The PixArt sensor and Huano switches were tested using Orcs Must Die: Unchained, War Thunder, Paladins and Battlefield 4, providing a reasonably broad range of games. The sensor performed remarkably well on all 4 of the available DPI options (400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200). The lack of any driver or software (competition rules) obviously limits the ability to fine-tune the DPI, so in-game settings must be changed to achieve a similar result, by adjusting sensitivity. Due to this being an eSports mouse, it’s designed to be taken with you to events and plugged into the provided machine, providing the exact same experience regardless of location. The Huano switches provide positive feedback, much more so than OMRONs used in rival mice.
ZOWIE have included a method, described in the user manual, of adjusting the polling rate, with 125Hz, 500Hz and 1000Hz being possible. The process is as simple as holding the required button while connecting the mouse to your chosen USB port.
Something of note, the scroll wheel features a 24 point click-system, with deep notches requiring a relatively large amount of force to spin, makes the scroll wheel much more reliable as a button for use as Grenade or similar; we liked that a lot.
The mouse itself is very appealing, with the glossy white exterior and classic shape. The scroll wheel lights up to indicate the chosen DPI, with 4 colours available (Red / Purple / Blue / Green.) BenQ ZOWIE’s choice to use small logos bodes well with the minimalist design, keeping things very understated. The contrasting black thumb buttons stand out and are well positioned for rapid access, though they feel awkward to use, with a decidedly ‘two-stage’ click feel about it; they just don’t feel solid enough to be used effectively. Other than the thumb buttons, the overall build quality is good.
Unfortunately, the main pitfall of the EC2-A is the glossy shell, while it looks incredible and provides something very different within the gaming sector, it becomes very sticky and difficult to use after a short period of time; this may be down entirely to personal preference, however, we weren’t taken to it here at Vortez.
The cable chosen by BenQ, being a thin rubber affair was found to provide so little resistance that it’s not worth considering; even when bundled up in front of the mouse, you will never find it difficult to push out of the way. This could be crucial during tense moments.
ZOWIE have included a method, described in the user manual, of adjusting the polling rate, with 125Hz, 500Hz and 1000Hz being possible. The process is as simple as holding the required button while connecting the mouse to your chosen USB port.
Something of note, the scroll wheel features a 24 point click-system, with deep notches requiring a relatively large amount of force to spin, makes the scroll wheel much more reliable as a button for use as Grenade or similar; we liked that a lot.
The mouse itself is very appealing, with the glossy white exterior and classic shape. The scroll wheel lights up to indicate the chosen DPI, with 4 colours available (Red / Purple / Blue / Green.) BenQ ZOWIE’s choice to use small logos bodes well with the minimalist design, keeping things very understated. The contrasting black thumb buttons stand out and are well positioned for rapid access, though they feel awkward to use, with a decidedly ‘two-stage’ click feel about it; they just don’t feel solid enough to be used effectively. Other than the thumb buttons, the overall build quality is good.
Unfortunately, the main pitfall of the EC2-A is the glossy shell, while it looks incredible and provides something very different within the gaming sector, it becomes very sticky and difficult to use after a short period of time; this may be down entirely to personal preference, however, we weren’t taken to it here at Vortez.
The cable chosen by BenQ, being a thin rubber affair was found to provide so little resistance that it’s not worth considering; even when bundled up in front of the mouse, you will never find it difficult to push out of the way. This could be crucial during tense moments.
