With the Aerox 3, the Danish manufacturer SteelSeries presented a high-quality ultra-light gaming mouse at the end of 2020, which almost completely convinced us in the test. Now, the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition) is a new edition that only differs from its predecessor in minimal details. Is the new purchase worth it? This question is answered in our SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition) review.
Technical data
| Ergonomics | Symmetrical (for right-handed users) |
| Sensor | SteelSeries TrueMove Core |
| Sensor Type | Optical |
| CPI | 200 – 8,500 |
| IPS | 300 (on SteelSeries QcK bases) |
| Acceleration | 35G |
| Sampling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Hardware acceleration | None |
| Number of keys | 6 |
| Material | ABS plastic |
| Switch | Golden Micros IP54 mechanical switch (for 80 million clicks) |
| Lighting | RGB; 3 zones |
| Certifications | IP54 |
| Weight | 59 grams |
| Dimension (at widest points) | 120.55 x 67.03 x 37.98 mm |
| Length / material of the cable | 1.8 meters / fabric jacket |
| Connection | USB Type-A from USB Type-C |
| Compatibility | Windows, Linux, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation |
| Colors | Matte Black (Oynx); Matte White (Snow) |
| Price | € 69.99 * |
Scope of delivery
The SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition) comes in the same minimalist orange-gray packaging that we have come to expect from the manufacturer. The scope of delivery turns out to be very manageable: Besides the mouse itself, only the detachable, approximately 1.8 meter long USB-A to USB Type-C cable, as well as a manual are included.
Design of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition)
The basic design of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition) has hardly changed compared to its predecessor, with one exception on the top, as well as the bottom of the nager. Accordingly, the manufacturer continues to rely on a top that is covered in diamond-shaped holes. The case is once again made of light, roughened ABS plastic, thanks to which the mouse feels very comfortable in the hand.
The holes take up the entire back of the mouse and extend a third of the way across the two mechanical main switches. At the same time, the ergonomic shape of the mouse is aimed at both right- and left-handed users, while all common grip styles (i.e. finger grip, claw grip and palm grip) are equally supported due to the design.
However, since the two elongated, rather narrow side buttons are found on the left, the Aerox 3 is still primarily aimed at right-handed users. In combination with the CPI button and the clickable scroll wheel, the total number of keys grows to six – also no innovation compared to the predecessor.
With a length of 120.55 mm, a maximum width of 67.03 mm (at the back) and a height of 37.98 mm (also at the back), the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition) turns out exactly as big as its predecessor. In terms of ergonomics, the new edition is also completely convincing.
The innovations of the 2022 Edition
The new features are mainly limited to two aspects of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition). On the top, these are the redesigned mechanical switches in the form of SteelSeries Golden Micro IP54 switches.
They turn out to be very durable with a lifespan of around 80 million clicks and offer water resistance and protection against dust, dirt, oil, pet hair and much more thanks to IP54 certification. However, the real innovation compared to the predecessor model can be seen in the tactile “Clicky” feedback of the main keys, which trigger pleasantly fast and precisely.
We can only speculate about the advantages in gaming use, but the mechanical switches convince with a maximum of precision in the practical test and recognize single and double clicks reliably and accurately.
The second important innovation of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition) is found on the underside. Compared to the previous year, new gliding feet made of 100% pure PTFE are used here, which extend over the entire width of the mouse on the upper and lower sides. Compared to the predecessor, which still relied on four relatively small rubber gliding feet, this ensures better gliding properties – no matter if on mouse pad, desk or other surfaces.
Workmanship and RGB lighting
Basically, there is nothing to complain about regarding the build quality of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition). Despite the many holes in the case, the mouse looks very high-quality and does not give in under pressure. All buttons are triggered precisely, and we were fortunately not able to find any gaps or sharp edges.
As with all mice with holes, dirt and dust naturally collect relatively quickly in the case over time, but you can easily remove them by blowing on them or using a vacuum cleaner due to the high-quality workmanship without the rodent giving up the ghost.
Thanks to IP54 certification, liquids cannot harm the mouse either, but removing particularly sticky liquids from the interior is bordering on impossible. So caution is still advised.
Of course, the Aerox 3 also offers a 3-zone RGB illumination, which extends over a light strip on the frame around the mouse base, the interior in the middle and the rear area. The illumination is even and leaves a good impression; from experience, it naturally comes off a bit better on the white mouse variant.
Sensor and field test on the Aerox 3
In terms of the sensor, nothing has changed in the new edition. Once again, the SteelSeries TrueMove Core is used here, which makes it to a maximum sensitivity of 8,500 CPI. 300 IPS mouse speed and 35G mouse acceleration, as well as a maximum sampling rate of 1,000 Hz are also offered.
It quickly becomes clear here that the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition), despite gaming ambitions, is going in a completely different direction than current top models such as the Corsair M65 RGB Ultra (our review), which has a completely different pace with 26,000 DPI, 650 IPS at 50G acceleration and a polling rate of 8,000 Hz.
Other light-as-a-holes competitors, such as the Cooler Master MM720, also offer higher values here from time to time, but only the fewest gamers should even notice a real difference in gaming.
In terms of performance, the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition) gaming mouse doesn’t make any mistakes. All buttons are triggered precisely and without delay, and we especially liked the clicky feedback of the mechanical switches.
In fast shooters, the newly designed PTFE gliding feet also prove to be advantageous, allowing even faster movements – for example, turns or direction changes. Due to the ergonomic shape, small to large hands rest equally well on the mouse back, which also makes the new edition of the Aerox 3 a recommendable companion.
Software: SteelSeries GG / Engine
In terms of software, SteelSeries’ all-round solution GG, or Engine, is of course used, which scores with a clear, uncluttered design. In terms of functionality, the standard repertoire that every gaming mouse should be able to do is available.
All buttons can be reassigned and adjusted if desired, the five preceding CPI levels can be individually adjusted, acceleration and deceleration can be adjusted separately. Furthermore, the polling rate can be adjusted downwards if desired, while the mouse cursor’s detection can be individualized thanks to angle snapping.
Of course, macros (with or without delay) can also be created and stored on the keys if desired. The adjustment of the RGB lighting with individual colors or extensive effects rounds off the software’s successful range of functions.
Once again, the program library within the SteelSeries GG software proves to be a handy feature, thanks to which we can assign different profiles of the mouse to different games or program.
Summary of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition)
The new edition of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 in the 2022 Edition comes up with the same advantages as its predecessor. In terms of the chic and simple design and the high-quality workmanship, there is nothing to complain about with the gaming mouse, although the perforated look is of course a matter of taste.
Due to the low weight and the optimized PTFE gliding feet, the Aerox just flies over the mouse pad. Especially the improved mechanical switches provide more gaming fun in practice. Due to the detail improvements, the 2022 version has the edge.
Although the sensor is no longer one of the absolute top models and 8,500 CPI at 300 IPS speed and 35G mouse acceleration might not be enough for real professionals, the values are more than sufficient for most gamers. If you’re looking for a precise, stylish and lightweight gaming mouse at a fair price, you’ll get your money’s worth with the SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition).
SteelSeries Aerox 3 (2022 Edition)
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money
94/100
Ultralight, high-quality workmanship, water- and dust-proof: The new edition of the Aerox 3 also scores with strong features and has improved details.
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