I promised a review in the other FK1 thread thread, so here it is.
Alberto (tomahawk) from ZOWIE was kind enough to offer me an early FK1 to review a few weeks before the official press release, but some unfortunate Skype mishaps led me to miss the message. Perhaps next time we'll get a true first peek here on TFTV.
The FK1 is the third iteration of ZOWIE's flagship ambidextrous mouse after the FK 2014 and the original, yellow-based FK. It differs from its predecessors in a few tweaks in build, but also features a brand new sensor in the Avago 3310. It's still essentially the same mouse, but fixes some issues users had with previous versions.
What's different?
The major difference is the form of the FK: it's slightly bigger (though noticeably) but also a tad heavier. The bigger size should be an improvement for most, as the old FK definitely felt a bit too small even for my smallish hands.
Comparison (side view)
Comparison (bottom view)
Side-by-side with my WMO and DA 2013
The new 3310 sensor allows ZOWIE to ditch the old custom lens but still retain the signature low lift-off-distance that FK users are accustomed to. With it the FK1 also moves away from the interpolated (and slightly off) 450/1150/2300 DPI levels to the new 400/800/1600/3200 stepping. Although I've never found DPI to transfer between sensors perfectly, the old FK seemed pretty far off in this regard, making it harder than it needed to be to simply convert from one sens/DPI to another. The sensor in the FK1 no longer seems to have this problem.
The FK1's 3310 passes the usual criteria for a good sensor: no jitter at slow speeds/weird angles, no skipping during fast swipes, and no discernible accel (for more technical confirmation, check out Ino's review on the overlock forums).
I've tested it in extensively in TF2/QL the past few days on a range of sensitivities (6-13"/360) and a variety of mousepads (QcK, Icemat, Talent, Goliatus) and it's performed flawlessly under every condition.
The FK1 also has a rougher matte, slightly textured finish that's much more resistant to oil and sweat buildup. It was a pretty gross problem that even people with the cleanest of hands could not avoid, so I'm glad that issue's been remedied here.
Closeup
What's the same?
Since I've never actually done a proper FK review, I'll go ahead and detail some stand out features of the FK.
I'ts still driverless.
... and thank god. Especially as someone who plays at LANs semi-frequently, it's a relief not to have to deal with the bloated 50mb+ Logitech software suite or the now cloud-based Razer Synapse when all I want to do is change the god damn DPI on the mouse.
It has a very distinctive 'click'.
Like all ZOWIE mice, all versions of the FK also use Huano switches. Love it or hate it, it'll take some adjusting if you're accustomed to Omron's like I am. I'm personally not a fan of the stiffer switches, and it's the only real detractor of the mouse for me.
It uses a rubber instead of braided cord.
I never understood the braided mouse cord craze. At its best implementation it was tolerable, and at its worst it was annoying as hell. Most are prone to fraying easily and are awkward to force into the right position. In the Steelseries Kana's case, the stiff braided cord in conjunction with the feather-light mouse made the Kana as a whole unusable.
Thankfully, ZOWIE's stuck with the tried-and-true rubber cord that's light, flexible, and does what it's supposed to do: get out of the way.
It retains its same shape
I've always found ambidextrous mice to be more comfortable than ergonomic mice like the 3.0 or DA -- partly because I have smaller hands than most, and partly because I don't fully palm my mice.
The FK allows me to very comfortably grip it with my thumb, ring finger, and pinky while still giving my palm a place to rest. Both sides are slightly indented below the side buttons to help.
The Verdict
The FK1 avoids the pitfalls of most "gamer" mice and sticks to the essentials. No gimicks, no frills, it's a mouse that's built properly and functions properly.
If you're in the market for a new ambidextrous mouse or currently own an FK but are bothered by the issues listed, give the FK1 some serious consideration.
Bonus -- here's an album of pictures (excuse my horrible photography):
http://imgur.com/a/eXPNI#0
In the comparison pictures, the original FK is on the left and the new FK1 is on the right.
I promised a review in the [url=http://teamfortress.tv/thread/18567/new-and-bigger-zowie-fk1]other FK1 thread[/url] thread, so here it is.
Alberto ([url=http://teamfortress.tv/user/profile/tomahawk]tomahawk[/url]) from ZOWIE was kind enough to offer me an early FK1 to review a few weeks before the official press release, but some unfortunate Skype mishaps led me to miss the message. Perhaps next time we'll get a true first peek here on TFTV.
The FK1 is the third iteration of ZOWIE's flagship ambidextrous mouse after the FK 2014 and the original, yellow-based FK. It differs from its predecessors in a few tweaks in build, but also features a brand new sensor in the Avago 3310. It's still essentially the same mouse, but fixes some issues users had with previous versions.
[b]What's different?[/b]
The major difference is the form of the FK: it's slightly bigger (though noticeably) but also a tad heavier. The bigger size should be an improvement for most, as the old FK definitely felt a bit too small even for my smallish hands.
[url=http://www.zowiegear.com/pr_image/vs1.jpg]Comparison (side view)[/url]
[url=http://www.zowiegear.com/pr_image/vs2.jpg]Comparison (bottom view)[/url]
[url=http://i.imgur.com/S3FGPJT.jpg]Side-by-side with my WMO and DA 2013[/url]
The new 3310 sensor allows ZOWIE to ditch the old custom lens but still retain the signature low lift-off-distance that FK users are accustomed to. With it the FK1 also moves away from the interpolated (and slightly off) 450/1150/2300 DPI levels to the new 400/800/1600/3200 stepping. Although I've never found DPI to transfer between sensors perfectly, the old FK seemed pretty far off in this regard, making it harder than it needed to be to simply convert from one sens/DPI to another. The sensor in the FK1 no longer seems to have this problem.
The FK1's 3310 passes the usual criteria for a good sensor: no jitter at slow speeds/weird angles, no skipping during fast swipes, and no discernible accel (for more technical confirmation, check out [url=http://www.overclock.net/t/1500615/zowie-fk1-competitive-gaming-mouse-review-by-ino]Ino's review on the overlock forums[/url]).
I've tested it in extensively in TF2/QL the past few days on a range of sensitivities (6-13"/360) and a variety of mousepads (QcK, Icemat, Talent, Goliatus) and it's performed flawlessly under every condition.
The FK1 also has a rougher matte, slightly textured finish that's much more resistant to oil and sweat buildup. It was a pretty gross problem that even people with the cleanest of hands could not avoid, so I'm glad that issue's been remedied here.
[url=http://i.imgur.com/RmGMhiC.jpg]Closeup[/url]
[b]What's the same?[/b]
Since I've never actually done a proper FK review, I'll go ahead and detail some stand out features of the FK.
[color=red][i]I'ts still driverless.[/i][/color]
... and thank god. Especially as someone who plays at LANs semi-frequently, it's a relief not to have to deal with the bloated 50mb+ Logitech software suite or the now cloud-based Razer Synapse when all I want to do is change the god damn DPI on the mouse.
[color=red][i]It has a very distinctive 'click'.[/i][/color]
Like all ZOWIE mice, all versions of the FK also use Huano switches. Love it or hate it, it'll take some adjusting if you're accustomed to Omron's like I am. I'm personally not a fan of the stiffer switches, and it's the only real detractor of the mouse for me.
[color=red][i]It uses a rubber instead of braided cord.[/i][/color]
I never understood the braided mouse cord craze. At its best implementation it was tolerable, and at its worst it was annoying as hell. Most are prone to fraying easily and are awkward to force into the right position. In the Steelseries Kana's case, the stiff braided cord in conjunction with the feather-light mouse made the Kana as a whole unusable.
Thankfully, ZOWIE's stuck with the tried-and-true rubber cord that's light, flexible, and does what it's supposed to do: get out of the way.
[color=red][i]It retains its same shape[/i][/color]
I've always found ambidextrous mice to be more comfortable than ergonomic mice like the 3.0 or DA -- partly because I have smaller hands than most, and partly because I don't fully palm my mice.
The FK allows me to very comfortably grip it with my thumb, ring finger, and pinky while still giving my palm a place to rest. Both sides are slightly indented below the side buttons to help.
[b]The Verdict[/b]
The FK1 avoids the pitfalls of most "gamer" mice and sticks to the essentials. No gimicks, no frills, it's a mouse that's built properly and functions properly.
If you're in the market for a new ambidextrous mouse or currently own an FK but are bothered by the issues listed, give the FK1 some serious consideration.
Bonus -- here's an album of pictures (excuse my horrible photography):
http://imgur.com/a/eXPNI#0
[size=11]In the comparison pictures, the original FK is on the left and the new FK1 is on the right.[/size]
Where the hell can I buy this.
Where the hell can I buy this.
DrewWhere the hell can I buy this.
You can currently buy it at Gamejava. Here is the link: http://www.gamejava.com/product_info.php?products_id=3267
[quote=Drew]Where the hell can I buy this.[/quote]
You can currently buy it at Gamejava. Here is the link: http://www.gamejava.com/product_info.php?products_id=3267
enigmaThe Verdict
The FK1 avoids the pitfalls of most "gamer" mice and sticks to the essentials. No gimicks, no frills, it's a mouse that's built properly and functions properly.
If you're in the market for a new ambidextrous mouse or currently own an FK but are bothered by the issues listed, give the FK1 some serious consideration.
I'm just curious, how would this compare to the razer abyssus? I'm pretty sure that has no drivers, works just like any other mouse, and is also ambidextrous. I think the only problem would be the shape and size as the length and width are around that of a zowie am but the height is drastically lowered along with the flat surface of the mouse.
[quote=enigma][b]The Verdict[/b]
The FK1 avoids the pitfalls of most "gamer" mice and sticks to the essentials. No gimicks, no frills, it's a mouse that's built properly and functions properly.
If you're in the market for a new ambidextrous mouse or currently own an FK but are bothered by the issues listed, give the FK1 some serious consideration.
[/quote]
I'm just curious, how would this compare to the razer abyssus? I'm pretty sure that has no drivers, works just like any other mouse, and is also ambidextrous. I think the only problem would be the shape and size as the length and width are around that of a zowie am but the height is drastically lowered along with the flat surface of the mouse.
GeknaiirI'm just curious, how would this compare to the razer abyssus? I'm pretty sure that has no drivers, works just like any other mouse, and is also ambidextrous. I think the only problem would be the shape and size as the length and width are around that of a zowie am but the height is drastically lowered along with the flat surface of the mouse.
I've used the abyssus for a few seasons and stopped for two reasons:
1) the mouse1 broke within a few months consistently
2) the coating on the mirror edition is super glossy and attracts fingerprints/sweat like none other
if you're wondering why I only used the mirror edition, it's because the normal version for some reason used a different sensor that had an obscenely high lift-off-distance and a lot of jitter of my cloth pad
they've recently released a 2014 abyssus that I've yet to try though
[quote=Geknaiir]I'm just curious, how would this compare to the razer abyssus? I'm pretty sure that has no drivers, works just like any other mouse, and is also ambidextrous. I think the only problem would be the shape and size as the length and width are around that of a zowie am but the height is drastically lowered along with the flat surface of the mouse.[/quote]
I've used the abyssus for a few seasons and stopped for two reasons:
1) the mouse1 broke within a few months consistently
2) the coating on the mirror edition is super glossy and attracts fingerprints/sweat like none other
if you're wondering why I only used the mirror edition, it's because the normal version for some reason used a different sensor that had an obscenely high lift-off-distance and a lot of jitter of my cloth pad
they've recently released a 2014 abyssus that I've yet to try though
does the fk1 have the same coating as the am?
the main reason i like the am is because of its dry coating. when i used an fk i could never grasp it well, and that was my biggest issue with the fk. kept slipping as well whenever my hand would sweat.
does the fk1 have the same coating as the am?
the main reason i like the am is because of its dry coating. when i used an fk i could never grasp it well, and that was my biggest issue with the fk. kept slipping as well whenever my hand would sweat.
hows the scrollwheel?
is it as stiff to scroll as the first fk?
hows the scrollwheel?
is it as stiff to scroll as the first fk?
cookyehows the scrollwheel?
is it as stiff to scroll as the first fk?
slightly less, though not as loose as most other mice's
the scroll wheel now has 24 notches up from the previous 16
[quote=cookye]hows the scrollwheel?
is it as stiff to scroll as the first fk?[/quote]
slightly less, though not as loose as most other mice's
the scroll wheel now has 24 notches up from the previous 16
Any stores or website in brazil?
Really want one
Any stores or website in brazil?
Really want one
enigmaIt uses a rubber
[quote=enigma]
[color=red][i]It uses a rubber[/i][/color]
[/quote]
enigma did you prefer the original FK or the FK1? any noticeable differences between the sensors or are they practically the same?
tagging along with what Devon said, I think the original FK (yellow bottom) has the same plastic coating as your DA 2013 in the pic. The new FK1 has a different coating that is more similar to the AM. I have the original AM and the original FK, and the plastic is noticeably different.
enigma did you prefer the original FK or the FK1? any noticeable differences between the sensors or are they practically the same?
tagging along with what Devon said, I think the original FK (yellow bottom) has the same plastic coating as your DA 2013 in the pic. The new FK1 has a different coating that is more similar to the AM. I have the original AM and the original FK, and the plastic is noticeably different.
I've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out
I've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out
Slightly off topic, but what is the largest zowie mouse? I've heard nothing but good things about the company, so I'd like to support them, but I'm uncomfortable using small mice for extended periods. Big hands, and all.
Slightly off topic, but what is the largest zowie mouse? I've heard nothing but good things about the company, so I'd like to support them, but I'm uncomfortable using small mice for extended periods. Big hands, and all.
mustardoverlordI've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out
there isn't, really besides i suppose the lift off distance, everything is preference though. i wouldn't recommend going from an ergonomic mouse to an ambidextrous mouse either.
[quote=mustardoverlord]I've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out[/quote]
there isn't, really besides i suppose the lift off distance, everything is preference though. i wouldn't recommend going from an ergonomic mouse to an ambidextrous mouse either.
MR_SLINenigma did you prefer the original FK or the FK1? any noticeable differences between the sensors or are they practically the same?
tagging along with what Devon said, I think the original FK (yellow bottom) has the same plastic coating as your DA 2013 in the pic. The new FK1 has a different coating that is more similar to the AM. I have the original AM and the original FK, and the plastic is noticeably different.
I prefer the FK1 mainly because it's slightly bigger. I never had any problem with the original sensor so from my end the sensors feel the same.
mustardoverlordI've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out
It's a different mouse that promotes a different grip. The 518 is a fantastic mouse and if you're comfortable with it by all means buy another.
[quote=MR_SLIN]enigma did you prefer the original FK or the FK1? any noticeable differences between the sensors or are they practically the same?
tagging along with what Devon said, I think the original FK (yellow bottom) has the same plastic coating as your DA 2013 in the pic. The new FK1 has a different coating that is more similar to the AM. I have the original AM and the original FK, and the plastic is noticeably different.[/quote]
I prefer the FK1 mainly because it's slightly bigger. I never had any problem with the original sensor so from my end the sensors feel the same.
[quote=mustardoverlord]I've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out[/quote]
It's a different mouse that promotes a different grip. The 518 is a fantastic mouse and if you're comfortable with it by all means buy another.
mustardoverlordI've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out
mx518 has angle snapping
might be weird though switching to a mouse without it
[quote=mustardoverlord]I've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out[/quote]
mx518 has angle snapping
might be weird though switching to a mouse without it
Sensor should feel better if you use the 450 or 1150 dpi step since they're not native steps. All steps on the FK1 are native. Malfunction speed also increased significantly so if you were able to make your old FK malfunction chances are very high that it's not an issue with the FK1.
Sensor should feel better if you use the 450 or 1150 dpi step since they're not native steps. All steps on the FK1 are native. Malfunction speed also increased significantly so if you were able to make your old FK malfunction chances are very high that it's not an issue with the FK1.
ShiftamustardoverlordI've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out
mx518 has angle snapping
might be weird though switching to a mouse without it
If you wanted to stick to something like your MX518, the Logitech G400s (its successor) doesn't have angle snapping. That was only present in the early run of G400s. It's also a pretty cheaper mouse; Amazon has the best price I've seen.
I think I'm going to try going from the G400 (I have one of the early ones) to the FK1 and see what happens. My biggest concern is switching to an ambidextrous mouse.
tomahawkDrewWhere the hell can I buy this.
You can currently buy it at Gamejava. Here is the link: http://www.gamejava.com/product_info.php?products_id=3267
Where the is it shipping from that they want me to pay $18.13 Ground shipping? Is there anywhere else that has it in stock that might be a little more forgiving on the shipping cost?
[quote=Shifta][quote=mustardoverlord]I've been using my tried and true mx518 for almost 4 years, what are the benefits of the fk1 over that mouse if I decide to try a change/my old mouse finally gives out[/quote]
mx518 has angle snapping
might be weird though switching to a mouse without it[/quote]
If you wanted to stick to something like your MX518, the Logitech G400s (its successor) doesn't have angle snapping. That was only present in the early run of G400s. It's also a pretty cheaper mouse; Amazon has the best price I've seen.
I think I'm going to try going from the G400 (I have one of the early ones) to the FK1 and see what happens. My biggest concern is switching to an ambidextrous mouse.
[quote=tomahawk][quote=Drew]Where the hell can I buy this.[/quote]
You can currently buy it at Gamejava. Here is the link: http://www.gamejava.com/product_info.php?products_id=3267[/quote]
Where the is it shipping from that they want me to pay $18.13 Ground shipping? Is there anywhere else that has it in stock that might be a little more forgiving on the shipping cost?
I got my FK1 here http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=MOS-FK1 but right now they're out of stock with no eta on when they'll get new ones. The shipping was only $3.99.
edit: woops didn't read that you want it in stock, my bad
I got my FK1 here http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=MOS-FK1 but right now they're out of stock with no eta on when they'll get new ones. The shipping was only $3.99.
edit: woops didn't read that you want it in stock, my bad
Payday on tuesday, all finnish stores say it will be in stock at the end of the month. HNNNNGGHH!!!!!
Payday on tuesday, all finnish stores say it will be in stock at the end of the month. HNNNNGGHH!!!!!
This mouse seems very similar to the Sensei Raw I have, atleast the measurements (almost identical) and the shape. What are the biggest differences between these two mice?
This mouse seems very similar to the Sensei Raw I have, atleast the measurements (almost identical) and the shape. What are the biggest differences between these two mice?
Sensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)
Sensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)
Hows the scroll wheel? Also where can i buy?
Hows the scroll wheel? Also where can i buy?
povohatSensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)
Sensei's sensor has accel, FK1's hasn't!
[quote=povohat]Sensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)[/quote]
Sensei's sensor has accel, FK1's hasn't!
tomahawkDrewWhere the hell can I buy this.
You can currently buy it at Gamejava. Here is the link: http://www.gamejava.com/product_info.php?products_id=3267
I'm trying to order one from Gamejava but I can't go past the Delivery Information page. Pressing the Continue button just doesn't do anything :/
[quote=tomahawk][quote=Drew]Where the hell can I buy this.[/quote]
You can currently buy it at Gamejava. Here is the link: http://www.gamejava.com/product_info.php?products_id=3267[/quote]
I'm trying to order one from Gamejava but I can't go past the Delivery Information page. Pressing the Continue button just doesn't do anything :/
IT WORKS ON THE ICEMAT???
THANK THE LORD
IT WORKS ON THE ICEMAT???
THANK THE LORD
MIndPayday on tuesday, all finnish stores say it will be in stock at the end of the month. HNNNNGGHH!!!!!
You could theoretically order from Caseking.de since I was told they are the main supplier for EU.
[quote=MInd]Payday on tuesday, all finnish stores say it will be in stock at the end of the month. HNNNNGGHH!!!!![/quote]
You could theoretically order from Caseking.de since I was told they are the main supplier for EU.
hektikpovohatSensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)
Sensei's sensor has accel, FK1's hasn't!
I don't get accel with my sensei raw. I ran Mouse Movement Recorder to test it.
[quote=hektik][quote=povohat]Sensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)[/quote]
Sensei's sensor has accel, FK1's hasn't![/quote]
I don't get accel with my sensei raw. I ran Mouse Movement Recorder to test it.
molehektikpovohatSensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)
Sensei's sensor has accel, FK1's hasn't!
I don't get accel with my sensei raw. I ran Mouse Movement Recorder to test it.
That won't show the Sensei's hardware accel.
[quote=mole][quote=hektik][quote=povohat]Sensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)[/quote]
Sensei's sensor has accel, FK1's hasn't![/quote]
I don't get accel with my sensei raw. I ran Mouse Movement Recorder to test it.[/quote]
That won't show the Sensei's hardware accel.
molehektikpovohatSensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)
Sensei's sensor has accel, FK1's hasn't!
I don't get accel with my sensei raw. I ran Mouse Movement Recorder to test it.
you can test your hardware accel like that: go into TF2, mark your mouse position with your thumb, move the mouse an arbitrary amount slowly, then move it back really fast until it hits your thumb again. If you end up in (basically) the same location, you don't have hardware acceleration
[quote=mole][quote=hektik][quote=povohat]Sensei Raw has an older laser sensor (Avago A9500)
Zowie FK1 has a current optical sensor (Pixart PMW3310H)[/quote]
Sensei's sensor has accel, FK1's hasn't![/quote]
I don't get accel with my sensei raw. I ran Mouse Movement Recorder to test it.[/quote]
you can test your hardware accel like that: go into TF2, mark your mouse position with your thumb, move the mouse an arbitrary amount slowly, then move it back really fast until it hits your thumb again. If you end up in (basically) the same location, you don't have hardware acceleration