Zowie
ActiveOverview
ZOWIE is a brand specializing in professional esports equipment, including monitors, mice, mousepads, and accessories, targeted at competitive FPS gamers. Positioned under BenQ since 2015, it emphasizes reliability, high refresh rates up to 600Hz, and performance features favored by professional players. A 2024 survey ranked ZOWIE monitors as the top choice among pro gamers, with mice and the G-SR mousepad also receiving recognition for professional use2.
History
ZOWIE was founded at the end of 2008 as a brand dedicated to competitive gaming gear for esports athletes134. In 2015, BenQ acquired ZOWIE, establishing it as the company's specialized esports brand focused on professional-level equipment12. The brand has since maintained its emphasis on monitors, mice, and accessories for FPS competitions67.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Esports Monitors | High-refresh-rate displays for professional FPS gaming | $300 - $1,000 |
| Esports Mice | Precision mice for competitive players | $50 - $150 |
| Gaming Mousepads | Control-oriented pads for esports | $20 - $50 |
| Gaming Keyboards | Equipment for competitive setups | $100 - $200 |
| Mice & Trackballs | Specialized pointing devices | $50 - $150 |
Manufacturing
Manufacturing details are not specified in available sources; products are developed under BenQ, a Taiwanese company, with production likely outsourced consistent with industry practices for electronics2.
Notable Products
- ZOWIE Monitors (e.g., XL series) - Ultra-high refresh rates up to 600Hz, top-ranked by pro gamers in 2024 surveys2
- ZOWIE Mice - Among the most used by professional esports players2
- ZOWIE G-SR Mousepad - Named 'Best for Control' by Eurogamer in 20252
Reputation
ZOWIE is highly regarded by esports professionals for its monitors and mice, which lead in usage surveys among pro gamers due to technical features like high refresh rates and reliability2. Enthusiasts praise the equipment's focus on competitive performance and durability in FPS titles67. Criticisms are not prominently noted in sources, though the niche professional orientation may limit appeal for casual gamers2.
Sources (7)
- http://grunexb2b.com/data/ZOWIE/guidelines/zowie-identity-guidebook.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BenQ
- https://zowie.benq.com/en-ap/about/zowie.html
- https://zowie.benq.eu/en-eu/news/2015/zowie-refreshes-its-product-line-up.html
- https://zowie.benq.eu/en-eu/about/zowie.html
- https://zowie.benq.com/en-us/about/zowie.html
- https://zowie.benq.eu/en-eu/index.html