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XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail Mouse Review

Tested using Methodology v1.4
Reviewed May 31, 2021 at 10:04 am
Latest change: Test bench update Dec 09, 2022 at 01:07 pm
XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail Picture
6.3
Work
8.8
Video Games (FPS)
6.6
Video Games (MMO)
9.1
Raw Performance

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail is an excellent ultra-light gaming mouse designed by YouTube mouse reviewer Zy Rykoa, AKA Rocket Jump Ninja. Its honeycomb design makes it very lightweight, but it feels sturdy and doesn't creak or flex. Its shape appears to be symmetrical, but it has a slight right-handed curvature. This shape won't be for everyone, but it's ideal for a fingertip grip for all hand sizes and suitable for a palm grip for smaller hands. We don't recommend using it with a standard claw grip, but some users report that it's well-suited for a modified claw grip. Unfortunately, it doesn't have software for remapping buttons or customizing preferences, and it only has eight default CPI presets you can cycle through directly on the mouse.

Our Verdict

6.3 Work

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail is only mediocre for office use. It has no wireless capabilities, and it doesn't have companion software for remapping buttons. On the other hand, it feels very well-built and is fully compatible with Windows and macOS. It's ideal for a fingertip grip for all hand sizes and suitable for a palm grip for smaller hands.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
  • No onboard memory.
  • Fairly bulky; may not fit into most laptop cases.
8.8 Video Games (FPS)

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail is a very good FPS gaming mouse. It has great click latency and feels very lightweight and sturdy, despite its honeycomb body. It also has a very flexible cable, mouse feet that glide smoothly on mousepads, and a unique right-handed shape ideal for fingertip grip for all hand sizes. Unfortunately, it doesn't have software for customization, and there are only eight preset CPI settings.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Very lightweight.
  • Great click latency.
Cons
  • No onboard memory.
  • No software for customization; only eight CPI presets.
  • Fairly bulky; may not fit into most laptop cases.
6.6 Video Games (MMO)

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail is a mediocre mouse for MMO gaming as it doesn't have nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse, and you can't remap any of its buttons since it doesn't have companion software. That said, it feels very well-built, has great click latency, and has a very flexible and lightweight cable. It's ideal for a fingertip grip for all hand sizes, but you may also find it comfortable using other grip types, depending on your hand size.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Great click latency.
Cons
  • No onboard memory.
  • No software for customization; only eight CPI presets.
  • Fairly bulky; may not fit into most laptop cases.
  • Not nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
9.1 Raw Performance

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
Cons
  • No onboard memory.
  • Fairly bulky; may not fit into most laptop cases.
  • 6.3 Work
  • 8.8 Video Games (FPS)
  • 6.6 Video Games (MMO)
  • 9.1 Raw Performance
  1. Updated Dec 09, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.4. This update modifies our Hand Size Recommendation test, adding a more granular hand size recommendation chart. We've moved several minor tests into different test groups, removed the Travel usage, and added a new Raw Performance usage. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
  2. Updated Sep 16, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. This update adds a new Sensor Latency test and makes minor changes to several of our existing tests, resulting in test result changes in several sections. For more information, you can check out our full changelog here.
  3. Updated Aug 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.
  4. Updated Jul 20, 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.
  5. Updated Dec 13, 2021: We changed the shape in the Comfort of Use section from Ambidextrous to Right-handed.
  6. Updated May 31, 2021: Review published.
  7. Updated May 25, 2021: Early access published.
  8. Updated May 18, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  9. Updated May 17, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  10. Updated Mar 16, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail we tested is black, and it has no other variants. You can see the label for our unit here.

Compared To Other Mice

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail is a collaboration between XTRFY and YouTube mouse reviewer Zy Rykoa, better known as Rocket Jump Ninja. It has a sturdy but lightweight honeycomb design and solid sensor performance similar to other recent XTRFY releases like the XTRFY M42 or the XTRFY M4 RGB. Unlike those mice, however, it has a very unusual shape. While it's ideal for a fingertip grip for all hand sizes, it'll likely take new users some time to get used to and ultimately won't be for everyone.

For more options, check out our recommendations for the best mouse, the best gaming mouse, and the best wired mouse.

Razer Viper Mini

The Razer Viper Mini and the XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail are both excellent wired gaming mice. The Razer has a lower minimum CPI, a more precisely adjustable CPI, much lower click latency, and companion software for customizing settings and remapping buttons. On the other hand, the XTRFY has a more flexible cable and a lower lift-off distance. Both mice are ideal for a fingertip grip for all hand sizes and a palm grip for smaller hands, but only the Razer is recommended for a claw grip for smaller hands.

XTRFY M42

The XTRFY M42 and the XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail are excellent ultra-light wired gaming mice with honeycomb designs. The M42 has significantly better click latency and modular back panels. It's ideal for all hand sizes using a fingertip or claw grip and smaller hands using a palm grip. On the other hand, the MZ1 has a more flexible and lightweight cable and is ideal for a fingertip grip for all hand sizes, though it's also suitable for a palm grip for smaller hands.

GLORIOUS Model O

The GLORIOUS Model O and the XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail are excellent ultra-light gaming mice. The GLORIOUS has a more consistent sensor, a much lower click latency, and companion software for customization. It's ideal for all grip types but best suited for smaller hands. On the other hand, the XTRFY feels sturdier and has a higher max CPI. Its shape is best-suited for a fingertip for all hand sizes or a palm grip for smaller hands.

G-Wolves Hati HT-M Classic Edition

The G-Wolves Hati HT-M Classic Edition and the XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail are both impressive ultra-light gaming mice. The G-Wolves has a more precisely adjustable CPI, a much lower click latency, and software for customization and button remapping compatible with Windows. It's well-suited for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes. On the other hand, the XTRFY has a somewhat higher maximum CPI, a more flexible cable, and better mouse feet. It's ideal for all hand sizes using a fingertip grip and suitable for small hands using a palm grip.

GLORIOUS Model D

The GLORIOUS Model D and the XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail are excellent ultra-light gaming mice. The GLORIOUS is a bit lighter, has a more precisely adjustable CPI, and has much better click latency. It also has companion software for customization and button mapping. On the other hand, the XTRFY has a wider CPI range and a lower lift-off distance. The GLORIOUS is well-suited for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes, while the XTRFY is best suited for fingertip grip and suitable for smaller hands with a palm grip.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type
Standard
Coating
Matte
Lighting Color RGB

At first glance, the XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail appears to have an ambidextrous shape, but its left side is slightly more curved. It also has a semi-translucent plastic body with honeycomb holes designed to keep the mouse as lightweight as possible. There are RGB zones inside the mouse, in the scroll wheel, and in a strip that runs along the front and sides. Lighting customization is limited as there's no software, but you can cycle through presets with buttons directly on the mouse.

Design
Shape
Length 4.4" (111 mm)
Width 2.3" (59 mm)
Height 1.4" (37 mm)
Grip Width
57 mm
Ambidextrous
No
Left-Handed Friendly
Yes
Finger Rest
No
6.0
Design
Portability
Box Volume
14.46 in³ (237 cm³)
Receiver Storing
No
8.5
Design
Build Quality

The build quality feels excellent. Despite its honeycomb body, it feels sturdy. There are no signs of flexing and no rattling when shaking the mouse.

9.0
Design
Weight
Lowest Weight
60.6 g
Default Weight
60.6 g
Weight Distribution
Centered
Extra Weights
No
Design
Hand Size Recommendation
Palm Grip Hand Recommendation
Claw Grip Hand Recommendation
Fingertip Grip Hand Recommendation

Update 12/13/2021: We had incorrectly identified this mouse as ambidextrous, as at first glance, the mouse appears to be symmetrical. After retesting the mouse and examining its curvature, it's clear the left side curves inwards slightly more than the right, favoring right-handed users.

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail has an unconventional shape. It's quite slim in the middle, narrows towards the front, and has deep finger grooves on both the left and right-click buttons. It has a fairly flat, low profile, a relatively short length, and a blunt back end with a tall hump. This mouse is ideal for a fingertip grip, though some may find it comfortable to use with other grip types.

0
Design
Wireless Versatility
Maximum Of Paired Devices
Wired
Bluetooth
No
Receiver
No
Battery Type
No Batteries
Use When Charging
No
On/Off Activation
None
Receiver Extender
No
Battery Indicator No
9.0
Design
Cable
Connectivity Wired
Cable Length
6.1 ft (1.9 m)
Cable Type
Paracord-like
Permanent Kink
No
Port Type: Mouse End
No Port
Port Type: PC End
USB

This mouse uses the new Xtrfy EZcord Pro, which feels more flexible and lightweight than the Xtrfy EZcord found on the XTRFY M42.

9.0
Design
Mouse Feet
Gliding Experience
Very Good
Material
Virgin Grade PTFE
Extra Included
Yes

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail has outstanding mouse feet that glide very well on hard or cloth mousepads. They also glide well directly on tables, but they produce a scratching sound. There's an extra set of feet included, and XTRFY sells replacements on their website.

Design
In The Box

  • XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail mouse
  • User documentation
  • Sticker
  • Extra PTFE feet

Control
4.3
Control
Additional Buttons
Total Number Of Buttons
7
Number Of Side Buttons
2
Number Of Programmable Inputs
0
Profile Switching Button
No
Gesture Support
No

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail has a standard button layout, including two side buttons on the left and a button behind the scroll wheel that you can bind to F11 by default using a switch on the bottom of the mouse.

8.2
Control
Click Latency
Expected Connection
7.1 ms
Wired
7.1 ms
Receiver
N/A
Bluetooth
N/A

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail has great click latency, and it feels very responsive for games in all genres.

9.1
Control
CPI
SRAV @ 1600 CPI
0.27%
SRAV @ 800 CPI
0.12%
SRAV @ 400 CPI
0.17%
SRAV @ Fixed CPI
N/A
Precision Error Between Speeds
0.38%
Precision Error Between CPI
0.37%
Worst Tracking Error
-4.75%
Minimum CPI
400 CPI
Maximum CPI
16,000 CPI
CPI Adjustment Steps
N/A
8.9
Control
Sensor Latency
Delay To Start Of Movement
12.5 ms
Delay At Half Movement
4.2 ms
Delay To End Of Movement
5.1 ms
Control
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
PixArt PMW3389
Works On Glass
No
Minimum Lift Off Distance
1.2 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail has eight preset CPI settings you can cycle through using the CPI button on the bottom of the mouse. The settings are 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 3200, 4000, 7200, and 16000.

XTRFY also has detailed instructions on their website for changing the polling rate, lift-off distance, and debounce time. The polling rate settings are 125Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz.

Control
Mouse Wheel
Scroll Wheel
Notched Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
24 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
No
Thumb Wheel
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail has a scroll wheel that feels precise. It has pronounced notches and a rubberized coating that makes it easy to control.

Control
Noise
Click Noise
Quiet
Operating System And Software
Operating System And Software
Configuration Software
Software Name No software
Software Windows Compatibility
No
Software macOS Compatibility
No
On-Board Memory
No
CPI (DPI) Adjustment
No
Polling Rate Adjustment
No
Profile Configuration
No
Profile Auto-Switching
No
RGB On/Off
Yes

The XTRFY MZ1 – Zy’s Rail has no software, but you can adjust RGB lighting settings, CPI, polling rate, lift-off distance, debounce time, and bind the button behind the mouse wheel to F11 using combinations of button presses and switch settings directly on the mouse. XTRFY has detailed instructions on its website on how to adjust all settings.

Note: XTRFY have released a firmware update that lets you to bind the button behind the mouse wheel to Page Down instead of F11.

10
Operating System And Software
Mouse Compatibility
Windows Compatibility Fully
macOS Compatibility Fully