Zowie EC series: Three new e-sports mice to come at once

For quite some time, the manufacturer Zowie has been considered a popular expert for the e-sports sector with its EC1 and EC2 gaming mice. Now, the BenQ subsidiary not only wants to relaunch the EC1 and EC2. On top of that, a completely new peripheral, the EC3-C, is to be launched. This was long overdue in view of the outdated technology. We take a look at the three new gaming mice.

Less weight and better cables

If there was anything to complain about with the EC1 and EC2 mice, it was firstly the weight and secondly the cables of the input devices. But as part of the new editions, Zowie has made extensive adjustments to its ergonomic mice in the asymmetrical design. The size of the mice, which are especially suitable for the shooter genre, becomes apparent from the numbers in the model name. While the EC1 is suitable for large hands, the EC2 is considered a suitable solution for medium-sized hands. With its completely redesigned EC3-C, Zowie shrinks its e-sports mouse even further. However, nothing has changed in terms of design and basic concept. All three gaming mice are still palm and claw grip mice in the new version. In view of the very compact dimensions of the EC3-C, this is certainly doubtful. However, Zowie emphasizes this fact.

At least as important as the size of a mouse, however, are the other technical details that the manufacturer wants to realize in the input devices. Fortunately, Zowie responds to the negative points that annoy many users with the EC1 and EC2 in its changes. This already starts with the cable. Zowie relies on a wrapped cable for its new mice, which is not only light, but also extends upwards from the front of the mouse at a comfortable angle. The manufacturer wants to ensure that neither the weight nor the frictional resistance lead to speed losses when gaming. Not only the cable of the mouse has been slimmed down. The weight of the EC1 is reduced from 97 grams to 80 grams. The somewhat smaller EC2 has been reduced from 90 grams to 73 grams. With a weight of just under 70 grams, the brand new EC3-C is now the smallest and lightest mouse in the series. So that the low weight can also pay off with corresponding speed, Zowie relies on the proven PTFE feet.

Reengineered mouse wheel

In addition to weight reduction and redesign of the cable, Zowie has also tackled the modernization of the peripheral’s mouse wheel. While previous models relied on mouse wheels that had mechanical switches and 16 grid points, the new editions now feature 24 grid points and optical switches. The 24 steps are now standard for gaming mice. Optical signals, on the other hand, are only offered on some competing products.

We are curious whether Zowie means the click button of the mouse wheel with the optical signal pickup or really the rotary control itself. But that’s it with the changes to the predecessor models. Otherwise, the C-series also relies on the PMW-3360 sensor from the traditional company PixArt in its new edition. Accordingly, nothing changes in the optional sensitivities of the sensor. You have the choice between 400, 800, 1,600 and 3,200 dpi. The sampling rates should also be 1,000 hertz for the new editions.

Price and availability

The EC1-C, EC2-C and EC3-C are scheduled to launch at the end of July. As of yet, we don’t know how much the new gaming mice are expected to cost. Zowie also wants to update its other mouse series, by the way. In particular, its S-series, FK-series and ZA-series are to undergo a modernization.