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BenQ Zowie ZA13-C vs SteelSeries Rival 5: Comparison
BenQ Zowie ZA13-C vs SteelSeries Rival 5: the buttons difference
Buttons is where these two genuinely part company, BenQ Zowie ZA13-C 5 against SteelSeries Rival 5 9, a 44% lead for SteelSeries Rival 5. They differ on grip type too, Ambidextrous on the BenQ Zowie ZA13-C versus Right-Handed on the SteelSeries Rival 5. They differ on shape too, Symmetrical on the BenQ Zowie ZA13-C versus Ergonomic on the SteelSeries Rival 5. Switch type is not the same on both, Mechanical on the BenQ Zowie ZA13-C versus Mechanical, rated 60 million clicks on the SteelSeries Rival 5.
BenQ Zowie ZA13-C vs SteelSeries Rival 5: which one fits your build
The BenQ Zowie ZA13-C is the one to take for palm grip players with medium to large hands and competitive FPS players who prefer a driverless mouse, though it is not the pick for fingertip or claw grip players wanting a smaller shell and buyers who want RGB or onboard memory. Buy the SteelSeries Rival 5 for FPS players who want a couple of extra thumb binds and right-handed medium to large grip sizes, though it is not built for left-handed users and MMO players needing 12+ side buttons. Our rating of the BenQ Zowie ZA13-C (8/10): A tall, grippy esports mouse for palm grip players who want the Zowie no-frills philosophy in a larger shell. 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 ZA13-C and SteelSeries Rival 5 differ on sensor model?
Yes. Sensor Model reads PixArt PMW3360 on the BenQ Zowie ZA13-C versus TrueMove Air Optical, up to 18,000 DPI on the SteelSeries Rival 5.
Is the Polling Rate the same on the BenQ Zowie ZA13-C 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 ZA13-C
- BenQ Zowie
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- SteelSeries
Connectivity
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- Wired
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Wired, USB-C detachable cable
Grip Type
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- Ambidextrous
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Right-Handed
Model
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- ZA13-C
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Rival 5
Shape
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- Symmetrical
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Ergonomic
Sensor Model
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- PixArt PMW3360
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- TrueMove Air Optical, up to 18,000 DPI
Sensor Tier
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- Mid-Range
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Mid-High
Buttons
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- 5-44%
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- 9Best
Polling Rate
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- 1000 Hz
Weight
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- 90 g-6%
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- 85 gBest
Switch Type
- BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
- Mechanical
- SteelSeries Rival 5
- Mechanical, rated 60 million clicks
Which one should you pick?
Choose BenQ Zowie ZA13-C if you want the higher polling rate (1000 Hz vs 1000 Hz).
Choose SteelSeries Rival 5 if you want the higher buttons (9 vs 5) and the lower weight (85 g vs 90 g).
Verdict
BenQ Zowie ZA13-C
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A tall, grippy esports mouse for palm grip players who want the Zowie no-frills philosophy in a larger shell.
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.