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BenQ Zowie S2 vs SteelSeries Rival 5: Comparison
BenQ Zowie S2 vs SteelSeries Rival 5: the buttons difference
Buttons is where these two genuinely part company, BenQ Zowie S2 5 against SteelSeries Rival 5 9, a 44% lead for SteelSeries Rival 5. There is a split on grip type as well, Ambidextrous on the BenQ Zowie S2 versus Right-Handed on the SteelSeries Rival 5. There is a split on shape as well, Symmetrical on the BenQ Zowie S2 versus Ergonomic on the SteelSeries Rival 5. They differ on switch type too, Mechanical on the BenQ Zowie S2 versus Mechanical, rated 60 million clicks on the SteelSeries Rival 5.
BenQ Zowie S2 vs SteelSeries Rival 5: which one fits your build
The BenQ Zowie S2 suits competitive FPS players who want a driverless, no-RGB mouse and low to medium grip height players (fingertip/claw), though it is not built for players who want RGB or onboard profiles and buyers who want a high DPI ceiling for desktop use. The SteelSeries Rival 5 is the one to take for FPS players who want a couple of extra thumb binds and right-handed medium to large grip sizes, though it is the wrong buy for left-handed users and MMO players needing 12+ side buttons. Our rating of the BenQ Zowie S2 (8/10): A no-frills esports mouse built for consistency over features, and a legitimate favorite among competitive CS and Valorant players. Our rating of the SteelSeries Rival 5 (8/10): A smart pick for players who outgrew a basic FPS mouse but don't need a 12-button MMO grid.
Frequently asked questions
Do the BenQ Zowie S2 and SteelSeries Rival 5 differ on sensor model?
Yes. Sensor Model reads PixArt PMW3360 on the BenQ Zowie S2 versus TrueMove Air Optical, up to 18,000 DPI on the SteelSeries Rival 5.
Is the Polling Rate the same on the BenQ Zowie S2 and SteelSeries Rival 5?
It is. Both are listed at 1000 Hz, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- BenQ Zowie S2
- BenQ Zowie
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- SteelSeries
Connectivity
- BenQ Zowie S2
- Wired
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Wired, USB-C detachable cable
Grip Type
- BenQ Zowie S2
- Ambidextrous
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Right-Handed
Model
- BenQ Zowie S2
- S2
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Rival 5
Shape
- BenQ Zowie S2
- Symmetrical
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Ergonomic
Sensor Model
- BenQ Zowie S2
- PixArt PMW3360
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- TrueMove Air Optical, up to 18,000 DPI
Sensor Tier
- BenQ Zowie S2
- Mid-Range
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Mid-High
Buttons
- BenQ Zowie S2
- 5-44%
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- 9Best
Polling Rate
- BenQ Zowie S2
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- 1000 Hz
Weight
- BenQ Zowie S2
- 83 gBest
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- 85 g-2%
Switch Type
- BenQ Zowie S2
- Mechanical
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Mechanical, rated 60 million clicks
Which one should you pick?
Choose BenQ Zowie S2 if you want the higher polling rate (1000 Hz vs 1000 Hz) and the lower weight (83 g vs 85 g).
Choose SteelSeries Rival 5 if you want the higher buttons (9 vs 5).
Verdict
BenQ Zowie S2
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A no-frills esports mouse built for consistency over features, and a legitimate favorite among competitive CS and Valorant players.
SteelSeries Rival 5
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A smart pick for players who outgrew a basic FPS mouse but don't need a 12-button MMO grid.