BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B  Mouse Review

Reviewed May 07, 2021 at 10:07am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-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 ZA13-B is the smallest mouse in the ZA-B lineup. Its ambidextrous shape is suitable for almost all hand sizes when using it with a palm or claw grip, but people with small hands may struggle to reach some of the buttons when using a fingertip grip. While its click latency isn't as low as some other options, it should still feel very responsive for most people. Unfortunately, it doesn't have customization software, and it has a very narrow CPI range with only four CPI presets that you can cycle through with a button on the underside.

Our Verdict

0.0
Office/Multimedia 

The BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B is mediocre for office use. It has only two side buttons for forward and backward, the scroll wheel can't unlock for free scrolling, and there's no L/R tilt. On the bright side, it feels very well-built and should feel comfortable for most hand sizes regardless of the grip type used, but people with small hands may struggle to reach some buttons with a fingertip grip.

Pros
  • Suitable for most hand sizes.
  • Feels well-built.
  • Fantastic OS compatibility.
Cons
  • Wired-only design.
  • No customization software.
  • No free scroll or L/R tilt.
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 

The BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B is good for FPS gaming. While the latency isn't as low as some other gaming mice, it should still feel very responsive while gaming. It's suitable for most hand sizes regardless of grip type, and only people with small hands may struggle to reach some buttons with a fingertip grip. Unfortunately, there's no customization software, so you're limited to the four default CPI presets.

Pros
  • Suitable for most hand sizes.
  • Very good click latency.
  • Feels well-built.
  • Fantastic OS compatibility.
  • PTFE feet slide well.
Cons
  • Very narrow CPI range.
  • Somewhat heavy.
  • No customization software.
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 

The BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B is mediocre for MMO games, partly since it doesn't have nearly as many buttons as dedicated MMO mice do. There's no customization software, so you're limited to the four default CPI presets. On the bright side, it feels very well-built and is suitable for all hand sizes when using a palm or claw grip.

Pros
  • Suitable for most hand sizes.
  • Very good click latency.
  • Feels well-built.
  • Fantastic OS compatibility.
Cons
  • Very narrow CPI range.
  • Doesn't have as many button as dedicated MMO mice.
  • No customization software.
0.0
Ultra-Light Gaming 

The BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B is a very good ultra-light gaming mouse, but it's heavier than most ultra-light gaming mice. It should feel very comfortable for most hand sizes, although people with small hands may struggle to reach some buttons with a fingertip grip. While the click latency isn't as low as some other options, it should still feel very responsive while gaming. Unfortunately, its rubber cable isn't very flexible and retains kinks from packaging.

Pros
  • Suitable for most hand sizes.
  • Very good click latency.
  • Feels well-built.
  • PTFE feet slide well.
Cons
  • Very narrow CPI range.
  • Rubber cable isn't very flexible.
  • Somewhat heavy.
0.0
Travel 

The BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B isn't designed for travel. It's fairly bulky and can't be used wirelessly, which isn't ideal when traveling.

Pros
  • Feels well-built.
Cons
  • Wired-only design.
  • Somewhat heavy.
  • 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 May 07, 2021: Review published.
    2.  Updated Apr 28, 2021: Early access published.
    3.  Updated Apr 14, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
    4.  Updated Apr 09, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.

    Check Price

    Glossy White
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    Matte Black
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B is one of many Zowie mice that are very similar but have different sizes and shapes. The ZA-B lineup has three size variants. The BenQ ZOWIE ZA11-B is the largest, the BenQ ZOWIE ZA12-B is medium-sized, and the BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B is the smallest. 

    This is an upgraded version of the discontinued BenQ ZOWIE ZA13, with an improved sensor and no side buttons on its right side. We tested it in matte black, but it's also available in glossy white. You can see the label of our unit here.

    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    The BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B is a simple matte-black mouse with no RGB lighting. Its CPI range is more narrow than some other gaming options, and you can only cycle through the four CPI presets already on the mouse. There's no customization software to easily set macros or remap buttons. While its click latency isn't as low as some other options, it should still feel responsive while gaming.

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

    Razer Viper Mini

    Track

    The Razer Viper Mini and the BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B are similar mice, but the Razer performs better. Both have an ambidextrous shape with two buttons on their left side, but the Razer is much smaller and lighter, making it a better choice if you like lightweight mice. Also, it has much lower click latency and a wider and adjustable CPI range, unlike the BenQ that only has four CPI presets to choose. However, if you prefer using a claw or palm grip, the BenQ's larger size makes it a better choice.

    GLORIOUS Model D

    Track

    The GLORIOUS Model D and the BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B are gaming mice with different designs. The GLORIOUS is a better option if you prefer an ultra-light mouse with a slanted, right-handed design. Also, it has lower click latency, programmable buttons, and customization software. You can also adjust the CPI in increments of 100. On the other hand, the BenQ is a good gaming option if you prefer an ambidextrous shape with no RGB or software, and you don't mind having only four CPI presets to cycle through.

    Razer DeathAdder V2

    Track

    The Razer DeathAdder V2 is a better FPS gaming mouse than the BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B. The Razer has much lower latency, a lower lift-off distance, and its CPI can be adjusted precisely, unlike the BenQ, which only has four CPI presets you can choose. Also, the Razer's paracord-like cable is much more flexible and doesn't retain as many kinks as the BenQ's rubber cable.

    Logitech G502 HERO

    Track

    The Logitech G502 HERO is overall better than the BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B. The Logitech has a lower lift-off distance, lower click latency, and a wider and adjustable CPI range. You can remap buttons and assign a G-Shift through the G HUB software to give you extra customization layers. Also, unlike most gaming mice, you can unlock the Logitech's scroll wheel for free scrolling, making it more versatile if you also want to use it for office use. However, the Logitech is significantly heavier, so the BenQ may be a better choice if you prefer a lighter mouse.

    Show more 

    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

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    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
    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

    for videos & test results

    BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-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

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    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

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    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
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-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