BenQ Zowie EC2-CW - Review
A mouse that is for Zowie fans.
Editor's note: BenQ provided the Zowie EC2-CW mouse to IGN India for this review.
BenQ has long been known for its monitor, projectors, and interactive display products in the Indian market. However, over the years, the company has also expanded into gaming and esports segment with new product lineups. These include its Zowie series of esports products and the relatively recently announced Mobiuz series of gaming monitors. While the company brought the Mobiuz gaming monitor range to India a few months back, the Zowie lineup was still missing from its product portfolio.
Now, after almost 8 years, the Zowie series of products has finally made it to India with the popular EC series of esports mice. Renowned for its ergonomic design and top-notch build quality, the Zowie EC series has garnered a dedicated following over the years. The demand from fans for a wireless version was hard to ignore, and BenQ heeded their call. BenQ invested considerable time and effort into refining the wireless connection's stability.
The result? A wireless reincarnation of the beloved EC series, designed with the needs of esports enthusiasts and those who favour an asymmetrical ergonomic design in mind. While the wireless version of the mouse has plenty of improvements, the question at hand remains: does the transition to wireless justify the investment of INR (₹) 15,000?
Design and Build Quality
The EC2-CW gaming mouse embraces subtlety, catering to the veteran FPS player who values both gaming prowess and the familiarity of Zowie mice. It ditches the flashy gamer aesthetics and RGB lighting we see in most other gaming mice in favour of a more understated design. The ergonomic contours of the EC series have earned the unwavering endorsement of esports athletes.
The design of the EC2-CW closely resembles its wired counterpart, the EC2-C mouse, with only minor adjustments. The shape of the mouse is intuitive and natural to hold, featuring an asymmetrical ergonomic design with a thumb rest on the left side and a slight groove for your pinkie finger. It largely remains unchanged from the wired version, which ensures a familiar and comfortable feel during use.
The LED indicators display the battery status, and button placements are well-considered, causing no issues during usage. EC2-CW features two small feet at the top and one larger foot at the bottom, providing stable glide. The charging connector is positioned between the two small feet.
I must commend the build quality of the EC2-CW, as there are no signs of creaking or rattling during use, and the plastic material feels premium. The side buttons are sturdy, well-positioned for ease of use and provide satisfying clicks. The scroll wheel, while a bit jagged with its tactile sensations, offers well-defined, 24 steps. The click buttons are responsive with minimal rebound, which allowed me to efficiently spam buttons in various games.
Connectivity of BenQ Zowie EC2-CW
The EC2-CW comes with an enhanced receiver made to mitigate any interference issues, particularly in esports arenas or settings where the USB dongle is not in proximity of the mouse. While interference was not a concern in testing, the enhanced receiver did demonstrate impressive range, capable of detecting the mouse from anywhere in my apartment.
The receiver also doubles as a convenient charging dock, allowing you to place the mouse on it for effortless charging, eliminating the need for direct plugging into your PC or worse, the wall. However, I couldn’t find much difference in normal gaming scenarios when it came to using the wireless dongle and the enhanced receiver.
Performance
With a weight of approximately 75 grams, the EC2-CW falls into the mid-range in terms of mouse weight. It strikes a balance between being lightweight and substantial, making it suitable for various grip styles, including palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip, thanks to its ergonomic design.
During gaming, particularly in titles like CS:GO and Valorant, I encountered no issues with performing long-distance horizontal movements. The mouse offers support for DPI settings of up to 3200.
The mouse provides three polling rates including 125Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz, and users can seamlessly switch between these options with the help of a dedicated button at the bottom of the mouse. The polling rate represents how frequently the mouse reports its position and other data to the computer. A higher polling rate means quicker data reporting for reduced lag or delay.
While the EC2-CW boasts a capable PixArt 3370 sensor, it could have opted for the newer 3395 sensor given its recent release. The 3395 sensor offers advantages including lower power consumption in low-power mode, which could potentially lead to better battery life. However, in regular usage, the difference may not be immediately noticeable.
Nevertheless, considering the flagship pricing of the Zowie EC2-CW, we are not getting the latest hardware components when it comes to the sensor or a higher polling rate than 1000Hz.
Software
I prefer the simplicity of mice that don't rely on software, and the EC2-CW aligns with this preference. Zowie has opted for a plug-and-play approach, eliminating the need for any additional software installation. The lack of RGB lighting on the mouse makes things easier, as customisable lighting effects usually require dedicated software. This means you can configure most of the settings directly from the mouse. These settings include DPI adjustments, polling rate selection, and choosing between signal reception from the USB dongle or the enhanced receiver. This straightforward approach makes the setup and customisation of EC2-CW hassle-free, catering to users who appreciate a seamless, software-free experience.
Worth the money?
When considering the Zowie EC2-CW, it is important to note that you will get a mouse that is slightly heavier than some of its competitors and features an older-generation sensor. If you don't mind these aspects, Zowie EC2-CW is a solid offering. At the same time, considering its price tag of INR 14,990, it is not cheap and will only serve gamers who know what they want.
For those who seek alternatives, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro presents itself as a better option. The V3 Pro boasts a more rounded shape near the palm, which may appeal to those who prefer a different ergonomic design compared to the EC2's sloping shape. It also offers a higher 4000Hz polling rate, making it ultra-responsive. In terms of weight, it is significantly lighter, weighing in about 63gm to 64gm. It is also lighter on the wallet with a price tag of INR 12,500.
The Verdict
The Zowie EC2-CW presents itself as a no-nonsense gaming mouse that offers reliability and sturdiness right out of the box. However, it does come with a few drawbacks that are hard to overlook. This includes somewhat outdated hardware elements including the sensor. While it is still capable, the compromise does not sit well considering the price point of EC2-CW. The price tag also makes it a less appealing choice for the average consumer. While it may cater well to professional gamers thanks to its esports-centric features, it falls short in delivering something exceptional or innovative when compared to other offerings on the market. A higher polling rate accompanied by a more modern sensor would have certainly sweetened the deal. Moreover, the launch seems a tad belated, given the offerings from its competition. The Zowie EC2-CW has its merits, but it may not be the best recommendation for the everyday gamers seeking a more cost-effective option and esports professionals looking for an up-to-date option.
BenQ Zowie EC2-CW Gaming Mouse Review
