Zowie FK 2014

[eddie]

http://www.zowiegear.com/index.php?i=news&p=56 Thoughts? Thought about getting the FK so I checked the site and found that there is an update to it.

[Elrick]

http://www.zowiegear.com/index.php?i=news&p=56 Thoughts? Thought about getting the FK so I checked the site and found that there is an update to it.

So they only changed the scroll wheel and sensor?  As usual they won't alter the physical housing, which is a shame.

[Novus]

Does the physical housing have issues?

[Elrick]

Does the physical housing have issues?

If that's a question aimed at me, then nothing's wrong with the housing.  Like Logitech they're sticking to what sells and this model range won't change no matter what.  Nothing wrong with sticking to a WMO shape because every decent gaming mouse ever designed have mimicked it.

I just thought they would try and introduce a slightly different shape, it's the GHer in me wanting some slight physical adjustments just for the sake of it.

[Latin00032]

Well, this is better news.

That's the one major item that I didn't like about the fk. The scroll wheel.

It's hard to rotate on the current version.

I don't know if I want to spend money on a new one though.

[Grim Fandango]

I just saw this and posted it on overclock.

I like the update, but am not sure whether it is a necesarry one. The scroll wheel on the FK is not to everyone's liking, but it is not flawed like the scroll wheel in a lot of other mice. By that I mean that it does not have a reputation of frequently breaking (something we have seen with many models) or not always registering correctly (another thing we have seen with many models, including Zowie's own Evo series).

I guess this is more preference than anything. For gaming, I like the more pronouned steps that are more distinct, though for browsing I like the " faster" scrolling more. I am not sure how the IR-LED affects things.

[pichu23]

I think if I were to get a new mouse this would be it.
My Sensei is only < 1 year's old but it has the squeaky scroll wheel prob. get's annoying once you scroll fast.

[Novus]

Does the physical housing have issues?

If that's a question aimed at me, then nothing's wrong with the housing.  Like Logitech they're sticking to what sells and this model range won't change no matter what.  Nothing wrong with sticking to a WMO shape because every decent gaming mouse ever designed have mimicked it.

I just thought they would try and introduce a slightly different shape, it's the GHer in me wanting some slight physical adjustments just for the sake of it.

Ahh I see 
I was wondering because I know some people were talking about how Zowie has mold issues on the EC series so I thought maybe the FK has some sort of inherent flaw (also because the new EC CL still has some weird QC issues)
I was looking at the FK and AM I finally understand what the "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\/ grip, contrary to the AM that has a /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ gripping style" means hahaha.

[daerid]

Probably would've been more understandable had they used ////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ and \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\///////////////////// instead

[lilky]

Looks like only the scrolling has been changed? I have a Zowie FK (not 2014) and I absolutely love it, so I'm glad they didn't make any drastic changes.

[daerid]

Looks like only the scrolling has been changed? I have a Zowie FK (not 2014) and I absolutely love it, so I'm glad they didn't make any drastic changes.

Zowie seems to have their heads on straight: minimalism and not changing a good things = win

[reziak]

As a FK user, I'm glad they're not changing much! I've tried a lot of mice, and this is by far the best match for me Simple, beautiful, and high quality. 

[Novus]

Do you guys prefer the FK over the EC 2?
I know the height of the mouse is a bit lower, the length is longer and the width is almost the same.

I know this, of course, mostly preference but I'm wondering why the FK has such rave reviews.
Is it just more comfortable for people who don't like IME 3 shaped mouse devices? Is it the ambidextrous form factor?
Just a bit curious.
Subtext: I'm wondering if I should trade my EC 2 CL for a new Zowie FK 2014

Edit: in terms of grip, comfort and form factor do you prefer the FK over the SS sensei?

[Coreda]

I just hope they've fixed the slight input lag problem that the FK is reported to suffer from at 450dpi. Haven't tried it myself (waiting for new stock) but it's probably the only thing I'm concerned about.

[Reomero]

I personally prefer the fewer steps on the scroll wheel of the current FK. Though I'm saying that from a gaming standpoint.

When it comes to browsing, I've grown to using PgUp/Down/Home/End and using the scroll bar on the side, instead of using the scroll wheel on my FK.

[Emospence]

The new scroll wheel on the CL kicks ass, so that's probably gonna be an improvement.

Mouse's still gonna be tiny, though.

[MsYutai]

Has anyone managed to get their hands on a 2014 version yet? I want one but I don't know if amazon is selling the newest version or not...

[Novus]

The new scroll wheel on the CL kicks ass, so that's probably gonna be an improvement.

Mouse's still gonna be tiny, though.

I heard the FK is really low (height-wise) too.

[Elrick]

Has anyone managed to get their hands on a 2014 version yet?

There's a place here on the east coast (Australia) that sells the current 2014 version BUT I seriously don't need another mouse at this time. 

Not only that, I think it's the exact same size as the traditional WMO.  That baby is small and maybe suited to you but for me I found love in my Mionix 7000 and won't be giving her away for some time to come (don't tell my wife)  .

[Emospence]

The new scroll wheel on the CL kicks ass, so that's probably gonna be an improvement.

Mouse's still gonna be tiny, though.

I heard the FK is really low (height-wise) too.

It is indeed. I had one  )

[oscillik]

I'm totally getting one of these as soon as stock comes back in somewhere.

[daerid]

I'm totally getting one of these as soon as stock comes back in somewhere.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-022-ZW

looks like they got some in stock, and they're on sale.

[oscillik]

I'm totally getting one of these as soon as stock comes back in somewhere.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-022-ZW

looks like they got some in stock, and they're on sale.

I've already been in touch with them - that's the older 2013 stock, not the 2014 FK

[daerid]

dumb

[oscillik]

dumb

indeed!

not to worry though, another UK distributor Kustom PCs has the 2014 up for pre-order after recently exhausting their stock. I emailed them a few days ago and they confirmed that they're just awaiting stock to come through.

[dmbr]

I have a EC2 evo CL, and I have to say the mouse wheel is much improved; not just smaller steps, but less "mushy" and more pronounced clicks.

[oscillik]

I have a EC2 evo CL, and I have to say the mouse wheel is much improved; not just smaller steps, but less "mushy" and more pronounced clicks.

That's good to know! The 2014 FK has the same mousewheel, so I'm looking forward to finding out what it's like.

[chickenNwaffles]

Can anyone confirm whether or not the FK has input lag issues at 450 dpi? I am really considering buying one because of my love for the wmo.

[Coreda]

Can anyone confirm whether or not the FK has input lag issues at 450 dpi? I am really considering buying one because of my love for the wmo.

I haven't noticed any real lag in general. The whole effect has only been made into something by about two OCN members, and otherwise no one sees it as an issue.

There was a post by Split over on teamfortress.tv (thanks to dmbr for the link) that explained why some may feel a virtually imperceptible delay sometimes, due apparently to the Zowie's interpolation of it's odd DPI steps. Concluding he compares the effect as minimal as 1-2 ping. If this is correct it would explain the effect.

Edit: updated the incorrect URL 

[MsYutai]

To anyone hoping to get the 2014 Zowie FK-- I just purchased the Steelseries Kana v2 and it is extremely similar.

The scroll wheel on the Kana is way nicer than the 2013 Zowie FK, the size is really similar between them, if anything the Kana is a bit wider-- the only downside is there's only one side button available per side on the Kana.

The Kana has the omron switches, which actually feel stiffer than the switches on my Zowie-- but it is easier to click really fast on the omron switches (the Zowie switches feel almost mushy when clicking quickly, making it a bit harder). I imagine the omron switches will become easier to click over time.

[Bucake]

not a fan of the huano switches in the zowie fk.
i'm looking into the steelseries kana v2 because that one does have them sexy omron switches, as well as the same awesome sensor as the zowie fk uses.

i think the zowie fk is great, but the coating and switches are a slight turnoff for me.
i wish they'd changed those, for the 2014 version.. :j
good on them for changing the scroller and adding more black, though!

buuut i'm not gonna buy it just for the scroller and invisible LED ;p

there's only one side button available per side on the Kana.

can you use both buttons at the same time..? (are they mouse4 and mouse5?)
or do they both function as the same button and do you simply swap which one's active by switching between left- and righthanded mode?

also: any idea if it's necessary to install drivers/software, in order to get the mouse to function properly?

[munch]

they're mouse4 on mouse5 on the Kana v2 (source: me, I have one! )
only problem is the LOD, but it's fixable. it's a bit bigger than the FK if memory serves me right, though.

800 CPI / 1000Hz per default no drivers, which is what I was going to use anyway... none installed for me.

[MsYutai]

Munch is correct! I use my Kana v2 on Ubuntu with no drivers-- you can adjust the DPI using the button under the scroll wheel. The mouse buttons on the sides are mapped to forward and back in the browser by default.

I actually prefer my Kana v2 to my Zowie FK 2013-- the shape is a little better for me and the scroll wheel on the Kana is way better. At first I thought the click was stiffer but it's really hard to tell now. Hope that helps!

[Coreda]

Munch is correct! I use my Kana v2 on Ubuntu with no drivers-- you can adjust the DPI using the button under the scroll wheel. The mouse buttons on the sides are mapped to forward and back in the browser by default.

I actually prefer my Kana v2 to my Zowie FK 2013-- the shape is a little better for me and the scroll wheel on the Kana is way better. At first I thought the click was stiffer but it's really hard to tell now. Hope that helps!

I should look into the Kana v2. I'm waiting for a replacement RMA'd Zowie FK 2014, it's an otherwise excellent mouse but I wasn't a fan of the absorbent (and in my case peeling) surface. I was burnt by the OG Kinzu before, as they didn't state it had angle snapping but Kana v2 seems to be good based on user feedback. The high LOD is a shame, however.

[Bucake]

yep, you guys convinced me; i'm getting myself a kana v2
(thanks for the replies!)

which version do you have? white, or black?
i'm just wondering what your experience is with the coating. (grip? feel?)

[pichu23]

Speaking of that, my sensei's squeaky noise has gone (touch wood). I really do like the design of the sensei. Iono if I would wanna get a FK atm. Price seems too steep at 40 quids. =/

[Bucake]

Speaking of that, my sensei's squeaky noise has gone (touch wood). I really do like the design of the sensei. Iono if I would wanna get a FK atm. Price seems too steep at 40 quids. =/

yes, the prices are significant, but i don't think you can really get around that. if you want a good mouse, that is..

but, as long as you treat your hardware right, they will(should) last you for years.
40 quid for a mouse lasting more than [number] years feels like a steal to me.

as long as i do my research i will end up with good products, and if i treat them right they will always have been worth the cash :j
i realise 40 might sound like much, but if you put it into perspective you will find it's not expensive at all.

you just have to decide if you get enough benifit out of the quality.
for example if you are not a graphic designer or frequent gamer then you might not want to spend the extra money for a sensor like the zowie's. (i'm not sure if it's the sensor what makes these mice more expensive than others, but i don't think you can find a cheap mouse using this sensor.)

you could say it's like paying for a plate of food while being allergic to half of the food that's on there. even though it's considered great food and worth the price, you might not end up benefiting from all of it ;p
just find out what makes the FK great. if 40 still sounds alot then, then i guess you should pass :j

[MsYutai]

yep, you guys convinced me; i'm getting myself a kana v2
(thanks for the replies!)

which version do you have? white, or black?
i'm just wondering what your experience is with the coating. (grip? feel?)

I have the black version.

Mine's shiny now where my palm rests and where I click on the mouse buttons because I used some lotion at one point-- can't help my hands get so dry!
But it is a trade-off, I guess if you have sweaty hands the matte coating would help you grip better... my hands aren't sweaty and I don't have any problems with the greasy looking coating on the Zowie FK.

So I would get the white version!

[Coreda]

yes, the prices are significant, but i don't think you can really get around that. if you want a good mouse, that is..

but, as long as you treat your hardware right, they will(should) last you for years.
40 quid for a mouse lasting more than [number] years feels like a steal to me.

as long as i do my research i will end up with good products, and if i treat them right they will always have been worth the cash :j
i realise 40 might sound like much, but if you put it into perspective you will find it's not expensive at all.

I'd like to think I did extensive research on my previous mice, but even as such I ran into deal-breaking issues. Currently I'm waiting on an RMA for my 2014 FK because of a poor batch which had peeling issues.

I think for some products paying more can buy you better quality, but for gaming mice I'm not so sure the quality is always that great. Many gamers have used Microsoft's WMO mouse for years and it was at the time just an affordable desktop mouse, so it depends. Some brands and models are built to last.