Top-Notch Ergonomics!
Review Summary
The EC2-B is a competent esports and casual gaming mouse with a reliable, minimalist offering. You can depend on its precision, responsiveness, and ease of use. The modest curve of its shape and its low click latency should also make it seem snappy and pleasant to use. It’s also lightweight, yet the cord is stiff, and the mouse’s button flexes, so the quality is adequate.
Hours Tested: 3 weeks
Overall
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Build Quality - 8/10
8/10
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Value - 8/10
8/10
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Design - 7/10
7/10
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Performance - 9/10
9/10
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Sensor - 7/10
7/10
Pros
- Low click latency
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Various models for several hand sizes and grips.
Cons
- Fairly Standard Build Quality
- No Software Support
- DPI has a small range
- Not enough room for customization
Zowie has developed its formula for the ideal gaming mouse, one that succeeds where others stumble while going above and beyond in crucial aspects. If you want a mouse that can catch pace with your gaming prowess and offer you the advantage you need to win every game. Look no further than the BenQ Zowie EC2-B Mouse!
The ergonomic design makes it one of the best FPS gaming mice. Moreover, BenQ put in a lot of time and effort to fine-tune the mouse’s structure and build quality. Additionally, they teamed up with professional eSports players to develop a mouse with all the bells and whistles gamers need for a satisfactory experience.
Henceforth, this gaming mouse will take your game to the next level with its cutting-edge design and functionality. The EC2-B is designed to accommodate players of every experience level, from novices to professionals.
Related: GLORIOUS Model D Minus Mouse Review
Key Takeaways
- The BenQ Zowie EC2-B gaming mouse is a top choice for its sleek design, comfortable grip, and precise optical sensor, making it ideal for casual and professional gamers.
- You should get the BenQ Zowie EC2-B Mouse if you want a snappy sensor to keep up with your pace.
- You should not get the BenQ Zowie EC2-B Mouse if you are in for flashy aesthetics, as it doesn’t have any fancy additional features that some players might enjoy, like RGB lighting.
- Why you can trust Tech4Gamers: Our reviews are based on dedicated hands-on testing by our team of experienced hardware experts. Find out more about how we test.
Let’s move on to the specifications of the product:
DPI | 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 |
USB | USB 2.0 / 3.0 Plug & Play |
Buttons | Five buttons |
Cable Length | 2m / 6,6 ft |
Polling Rate | 125 / 500 / 1000 Hz |
Size | Medium |
Design | Ergonomic |
Dimensions | 120 x 64 x 40mm |
Weight | 90g |
Sensor | Pixart PMW3360 |
Switches | Huang |
What’s in the Box
Unsurprisingly, the EC2-B, like other Zowie mice, is presented in a stylish matte black box. The company went for a clean, minimalist look, so there’s no advertising on the packaging. Moreover, there are no specifications for the mouse’s DPI counts, features, etc.
In my view, one of the best features of Zowie mice is that it includes a spare set of mouse feet in the packaging. Surprisingly, the EC2-B comes with 16 extra feet, giving you plenty of replacement options. That’s awesome. Props to Zowie.
- BenQ ZOWIE EC2-B mouse
- Additional PTFE feet
- BenQ Zowie Logo sticker
- User guide and other documents
First Impressions
Having experienced the Zowie EC2-B firsthand, it’s clear that this gaming mouse is a performance powerhouse, preceding unnecessary RGB lighting for a minimalist design that seamlessly fits into any setting, be it a gaming room or a workplace, with a subtle red Zowie logo on the rear and a discreet BenQ logo on the side.
Despite its lightweight build at around 90 grams, the EC2-B doesn’t compromise on performance, boasting a PixArt 3360 sensor that ensures precise movements during gameplay. While lacking onboard storage or configuration software, this mouse doesn’t miss a beat, delivering all the essential features a gamer could ask for while adhering to Zowie’s signature minimalist aesthetic.
Highlighting the positives, the PTFE feet of the EC2-B offers a smooth glide with a minor resistance on specific surfaces. It’s a plug-and-play mouse with easy DPI and polling rate adjustments, though customization is limited without on-the-fly options. If you enjoy tweaking settings mid-game, it might be a drawback.
Overall, I am impressed with the Zowie EC2-B. Its sleek design, ergonomic shape, and sturdy build make it a standout choice for FPS and strategy gaming. Consistent with the EC series, the unique form factor provides a solid grip and comfortable curve, especially for medium-sized hands.
Unlike the usual Zowie look, the EC2-B opts for a lightweight, minimalist eggshell design weighing 90 grams. Despite its weight, the compact form and balanced distribution make it surprisingly manageable during intense gaming.
The streamlined build, free from sharp edges, caught my attention. It delivers a fatigue-free experience with noticeable tracking improvements. The firm grip doesn’t lead to distracting rattles, maintaining a noise-free quality even after weeks of use. This enhances the premium feel of the Zowie mouse experience, making it a reliable choice in quiet or noise-sensitive settings.
A Good Read: CORSAIR HS60 Pro Surround Gaming Headset
The Zowie EC2-B proved durable in my hands-on tests, with minimal noise during quick stops. Coil whining concerns were effectively resolved in my unit. While the top build is sturdy, there’s slight flex at the bottom, and squeezing underneath may trigger a side button. The ergonomic design, two side buttons, and quick responsiveness make it ideal for long gaming sessions.
The coating maintains a good grip but can sometimes show fingerprints; slipperiness is minimal and easily resolved with a clean, damp cloth. The rounded design offers comfortable gaming, and essential features make it one of the best-looking mice with a unique design.
Related: HYPERX Cloud 2 Wireless Review
Sensor
The 3360 sensor, now placed into the mouse, is primarily responsible for the EC2-B’s existence. The 3360 is an astounding sensor that’s not going to spin out, not even when tilt-slamming it, which is the only possible upgrade to the 3310, which is another renowned sensor. Therefore, its performance is remarkable, as predicted.
The PixArt 3360 sensors on the Zowie EC2-B rarely gave me trouble but might concern others. You may have tracking issues with an older mouse’s sensors if you habitually smash and spin your mouse. Although I didn’t experience any issues of this kind when using the mouse, I felt it was essential to highlight them in my review.
Nevertheless, several top-tier gamers are still using the EC2 without any difficulty. So, it’s safe to assume that the possible tracing problem isn’t a deal breaker. If you don’t smash your mouse around, you should have no problems.
Grip Styles
The Zowie EC2-B stands out in Zowie’s lineup for its emphasis on comfort, designed to accommodate various grip types with little break-in time, making it suitable for most gamers; its gently rounded form factor, concave right side, and well-placed side buttons offer a secure and comfortable grip, ideal for palm grip users, while the bulk may be a challenge for those with smaller hands using claw or fingertip grip. A slight weight reduction could enhance manageability.
Performance
After using the Zowie EC2-B, a preferred choice among esports and FPS professionals, I can attest to its standout simplicity, comfort, and performance – genuinely embodying Zowie’s commitment to “performance above fancy.” The design’s straightforwardness allows for easy customization with a surface button, though I found the DPI adjustment button could be more intuitively placed.
While the DPI range met my expectations, the absence of additional software limited my customization options. Adapting to the mouse’s higher clicking point and weight took some time, but the experience was superb once acclimated. The precise tracking, low click latency, and overall feel make it a top contender for competitive gaming.
On the downside, the rubber cable presented a minor challenge, being slippery and thin, but a quick resolution through paracording made it suitable for my home gaming setup. In conclusion, the Zowie EC2-B might not be ideal for on-the-go use due to its wired-only layout, but it certainly earned its spot as a reliable choice for home gaming.
Related: Razer Viper V2 Pro Review
Should You Buy It?
After looking at the product, the main question is whether you should buy it.
Buy It If:
✅ You prefer comfort and faster response: The BenQ Zowie EC2-B Mouse is perfect for those who emphasize precision and comfort. Moreover, the mouse’s optical sensor is excellent for FPS titles due to its responsiveness, accuracy, and short lift-off distance.
✅ You game for long time intervals: The EC2-B is built to be used for a considerable amount of time without discomfort due to its ergonomic shape and comfortable grip.
✅ You want a durable product: The BenQ Zowie EC2-B mouse’s sturdy build guarantees its usability for years, making it an excellent pick for those who value long-lasting products.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You currently own the Zowie EC2-A Mouse: If you already own a fully functional EC2-A, the incremental improvements in the EC2-B, such as the 3360 sensor and minor adjustments, might not justify the purchase unless you need those upgrades.
❌ You Prioritize Aesthetics: If the mouse’s appearance is a significant factor for you, and you value visual appeal over raw performance, the minimalist design of the EC2-B may not align with your preferences.
❌ You prefer Feature-Rich Mice: If you prefer mice with a wide range of features, customization options, and software support, the EC2-B’s simplicity and lack of additional software may not meet your requirements.
Conclusion
Overall, the BenQ Zowie EC2-B is a high-quality yet lightweight gaming mouse. Right-handed users, particularly those with a palm or claw grip, should find the elevated back and slightly curved shape pleasant.
While its maximum DPI is lower than that of some other gaming mice, its extensive DPI range and minimal click latency should make it feel snappy during gameplay. There is no accompanying software. So you can’t customize the sensor settings or remap the buttons, and there aren’t any programmable RGB lighting zones.
Although we only reviewed the medium size, our insights necessarily apply to the large size as well, except for our recommendations for weight and grip type. It has a solid feel and minimal click latency, and the slight curve in its design should make it pleasant to use despite its small dimensions.
The cable is not very flexible despite being relatively light. BenQ Zowie EC2-B has excellent build quality, thanks to the rounded buttons on the mouse. The EC series is the parent of modern ergonomic FPS gaming mice. It lacks the modern conveniences of its competitors, but you can be sure that the EC series will outlast any passing trend.
Coming Next: Ducky One 3 Mini Daybreak Keyboard Review
Awards Received By Tech4Gamers
The BenQ Zowie EC2-B mouse has received the following Tech4Gamers awards:
- Best Gaming Mouse For Valorant
- Best Palm Grip Mouse For Large Hands
- Best Claw Grip Mouse For Large Hands
- Best Palm Grip Mouse for CS:GO
Recent Updates
- January 2, 2024: A few text changes to improve readability. Also added image galleries.
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[Hardware Reviewer]
After many years of exploiting various pieces of hardware, Abdul Hannan now serves as an editor at Tech4Gamers. He’s been in the PC hardware reviewing industry for almost a decade, and his staff of passionate geeks and reviewers is second to none.
Abdul Hannan is constantly seeking new methods, you will always see him running into New Computer Courses to improve the performance of his computer components since he is an ardent overclocker. He is well-known for providing the most extensive and unbiased analysis of the newest and greatest hardware for PC gaming, including everything from GPUs to PSUs.