Zaopin Z2 Review
Introduction
Zaopin, a Chinese peripheral manufacturer, first gained recognition with their Zaopin Z1, which shares similarities in shape and size with the Razer Orochi V2 and Fantech Aria XD7. With their latest release, the Zaopin Z2, the company introduces a completely new and unique design, which is what we will discuss in this review.
Specifications
Packaging
- 1x Zaopin Z2 mouse
- 1x USB Type-A to Type-C cable
- 1x 4K Wireless receiver (4K version)
- 1x 1K Wireless receiver (1K version)
- 1x Additional set of large PTFE skates
- 1x Additional PTFE skate for the back side with cutouts for the screw-holes
- 1x Small screw
- 1x Set of grip tape (for the main buttons, and sides, and 4 smaller slides for the back)
- 1x Carrying pouch for the mouse
- 1x User manual (written in Chinese)
Shape & Size
The Zaopin Z2, a medium-sized mouse measuring 123 x 64.3 x 39.5 mm, features an ergonomic design that sets it apart from traditional symmetrical mice. It has a centrally located hump with gradual slopes towards the front and back, reminiscent of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight but with an ergonomic design, instead of a symmetrical one. Unlike many ergonomic mice that have a pronounced downward slope from the top down to the right side, like the Pwnage StormBreaker, the Z2's slope is far more subtle, giving it a feel closer to symmetrical mice.
The left side of the mouse is mostly flat, with only a slight amount of inward side curvature. Where the thumb is placed, the mouse also features a slight groove for a more comfortable and natural thumb placement. Similar to the slight groove, the front and back flares are also very subtle.
Conversely, the right side starts flat at the front with minimal inward curvature and ends with a more noticeable outward curvature and pronounced flare at the back, providing support for the fingers during palm or claw grips.
This unique design does not mimic other popular ergonomic mice, often replicated by many brands. As someone who generally prefers the less pronounced features of symmetrical mice, I appreciate the Z2’s balanced approach as it offers comfort without the aggressive slopes and curvatures typical of ergonomic models.
The shape of the Z2 accommodates virtually all hand sizes and grip styles thanks to its versatile and gentle design. My hands measure 20.5 x 10.5 cm, and I found claw gripping to be the most effective, though palm gripping was feasible albeit a tight fit, suggesting claw and fingertip grips as optimal for larger hands. While fingertip gripping is possible for medium and smaller hands, those who prefer this style might find smaller mice more to their liking.
Coating & Grip-tape
The coating on the Zaopin Z2 is adequate, though it doesn't match the high-quality rubberized textures seen on mice from brands like Zowie or Endgame Gear. Despite this, I found the mouse easy to grip and hold, attributing this ease more to its excellent design than to the actual coating material.
Included with the mouse are grip tapes for users who might find the default coating lacking. These grip tapes are of good quality and feel comparable to those packaged with other gaming mice. However, due to the effective shape of the mouse, I found no need to use the grip tapes beyond initial testing, as the natural grip was more than sufficient.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Zaopin Z2 is impressively solid. I experienced no creaking or flexing, even when applying significant pressure. This level of sturdiness extends to the bottom of the mouse, which often is a weaker point in other models but remains robust in the Z2. There’s not much more to say other than that the Z2 exhibits one of the most solid constructions I've encountered, particularly noteworthy given its price point, which we'll delve into later in this review.
Weight & Feet/Skates
The Zaopin Z2 weighs in at 65 grams, which doesn't quite match the ultra-lightweight trend seen in many recent mice, representing the primary drawback of this model. However, the weight is evenly distributed, which, coupled with its ergonomic shape, makes the mouse feel lighter than its actual weight suggests. While it doesn’t offer the feather-light sensation of some competitors, it doesn’t feel overly heavy either.
The feet of the mouse are initially quite smooth and reach optimal glide relatively quickly, requiring fewer break-in hours compared to many other models I've tested. The skates are fairly standard, offering a typical level of smoothness and performance without any standout features.
Buttons & Scroll Wheel
The Zaopin Z2 is equipped with TTC Gold 60M mechanical switches, which provide an exceptional tactile experience. The switches are easy to press yet offer significant tactility and feedback, with minimal pre- and post-travel. Remarkably, the side wobble on the main buttons is virtually non-existent—a notable departure from many other mice where intentional wobbling can occur. This stability greatly enhances the overall quality feel of the mouse.
A standout feature of these main switches is their hot-swappable capability. This allows for easy customization of the switches without the need for soldering.
The side buttons are also well-constructed, though they exhibit a slight amount of pre- and post-travel. However, this isn’t noticeable during regular use, and like the main buttons, they do not wobble.
The scroll wheel on the Zaopin Z2 performs fairly well, providing a standard scrolling experience with moderate tactility. The click of the scroll wheel is notably easy to press, which is a preference of mine.
Sensor & Performance
The Zaopin Z2 uses the PAW3395 sensor and provides up to a 4K polling rate when using the 4K receiver included in the 4K version from Mech Keys, otherwise, it goes up to 1K. The performance has been flawless, just like most mice using the PAW3395 sensor. The 4K polling rate also felt stable in all the games I played that support higher polling rates.
Software & Configuration
The Zaopin Z2 does not offer a web driver; instead, you must download the dedicated software. Although the software interface lacks aesthetic appeal, it is straightforward and functional. Once you configure the settings, they are saved directly on the mouse, eliminating the need to keep the software running in the background. This ensures that your custom settings are always active, regardless of the computer you are using.
Conclusion
The Zaopin Z2 costs $49.99 ($44.99 with code ELO) from Mech Keys for the 1K version, or $59.99 ($54.99 with code ELO) for the 4K version. This mouse stands out with its exceptional build quality and reasonable pricing, offering significant value. Its unique shape and hot-swappable switches are key features that cater to a variety of preferences and allow for easy customization. However, it is worth noting that at 65 grams, the Z2 is slightly heavier than some of its competitors, which might be a consideration for users preferring lighter mice. Despite this, the Z2 remains a compelling choice due to its solid construction, hot-swappable switches, and distinctive design, all for a very affordable pricing.
