Zowie FK1 vs FK2 Review

Zowie FK1 vs FK2 Review

Zowie is not new to the gaming world. If you are looking for an ambidextrous mouse for eSports, one of your best choices will probably be a Zowie. BenQ the name behind Zowie is already making strides with gaming monitors.

And now, with the entry of Zowie, pro gamers can grab a simplistic, no-nonsense mouse. Zowie has different variants in their mice. Which is why you have to know your grip style and hand size before choosing a Zowie. The brand has four series including the S series, EC series, ZA series, and FK series.

Our focus today is on the FK series. It consists of FK1, FK1+, and FK2 which we’ll be comparing today. The three mice look similar- structure-wise. But they are geared towards three different types of gamers. Again, your grip style and hand size will play a crucial role in determining the type of Zowie FK to pick.

Ergonomics

We have come across hundreds of gaming mice. But not many have nailed the size, shape, and weight like BenQ. At first glance, Zowie FK looks ordinary. But this is where the ergonomics lie. Everything about these mice is about the way they feel. After all, a mouse is as good as the way it aims.

The three FK mouse are distinct in size, shape, and weight.

FK1 sits in the middle in terms of weight and ergonomics. Weighing at 90g, most people can comfortably use this mouse. This is because it is light but not too light that you will overshoot. It is relatively flat with no hump towards the back.

This shape is geared towards claw style users. You tend to use your wrist more for aiming. That is why the hump is towards the center of the mouse.

The FK1+ is the largest of the three. It has a length of 12.8cm and weighs 95g. As such, those with large hands will find it more comfortable than with FK1. The size of this mouse makes it a nice choice for palm grip users.

But you will find it feels better if you have a hybrid grip. That is; claw and palm grip. The hump on this mouse is at the center and is higher than on the other FK mouse.

Because this mouse is ambidextrous, it may take some time before you get used to the buttons. Just like in the FK1 and FK2.

Looking at the FK2’s shape, you can tell it’s the smallest of the three. With only a length of 12.4cm, it is best suited for small hands. And, more so those who prefer a lightweight mouse. Its small size is aimed at fingertip players.

It leaves a short distance between the wrist and the palm. This way, you'll have great control without suffering fatigue after prolonged use.

Build Quality

The material used in the FK series is the same on all three mice. The shell is a bit thin but is built of robust plastic. It has a matte black finish on all the sides except the bottom. The feel of the mouse is slightly rubberized though it can pick moisture after extensive use.

For those with sweaty palms, this is something that could keep you off this mouse. But you can always add grip tape to make for extra grip.

The best thing about Zowie FK is that it is quite solid. You can tell this by the weight which is not adjustable. You can put any of these mice through hard squeezes on just about every axis. And, it will not flex or creak due to pressure.

It’s crazy because, amidst all the gaming fun, there are the losses you can’t take and the mouse takes a hard beating. With Zowie, you’ll never worry about loose parts on the inside.

Another interesting feature is that each mouse comes with two large feet on the bottom. They provide a controlled glide such that you’ll never overshoot. The package includes an extra set of feet. You can change them when they lose their effectiveness.

The sides of Zowie FK sink in to provide a comfortable grip for your thumb and pinky. It is an excellent feature as it rescues you from tired fingers after long hours of gaming.

Sensor

Zowie is not keen on using the latest technology in its sensor. Perhaps it’s because we overestimate the abilities of the sensor. But as we said, a mouse is as good as the way it aims. FK all have the AVAGO ADNS 3310 optical sensor. It is an old, but superior sensor.

For one, it does not suffer from prediction and acceleration within its perfect tracking speeds. The movement of the mouse and that of the cursor on the screen remains 1:1. As such, you will not suffer from inconsistency which can cost you a game.

The optic sensor offers four DPI settings. You can change from the slowest at 400DPI to 800DPI, 1600DPI, and 3200DPI on all the three mice. Zowie FK also includes an LED that helps to indicate the current DPI setting.

The LED settings are as follows;

• Red- 400DPI
• Purple- 800DPI
• Blue- 1600DPI
• Green- 3200DPI

Zowie FK also has three mouse speeds. That is 125Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz. You can change the polling rate using a combination of buttons. Zowie comes with a set of details on how to go about it on the side of the box.

In real-world performance, we have seen the optical sensor perform with excellence. It never stops to report even if you swing the mouse at superfast speeds. That’s why it is very viable for competitive eSports games.

Buttons

The FK1, FK1+, and FK2 have a five-button design. You have two buttons on each side and one button on the bottom to change the DPI settings. The buttons have an impressive distance from each other. It’s rare to accidentally press the wrong buttons.

Since this is an ambidextrous mouse, it comes with the left side buttons activated. You have to press a combination of buttons to activate the right side. This only happens when the mouse is offline. And, you can use buttons on either the left or side. But not both sides at the same time.

If you can’t get around to activating the buttons you want, here’s a quick look at how to do it.

• To change from left to right side buttons- press and hold button 1+3 (left-hand use)
• To change from right to left side buttons- press and hold 2+3 (right-hand use)
• To change the report rate-      
• Press button 5 for 500Hz
• Press button 4 for1000Hz
• Press button 4+5 for 125Hz

The report rate has to be changed as you plug in the mouse and not while using it.

Zowie FK uses Huano switches. They are not as great as Omron switches, but they do a decent job. You will feel a satisfying click each time. The travel distance is neither long nor short. We find that they can feel a bit rigid at fast. That’s why it can be a while before you get used to their feedback.

Looking at the scroll wheel, Zowie FK invests in a 24-step and 16-step scroll wheel. The FK1 has the 24-step while the FK2 has the 16-step. Some players have protested the FK2 16-segment scroll wheel. They argue that the travel distance is too short to execute some moves correctly.

Cable

The cable on Zowie FK is flexible thanks to its smooth rubber texture. Instead of common braided cables, you may never need a mouse bungee with this cable. The cable uses a type-A USB connection.

Performance

Zowie mice have a plug and play design. You don’t need to install any software or create an account to start playing. All you have to do is use button combinations to change the settings. The upside of this is that anyone can use it right out of the box.

On the downside, you can’t reprogram the buttons. Since Zowie FK is optimized for FPS, the lack of programming software is not a big drawback. The mouse boasts solid in-game performance despite its lack of supporting software.

The ergonomics of the mouse support long gaming sessions. It prevents cramping especially if you are planning to take on Overwatch level by level.

FK1, FK1+, FK2 Overview

FK1

• Ambidextrous design
• Suitable for medium-sized hands
• Claw grip style
• Weighs 90g
• Adjustable polling rate -125, 500, 1000Hz
• Adjustable DPI- 400, 800, 1600, 3200

FK1+

• Ambidextrous design
• Suitable for large-sized hands
• Palm grip style
• Weighs 95g
• Adjustable polling rate -125, 500, 1000Hz
• Adjustable DPI- 400, 800, 1600, 3200

FK2

• Ambidextrous design
• Suitable for small-sized hands
• fingertip grip style
• Weighs 85g
• Adjustable polling rate - 125, 500, 1000Hz
• Adjustable DPI- 400, 800, 1600, 3200

Which is the best Zowie FK Mouse?

After comparing the three FK mice, it’s clear that your personal preference, hand size, and grip style will determine the best choice for you. The FK1 is a nice option for most. It sits right in the middle regarding size and weight.

If you prefer a palm grip style the FK1+ is the most suitable for you. But if you have small hands and prefer a fingertip grip style, you will like gaming with the FK2 mouse.

Conclusion

Zowie FK mice are similar in performance. But you still have to distinguish the one that feels and plays well in your hand. These mice are for pro eSports gaming. They are simple to understand and use out of the box. The sensor, though old, has no significant drive in the way the mouse performs while gaming. Plus, the unique, ambidextrous design makes it suitable for left-handed users.