minimize the problem.
Battery life: The manufacturer states the battery life as up to 200 hours. The emphasis is on “up to”, as with RGB and 4K connection, the runtime drops significantly. SteelSeries then states the battery life as 35 hours. And in my opinion, that is already very tight.
| Mouse | Battery life | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Logitech G309 | 300 hours (AA batteries) | 86 grams (AA batteries)/ 68 grams (Powerplay) |
| Razer Cobra Pro | 180 hours | 77 grams |
| SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless | 180 hours | 66 grams |
| SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless | 500 hours (2 AAA batteries) | 106 grams |
| Turtle Beach Burst II Pro | 150 hours | 57 grams |
However, it is important to note that the 4K connection is only conditionally necessary in everyday life. If you play on a monitor with 144 Hz and your FPS is slightly lower, you will only benefit conditionally from the 4K connection and the 1K connection is completely sufficient.
However, if you are playing at 240 Hz or more and fully utilize this by playing Valorant at 200 FPS, the latency actually decreases with the 4K connection. My tip is therefore: Keep the polling rate at 1,000 Hertz, then you save battery. However, if you play high-FPS settings, the switch might be worth it.
The mouse buttons, mouse wheel and sensor
The mouse buttons and mouse wheel: Under the buttons are mechanical buttons that SteelSeries claims have up to 80 million clicks. The buttons click high and audible.
The clicks are by no means as loud as those of the Superlight 2 from Logitech, which uses optical-mechanical switches (Lightforce) and also do not sound as dull and hollow as those of the Burst II Pro from Turtle Beach. With a headset, you can only hear the clicks to a limited extent; in an open office or with speakers, you are very much aware of the clicking.
The pronounced clicking also gives me a subjective feeling of being more precise than if I don’t feel the clicks at all. Without feedback, a click feels mushy.
Sensor: The mouse contains the TrueMove 26K sensor. This is a joint development by SteelSeries and Pixart (via Steelseries.com). Its values are not quite at the level of the top-notch Pixart PAW3395. The TrueMove sensor offers a maximum speed of 400 IPS, while the PAW3395 offers significantly more at 650 IPS.
400 IPS are sufficient in most cases if you play fast shooters and need to move the mouse quickly across the table.
Also for the sensor, there is once again the note: Basically, you can choose between 4K and 1K connection, but the 1K connection is generally more advisable – unless you play Valorant or CS:Go with 240 FPS or more on a corresponding monitor.
Conclusion
Rating
With the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 from SteelSeries, you get a stylish, powerful gaming mouse for around 100 euros, which stands out especially with its low weight, good battery life (without 4K mode) and stylish lighting.
You don’t get major disadvantages with the mouse. Three things you should know: The scope of delivery is somewhat scarce compared to the competition, and the software is too extensive for a gaming mouse. Also, if you use the 4K mode of the mouse and the lighting, then the battery life drops drastically. However, the 1K mode is sufficient for most players.
If you are looking for a powerful gaming mouse for around 100 euros, then you get a fair overall package here. It doesn’t have a unique selling point, but it is a good further development of its predecessor. If you don’t care about the weight (relatively) and prefer replaceable batteries, then the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 for around 50 euros would be the better option. Or the G309 from Logitech for about 60 euros, which offers the better sensor and slightly better ergonomics.
What alternatives are there?
- The G Pro X2 Superstrike is significantly more expensive (about 180 euros) and offers you the best technology available. The old Superlight-2 model is already available for around 100 euros, but without the unique hits feature.
- The Xtrfy M4 Wireless is especially an ergonomic tip, as it emphasizes the hand shape in a palm grip. Those who play primarily in claw grip benefit significantly less from it.
- The Turtle Beach Burst II Pro offers you excellent battery life and does without additional frills. This makes the mouse almost boring, but a very good companion in everyday life.
- The Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 is the budget tip: around 50 euros, but with worse technology and higher weight, but with replaceable batteries inside.
More gaming mice on MeinMMO: If you are looking for more recommended gaming mice, then take a look at our buying guide on MeinMMO. Here you will find the best gaming mice you can currently buy: The best gaming mice for shooters that you can currently buy
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