BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

I have reviewwed the EC and FK series and today I have the ZA series.

BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

The ZOWIE ZA series is much like the FK series, only with higher arch and the arch is towards the rear of the mouse.

BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

There are 3 models in the ZA range, the ZA11, ZA12 and ZA13 of which the ZA11 is the largest while the ZA13 is the smallest.

BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

The ZA series works for both palm and claw grip users and it has the following features

– 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 DPI (fixed)
– USB 2.0 / 3.0 Plug & Play
– 5 buttons
– 2m / 6,6 ft Cable
– LOD – 1.5 – 1.8mm
– Report Rate 125 / 500 / 1000 Hz

And out of the box the product packaging is simple – just a mouse, a few documents, a sticker and a new set of mousepad in case you ever wear them off.

BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

Here’s the side profile of the ZA model, notice how the arch goes towards the rear of the mouse.

BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

Just like the FK series the ZA model comes with 2 customizable buttons on each side.

BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

At the bottom you’ll see 2 huge mouse feet and a button for DPI adjustment.

BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

Last but not least, the cable which is a non-braided one for easier glide across surfaces.

BenQ ZOWIE ZA11 | ZA12 | ZA13 Gaming Mouse Review

User Experience

The Zowie EC series is as with other Zowie mice – they work out of the box without any software support, and they don’t come with any software either. You change the fixed DPI setting at the bottom and do finer adjustments in game. You customize shortcut to your buttons via the game. There’s nothing else but the mouse itself.

While some may feel that this is “cheating” consumers with lack of software support and all but bear in mind that Zowie is made for competitive gaming. Competition participants are not allowed to install additional software for their mice and this is what the Zowie mice is all about.

There’s a reason why pro players like KennyS

Now back to the mouse, I feel that the LMB and RMB are a bit tough but I don’t think this is a huge problem as it is entirely up to preference. My Logitech G300S definitely has a lighter feel when it comes to presses and so is my Corsair Saber RGB Laser. That aside, the fixed DPI is a bit of a pain, I typically use 2500 but the DPI available are only 1600 and 3200 so it’s either I get myself adjusted or I tweak it in games.

Now if you think you’ve read the above before, well you have because the mouse behavior is same across the board. What’s different now is just the ergonomics, the ZA series is ambidextrous, has high-arch and towards the rear. This is great if you’re like me who likes to rest the weight of my palm on the mouse.

That aside, the response is good and I only need to get adjusted to the DPI and put a little more effort to press the LMB, among the models the ZA suits my preference the most while the FK model is close second. I just couldn’t get myself to use the EC model without suffering.

The Verdict

The BenQ ZOWIE ZA11, ZA12 and ZA13 gaming mice are made for the ambidextrous, I won’t be able to reveal the price yet but you’ll find out soon. They are no doubt the best way to go about if you want it to experience gaming (especially for CS:GO) as what the pros do.

The BenQ ZOWIE range of mice (including the EC and FA models) will be available for test drive at the upcoming eXTREMESLAND CS:GO tournament that’s to be held end of this month.

goldfries recommended