Best SteelSeries Gaming Mice for side button quality

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Safest pick

SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless

3.6 attribute score

Balances the attribute score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.

Most evidence

SteelSeries Rival 5

24 supporting reviews

Has the broadest review evidence for this attribute.

#1 SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2
3.9

Side button feedback was mixed: several reviewers liked the improved feel and reach, while others found them too long or easy to hit accidentally.

Pros: software usability, polling rate

Cons: palm grip comfort, fingertip grip comfort

#2 SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Wired
3.6

Side button quality was mixed, ranging from thin and less premium to easily accessible and functional.

Pros: cable flexibility, value for money

Cons: premium feel

#3 SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless
3.6

Side button quality was the most divided attribute: some found the grid tactile and easy, while others found it cramped, stiff, or hard to distinguish.

Pros: side button quality, MMO gaming suitability

Cons: value for money, claw grip comfort

#4 SteelSeries Aerox 3
3.3

Side-button feedback ranged from sharp, uncomfortable buttons to comfortable placement with no accidental activation.

Pros: glide smoothness, RGB features

Cons: build quality, cable flexibility

#5 SteelSeries Rival 5
3.0

Side-button quality was the most divisive area: some liked the paddle or natural placement, while many struggled with the front/silver button or crowded layout.

Pros: value for money, software usability

Cons: side button quality, onboard memory

#6 SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless
2.9

Side button quality was the most repeated ergonomic issue, especially the forward button and up/down rocker being hard to reach or actuate.

Pros: battery life, weight

Cons: side button quality, value for money

#7 SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless
2.8

Side buttons were the most repeated control complaint, often described as thin, finicky, hard to hit, or easy to mis-click, though one reviewer found them improved.

Pros: battery life, value for money

Cons: weight, RGB features

#8 SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wired
2.7

Side button quality was the most divisive area: some found the buttons natural and reachable, while others reported narrow, uncomfortable, or misclick-prone controls.

Pros: weight, programmable buttons

Cons: value for money, side button quality

#9 SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless
2.5

Side buttons were the most consistent control complaint, often described as too slim, cheap-feeling, mushy, or easy to misclick.

Pros: value for money, battery life

Cons: glide smoothness, side button quality