BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B  Mouse Review

Reviewed Apr 19, 2021 at 10:50am
Retest Apr 29, 2021 at 11:25am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B

Track

0.0
Office/Multimedia 
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 
0.0
Ultra-Light Gaming 
0.0
Travel 

Track

 0

The BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B is a very good wired gaming mouse. It has a solid plastic body that feels well-built, low click latency, and a low profile shape that's well suited for palm and claw grips, though only those with larger hands will likely find it comfortable with a fingertip grip. Unfortunately, its cable is very rigid, and there's no companion software for customization, so you're stuck with four CPI settings and three polling rate presets that you have to adjust with buttons on the bottom of the mouse.

Our Verdict

0.0
Office/Multimedia 

The BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B mouse is only acceptable for office use. It feels sturdy and has a low profile shape that's very well suited for most hand sizes using a palm or claw grip. However, its wired design may be cumbersome for office use, there isn't any companion software for customization, and the mouse wheel can't be unlocked for free-scrolling and doesn't have L/R tilt buttons.

Pros
  • Solid-feeling build quality.
Cons
  • Mouse wheel lacks L/R tilts for horizontal scrolling and can't be unlocked for free scrolling.
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 

The BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B mouse is very good for gaming with a solid plastic body that feels well-built and a low-profile shape well-suited for palm and claw grip, though only those with larger hands will likely find a fingertip grip comfortable. Unfortunately, the cable is very rigid, and since there's no companion software for customization, you're stuck with only four available CPI settings that you have to adjust with buttons on the bottom of the mouse.

Pros
  • Solid-feeling build quality.
  • Low click latency.
  • Comfortable low profile shape.
Cons
  • Fairly heavy.
  • No companion software for customization and only four CPI presets.
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 

The BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B is only mediocre as an MMO mouse. While it has a solid-feeling build, low click latency, and a comfortable shape, it only has two side buttons, which aren't nearly as many as dedicated MMO mice. There's also no companion software for customization, and the cable is very rigid. That said, it's well suited to palm and claw grip for nearly all hand sizes and suitable for a fingertip grip for those with larger hands.

Pros
  • Solid-feeling build quality.
  • Comfortable low profile shape.
Cons
  • Not nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
  • No companion software for customization and only four CPI presets.
0.0
Ultra-Light Gaming 

The BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B mouse is very good for ultra-light gaming, but it's much heavier than most dedicated ultralight mice and has a very stiff cable. That said, it has low click latency and excellent mouse feet that glide smoothly on mousepads and desks.

Pros
  • Solid-feeling build quality.
  • Low click latency.
  • Comfortable low profile shape.
Cons
  • Fairly heavy.
  • No companion software for customization and only four CPI presets.
0.0
Travel 

The BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B is designed as a stay-at-home gaming mouse and isn't well suited for travel due to its bulky design and lack of wireless connectivity options.

Pros
  • Solid-feeling build quality.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
  • May not fit in most laptop bags.
  • 0.0
    Office/Multimedia
  • 0.0
    Video Games (FPS)
  • 0.0
    Video Games (MMO)
  • 0.0
    Ultra-Light Gaming
  • 0.0
    Travel
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Apr 29, 2021: Fixed a calculation error with the CPI Variation.
    2.  Updated Apr 19, 2021: Review published.
    3.  Updated Apr 13, 2021: Early access published.
    4.  Updated Apr 06, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.

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    Divina Pink
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    Glossy White
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    Matte Black
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B is one of many BenQ Zowie mice that are very similar but have different sizes and shapes. The series that the FK1-B is a part of has three different sizes. These mice are a direct update of the original FK series and have an updated sensor, but they lack an additional pair of side buttons on the right which the previous versions had. The FK-1B is the mid-sized option between the larger BenQ ZOWIE FK+-B and the smaller BenQ ZOWIE FK2-B. The unit we tested is glossy white, but it's also available in matte black. You can see the label for our unit here.

    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    The BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B is an FK series mouse and a direct update of the BenQ ZOWIE FK1. It's marketed towards the esports community and FPS players in particular. While it has an improved sensor, the FK-B has the same symmetrical, low-profile shape that made its predecessor so popular. Although many mice manufacturers have focused on making their mice as light as possible in recent years, Zowie has ignored this trend with the FK lineup, and the FK1-B is quite heavy for a high-end competitive FPS mouse.

    For other options, see our recommendations for the best mouse, the best wired mouse, the best gaming mouse, and the best fps mouse.

    BenQ ZOWIE S2

    Track

    The BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B and BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B are very similar wired gaming mice with nearly identical performance but different shapes. The S2 is shorter and has a symmetrical shape that's well suited for all grip types but isn't suitable for small hands. That said, the FK1-B has a low profile and a symmetrical shape that's great for palm or claw grip, but only larger hands will likely find a fingertip grip comfortable. It also has a lower click latency, but it's unlikely to be a noticeable difference for most people.

    Razer Viper Ultimate

    Track

    The Razer Viper Ultimate is a better gaming mouse than the BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B. The Razer is substantially lighter, despite being able to connect wirelessly with its USB receiver. It also has two additional side buttons, RGB lighting, better mouse feet, a wider CPI range, and a more finely adjustable CPI. The companion software is only compatible with Windows, but it has onboard memory that you can use to carry settings to computers without the software. It's well-suited to all grip types, depending on hand size. On the other hand, the BenQ doesn't have companion software for customization and only has two side buttons. That said, it's very well-suited to all grip types and nearly all hand sizes, but those with smaller hands may not be able to reach all buttons using a claw or fingertip grip.

    SteelSeries Sensei Ten

    Track

    The SteelSeries Sensei Ten and the BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B are gaming mice with very similar shapes. The SteelSeries has two additional side buttons, RGB lighting, and software for customization compatible with Windows and macOS. It's also marginally lighter, has a wider CPI range, and a more precisely adjustable CPI. It's well-suited for a claw grip, regardless of hand size, but those with smaller hands may not be able to reach all the buttons using a palm or fingertip grip. On the other hand, the BenQ ZOWIE has significantly better click latency, but it only has two side buttons and lacks companion software for customization. That said, it's ideal for a palm grip for all hand sizes, but those with smaller hands may not be able to reach all buttons using a claw or fingertip grip.

    BenQ ZOWIE EC2

    Track

    The BenQ ZOWIE EC2 and the BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B are very similar wired gaming mice with comparable performance but different shapes. The ZOWIE EC2 has a right-slanted ergonomic shape and a more flexible cable. On the other hand, the FK1-B has a low-profile, symmetrical shape, a sturdier-feeling build, and mouse feet with rounded edges. Both mice are very well suited for palm and claw grips, but only those with large hands will likely find a fingertip grip comfortable.

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Type
    LockedStandard
    Lighting ColorLockedLocked
    Shape
    LengthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    Grip Width
    LockedLock mm
    0.0
    Portability
    Volume
    LockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)
    Cable/Receiver Storing
    LockedLocked
    Weight
    Maximum Weight With Wire
    LockedLock g
    Maximum Weight Without Wire
    LockedLock g
    Minimum Weight Without Wire
    LockedLock g
    Weight Distribution
    LockedLocked
    Extra Weights
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Build Quality
    0.0
    Comfort Of Use
    Right-handed
    LockedLocked
    Left-handed
    LockedLocked
    Ambidextrous
    LockedLocked
    Coating
    LockedLocked
    Finger Rest
    LockedLocked

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    Palm Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    LockedLocked
    Medium Hand
    LockedLocked
    Large Hand
    LockedLocked
    X.Large Hand
    LockedLocked
    Claw Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    LockedLocked
    Medium Hand
    LockedLocked
    Large Hand
    LockedLocked
    X.Large Hand
    LockedLocked
    Fingertip Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    LockedLocked
    Medium Hand
    LockedLocked
    Large Hand
    LockedLocked
    X.Large Hand
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked
    Use When Charging
    LockedLocked
    On/Off Activation
    LockedLocked
    Receiver Extender
    LockedLocked
    Battery IndicatorLockedLocked
    0.0
    Cable
    ConnectivityLockedWired
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

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    BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B Cable Video Sample
    Cable LengthLockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Cable Type
    LockedLocked
    Permanent Kink
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: Mouse End
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: PC End
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Mouse Feet
    Gliding Experience
    LockedLocked
    Material
    LockedLocked
    Extra Included
    LockedLocked
    In The Box

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    Control
    Sensor Specifications
    Sensor Technology
    LockedLocked
    Sensor Model
    LockedLocked
    Works On Glass
    LockedLocked
    Minimum CPI (DPI)
    LockedLock CPI
    Maximum CPI (DPI)
    LockedLock CPI
    CPI (DPI) Adjustment Steps
    LockedN/A
    CPI (DPI) Variation
    LockedLock%
    Minimum Lift Off Distance
    LockedLock mm
    Maximum Polling Rate
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Buttons
    Buttons Activation
    LockedLocked
    Total Number Of Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Side Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Programmable Inputs
    LockedLock
    Profile Switching Button
    LockedLocked
    CPI (DPI) Switching Button
    LockedLocked
    Gesture Support
    LockedLocked
    Mouse Wheel
    Scroll Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel Steps
    LockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel Tilt
    LockedLocked
    Thumb Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Thumb Wheel Steps
    LockedLocked
    Noise
    SAMPLE
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    BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B Noise Video Sample
    Click Noise
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Click Latency
    Click Latency: Receiver
    LockedN/A
    Click Latency: Bluetooth
    LockedN/A
    Click Latency: Wired
    LockedLock ms
    Operating System And Software
    0.0
    Compatible Software Option
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Account Needed
    LockedLocked
    On-Board Memory
    LockedLocked
    CPI (DPI) Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Polling Rate Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Profile Configuration
    LockedLocked
    RGB On/Off
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Mouse Compatibility
    Windows CompatibilityLockedLocked
    macOS CompatibilityLockedLocked