SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless  Mouse Review

Reviewed Dec 15, 2020 at 10:28am
Test bench update Mar 01, 2023 at 04:21pm
Tested using Methodology v1.4 
SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless

Track

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Work 
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Video Games (FPS) 
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Video Games (MMO) 
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Raw Performance 

Track

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Notice: This mice was replaced by SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless (2022)

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless is an excellent ultra-light gaming mouse. It has a honeycomb design that extends to the bottom of the mouse, making it amazingly lightweight. Its ambidextrous shape is comfortable to use for long periods and is better suited for a claw or fingertip grip. You can use it wirelessly through its USB dongle or via Bluetooth, and it lets you pair to two devices at the same time for multitasking. It has a low click latency and a high polling rate, resulting in a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The SteelSeries Engine 3 software has plenty of customization options; however, it isn't the most user-friendly and can be intimidating for first-time users. Also, you can only adjust the sensitivity setting in increments of 100 CPI, which might disappoint those who want greater control. On the upside, all the inputs are programmable, and it's fully compatible with Windows and macOS.

Our Verdict

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Work 

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless is a good mouse for office use. You can connect it to your computer wirelessly via the USB dongle or through Bluetooth to keep your setup clean, and you can pair two devices at once for better multitasking. Its Engine 3 software lets you reprogram any of the inputs, and it's fully compatible with Windows and macOS. Unfortunately, the scroll wheel doesn't have L/R tilt inputs and can't be unlocked for infinite scrolling. The build quality is also only decent, as the body creaks and flexes a bit when applying pressure.

Pros
  • Comfortable to use.
  • Wireless connectivity.
  • Fully compatible with Windows and macOS.
  • Programmable inputs.
  • Bluetooth support.
Cons
  • Might not fit in some laptop cases.
  • No infinite scrolling or L/R tilt inputs.
  • Plastic creaks and flexes slightly.
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Video Games (FPS) 

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless is great for FPS games. It's light and wireless so that you can move freely, and gaming feels smooth and responsive thanks to its low click latency and high polling rate. Unfortunately, you can only adjust the sensitivity in increments of 100 CPI, which might disappoint serious gamers who want to fine-tune the performance settings. The build quality is decent, but there's some creaking and flexing when pressing hard on the plastic body.

Pros
  • Very lightweight.
  • Comfortable to use.
  • Low click latency.
  • High polling rate.
  • Bluetooth support.
Cons
  • Might not fit in some laptop cases.
  • Plastic creaks and flexes slightly.
  • Sensitivity adjustment in increments of 100 CPI.
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Video Games (MMO) 

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless is good for MMO games. It's reasonably comfortable to use for long periods, great for those hours-long raids. It has low click latency and a high polling rate to provide a responsive gaming experience. However, although all the inputs are programmable, it might not have enough buttons for some MMO players. Also, the plastic body flexes and creaks a bit when pressing on it.

Pros
  • Comfortable to use.
  • Low click latency.
  • High polling rate.
  • Programmable inputs.
  • Bluetooth support.
Cons
  • Might not have enough buttons for some MMO players.
  • Might not fit in some laptop cases.
  • Plastic creaks and flexes slightly.
  • Sensitivity adjustment in increments of 100 CPI.
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Raw Performance 

Pros
  • Comfortable to use.
  • Bluetooth support.
Cons
  • Might not fit in some laptop cases.
  • Plastic creaks and flexes slightly.
  • 0.0
    Work
  • 0.0
    Video Games (FPS)
  • 0.0
    Video Games (MMO)
  • 0.0
    Raw Performance
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Mar 01, 2023:  We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.4. This update modifies our Hand Size Recommendation test, adding a more granular hand size recommendation chart. We've moved several minor tests into different test groups, removed the Travel usage, and added a new Raw Performance usage. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
    2.  Updated Feb 02, 2023: We've added mention of the newly-reviewed Pulsar X2 Wireless in the Style section of this review.
    3.  Updated Sep 16, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. This update adds a new Sensor Latency test and makes minor changes to several of our existing tests, resulting in test result changes in several sections. For more information, you can check out our full changelog here.
    4.  Updated Aug 17, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update simplifies our Weight test and expands on our CPI test from Test Bench 1.1, resulting in changes to test results in both sections. For more details, you can see our complete changelog here.

    Check Price

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless. It only comes in black, and there's a wired version as well, the SteelSeries Aerox 3. You can see our unit's label here.

    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless is an excellent ultra-light gaming mouse. It's one of the the lightest wireless mice that we've tested, but it doesn't feel as well-built as other similar mice. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best wireless gaming mouse, the best gaming mouse, and the best wireless mouse.

    GLORIOUS Model O Wireless

    Track

    The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless and the GLORIOUS Model O Wireless are very much alike as they both have a lightweight honeycomb body, an ambidextrous shape, and a six-button layout. The GLORIOUS is marginally better due to its superior build quality and higher-quality PTFE feet. However, the SteelSeries has Bluetooth capability, multi-device pairing, and its Engine 3 software is compatible with macOS, which isn't the case with the GLORIOUS Core software.

    SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless (2022)

    Track

    The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless (2022) is the updated version of the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless. Both mice have an ambidextrous shape with a honeycomb body to keep the weight down, and they both have excellent wireless connectivity options and connect with their USB receivers or over a Bluetooth connection. However, the 2022 edition features a more solid-feeling build with less flex in the body and higher-quality PTFE feet. It also has improved click latency.

    GLORIOUS Model O

    Track

    The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless and the GLORIOUS Model O are very similar mice, as they're both ultra-light mice with a honeycomb body and an ambidextrous shape. However, the SteelSeries is better overall, mainly due to its wireless connectivity. This means you don't have to deal with cable drag, and you can connect it with two devices simultaneously. It's just as light as the GLORIOUS, and it has more programmable inputs because it lets you reprogram the wheel's up-and-down scroll. That said, the GLORIOUS feels better built, and it has higher-quality feet that provide a smoother glide. The GLORIOUS also has a longer body, making it more suitable for large hands using a palm grip.

    SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless

    Track

    The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless and the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless are similar wireless gaming mice from the same lineup, but they're shaped differently and designed for playing different games. The Aerox 3 Wireless has a symmetrical shape and is slightly lighter, making it better-suited for FPS gaming. On the other hand, the Aerox 5 Wireless has a right-handed shape and more buttons, making it better suited for a variety of gaming genres.

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Type
    LockedStandard
    Coating
    LockedLocked
    Lighting ColorLockedLocked

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    Shape
    LengthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    Grip Width
    LockedLock mm
    Ambidextrous
    LockedShape Only
    Left-Handed Friendly
    LockedLocked
    Finger Rest
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Portability
    Box Volume
    LockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)
    Receiver Storing
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Build Quality

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    0.0
    Weight
    Lowest Weight
    LockedLock g
    Default Weight
    Locked67.7 g
    Weight Distribution
    LockedLocked
    Extra Weights
    LockedLocked

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    Hand Size Recommendation
    Palm Grip Hand Recommendation
    Claw Grip Hand Recommendation
    Fingertip Grip Hand Recommendation

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Maximum Of Paired Devices
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked
    Use When Charging
    LockedLocked
    On/Off Activation
    LockedLocked
    Receiver Extender
    LockedLocked
    Battery IndicatorLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Cable
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Cable Video Sample
    ConnectivityLockedWireless
    Cable Length
    LockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Cable Type
    LockedLocked
    Permanent Kink
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: Mouse End
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: PC End
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Mouse Feet
    Gliding Experience
    LockedLocked
    Material
    LockedLocked
    Extra Included
    LockedLocked

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    In The Box

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    Control
    0.0
    Additional Buttons
    Total Number Of Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Side Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Programmable Inputs
    LockedLock
    Profile Switching Button
    LockedLocked
    Gesture Support
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Click Latency
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Latency Testing While Gaming Sample
    Expected Connection
    LockedLock ms
    Wired
    LockedLock ms
    Receiver
    LockedLock ms
    Bluetooth
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    CPI
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless CPI Video Sample
    SRAV @ 1600 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ 800 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ 400 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ Fixed CPI
    LockedN/A
    Precision Error Between Speeds
    LockedLock%
    Precision Error Between CPI
    LockedLock%
    Worst Tracking Error
    LockedLock%
    Minimum CPI
    LockedLock CPI
    Maximum CPI
    LockedLock CPI
    CPI Adjustment Steps
    LockedLock CPI
    0.0
    Sensor Latency
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Sensor Latency Demonstration Sample
    Delay To Start Of Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Delay At Half Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Delay To End Of Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Sensor Specifications
    Sensor Technology
    LockedLocked
    Sensor Model
    LockedLocked
    Works On Glass
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Lift Off Distance
    LockedLock mm
    Maximum Polling Rate
    LockedLocked

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    Mouse Wheel
    Scroll Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel Steps
    LockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel Tilt
    LockedLocked
    Thumb Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Thumb Wheel Steps
    LockedLocked

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    Noise
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Noise Video Sample
    Click Noise
    LockedLocked

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    Operating System And Software
    Configuration Software
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Software Tour Sample
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    On-Board Memory
    LockedLocked
    CPI (DPI) Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Polling Rate Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Profile Configuration
    LockedLocked
    Profile Auto-Switching
    LockedLocked
    RGB On/Off
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Mouse Compatibility
    Windows CompatibilityLockedLocked
    macOS CompatibilityLockedLocked

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