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BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B Mouse Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed May 07, 2021 at 10:07 am
BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B Picture
6.0
Office/Multimedia
7.7
Video Games (FPS)
6.0
Video Games (MMO)
8.2
Ultra-Light Gaming
5.1
Travel

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

6.0 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.
7.7 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.
6.0 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.
8.2 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.
5.1 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.
  • 6.0 Office/Multimedia
  • 7.7 Video Games (FPS)
  • 6.0 Video Games (MMO)
  • 8.2 Ultra-Light Gaming
  • 5.1 Travel
  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.
  5. Updated Mar 31, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

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.

Compared To Other Mice

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.

Logitech G Pro Wireless

The Logitech G Pro Wireless performs better than the BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B. Both are ambidextrous-shaped mice, but the Logitech has two buttons on each side, and you can easily remap all of its buttons through its customization software. It can be used both wirelessly and wired, which may be important to some people. Also, the Logitech has a lower lift-off distance, lower click latency, and a wider and adjustable CPI range, unlike the BenQ that has only four preset CPI settings.

Razer Viper Mini

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

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

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

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.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type
Standard
Lighting Color No Lighting
Design
Shape
Length 4.9" (124 mm)
Height 1.6" (40 mm)
Width 2.5" (63 mm)
Grip Width
61 mm

Note: Our 3D scanner picked up residue from the sticky tack we use to secure the mouse during scanning. This residue appears as a lighter patch on the bottom of the mouse in our scan, but it isn't visible in reality.

5.7
Design
Portability
Volume
19.34 in³ (317 cm³)
Cable/Receiver Storing
No
Design
Weight
Maximum Weight With Wire
124 g
Maximum Weight Without Wire
80 g
Minimum Weight Without Wire
80 g
Weight Distribution
Centered
Extra Weights
No
8.0
Design
Build Quality
8.0
Design
Comfort Of Use
Right-handed
No
Left-handed
No
Ambidextrous
Yes
Coating
Matte
Finger Rest
No
Design
Palm Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
Design
Claw Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
Design
Fingertip Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
No
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
0
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
No
Receiver
No
Battery Type
No Batteries
Use When Charging
No
On/Off Activation
None
Receiver Extender
No
Battery Indicator No
6.5
Design
Cable
Connectivity Wired
Cable Length 6.9 ft (2.1 m)
Cable Type
Rubber
Permanent Kink
Yes
Port Type: Mouse End
No Port
Port Type: PC End
USB
8.0
Design
Mouse Feet
Gliding Experience
Good
Material
PTFE
Extra Included
Yes
Design
In The Box

  • BenQ ZOWIE ZA13-B mouse
  • ZOWIE sticker
  • Extra mouse feet
  • User documentation

Control
Control
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
PixArt PMW3360
Works On Glass
No
Minimum CPI (DPI)
400 CPI
Maximum CPI (DPI)
3,200 CPI
CPI (DPI) Adjustment Steps
N/A
CPI (DPI) Variation
4%
Minimum Lift Off Distance
2.4 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz

The preset CPI settings are 400, 800, 1600, and 3200. The polling rate settings are 125Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz.

4.2
Control
Buttons
Buttons Activation
Mechanical
Total Number Of Buttons
7
Number Of Side Buttons
2
Number Of Programmable Inputs
0
Profile Switching Button
No
CPI (DPI) Switching Button
Yes
Gesture Support
No
Control
Mouse Wheel
Scroll Wheel
Notched Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
16 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
No
Thumb Wheel
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel
Control
Noise
Click Noise
Quiet
8.0
Control
Click Latency
Click Latency: Receiver
N/A
Click Latency: Bluetooth
N/A
Click Latency: Wired
14 ms
Operating System And Software
0
Operating System And Software
Compatible Software Option
Software Name No software
Software Windows Compatibility
No
Software macOS Compatibility
No
Account Needed
No Software
On-Board Memory
No
CPI (DPI) Adjustment
No
Polling Rate Adjustment
No
Profile Configuration
No
RGB On/Off
No
10
Operating System And Software
Mouse Compatibility
Windows Compatibility Fully
macOS Compatibility Fully