If you play PC games, you know there are many loud opinions when it comes to gaming mice. We have come a long way since there was a little rubber ball at the bottom. Creative ideas and technology have evolved the mouse over time. I always look for clever ideas that try to push the industry forward. That is why I am very excited to be asking what the flick is up with the SteelSeries Aerox 5 wireless gaming mouse?
The Aerox 5 wireless mouse is an uber-lightweight mouse, weighing in at only 2.6 ounces. Which is lighter than arguably the most popular gaming mouse currently the Logitech G Pro Wireless. SteelSeries has an even lighter mouse within the Aerox line called the Aerox 3 wireless weighing in at a measly .28oz (68g). You only lose out on some of the extra buttons that the 5 has, more on that later. This thing glides across any mouse pad with ease. The pads also have a very slick feel, which makes for a satisfying glide. Playing games like Valorant, where precision is key to victory, the Aerox 5 wireless felt great.
Part of the reason this weight is achieved is the super popular honeycomb shell. With this build process, it cuts 0.70oz (20g) from the shell while still allowing the strength needed for longevity. If you’re someone who rages…well…it can take a beating still. And if you’re someone whose hands sweat or someone who snacks while playing the Aerox 5 wireless has AquaBarrier Protection with IP54 resistance. So you won’t have to worry about the internals, eat and sweat away. Another impressive building feat that provides a better user experience is the battery. The battery on the Aerox 5 wireless only weighs in at .2oz (6g)! It is light but still packs a punch providing up to 180 hours of battery life. That’s a bunch of clicks before you will need to charge again.
Click away across nine programable buttons. You have your usual straightforward top four buttons, left-click, right-click, wheel mouse click, and the button to cycle through your profiles. On the left side where your thumb lies (if you’re right-handed) is where things get spicy. This is where I think SteelSeries outdid themselves. If someone else has done this before, please let me know, but as far as I know, it is the first time I’ve ever come across a button like this. A custom-built up/down flick switch. Sure it sounds like not a big deal, but sometimes change never does…until it is a big deal. There are a total of 5 buttons on the left-hand side. One for the tip of your thumb. Two for the side of your thumb, like most gaming mice, and lastly, that flick switch. You can flick it up for one button and flick it down for another. I found myself using it to throw grenades for most fps games. It actually felt natural to flick down, flicking up though took some time to get used to. My only gripe is there is a set of buttons that covers the majority of space under the flick switch. You have to be much more precise and it can be worrisome that you might hit the wrong button. I got used to it, but the flick-down is much more satisfying. If they work on the button spacing for the flick switch I can see more companies joining in on the flicking fun.
What’s not fun is having a sensor that doesn’t keep up with your movement. The Aerox 5 wireless had no issues keeping up with its TrueMove Air Sensor. The 1-to-1 tracking felt precise and crisp. It features 18,000 CPI, 400 IPS, 40G acceleration, and tilt tracking. The sensor is located in the middle of the mouse. I know some people prefer the sensor a little more off-center. The location took me a little bit of time to get used to but wasn’t a deal-breaker for me. What is a deal breaker is a mouse that keeps disconnecting. I did not have that issue at all with the new Quantum 2.0 wireless system. Coming straight from the SteelSeries website they describe it as “Quantum 2.0 Wireless is our all-new cutting-edge wireless technology with advanced dual channel optimization to ensure performance that feels just like wired, with absolutely no packet loss.” They developed a custom algorithm for the signal to spot packet loss before it occurs as well as have 2 wireless channels transmitting simultaneously to switch signals if one drops before you even realize it. So even if there is an issue you’ll never know there was an issue. Work smarter not harder. Good job SteelSeries.
The Aerox 5 wireless has become my go-to mouse. Its software, SteelSeries GG, was easy to navigate and allowed me to customize all my sensors, performance, and RGB needs. It is a great-looking mouse with specs to match those who have the highest of competitive spirits. It didn’t matter what game I was playing the Aerox 5 wireless was one for me. No other mouse can let me flick and click my way to victory.
For the price of $139.99, I understand it won’t be for everyone, but for the dedicated who play on a regular basis or for the person who wants a mouse that will last them years to come I think it’s worth it. If you really want the mouse but don’t like that price tag you can get the lighter wired version for $79.99. I hope SteelSeries and other companies try out new features. It’s what keeps things fresh. I’m a fan of the Aerox 5 wireless and I think you should give it a shot…I mean a flick.
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