In the competitive world of gaming peripherals, the quest for the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and features is a constant struggle. For gamers who prioritise speed and precision, lightweight mice have become increasingly popular. Enter the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless, a mouse that boasts an incredibly light weight and a high-performance sensor, aiming to be the ultimate weapon for FPS enthusiasts and competitive gamers alike. But does it achieve its lofty goals, or are there sacrifices made in the pursuit of featherweight performance? This review will delve into the Aerox 5 Wireless’ design, performance, software, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your gaming setup.

SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless Review

First Impressions: A Hole Lot of Light

Picking up the Aerox 5 Wireless for the first time is an experience in itself. The mouse feels almost impossibly light, weighing in at a mere 74 grams. This is achieved through a combination of factors, including the use of a honeycomb shell design with a perforated back. While some may find the honeycomb aesthetic a bit outlandish, it undeniably contributes to the remarkably low weight. This minimalist design philosophy extends to the cable, which is a very flexible and lightweight braided USB-C cord that feels almost like a paracord cable – a popular aftermarket upgrade known for its weight reduction and flexibility.

Shedding Weight, Not Performance

The lightweight design extends beyond just feeling good in your hand. It translates into a significant reduction in fatigue during extended gaming sessions. Gamers who rely on fast flick shots and precise movements in fast-paced titles like CS:GO or Valorant will appreciate the effortless control the Aerox 5 Wireless offers. This feeling is further enhanced by the mouse’s 100% virgin grade PTFE glide skates. These high-quality skates provide a buttery smooth glide across your mousepad, minimising friction and allowing for lightning-fast movements.

At the heart of the Aerox 5 Wireless lies the TrueMove Air optical sensor, a custom-developed sensor by SteelSeries in collaboration with PixArt. This sensor boasts a maximum CPI (counts per inch) of 18,000, ensuring flawless tracking accuracy even at high speeds. During our testing, the sensor performed admirably with no noticeable jitters, spinouts, or cursor drift. Whether you’re tracking enemies across a vast open battlefield or lining up a pixel-perfect headshot, the TrueMove Air sensor delivers the precision you need.

Comfort and Control: A Balancing Act

While the lightweight design and sensor performance are undoubtedly impressive, a mouse’s ergonomics play a crucial role in overall comfort and control. The Aerox 5 Wireless adopts a right-handed design with a slight hump towards the back, catering to palm and claw grip styles. Gamers with larger hands will likely find the shape comfortable, with the indented thumb area providing a secure grip. However, those with smaller hands may find the mouse a bit too large and struggle to achieve a comfortable and controlled grip.

One of the more contentious aspects of the Aerox 5 Wireless’ design is the placement and size of the side buttons. There are a total of nine programmable buttons, including two main buttons, a clickable scroll wheel, and six side buttons. While the main buttons and scroll wheel feel crisp and responsive with TTC Golden Micro switches rated for 80 million clicks, the side buttons are a different story. They are located on the left side of the mouse and are quite small and close together. This can make them difficult to press accurately, especially for gamers with larger hands or those who rely heavily on side button functionality for things like grenades, weapon swaps, or push-to-talk communication.

Aesthetics and Customisation: Lights Out or Lights On?

The Aerox 5 Wireless features 3-zone RGB lighting, allowing you to customise the lighting on the scroll wheel, logo, and the bottom of the mouse. The lighting effects are configurable through the SteelSeries GG software, which offers a wide range of options for customisation. However, the implementation of the RGB lighting leaves a bit to be desired. Due to the honeycomb design, the lighting effects are somewhat muted and don’t shine as brightly compared to mice with a solid shell. Additionally, the SteelSeries GG software can be a bit clunky at times, and battery life readings may not always be accurate.

Speaking of battery life, this is another area where the Aerox 5 Wireless makes some concessions for its lightweight design. SteelSeries advertises a battery life of up to 180 hours with the RGB lighting turned off. However, in real-world use, you can expect to get closer to 80 hours with moderate use and even less with RGB lighting enabled. This means daily charging might be necessary for gamers who use their mouse heavily.

SteelSeries GG Software: A Double-Edged Sword

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless utilises the SteelSeries GG software for customisation and configuration. This software acts as a central hub for all SteelSeries products, allowing you to control RGB lighting effects, button mapping, and performance settings for your Aerox 5 Wireless and other compatible SteelSeries peripherals.

The SteelSeries GG software offers a wide range of customisation options for the Aerox 5 Wireless. You can create custom lighting profiles with various effects and animations for the three RGB zones on the mouse. The software also allows for comprehensive button mapping, letting you assign different in-game functions, macros, or multimedia controls to each of the nine programmable buttons. Additionally, you can adjust settings like CPI, polling rate, and angle snapping for the TrueMove Air sensor to fine-tune the mouse’s performance to your preferences.

However, the software’s functionality with the Aerox 5 Wireless comes with some drawbacks. The honeycomb design that makes the mouse lightweight also diffuses the RGB lighting effects, making them appear less vibrant. Additionally, the SteelSeries GG software can be clunky at times, and some users have reported issues with the software interface being unresponsive. Furthermore, the battery life readings for the Aerox 5 Wireless displayed within the software may not always be entirely accurate.

The Verdict: A Lightweight Speed Demon with Room for Improvement

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless is a mouse with undeniable strengths. Its incredibly lightweight design, flawless sensor performance, and smooth gliding capabilities make it a dream come true for gamers who prioritise speed and precision in fast-paced titles. The comfortable shape for palm and claw grip users, combined with the crisp and responsive main buttons, further elevate the overall experience.

However, the cramped side buttons and potentially short battery life under heavy use hold the Aerox 5 Wireless back from achieving universal acclaim. Gamers with smaller hands or those who heavily rely on side button functionality may find themselves constantly readjusting their grip or struggling to hit the desired buttons accurately. Additionally, the somewhat muted RGB lighting due to the honeycomb design and the occasional quirks of the SteelSeries GG software might be a turnoff for some users who prioritise aesthetics and extensive customisation options.

Who Should Buy the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless?

Here’s a breakdown of who might benefit most from the Aerox 5 Wireless:

• FPS Gamers and Competitive Players: If you prioritise lightning-fast flick shots, precise tracking, and minimal weight for maximum manoeuvrability in games like CS:GO, Valorant, or Overwatch, the Aerox 5 Wireless is a strong contender.
• Gamers with Palm or Claw Grip: Those who favour a palm or claw grip style and have larger hands will likely find the shape of the Aerox 5 Wireless comfortable for extended gaming sessions.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

• Gamers with Smaller Hands: The Aerox 5 Wireless might feel bulky and unwieldy for gamers with smaller hands, making it difficult to achieve a comfortable and controlled grip.
• Gamers Reliant on Side Buttons: If you heavily rely on side buttons for essential in-game functions, the cramped and awkward placement of the side buttons on the Aerox 5 Wireless might be a deal-breaker.
• Battery Life Warriors: Gamers who prioritise long battery life may find the Aerox 5 Wireless’ potential need for daily charging a hassle.

The Final Word

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless is a fantastic option for gamers seeking a featherweight mouse with top-notch performance. However, the cramped side buttons and potentially short battery life under heavy use require careful consideration. It’s a mouse built for speed demons who prioritise lightweight design and precision above all else. If those aspects resonate with you, the Aerox 5 Wireless can be a valuable weapon in your gaming arsenal. However, for gamers with smaller hands, a heavier reliance on side buttons, or a need for extended battery life, there might be better options on the market.

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless is available now for a retail price of RM699. It is available through many major retailers and the official SteelSeries stores on Shopee and Lazada.

You can also check out our previous review of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon Edition.