Will This Mouse Kill Zowie?

Zowie was once the king of the gaming mouse market.
But in order to stay on top, Zowie needed to innovate. And when other companies inevitably came up and stole their thunder, one mouse manufacturer in particular became the go-to head clicker for many CS:GO pros.
Because their mice were cheaper, used newer tech, and were arguably just as good, they’ve become one of Zowie’s biggest rivals.
But is Vaxee’s first wireless mouse their greatest creation yet?
Hosted by: Dimitri Pascaluta (@DPascaluta)
Written by: Niall McCrossan (@niallmccrossan) & Dimitri Pascaluta (@DPascaluta)
Edited by: Patrick Weiers
Produced by: Danielle Rosen (@Daniel_Rosen), Niall McCrossan & Colten Gowan (@theonlyzoltan)
Thumbnail by: Emmanuel Adarkwah
Music used under license from Associated Production Music LLC (”APM”).
Footage Courtesy of: pastebin.com/xZZWmg8E
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[@IHJello]

Round of applause for Dimitri getting to sit in the "I know what Im talking about" chair ❤

[@allangreene15ag]

dude LOVED getting to say "controller loving casual" hahahahaha

[@HellSpawnRulerOfHell]

Damn, I'm still waiting for Vaxee to go smaller. Using a modified (sanded down shorter with less width at the back) FK2 with G305 internals.

[@zacharydavis7018]

Maybe you weren't around at the time but the reason why the Zowie became a staple was due to its close mimic of the intelli 3.0. The 1.1 and 3.0 were staples within the community dating from (my knowledge only goes back to far) to CS 1.5 and I'm sure it was before then as well. I often watch a lot of these clips and it feels like there's always a missing link to gaming history on how/why things came to be. I think reaching out to some older well known players can help bridge that gap and bring a lot of insight in to new gamers.

[@shinjieva]

Yep that is correct I own both Ms 1.1a and the Ms 3.0 play cs back on 1.5

[@TheDexi256]

Isn't Zowie already killed?

[@stefanpapdi5151]

Well only the vaxxe is better lol

[@ahmedbenlahrech5352]

I currently rock the EC and honestly nothing came close to the comfort feeling that this mouse gives me

[@f0les336]

@@ahmedbenlahrech5352 same, im still using my 6 years old EC2-a

[@jedidream8951]

Zowie not dead people using it still allot

[@UncraftedPlays]

It's barely alive with the EC2-CW, but only because they lowered the price.

[@a.w_.]

I love seeing new mice that can challenge the greats like vaxee and pulsar taking on zowie and logitech

[@user-hn2wc3fy7y]

I'm rocking a G Pro Wireless non-SL since it's the only decent non-MMO style mouse with 4 side buttons and one on the bottom for DPI. I don't change DPI on the fly but some games like the older Far Crys need super low DPi to have a decent sensitivity. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do once this is done for now that Logitech has moved away from the surplus of buttons. I tried my G Pro wired just to see if I would be good switching to a wireless Zowie or to the SL and I couldn't help but prefer buttons on all sides. edit: oh yeah, and my ideal mouse shape is the original Xornet so when tf is a wireless one coming out lol.

[@julianmorgan79]

My hands are 19Lx 10w cm and ive come from the g502 and viper ultimate (I liked the weight and sensor of the viper but the shape and size of the g502) so after a year of using those two I moved to the death adder v3 and i really enjoy it. If you have similar sized hands I recommend that or the pulsar xlite v2 or wait for xlite v3 it will have 4k polling with the 3395 and finally a closed shell while keeping the 58g weight so a cheaper and as good death adder v3

[@sylocks_gg]

So my hands are about the same size of you and I also come from the g502 I really don't know what to buy wherever the DAV3 or GPX because I use mainly a palm and 45° fingertips and the g502 feels like a brick and my palm just doesn't grip the bottom part too well just feel uncomfortable any suggestions?

[@julianmorgan79]

@@sylocks_gg dv3 or any shape similar, there's also the glorious model I but it's wired however the v2 wireless version is coming but glorious does have quality issues

[@aeon7748]

for non ec ergo shape I have found some success with Xtrfy M4, i found the Xlite V2 mini to lack in the palm support, will try the Dav3 later, i have 19x10.5 hands, thanks for your suggestion.

[@HerbaceousM8]

what mouse do you use? i have big hands and ended up buying a literal bucket load of Death Adders because i got them for like 8 bucks each. they are "ok i guess" but i want something wider

[@irtimid4217]

0:05 black nile mausepad What pattern? What condition?

[@xDJ_Cas]

You have 20cm to 10cm hands which is the same as mine and I have problems with small mouse. Would you tale EC1-CW or EC2-CW in this case? Thanks 😊

[@hammers1594]

It's so funny whenever thescore covers peripherals and popular settings. They're always so comically late to the party when it comes to everything peripheral related.

[@HienNguyen-cs1md]

great to see a new opponent in the market, like the scene is just dominated with gpro light speed and zowie recently

[@luv-lost]

I started with the Microsoft Wheel Mouse and have a drawer full of EC-1's and EC-2's from a sale a few years ago. Don't think I'm changing anytime soon.

[@obr_]

This is good, this means the market has competition, which means that both companies will try to out-do each other and make better products, at least i hope so. But i think Logitech is making some pretty good mice. I am using the G305 and it has been perfect so far, don't have to change batteries that often and if i do i use rechargable batteries. But i don't think it will kill it, but make it better.

[@huh0123]

Both companies try to out-do each other? Lol Zowie hasn’t made a completely original mouse in over 6 years.

[@sEaNoYeAh]

​@@huh0123 yeah because their design team left and started Vaxee

[@Casualfield]

f logitech, cheap components for premium price

[@chriztphr3650]

logitech has to be one of the worst out there, hyperx is way more promising for the price

[@nopal9855]

@@chriztphr3650 how about cooler master mice ?

[@thearbiter3369]

Ive personally liked death adder or the glorious model D. Have tried a zowee but I’ll keep this in mind

[@sxerkson]

Really curious what you think about Darmoshark Mice, for 60$ you get a good quality mouse

[@jefflum4040]

It’s crazy how prolific the gprox super light is. Even in the zowie game, CSGO the gpro is the most used mouse in pro play. Logitech has a stranglehold on the industry without updating their mouse for 3 years

[@siddhartha894]

Eh, new players in tac fps scene have been switching to deathadder v3 and vaxee np O1s wireless. Idk much abt cs but Val scene has seen decline in logitech and uptick in razer and vaxee in last 3 tournaments.

[@fluxx7217]

Logitech on the thrones is mostly due to them sponsoring the teams and they have to use the Gpro.

[@zatozatoichi7920]

@@fluxx7217 This.

[@simonwithanaccent]

Would you recommend it for a 19x10 fingertip user??

[@darkkanishi]

Doesn't steelseries have a ZA11 shaped wireless mouse?

[@Jproulx426]

If it makes you feel any better about waiting my Ec2-CW is a absolute banger! The issue with not knowing your battery life doesn’t really bother me because the thing never dies and if the low battery light is flashing I’ll set it on the dock while I go grab a drink or a snack and it’s good to go for the rest of the night. It’s worth the wait, trust me!

[@buzzikea]

it's back up in stock go get yours now!

[@PushUphill]

To be fair, my hands are the same size and I just picked up a XM2we. And knowing it's size going in, I've surprisingly really enjoyed it. Yes, I can tell it's too small. But it's been interesting to see how it's still worked for me. Because of this I'm really itching to give the XE wireless a go

[@sechions]

What is the best Maude for large hands that I can buy outside of the US?

[@ED890216]

On the same boat being in the za-wireless waiting room. Plzzzz Zowie, makes it happen, that's the only mice I keep coming back to only bc of its shape. Almost felt myself stupid using it rather than all the other high-tech mouse I have...

[@1_taps]

Even the Lamzu atlantis not even close to my Zowie mouse, Zowie is a legend and legends never die !

[@shivanshjoshi1599]

I am big fan of you dimitri. keep going!

[@GetOffTheLawn]

I use the ZA11 and have tried other mice. Physically I can't get used to a different shape. Hurts my hands. Zowie rocks.

[@namkhanhpham2126]

Imo ec2 shape is pretty good tho but outset ax just fit my hand a lot better

[@thushakosty]

11:47 The dude has gone crazy 😂

[@Okieant]

The Intellimouse was the 1.6 king and I love the Intellimouse Pro now. I like a heavy mouse. Makes stopping on a dime on flicks much easier.

[@Trashboione]

buy the katana superlight, its the 1.1 intellimouse without cable, i searched 20 years for that

[@doclangaming4076]

Calling Vaxee a household name when lots of mouse KZbinrs don't even mention them at all. And I'd know cause I was just recently shopping for a new mouse

[@doclangaming4076]

Don't mention them in mouse comparisons*

[@dacelu]

@@doclangaming4076 vaxee is more of a brand for enthusiasts, they don't get mentioned that often doesn't mean their products aren't good. It's Zowie but better in every way

[@KhalifaFPS]

i have the vaxee xe wireless played a few days and back to g pro wireless, mouse its very good imo, a lot, but i been on the g pro wireless and then the gpx and its hard to switch to other.

[@berk4012]

Waiting for a wireless vaxee outset, better shape than the ec imo as it provides more support for the back of the palm

[@deadvesu]

i need the ZA11 clone too judging by it's shape, my hand feels empty and it triggers something in my brain.. its like there is nothing that can fill the void... big hand problems :(

[@dacelu]

Seems like the X2-H will make you switch to wireless Dimitri.

[@drallersouldust3054]

is it good for GUNZ the Duel?

[@sergiocarrasquel3706]

Dimitri didn't grow his evil guy moustache. I can't trust he actually knows what he's talking about

[@erreip_]

Aye! Dimitri got to be "The guy who Actually knows what he's talking about"!! It tickled my happy sensors 😊

[@Espo97734]

As a person who has larger hands, I've always been a fan of the Razer Deathadder shape. I feel the deathadder is a bit larger than most mice and fills out my hand so I can keep a more relaxed grip. I also like that it is right hand ergonomic for the same reasons, feels like the right shape for my hand. I see the place for ambidextrous mice, but I personally do not like them at all. Also tend to avoid the ultra lights like the G Pro and anything with holes in the mouse body, because that just feels weird. All of that said, I'll be watching to see if Vaxee releases more iterations of their mouse in the future. I like the direction the company is going.

[@HerbaceousM8]

@@purplesky135 i use them too and end up ring finger+pinky and thumb pinching them to lift, but i also end up playing with the heel touching on the outside edge and the toe floating like 1/4" off the surface.

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

I remember buying the Deathadder and being like "oh my god this is perfect" then I put on my head I wanted a smaller mouse and got the glorious model O-. Whilst it was good, it wasn't as comfortable as the Deathadder. I eventually moved on to other mice since I didn't have the Deathadder wireless and when it released it was way too expensive for me for a mouse

[@mckinleyostvig7135]

The DeathAdder 3.5G is the greatest mouse ever made. Unfortunately the newer DeathAdders are either significantly smaller, heavier, or both.

[@richeyb7145]

Been using a custom PMM FK2 for a few years now. The only real option for Zowie shapes wirelessly are custom mice mods unfortunately

[@snice2821]

im still rocking the fk1. It is just soooo goood

[@tatsumusic727]

The size of your hands only have as much of an affect on how big you need the mouse to be because of the grip you use. For palm grip users, small mice are impossible to use unless your hands are tiny.

[@TehEvilTrafficCone]

see you say this but not everyone can play claw on a tiny ass mouse, or if you have big hands and play more palm most mice just wont work for you at all

[@justinpearson9170]

​@@TehEvilTrafficCone you essentially just agreed with the original comment lol

[@TehEvilTrafficCone]

@@justinpearson9170 yea I might’ve repeated the same example but hand size is more affecting towards mouse choice than the mouse shape imo

[@smoloms]

ZA13 is my favorite shape but until it’s wireless i’m not going back

[@alidzinic2147]

if you want a za11 wireless you can 3d print one with some g305 internals im pretty sure

[@hasyidanparamananda]

2:03 onboard memory: What? do you know me? zowie is overprice.

[@frittierteGuave]

how should it kill the superlight is the question

[@nopal9855]

kinda rarely see ppl talk about coolermaster mice, is it just okay or bad on mouse comunity

[@michaelherron2773]

Try the XM2WE? not as much as a hump I think but def a similar shape. Might be worth a shot

[@Midclimb]

the xm1 is the best shape mouse for claw grip imo I like it better than S2

[@mathewjo3827]

Definitely not similar shape at all😂

[@eanixs]

Isn’t the endgame gear xm1r still the fastest mouse?

[@user-fs7vl6fr3c]

Ive had an NP-01 since release and its still going strong but my wifes scroll wheel on her white version broke after less than a year

[@JuL3r]

Damn we both have the same problem: too big hands. Mine are 20,5 x 11 cm. I can't play with small mice for long. They give me cramps.

[@JhanDeCal]

I miss the original MS gaming mouse with the rubber ball. It was great for low sense gaming, since you could flick and lift the mouse and the ball would continue to spin and continue to move the cross hair.

[@lunchtreyy]

Eww, yeah no ball mice are not the way bro 💀💀

[@Okieant]

My man. They have an updated version of the intellimouse. It's called the Intellimouse Pro. It's fucking fantastic for CS. Just like it was for 1.6

[@wheeler-pu4fz]

Putting in completely random niko clips. Just to pad the runtime to 10 minutes. 😂

[@pengudengu5947]

Me with my keyboard+mouse set for 20 bucks: Ah yes very interesting

[@yer6900]

i was damn near about to buy this until the end where you mentioned it being small for people with big hands... RIP

[@UncraftedPlays]

20x10cm hands and you find the XE W small? Damn.

[@PEPERPAINSLULW]

maybe ill have to try one

[@karlfernando]

I hope they have the same shape and size of razer viper

[@1mmemorial]

Now hot swappable switches implemented to zowie when?

[@bennihahne9537]

NiKo is using a Logitech Pro Mouse... not a Vaxee 🤔

[@michaelxv203]

any vaxee's with the sensei shape?

[@clasheliteofficial]

I ain't switching my mouse, I need my g502 hero with 11 programable buttons

[@M_Oz_]

Still waiting for a good wireless 8 button mouse. M1, M2, Mousewheel click, two buttons left of M1, front and back buttons and a sniper key. The extra 2 would be left and right on the mousewheel.

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

Then the G502 is your guy

[@M_Oz_]

@@pedrosilvaproductions most likely the next one I am buying as I am currently using the wired version. The only downside is it doesn't fit my hand that well, but it is something I can look pass because it fulfil all the other requirements.

[@railguncs]

the superlight is the one that dominates the csgo pro scene

[@TheCuttz1984]

100% this sounds like a cash grab. Anyone who is anyone now knows the superlight is king ATM. I say ATM as the pulsar looks to be moving / making a lot of ground.

[@sofarsogod]

@@TheCuttz1984 g305 is the price/quality king.

[@TheCuttz1984]

@@sofarsogod price is the only thing that lets the superlight down. But for pros most of them are sponsored and or have the money to spare. My two cents

[@sEaNoYeAh]

Yeah but a huuuuge caveat for this is how many teams Logitech sponsors. So many players get access to free Superlights and it's good enough, even though it was in response to the mouse community's wishes yet no-one from the community would consider it the best. It's just got good features and an inoffensive bar of soap shape

[@Br1anaim]

Even tho it’s outdated

[@kennethsangill1571]

This video feels like a long advertisement

[@SiJerrySam]

I'm a long time ZA12 fan boy and I dare say the XM1/XM2we is a better mouse. Shape is perfect for a claw grip and the coating is superb.

[@jsnagn3410]

Same for me. ZA11 main for years to my 20x10cm large hands. The XM1 shape is comfortably goated. But my main wish if the MB1 & MB2 would slightly get a height increase. And also be made with slight curvitures like pulsar X2. In my opinion XM1 click shapes are too rounded compared to which gaming mice today

[@phreak2424]

Isnt the mouse more expensive than the logitech g pro with its 130€ price tag?

[@Asbu666]

Might be a bit nitpicky since you mentioned it's just not for you, but I don't think hand size is a good argument, my hands are 21,5x12,5cm and I use a Pulsar X2 mini. It's all about personal comfort at the end of the day and after years of trying to find mice that fit my hand size I realized I'd been looking in the wrong places altogether because everyone suggested your mouse should fit your hand in size.

[@LUCKIPUP]

that’s what stumps me, i have M to L hands 18.5cmx10cm and the deathadder essential i have either feels too small/ doesnt have the hump far back enough, although when i look on eloshapes theres not many recent mice that fit the bill

[@a6893_]

And I went back to Logitech g102. Used g Pro x superlight shape but meh. 20x10

[@stonedmountainunicorn9532]

I have the same desk as you, not to sure about it when i bought the thing, but it's a real battle station IKEA FREDDE for the win

[@synvlr]

can confirm this mouse wasnt it for my first 6 hours after another 6 some magic was happening

[@takh6806]

Zowie Killed Steelseries in the past

[@skizzarz]

the bag in the box was plastic, you said zero plastic

[@vincere13]

My hands are 21x11 so Idk how tf Dimitri is gripping this mouse to say that it is too small for him

[@JM-nu2jg]

Zowie might be popular with pros, but no longer with consumers. Why? They charge their wired mice to be as expensive as wireless options in the market, even though it has inferior tech inside. When they DID release a wireless mouse, it is ridiculously expesive. For anyone needing cheaper alternatives but don't want to compromise on performance, go with Pulsar and Lamzu. 2 brands that have gaming mice that are well within budget but way beyond performance

[@JM-nu2jg]

Also, Vaxee produces good gaming mice too, but they lean towards the expensive side as well

[@hasyidanparamananda]

Actually I hate zowie because they don't even improve for so many years, milking so loooong time....

[@q3znw6j88aywnwy]

inferior but flawless

[@aymanof96]

My hands are 23x11cm :( got my hopes up then I saw the size .... Hope bigger folk get some love in the mouse community, and left handed people.

[@Antidote_cs2]

just use a superlight, maybe a starlight if youve got the money

[@michaelscholl4541]

what about pulsar and lamzu?

[@nah8780]

I don't say this often but damn lamzu is underrated, I've been maining the atlantis ever since it came out and it just fits me perfectly, especially since I play mostly claw.

[@pokmi4497]

Lamzu too op. Fit me better

[@helloitsme327]

those company prob dead before vaxee never see pro use it only youtuber. and if cs pro doesnt use thats problem

[@goliangun9288]

any reported problem on double clicks?

[@falcon3169]

Vaxee need to improve their availability in sea region .... Until then I use my Pulsar xlite and Gpx

[@sndrc9]

I only this was compatible with powerplay...

[@unpoppablebuble]

buy the super light, has a great warranty, if you use scroll click beware of random mouse wheel scrolls

[@kennethgeraldo5873]

Is it better than the Logitech G pro wireless/superlight?

[@valoga6338]

totaly not! Logitech g pro series is by far beter then everyone!

[@kaeroseon]

at these prices performance are really similar and its more about personal comfort in the shape.

[@satwik3007]

Aren't those just Intellimouse shapes?

[@ternedo6074]

perhaps this is not the mouse for me since i have 23 x 12cm gripper claws

[@Marco_Diaz]

The Rise and Fall of Zowie

[@KOZZERWEST]

Do a story on Bad News Eagles

[@thebestkinds1g]

I still prefer the Fk1 to the g pro x superlight

[@oscarhenocque4676]

I have 22 by 11 hand and I can use small mouses no pb I gess skill issue

[@chadsugden411]

I agree all these mice are made for little kids! Where are the man size mice! I’m currently using the GPW SL and it’s definitely to small for me. But sadly I can’t go back to my brick 95g Zowie after going lighter

[@_coszmik7196]

boardzy jumpscare

[@ayushsahu4185]

the legends use razer deathadder

[@mysticauls]

Talk about Atlantis mice's.

[@v-co]

Nobody will kill Zowie Zowie killed itself

[@Kay-bm3xs]

Zowie still being used? Didn't hear anything from them since 2018

[@pk_.5885]

Damn a mouse

[@eivisch]

is this and ad ?"

[@Fast_2104]

Why do ppl are talking about gpx, it was good, but now there are plenty options with higher tech, lighter and has the newer usb c

[@kaeroseon]

cause the shape is incredibly good. not because its the most ergonomic, but it basically is the most basic and safe shape out there.

[@Fast_2104]

@@kaeroseon i mean, there are still other manufacturers copy the shape of gpx and make it lighter, better sensor keep price lower than 150

[@kaeroseon]

@@Fast_2104 i know. but the liberties that those manufacturers take tends to make the shape not as safe as the gpx. and also logitech has a wider customer support coverage, availabilities and the build quality is solid. and the fact that it came first is also a nice bonus. i agree that there are better but its not like the GPX is bad or anything.

[@DEANluxray]

1.) Logitech the best wireless tech only to beaten by Razer 4k's. 2.) There is a diminishing returns for lighter mouse. Lighter mouse will not make it better, if you do not like the shape. 3.) USB C is subjective. I do not understand why people are so gung-ho with "its not usb c". You only use the cable to charge once every 3 months and it is a wireless mouse. It such a stupid arguement.

[@phrog322]

​@@DEANluxray lmao how often do you turn on your PC if you are charging your mouse every 3 months

[@yuh184]

G pro superlight beats everything imo. never used a mouse so good

[@buzzikea]

try any ergo mouse and you'll forget G pro superlight.

[@sEaNoYeAh]

The crazy thing about the XE is you've got outrageous talents like Aspas using it and hitting the best form of his career, and yet it's their first mouse not overtly intended for gaming. It's got a bunch of concessions to, and dedicated features for, productivity. Wireless NP-O1/s and Outset AX might be game changers for some players. Vaxee definitely niche but absolutely a connoisseur's choice. Absolutely no other mouse designer understands shape like that team, so many of the current shapes directly come from their original designs.

[@airballer6647]

I used to use the np-01 and i love the no bullshit design of it i just wish they kept the matte design across the entire mouse the XE is very interesting though..

[@SCARFAC3_4020]

Zowie will allways remain supreme :)

[@JustaRandomGuy890]

I really don't care about mouses but NiKo is on the thumbnail and I'm a huge NiKo simp