The BenQ ZOWIE S2 is a great gaming mouse that is fairly light for its design and size. The body has a rather high back bump and most people should have no trouble using this mouse with any grip, although people with smaller hands might not have the best control. This gaming mouse doesn't have any RGB and has a very straightforward design. It has excellent performance and its click latency is very low, which makes feel very responsive. We reviewed the small variant of this mouse.
Our Verdict
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 isn't a bad office mouse, but it won't suit people looking for a wireless design or one that allows programmable inputs. On the upside, it's a very comfortable ambidextrous mouse and it's very well-built. Also, it has a very satisfactory scroll, but long scrolls might be a bit noisy for an open-office environment.
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Very well-built design.
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Fairly lightweight and excellent performance.
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Comfortable ambidextrous design.
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Very stiff cable.
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Lack of customization options.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 is a good mouse for FPS games. It's fairly light and its clicks are very satisfying and responsive. The mouse feels durable and comfortable to use for long playing sessions. However, the cable is very stiff and the CPI range is rather limited.
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Very well-built design.
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Fairly lightweight and excellent performance.
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Comfortable ambidextrous design.
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Very stiff cable.
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Lack of customization options.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 isn't designed as an MMO mouse. It doesn't have a lot of side buttons and you can't reprogram its inputs.
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Very well-built design.
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Fairly lightweight and excellent performance.
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Comfortable ambidextrous design.
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Very stiff cable.
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Lack of customization options.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 is a great ultra-light gaming mouse, although it doesn't have a honeycomb-patterned design like most ultra-light mice. It's a great option if you don't like mice with holes but still want a lightweight mouse that has an excellent overall performance.
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Very well-built design.
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Fairly lightweight and excellent performance.
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Comfortable ambidextrous design.
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Very stiff cable.
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Lack of customization options.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 isn't designed as a travel mouse. This wired mouse will be hard to use in tight spaces like the plane, and will more than likely stay on your gaming desk setup.
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Very well-built design.
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Fairly lightweight and excellent performance.
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Comfortable ambidextrous design.
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Very stiff cable.
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Lack of customization options.
- 6.0 Office/Multimedia
- 7.7 Video Games (FPS)
- 6.5 Video Games (MMO)
- 7.6 Ultra-Light Gaming
- 5.1 Travel
- Updated Aug 16, 2023: Added a link to the Vaxee XE in the Weight section of the review to provide a lighter alternative.
- Updated Dec 01, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update simplifies our Weight test and expands on our CPI test from Test Bench 1.1, resulting in changes to test results in both sections. For more details, you can see our complete changelog here.
- Updated Nov 17, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update revamps our Click Latency test and results in changes to test results. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Dec 22, 2021: We've uploaded a new 3D scan of this mouse because our original was misaligned.
- Updated Oct 20, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Mar 03, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Feb 28, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Feb 28, 2020: Early access published.
- Updated Feb 26, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Jan 26, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
This mouse is available in two sizes: small and medium. We reviewed the small variant and expect our review to apply to the medium size as well. However, the grip recommendations could change depending on the size you get.
Compared To Other Mice
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 is a great gaming mouse that has a rather straightforward design. It doesn't have RGB, unlike most gaming mice, and doesn't have dedicated software for customization options. It focuses on great performance, solid build quality, and it's light for a non-ultra-light designed mouse. See our recommendations for the best gaming mice, the best wireless gaming mice, and the best wired mice.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 is a better gaming mouse than the BenQ ZOWIE EC2. The S2 feels better built, and its feet glide better since it has no sharp edges. Also, its sensor is more consistent than the EC2. However, the EC2 feels more comfortable, its cable is more flexible, and its click latency is marginally lower.
The Razer DeathAdder V2 is a better gaming mouse than the BenQ ZOWIE S2. The Razer has better build quality, especially when it comes to the cable, which is lightweight and flexible. It also has customization options thanks to the Synapse 3 software. On the other hand, the BenQ is smaller and will be better suited for people who don't like the shape of the Razer.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 is a very different mouse than the Razer Viper Ultimate. The BenQ is a wired mouse, and it has a higher back hump, which might be better for claw grip users. On the other hand, the Razer is wireless, slightly lighter, and feels more high-end. If you were to use the Razer wired, its cable is better than the BenQ's. It also has RGB lighting that you can customize inside its software.
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.
The BenQ ZOWIE S1 and the BenQ ZOWIE S2 are the two mice that make up BenQ ZOWIE's S series. Both have nearly identical performance and symmetrical designs with shorter bodies, but they're different sizes. The S1 is larger and well-suited for larger hands using any grip type; however, any hand size should feel comfortable using it with a palm grip. The S2 is smaller, significantly lighter, and has a slightly better click latency. It's well-suited to larger hands and all grip types. Although it's smaller, it isn't suitable for those with small hands.
The GLORIOUS Model O is slightly better than the BenQ ZOWIE S2; it's lighter and feels better-built. Most people should find the BenQ more comfortable, but it depends on your hand size and grip preference. The GLORIOUS' lightweight and flexible cable is noticeably better than the BenQ's stiff non-braided cable. On the other hand, if you don't like RGB, the BenQ doesn't have any.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 and the Logitech G Pro Wireless are very different mice. The BenQ is a great wired and straightforward gaming mouse, while the Logitech is wireless and has access to software for customization options. The BenQ is slightly more comfortable and is available in two sizes, but the Logitech feels a bit more high-end.
The Vaxee XE and BenQ ZOWIE S2 are both wired gaming mice with symmetrical shapes. The Vaxee is considerably lighter, has a more flexible cable you can detach from the mouse itself, and offers better raw performance. On the other hand, the BenQ feels more sturdily built than the Vaxee we tested.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 and the SteelSeries Rival 3 are very similarly-shaped mice, but the SteelSeries is lighter and has access to software for customization options. The SteelSeries also has RGB lighting, and you can create multiple profiles and easily switch between them. You can also be a bit more precise with the CPI settings than with the BenQ, as it only has four presets.
The Fnatic BOLT and the BenQ ZOWIE S2 are gaming mice with similar symmetrical shapes but the Fnatic performs better overall. The Fnatic connects wirelessly with a USB receiver or via Bluetooth. It's significantly lighter and feels slightly better built, and its feet glide somewhat more smoothly. Performance-wise, it also has lower click latency, lower lift-off distance, a much broader CPI range, and the ability to set your own custom CPI settings, while the BenQ only allows you to cycle between CPI presets. Additionally, the Fnatic has customization software, which the BenQ lacks. On the other hand, the BenQ feels sturdier.
The Gamesense Meta and the BenQ ZOWIE S2 have a similar ambidextrous shape, but the Gamesense performs better overall. The Gamesense is much lighter, and it has a more flexible paracord-like cable and better quality mouse feet. Also, it has a lower lift-off distance, programmable buttons, and you can adjust the CPI in increments of 100, thanks to its customization software. On the other hand, the BenQ doesn't have software, and you can only cycle between four CPI preset settings. However, some people may prefer the BenQ's more straightforward design, with no RGB lighting or software.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 and the Gigabyte AORUS M5 are both wired gaming mice. The BenQ has a straightforward design, with no RGB or customization software, which some people may prefer. It has a lighter weight, a sturdier-feeling build, smoother-gliding mouse feet, and a lower click latency. You can only cycle between four CPI presets using a button on the underside. On the other hand, the Gigabyte has a wider CPI range, and you can adjust the CPI precisely in increments of 50. You can program all its buttons and customize the RGB lighting using the companion software available on Windows.
The HK Gaming Mira-S is a better wired gaming mouse than the BenQ ZOWIE S2. The HK Gaming is lighter and has a more flexible cable. It has mouse feet that glide more smoothly, a wider CPI range, and a CPI you can adjust by increments of 100. It also has RGB lighting and customization software, both of which the BenQ Zowie lacks. On the other hand, the BenQ ZOWIE has lower click latency. However, it only has four CPI presets. Both mice are suitable for all grip types, but on the whole, the BenQ ZOWIE is better suited for larger hands, while the HK Gaming is better suited for smaller ones.
The Endgame Gear XM1r and the BenQ ZOWIE S2 are wired gaming mice with similar sizes and symmetrical shapes, but the Endgame Gear is a better gaming mouse overall. Both lack RGB lighting, but the Endgame Gear is slightly lighter and has significantly better click latency. It also has a more flexible cable, feet that glide more smoothly, sturdier feeling build quality, a wider CPI range, and customization software, which the BenQ lacks.
The Vaxee OUTSET AX and the BenQ ZOWIE S2 are both similarly-shaped, wired gaming mice, but the Vaxee is a better mouse overall. The Vaxee is slightly lighter, has a slightly taller hump, a wider back, and a sturdier-feeling build quality. It also has a more flexible cable, a lower click latency, and a lower lift-off distance. Unfortunately, since both mice lack companion software, none of the buttons are reprogrammable, and both mice only have four default CPI settings onboard.
The Razer Pro Click is significantly better than the BenQ ZOWIE S2. The Razer is a wireless mouse with multi-device pairing, has more programmable buttons, and better build quality. The Razer has much better performance, more customization options, and the scroll wheel can tilt for horizontal scrolling. The BenQ is much lighter, and its ambidextrous shape is more comfortable for left-handed use.
The Endgame Gear XM1 is a better mouse than the BenQ ZOWIE S2. The Endgame Gear is lighter, feels more solid, has a noticeably better cable, and has software that allows for more precise CPI adjustments. However, if you like having a higher back hump, then go for the BenQ.
Test Results
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 is a very straightforward-looking mouse. It has a nice rounded back and features the company's logo at the back. However, unlike many gaming mice like the Razer DeathAdder Essential, it doesn't have any lighting zones. It has two side buttons that have a glossy finish. The mouse is also available in light blue and pink. For a mouse with a similar design but better performance, check out the Vaxee OUTSET AX.
Update 12/22/2021: Our original 3D scan for the BenQ ZOWIE S2 wasn't aligned properly. We've rescanned this mouse and uploaded the new, correctly aligned scan.
Due to its wired-only design, this mouse isn't the most portable option, just like most gaming mice. However, this shouldn't be a concern if you're looking for a gaming mouse for your home setup.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 is a very solid mouse. The scroll wheel slightly rattles, but the plastic body feels very sturdy. The buttons are very satisfying and clicky, but the mouse feet might be a bit disappointing to some as they don't glide particularly well.
This mouse is light, although there aren't any weight customization options. If you're looking for a slightly lighter mouse, check out the Vaxee XE.
Although it isn't an ergonomic mouse, it's still very comfortable to use. It has an ambidextrous design with two side buttons on the left side, which are easy to reach regardless of which grip you use. However, due to the size of the mouse, people with smaller hands might have trouble using it comfortably. Note that we've reviewed the small variant and the medium-sized variant should be better suited for people with bigger hands. If you want a mouse with better ergonomics, take a look at the XTRFY M4 RGB. Or, if you're interested in a mouse with similar performance that has an internal fan intended to keep your hand cool and dry, take a look at the Marsback Zephyr RGB.
Only people with small hands might have some trouble hitting the buttons in a palm grip. If you have small hands, the BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B may be a better choice for you.
Just like the other grips, people with small hands might have a bit of difficulty hitting the buttons when using a claw grip.
With a fingertip grip, most people should have good control over the mouse, although people with small hands might have an issue.
This mouse is wired-only and can't be used wirelessly. For a wireless option with a very similar shape, check out the Fnatic BOLT.
The cable of this mouse is mediocre. It's very stiff and keeps a lot of kinks from the packaging. They're also pretty difficult to get rid of and you'll need to straighten out the cable often. If you're interested in a mouse with a similar shape and comparable performance, but a more flexible cable, check out the SteelSeries Rival 100.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 has two side buttons and two buttons on the bottom of the mouse for adjusting the CPI and polling rate. However, these can't be reprogrammed as there's no software for this mouse.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2's click latency is great and you shouldn't notice any delay when playing games. If you want a mouse with a slightly lower click latency, check out the BenQ ZOWIE EC2.
For a similar mouse with a lower lift-off distance, check out the Vaxee ZYGEN NP-01S.
The scroll wheel has very pronounced increments and is quite loud. This is great for precise scrolling, but long scrolls can be annoying.
The BenQ ZOWIE S2 doesn't have dedicated software for customization options. If you want a better-performing mouse that has software available for both macOS and Windows, check out the SteelSeries Rival 310.