Review: SteelSeries 2022 Aerox 3 wireless mouse
The question of whether a mouse is good largely boils down to, “Will it click when I want, where I want?” And in the case of the SteelSeries 2022 Aerox 3 wireless mouse, the answer is “Yes.” It does everything a mouse needs to do and goes above and beyond in the customization department, enabling users to really fine-tune their experience. But are the basics and a few adjustable garnishes worthy of a nearly three-figure MSRP? That’s a question you’ll have to answer yourself.
SteelSeries 2022 Aerox 3 wireless mouse
The Good
- Lightweight
- Multitude of connection options
- Companion app and RGB controls
The Bad
- Battery longevity variability
- A questionably high price tag
SteelSeries 2022 Aerox 3 wireless mouse: What I like
Source: Robert Carnevale / Windows Central
In terms of connection methods, the mouse includes a dongle for its 2.4GHz mode in the event your machine doesn’t support Bluetooth, though Bluetooth and wired options are also present with the Aerox 3. All modes work perfectly well, and the lightweight mouse is easy to use regardless of whether it’s tethered to its charging cord or gliding independently.
The amount of customization on offer is also surprisingly in-depth. SteelSeries provides a companion app to give you maximum control over your Aerox 3, meaning you can set it to battery-saving mode, adjust mouse movement sensitivity and fine-tune other aspects of controlling the hardware, and on top of all that, you can granularly adjust RGB output. The mouse has three separate RGB “zones,” which can each be set to their own preferences, meaning if you want a red, white, and blue USA/France/Russia-themed mouse, or a red, white, and green one for Christmas, or whatever color combination you want, you can have it. You can also control when and how the RGB “breathes” if you prefer static or dynamic lighting.
SteelSeries 2022 Aerox 3 wireless mouse: What I don’t like
Source: Robert Carnevale / Windows Central
I didn’t have a timer handy to verify whether the advertised “up to 200 hours” of Bluetooth life really does max out that high, but like the 2.4GHz experience, expect substantially less lifetime the second you kick on the frills.
Battery life aside, the price could also irk some people. If you’re not a wireless or RGB diehard, there are plenty of far cheaper alternatives out there that are similar in overall functional merit. And, heck, there are a few great RGB and wireless mice out there that are inexpensive as well.
SteelSeries 2022 Aerox 3 wireless mouse: The competition
Source: Windows Central
Take, for example, SteelSeries’ own Rival 310 mouse. It may not be the latest and greatest device, but it’s more than capable of enabling good gaming and is way below $40 at most retailers. Or if you put a premium on wireless battery life, there’s the Logitech MX Anywhere 2S.
Alternatively, you can go even cheaper by waiting for the big fellas (Lenovo, for example) to do their seasonal sales that crop up every other month or so, wherein wireless mice get their prices obliterated. Or … just go on Amazon and find a super cheap no-name mouse with a large number of positive buyer reviews.
SteelSeries 2022 Aerox 3 wireless mouse: Should you buy?
Source: Robert Carnevale / Windows Central
You should buy this if …
- You love RGB and precision controls
- You like white mice with aesthetic style
- You need versatile connection options
You should not buy this if …
- You don’t want to overspend on the basics
- You need the longest battery life possible
- You don’t care about RGB
If you’ve been eyeballing the Aerox 3 for a while and the 2022 edition’s snow colorway is enough to woo you, by all means, go for it. But if you’re just a casual shopper not easily won over by brand names, fancy color options, or RGB excess, you may be in the wrong place. For roughly $100, you could do a lot of peripheral shopping if you’re willing to reel back any aesthetic ambitions.
With that said, those who are in love with RGB customization and the grid-like look of the Aerox 3 can rest assured that it’s everything the photos show it to be. It’ll look good in any gaming setup and blend in with whatever else you’ve got going on. And not only will it look good, but it’ll play games just as well.
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