SteelSeries recently announced the latest addition to their ultra-lightweight mouse series, the SteelSeries Aerox 5 and Aerox 9. The SteelSeries Aerox 5 comes in both wired and wireless flavors while the SteelSeries Aerox 9 comes only as a wireless option. Like the original Aerox 3, both mice are engineered for performance – allowing for faster reaction times, flicks, smoother glides, and less fatigue and strain over time. What makes the new Aerox 5 and Aerox 9 different from the Aerox 3 is the increase in programmable buttons, especially with the Aerox 9 which has a whopping 18 programmable buttons, built exclusively for MMO/MOBA players.
STEELSERIES AEROX 5 WIRELESS
While the new SteelSeries Aerox 5 comes as a wired or wireless edition, we’ll be taking a look at the wireless one because, in my opinion, it’s the best of both worlds. The Aerox 5 Wireless can be connected to your PC via an included 2.4Ghz wireless dongle, Bluetooth 5.0, or the included USB-C cable. The wireless connection uses SteelSeries Quantum 2.0 Wireless technology that transmits data faster than ever before, with industry-leading power efficiency and stability.
Other notable specs include the pixel-perfect TrueMove Air optical sensor, lightening fast Golden Micro IP54 switches, 100% virgin grade PTFE glide skates, the ultra light-weight Holey Shell, and AquaBarrier for water resistance and protection from dust and dirt. The TrueMove Core optical gaming sensor provides true 1-to-1 tracking. Co-developed by PixArt, this 18,000 CPI, 400 IPS, 40G acceleration sensor delivers both speed and accuracy. The Golden Micro IP54 Switches provide long-lasting durability and clicks. Because this is wireless, there is a rechargeable battery is included that is good for around 180 hours of use per charge.
Another difference is the inclusion of 9 programmable buttons instead of 6. So instead of just two buttons on the side, there are five. These can be programmed for any use through the SteelSeries GG app and hardcore players will appreciate the extra buttons.
In terms of look, the SteelSeries Aerox 5 looks very similar to the Aerox 3. It still features the Holey Shell, which is basically your standard mouse shell with a bunch of holes cut into it. Theirs are in a mesh style pattern with square-shaped holes. This apparently shaves about 20g while still maintaining strength and rigidity. These holes are on both the top and underside of the mouse. The Aerox 5 Wireless weighs roughly 74g.
The whole mouse is finished in Onyx Black, which is a dark matte black with no soft-touch coating. While the design is already pretty eye-catching, SteelSeries also included the obligatory 3-zone RGB lighting for that hardcore gamer look. At the underside of the Aerox 3, you’ll also find new 100% virgin grade PTFE Glide Skates to make swipes as smooth hand quick as possible.
STEELSERIES AEROX 9 WIRELESS
The SteelSeries Aerox 9 is the ultimate in customizability. This mouse is only available in a wireless form and features all the same connectivity features as the Aerox 5. That means Quantum 2.0 technology and connections via 2.4Ghz wireless dongle and Bluetooth 5.0. A wired connection is also there with the included USB-C cable.
The Aerox 9 Wireless also weighs a tiny bit more at 89g which isn’t surprising considering all the extra buttons. But the mouse is still lighter than any other mouse of this type out there. With battery life, the mouse is still rated at 180 hours per charge.
The rest of the spec sheet reads exactly like the Aerox 5 so I won’t be listing them here again. Instead, we’ll talk about the major difference and that is the inclusion of twelve programmable buttons on the side of the mouse. TWELVE! That is just about the most insane thing I’ve ever seen and in my case, very much overkill for any type of game I’d ever play. However, if you’re a hardcore MMO/MOBA player, then this mouse just might be a godsend for you as this is what the Aerox 9 Wireless was created for. Each button can be set to a custom action or macro and it can all be done using the SteelSeries GG app.
In terms of looks, there isn’t much difference between the way the Aerox 9 looks at the way the Aerox 5 looks. The main difference is the side buttons, and the ergonomics are near identical. This mouse is finished off in an Onyx Black with 3-zone RGB lighting. There is also 100% virgin grade PTFE Glide Skates underneath the mouse for super-smooth movement.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Both the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless and Aerox 9 Wireless are solid additions to the Aerox family. The Aerox 3 and Aerox 5 will be fine for most gamers and the Aerox 9 fits a specific use case. Most gamers will never need this many programmable buttons unless you are hardcore into MMO/MOBA games. If you are, the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless is probably the best mouse on the market for you. For everyone else, I’d go for the Aerox 5 Wireless. This is actually my favorite mouse right now in their lineup and the one I’m running now as my daily.
Anyways, both of these mice are seriously lightweight and you really can’t go wrong with either of them. It’s all based on personal preference, but whichever one you choose, just know you’ll be getting a really well-made and solid mouse along with support software in SteelSeries GG that makes the whole experience such a joy to use. I’ve never had any issues with any of the SteelSeries mice and I don’t expect to have issues with these either.
You can pick up both the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless and SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless on Amazon.
