I can remember every mouse I've used since I started PC gaming (2001):
Intellimouse 2.0
Razer Viper (yeah, this was their first optical gaming mouse, wow I'm getting old)
Logitech MX518
SteelSeries Ikari Optical
SteelSeries Sensei Raw
Zowie FK1
Each one lasted a good 3-4 years under heavy usage and I used them until a component started to malfunction like a button, scroll wheel, etc. The thing to go first on the early gaming mice was the coating and buttons. I can remember I used my MX518 until the left click button started double clicking and the coating was completely peeled off. I replaced it with the SteelSeries Ikari, it lasted about the same amount of time as my MX518 (3.5 years or so). After my Ikari scroll button started flaking out, I was in the market again for a new mouse. I didn't do much research...the Sensei price was decent, I wanted to try a different shape, it had good reviews for the most part and I liked my last SteelSeries mouse. Turns out the Sensei has a laser sensor, every mouse I had used before was optical. I didn't care much for the Sensei shape, it was too small for my hands, which I'd say are average male size. The biggest problem was the laser sensor. It tracked horribly on my Qck+ at the 450 dpi setting. I've always been a low sensitivity player no matter what game I'm playing. I guess the laser mice are OK for MMO or RTS players, but it's pretty much garbage for any FPS game if you want accuracy in your aim. I immediately did some basic research after realizing the Sensei had to go and felt kinda stupid after how easy it was to find a lot of advice suggesting to not buy laser mice for FPS games. Through my research I kept seeing Zowie mice being recommended, specifically the FK series. Gave it a shot considering I wanted anything but the Sensei at the time.
FK1 Impressions so far (6 or so hours of use):
As you can see from my list above, I've had a mix of ambidextrous shapes and ergo. Up until now, my preferred shape had been the ergo shapes for right handed players with my MX518 and Ikari having the most mileage. The FK1 is advertised as a ambidextrous claw grip mouse. Like I said, I have average male sized hands and it fits perfectly. The most comfortable and controllable grip I think for the FK1 is more of a hybrid claw-palm grip. The top of my palm is still on the mouse with just my fingers slightly arched.
The tracking is amazing. Probably the smoothest I've ever used. Makes sense considering the sensor is supposed to be the best. It glides great on my 2nd Qck+ (Sensei tracking was probably worsened by a 6 year old pad, but still not acceptable). I really like the no frills, plug-n-play approach. It gets annoying when you have a program for your headset, keyboard, and mouse. Definitely unnecessary. The DPI change is easy to do and I think the steps are laid out well. I used 400 dpi for CS:GO, 800 for Dota 2/non-FPS games and general PC usage. The left/right click buttons are definitely the stiffest on a mouse I've used. I like it though, last thing you want to do is accidentally click in a game and it really isn't a problem after 10 minutes of getting used to it. The scroll wheel is similar, you won't scroll unless you mean to. I think those features mean the switches will last longer and won't get worn out as fast, but time will tell. The side buttons seem robust like the left/right click too. You can also adjust the lift off distance, the point at the sensor stops tracking, for different surfaces. Out of the box it is set to cloth pads and a polling rate of 1000hz. I haven't seen any issues with either so far.
I have no problems with the FK1 so far and I think it might become my favorite over the pioneer MX518 if it lasts and is reliable.
| Brand | BenQ |
|---|---|
| Item model number | FK1 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 1.06 x 5.03 x 1.45 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.06 x 5.03 x 1.45 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Manufacturer | Zowie Gear |
| ASIN | B00LHRTO5W |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | June 27, 2014 |
