SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse review

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless was dubbed "my favorite gaming mouse". While it's certainly there, a few other mice have come for that title over the last year. Surprise; gaming gear makers are delivering some stupendous accessories. SteelSeries has taken that to heart, and with their latest generation, has attempted to one-up themselves. Have they succeeded? Let's take a look at what the newest Aerox brings to the table.

Opening the box, you'll find the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless gaming mouse, the 4K USB-C dongle, a USB-C to C adaptor, and a USB-C charging cable. Yet again, SteelSeries inclusion of their own Super Mesh, six feet long data cable is a superb choice and lets it move anywhere you need on the desk. Having your charging cable double as a wired connection is a great option. Alongside that, the USB-C adaptor is also nice, as it allows you to connect your dongle to a USB-C cable and run it closer to the mouse for a better connection. The shape is conducive to holding firm where you place it, so no worries about it being knocked over randomly.

If you've owned an Aerox mouse before, this model is not going to be much different right out of the box. That said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The more flat, symmetrical design of the Aerox 3 is fantastic and comfortable, so changing that didn't make sense. At only 68g, it's light as a feather, allowing you to get a good grip and flick it across your screen to your heart's content. I like how it fits right into my palm -- I have smaller hands, and this mouse feels encapsulated by them. It allows for tight control, which is what you want out of any gaming mouse. It's also a looker, with the slick honeycomb and translucent finish married with one of three colors -- Shadow, Ghost, and Magenta Haze. Also, the RGB lighting on the bottom is phenomenal; both bright and visually pleasing.

Two things stand out concerning the design: durability and portability. Those go hand in hand, as the toughness of the Aerox 3 Gen 2 allows you to chuck it into a backpack without worry. With durability, I managed to drop this on a hard laminate and an epoxy floor. Not a scratch on it. If it can handle that, it can bounce around in my pocket or backpack. Apparently, via the IP54 rating, it'll even run fully submerged in water; I wasn't brave enough to test this, but it's cool. As for it being travel-ready, with Bluetooth capability, you don't even need the dongle, and even that piece is easy to add to your bag. It's perfect for anyone on the go.

On the Aerox 3 Gen 2, you'll find the standard button layout of two main mouse buttons, a scroll wheel, a DPI button, and two side buttons on the left within thumb's reach. These are all mechanical, and while I've favored optical switches and sensors as of recent, the buttons on the Gen 2 are responsive and clicky. There's something about the mouse buttons specifically that just feel right when you press them, a near perfect mouse click sound every time. The scroll wheel also reacts well, but I can definitely feel the difference between its mechanical nature and an optical sensor.

Underneath the shell lie a bunch of awesome features. Starting with the TrueMove 26K optical sensor, this is a nice jump from the 18K from the previous gen. I know most of us won't go further than 3200 DPI, but having the option is nice. This offers true one-to-one precision -- if you move your mouse, you can bet this sensor will accurately read it. Control is key with a gaming mouse, and with 400 IPS tracking speed combined with 40G acceleration, the sensor is going to give you advantages other gaming mice don't have.

The biggest improvement the Aerox 3 Gen 2 brings is the polling rate upgrade, now up to 4K from 1K. I've been a believer ever since experiencing an 8K gaming mouse, and while SteelSeries hasn't made that big of a jump (probably due to budgeting the mouse properly), it's still substantial. 4K is a half-step, but a full step into smooth aiming. I'd argue I perform as well as I do with 8K polling. Playing Counter-Strike 2 recently, the Aerox 3 Gen 2 has been lights out. I've been able to play up to my standard and even surpass it, thanks to this new model.

Connecting to all of your devices is as simple as it was last gen, with the Aerox 3 Gen 2 delivering tri-mode connectivity. Featuring wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth 5.0 modes, you won't find many devices you won't be able to use with this mouse. Wired does limit you to 1K polling, but if you happen to run down your battery, you're still in the game. This kind of flexibility is appreciated, and gives you the capability to take its characteristics with you wherever you go.

Battery life is another important aspect for a gaming mouse. The Aerox 3 Gen 2 sports up to 200 hours like it's predecessor, but with caveats. Bluetooth takes less power, so that's what those numbers are based off of. 2.4GHz is upwards of 120 hours, but there are more factors to how much you'll get. Higher polling rates, power settings, and of course, RGB lighting, will drain your battery, so keep an eye on those. I'm still getting a couple of days even with most of those things enabled, so battery life is in a good place.

SteelSeries GG software is truly one of the best apps out there for gear. It elevates your SteelSeries accessories, and here, it's no different. The Aerox 3 Gen 2 has a plethora of settings available, everything from DPI profiles, polling rate choice, acceleration and precision advanced options, and more. If you want to go even crazier, the new Sensitivity Tool brings Aim Trainer into the picture.

This extra in the GG app not only offers a chance to tune your aim by playing games, but also now works to measure your aim to help you figure out your best sensitivity. Playing it takes only ten minutes, and depending on the game you've chosen, will provide a recommendation based on your performance. I absolutely love this, and it proves SteelSeries will always give their players the best tools to get the most out of their gear.

Speaking of extras, SteelSeries has also released a new QcK mousepad alongside the Aerox 3 Gen 2: the QcK Heavy. This chunky mat measures 17.72x15.75", and is almost a quarter of an inch thick. You notice the beefy base immediately, and one thing is for sure: this mousepad ain't moving. It's almost a wrist rest too, with an extremely comfortable micro-woven cloth surface. I don't think this mousepad is for everyone, but if you want something that will last, the QcK Heavy is a good choice.