SteelSeries Aerox 9 vs SteelSeries Aerox 5: Wireless Gaming Mouse

Numbers classify the ranges of SteelSeries mice; we find the ranges 3, 5, and 9. Therefore, it must be understood that the range Aerox 3 has less performance than a mouse from the Aerox 5, and so on until the 9 line.

In 2022, SteelSeries completed its line with the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless. A very high-end mouse from the brand, on which we find a specificity, 12 buttons are available and can be operated via the thumb. The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless offers a total of 16 buttons and excellent overall performance.

Being on the hunt for a mouse is harder than it looks. If, however, the SteelSeries brand appeals to you, in 2022, the manufacturer announced a new model, the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless. This mouse takes the concept of the SteelSeries Aerox 3. That is to say, a maximum of holes to make the mouse as light as possible while being suitable for large hands.

Design

SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless: We find the same chassis as the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless. We will therefore find on the front face the same perforation structure and on the top of the mouse, the classic clicks, the wheel, and the button for managing the sensitivity of the sensor.

We notice, of course, the same number of holes, more precisely 14 on each click, so 28 under the index and middle finger. Nevertheless, at the level of the palm, there are 109 perforations. This makes it possible to lighten the mouse’s weight and allow prolonged use without the risk of having a sweaty hand too quickly.

Now let’s go to the left side of the mouse. We directly notice the mouse’s main option, which is the provision of 12 programmable buttons whose function we will see in the section provided for this purpose. It’s surprising to see so many buttons on a mouse. This has the advantage of not limiting the number of possibilities.

Underneath the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless, we still notice holes. Precisely 86 hallmarks. This makes it possible to offer a light mouse with a weight of its frame of only 20 grams; it is ideally the same weight gained as on the entire Aerox range from SteelSeries.

Some holes are placed below the 100% PTFE pads; this allows optimal sliding and less friction so as not to create false movement in play.

Even though the inside of the mouse is visible, this does not make it susceptible to external attacks. It is IP54 certified; an IP54 certification means that the mouse is protected from dust infiltration and liquid splashes in technical jargon. So you will have no risk of premature wear of the machine.

SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless: the manufacturer is not reinventing the mouse. This Aerox 5 Wireless is based on the basics that the brand masters perfectly, a design “known” and appreciated by users of SteelSeries mice.

On the front panel, we find on the upper part the classic buttons of a mouse, right-click, left-click, wheel and wheel click, and the mythical button for managing the sensitivity of the sensor.

We notice that the left and right clicks are also perforated. They have 14 holes, respectively. These holes do not fall directly under the fingers but are well positioned so as not to interfere in use.

As for the part under the palm, there are only holes. They are precisely 109 in number. This, makes a total of 137 perforations on the front face and this, therefore, makes it possible to save as much weight as possible on the whole beast.

Now let’s talk about the sides of the mouse. 4 buttons on the left side can be operated via the thumb. The first button has a double pressure, it can be used with a pressure downwards and another upwards; the two functions are configurable via the SteelSeries GG software. Two other buttons follow the first and have very classic usefulness of return and next, also programmable.

However, the small subtlety on this mouse is that there is a click that reminds me of a palette behind the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma controller. This trigger is, for me, an excellent help for games looking for a reflex controller, but on a mouse. To not be too lost in the game, you can program the button in a viewfinder.

Underneath the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless, we still notice holes. Precisely to the numbers of 86 hallmarks. This allows making the mouse chassis to weigh no more than 20 grams.

Some holes are placed below the 100% PTFE pads; this allows optimal sliding and less friction so as not to create false movement in play.

Even though the inside of the mouse is visible, this does not make it susceptible to external attacks. It is IP 54 certified; an IP54 certification means that the mouse is protected from dust infiltration and liquid splashes in technical jargon. So you won’t get rich for the premature wear and tear of this Aerox 5 Wireless. There is no reason to soak it in water, but a small splash of water should not damage it, provided you dry it well.

Performance

SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless: On the most mice in its range, SteelSeries now offers the “TrueMore Air” sensor. The latter is a model from SteelSeries. It allows you to go up to 18,000 DPI and go down to 100 DPI, which is excellent. This optical sensor can support accelerations up to 40 G and is sufficient for all gamers.

This resistance is ideal for gaming and classic uses; we rarely subject our mouse to more than 40G of acceleration.

As for the polling rate, the mouse is at 1000 Hz; it is a standard for gaming mice, even if we find mice with a polling rate of 2000 Hz. Nevertheless, 1000 Hz allows you to have better fluidity and a response time of 1 ms. Speaking of fluidity, however, the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless can display up to 400 FPS, which is good for screens with frequencies above 144 Hz and up to 360 Hz without problems.

SteelSeries Aerox 5: has a “TrueMore Air” sensor. The latter is a model from SteelSeries. It allows an increase in sensitivity up to 18,000 DPI and to go down to 100 DPI, which is a good compromise at this price. This optical sensor can support accelerations up to 40G. Finally, if you want to make it stall, you can, but we rarely subject more than 40G of acceleration in classic uses.

As for the polling rate, the mouse is at 1000 Hz, which is a standard for gaming mice, to have the best fluidity and a response time of 1 ms. Speaking of fluidity, however, the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless can display up to 400 FPS, which is very good for screens above 144 Hz, up to 360 Hz, without a problem.

Backlight

The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless is a mouse designed to bring a touch of RGB to the desktop while remaining more discreet than the ThermalTake Level 20 in particular.

The Aerox range has 3 backlight zones on the bottom, sides, and, of course, below. You know my opinion on the LEDs below the peripherals, and you have a critical enough developed mind to realize that it is useless.

In SteelSeries’ defense, these are not additionally installed LEDs but simply the same LEDs found on the upper side, which reflect the light thanks to the transparent plastic plate.

All of the LEDs will be customizable on the SteelSeries GG brand software.

SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless is a mouse dedicated to RGB. These perforations allow the passage of light more easily.

There are three backlight zones on the bottom and the sides and, of course, below. Putting LEDs under the mouse is useless for me; however, they are not extra LEDs; they are simply the same LEDs found on the upper and lower face.

All of the LEDs will be customizable on the SteelSeries GG brand software.

Software

There is the SteelSeries GG software on any SteelSeries mouse or device connecting via USB. The device has been revised and modernized in some aspects, allowing you to control the mouse settings quickly and efficiently without going through several different panes. Here, everything is present on a single dashboard that brings together the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless parameters.

On the mouse control pane, we find everything that allows you to manage its functionalities and the options. It is possible to choose the profile you want and adjust the acceleration, deceleration, angle attachment, and polling rate. Indeed, on 1000 Hz, we have a response time of 1 ms; the more we lower the refresh rate, the more we increase the response time.

Buttons placed at the thumb are configured in such a way as to find all the keys F1, F2, F3, and F4. Nevertheless, we can, of course, configure all the keys of the mouse on the software and give them the function that you wish.

They can be used very well as a numeric keypad or as a macro key for very specific uses.

SteelSeries Aerox 5: On the mouse control pane, we find everything that allows you to manage its functionalities, as well as the options. It is possible to choose the profile you want, but also to adjust the acceleration, the deceleration, the angle attachment and the polling-rate, which I advise you to leave at 1000 Hz. Indeed, on 1000 Hz, we have a response time of 1 ms, the more we lower the refresh rate, the more we increase the response time.

It is also possible to configure up to 5 levels of sensor sensitivity, which automatically saves in the mouse settings.

Conclusion!

The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless is the brand’s most high-end recent mouse. It offers its features and much more complete button customization options than other mice. The design with the holes makes it possible to lighten the mouse without compromise. In short, the Aerox 9 Wireless concentrates on performance, backlighting for real gamers, and possibility.

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless is a mouse that completes the brand’s perforated mouse range. It is a mouse that sold for around 140 USD. The design with the holes makes it possible to combine lightness and performance without compromise. In short, the Aerox 5 Wireless is concentrated on RGB, performance, and design.

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 and 9 Wireless Mice are excellent pieces of technology. They have a lot of cool features and creature comforts, as well as a lot of RGB that glows brightly. Despite the fact that their costs could have been a little lower, these are still good options for competitive MOBA or shooter players that require a strong mouse with a lot of mappable buttons.

Both of these mice are quite light, and you can’t go wrong with either of them. It’s all a matter of personal preference, but whichever one you choose, you’ll get a well-made and robust mouse, as well as SteelSeries GG support software that makes the whole experience so much fun to use.