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SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless  Mouse Review

Reviewed May 17, 2022 at 10:53am
Tested using methodology v1.5 
SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless
7.9
Work 
8.1
Video Games (FPS) 
8.8
Video Games (MMO) 
8.8
Raw Performance 
 2
  1. Recommended in:
  2. MMO
  3. SteelSeries

The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless is a lightweight MMO/MOBA gaming mouse. Its body has diamond-shaped cutouts to reduce its overall weight, a dedicated CPI button behind the scroll wheel, and a 12-button side panel on the left. It has the same sensor and identical, right-handed shape as the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless, a multi-genre model with fewer side buttons but very similar performance. This mouse connects wirelessly with a USB receiver or Bluetooth and recharges with an included cable.

Our Verdict

7.9
Work 

The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless is a great mouse for office and multimedia work. You can reprogram any of the buttons to perform macros or a variety of productivity commands. It feels very sturdily built and has a comfortable, right-handed shape suitable for most hand sizes. It also connects wirelessly via a USB receiver or Bluetooth. Unfortunately, while its scroll wheel has L/R tilt buttons, it lacks a free-scrolling mode.

Pros
  • You can program all buttons using the customization software.
Cons
  • Shape isn't suitable for small hands.
  • Scroll wheel lacks a free-scrolling mode.
8.1
Video Games (FPS) 

The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless is a very good mouse for FPS and Battle Royale games. It's lightweight compared to similar models with 12-button side panels, and the build quality feels excellent. Performance-wise, you can set your CPI precisely within a broad range, and the minimum lift-off distance is very low. Unfortunately, while the click latency is very good, it isn't as low as some similarly-priced options.

Pros
  • Lightweight.
  • Very good click latency.
Cons
  • Shape isn't suitable for small hands.
8.8
Video Games (MMO) 

The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless is an excellent MMO gaming mouse. It has a full 12-button side panel, and you can reprogram all buttons using the customization software, which is compatible with Windows and macOS. The build quality feels excellent, and it has a comfortable, right-handed shape. Unfortunately, it isn't well-suited for small hands using any grip type.

Pros
  • Very good click latency.
  • You can program all buttons using the customization software.
Cons
  • Shape isn't suitable for small hands.
8.8
Raw Performance 

Pros
None
Cons
None
  • 7.9
    Work
  • 8.1
    Video Games (FPS)
  • 8.8
    Video Games (MMO)
  • 8.8
    Raw Performance
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jan 05, 2024: We've updated the CPI graph displayed in the Sensor Latency section of this review. Our results remain the same, but these graphs have two new columns with results from the Delay At Half Movement and Delay To End Of Movement tests.
    2.  Updated Dec 01, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5. This update adds a new Main Button test group, which provides button actuation data and switch information. We've also made minor changes to how we calculate the Office usage score. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
    3.  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.
    4.  Updated Dec 21, 2022: We've added mention of the newly-reviewed Razer Naga V2 Pro in this review.

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    World of Warcraft Edition
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless we tested is black. There are no other color variants. You can see the label for our unit here.

    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless is a lightweight, wireless gaming mouse designed for MOBA, MMO, and other complex games that need lots of button inputs. Unlike the Razer Naga Pro, the Corsair SCIMITAR RGB ELITE, and other MMO-focused gaming mice that have been popular in recent years, the overall design of this mouse emphasizes being as lightweight as possible.

    For more recommendations, see our picks for the best MMO mice, the best gaming mice, and the best lightweight mice.

    Razer Naga V2 Pro

    The Razer Naga V2 Pro and the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless are wireless mice designed primarily for MMO gaming. The Razer has significantly better overall gaming performance and has three hot-swappable side panels with different button configurations. It also has a customizable scroll wheel and substantially longer battery life than the SteelSeries. On the other hand, the SteelSeries has a honeycomb body design and is significantly more lightweight.

    Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless and the Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed are wireless MMO gaming mice. The SteelSeries is significantly more lightweight and has a honeycomb body design. On the other hand, the Razer has a solid plastic shell and a few more programmable buttons. Its scroll wheel also has left- and right-tilt inputs and a free-scrolling mode. Unlike the SteelSeries, which has a rechargeable internal battery, the Razer uses AA batteries for power.

    Razer Naga Pro

    The Razer Naga Pro and the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless are both wireless MMO gaming mice. The Razer has two additional buttons, and you can adjust the CPI more precisely within a slightly wider range. It also has significantly lower click latency. On the other hand, the SteelSeries is significantly lighter, and its software is compatible with Windows and macOS, while the Razer software is only compatible with Windows.

    Corsair SCIMITAR ELITE WIRELESS

    The Corsair SCIMITAR ELITE WIRELESS and the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless are both MMO gaming mice with 12-button side panels that perform similarly. The Corsair has a 12-button side panel that you can adjust back and forth while the SteelSeries has a static side panel. That said, the SteelSeries is also much lighter than the Corsair but has significantly higher click and sensor latency.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Type
    Standard
    Coating
    Matte
    Lighting ColorRGB

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless has a matte black plastic outer shell with diamond-shaped cutouts on the top, bottom, and on parts of the left- and right-click buttons. There's a SteelSeries logo on the left click button and three RGB zones. One RGB zone is located inside the mouse, visible through the cutouts. The other two RGB lighting zones are in a strip that wraps around the back of the mouse at the bottom. This mouse looks very similar to other mice in the SteelSeries Aerox lineup and is visually identical to the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless.

    Shape
    Length5.1" (129 mm)
    Width2.7" (69 mm)
    Height1.7" (42 mm)
    Grip Width
    65 mm
    Ambidextrous
    No
    Left-Handed Friendly
    No
    Finger Rest
    No
    5.4
    Portability
    Box Volume
    23.07 in³ (378 cm³)
    Receiver Storing
    No
    8.5
    Build Quality

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless feels very well-built. The perforated plastic body feels very sturdy and exhibits very little flex. There's a small amount of side to side wobble in the left- and right-click buttons, but this isn't noticeable during normal use. Like with the SteeelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless, there's a very faint rattling noise if you shake the mouse very aggressively, but this isn't noticeable when using the mouse normally. Unlike the Aerox 5 Wireless, this mouse doesn't creak when the shell is squeezed aggressively. This mouse is also IP54-rated, which provides moderate protection against dust and spills.

    6.8
    Weight
    Lowest Weight
    88.7 g
    Default Weight
    88.7 g
    Weight Distribution
    Centered
    Extra Weights
    No
    Hand Size Recommendation
    Palm Grip Hand Recommendation
    Claw Grip Hand Recommendation
    Fingertip Grip Hand Recommendation

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless has a right-handed shape identical to the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless and the SteelSeries Rival 5. If you have small or smaller medium-sized hands, you may not find the mouse comfortable as it's on the larger side. Overall, the button placement is good, and they're well-spaced to avoid accidental button presses.

    9.8
    Wireless Versatility
    Maximum Of Paired Devices
    2
    Bluetooth
    Yes
    Receiver
    Yes
    Battery Type
    Rechargeable
    Use When Charging
    Yes
    On/Off Activation
    Auto Off And On/Off Switch
    Receiver Extender
    Yes
    Battery IndicatorYes

    SteelSeries advertises that the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless has a battery life of up to 80 hours while connected with its USB receiver or up to 180 hours connected via Bluetooth. The RGB lighting will flash red when the battery life is 5% or less. Also, when you wake the mouse or turn it on, it will flash either red, yellow, or green to indicate the remaining battery life.

    7.5
    Cable
    ConnectivityWireless
    Cable Length
    6.6 ft (2.0 m)
    Cable Type
    Braided
    Permanent Kink
    Yes
    Port Type: Mouse End
    USB-C
    Port Type: PC End
    USB

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless has a mesh charging cable. This cable resembles a hybrid between a braided and paracord-like cable. The cable feels high-quality, but it's much closer in flexibility to a braided cable rather than a paracord-like.

    9.0
    Mouse Feet
    Gliding Experience
    Good
    Material
    Virgin Grade PTFE
    Extra Included
    No

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless has superb, rounded feet that glide very smoothly on mousepads and desks. There's a faint scratching sound when moving on both surfaces, but there isn't any noticeable drag.

    In The Box

    • SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless
    • Wireless USB receiver
    • Wireless USB receiver extender
    • USB-A to USB-C cable
    • User documentation

    Control
    Main Button
    See details on graph tool
    See details on graph tool
    Switch Type
    Mechanical
    Switch Model
    Golden Micro IP54 Switch​
    9.2
    Additional Buttons
    Total Number Of Buttons
    18
    Number Of Side Buttons
    12
    Number Of Programmable Inputs
    20
    Profile Switching Button
    Yes
    Gesture Support
    No

    You can program all buttons on this mouse, including the up/down and left/right scroll inputs. SteelSeries advertises that the left- and right-click buttons use Golden Micro switches with a rating of 80 million clicks. If you're interested in an MMO-focused wireless mouse that has hot-swappable side panels with different button layouts, check out the Razer Naga V2 Pro.

    7.8
    Click Latency
    See details on graph tool
    Expected Connection
    8.4 ms
    Wired
    7.8 ms
    Receiver
    8.4 ms
    Bluetooth
    14.3 ms

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless has impressive click latency. It feels snappy and responsive for gaming, but it isn't as low as some high-end gaming mice.

    8.9
    CPI
    See details on graph tool
    SRAV @ 1600 CPI
    -0.12%
    SRAV @ 800 CPI
    0.17%
    SRAV @ 400 CPI
    -0.08%
    SRAV @ Fixed CPI
    N/A
    Precision Error Between Speeds
    0.38%
    Precision Error Between CPI
    2.77%
    Worst Tracking Error
    9.25%
    Minimum CPI
    100 CPI
    Maximum CPI
    18,000 CPI
    CPI Adjustment Steps
    100 CPI
    8.3
    Sensor Latency
    See details on graph tool
    See details on graph tool
    Delay To Start Of Movement
    17.8 ms
    Delay At Half Movement
    5.6 ms
    Delay To End Of Movement
    6.2 ms
    Sensor Specifications
    Sensor Technology
    Optical (LED)
    Sensor Model
    TrueMove Air
    Works On Glass
    No
    Minimum Lift Off Distance
    1.2 mm
    Maximum Polling Rate
    1000 Hz

    The SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless uses a proprietary TrueMove Air sensor, based on the PixArt PAW3335. The polling rate options are 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz. You can set up to five CPI settings per user profile and cycle between them using the dedicated CPI button behind the scroll wheel.

    Mouse Wheel
    Scroll Wheel Type
    Notched Wheel
    Scroll Wheel Steps
    24 Steps
    Scroll Wheel Tilt
    Yes
    Thumb Wheel Type
    No
    Thumb Wheel Steps
    No Thumb Wheel

    The scroll wheel has a grippy rubber surface, and its steps feel smooth but well-defined. It's also fairly quiet.

    Noise
    Click Noise
    Quiet
    Operating System And Software
    Configuration Software
    Software NameSteelSeries GG
    Software Windows Compatibility
    Yes
    Software macOS Compatibility
    Yes
    On-Board Memory
    Yes
    CPI (DPI) Adjustment
    Yes
    Polling Rate Adjustment
    Yes
    Profile Configuration
    Yes
    Profile Auto-Switching
    Yes
    RGB On/Off
    Yes

    The SteelSeries GG software is modern-looking and easy to use. It lets you remap buttons, program macros, configure battery-saving modes, set custom RGB lighting schemes, and precisely adjust your CPI. This mouse also has onboard memory, but it doesn't let you save macros or custom RGB lighting settings.

    10
    Mouse Compatibility
    Windows CompatibilityFully
    macOS CompatibilityFully

    This mouse is fully compatible with Windows and macOS.

    Comments

    1. Product

    SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless: Main Discussion

    Let us know why you want us to review the product here, or encourage others to vote for this product.

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    1. This product has been merged with SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless: World of Warcraft Edition —. Follow the discussion here.

    2. 2
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      Hi! I’ve seen reports that the side buttons on this mouse has low durability and fail after a few months. My experience with different MMO mice is that it has happened quite a lot as well. After years of MMO gaming, the Razer Naga Pro is the only one where the side buttons has survived without issues. Would love to see some durability testing added to side buttons, and or scroll wheel.

      Hi skjetne,

      Thanks for the suggestion, we appreciate it and the great examples/experiences you provided to support the issue. We don’t currently test durability but we’re definitely not against it and the request for durability tests are common.

      We’re keeping it in mind. Hopefully we can find a simple way to test for this that would not increase testing time significantly because delaying reviews impacts how well and how many users we can help.

    3. 2
      1
      0
      1
      0

      Hi! I’ve seen reports that the side buttons on this mouse has low durability and fail after a few months. My experience with different MMO mice is that it has happened quite a lot as well. After years of MMO gaming, the Razer Naga Pro is the only one where the side buttons has survived without issues. Would love to see some durability testing added to side buttons, and or scroll wheel.

    4. Update: We’ve updated the CPI graph displayed in the Sensor Latency section of this review. Our results remain the same, but these graphs have two new columns with results from the Delay At Half Movement and Delay To End Of Movement tests.

      Show More Updates
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