When comparing Zowie EC1-A vs Cougar 450M, the Slant community recommends Zowie EC1-A for most people. In the question“What is the best gaming mouse?” Zowie EC1-A is ranked 20th while Cougar 450M is ranked 47th. The most important reason people chose Zowie EC1-A is:
The Avago 3310 sensor used by this mouse is exceptional. It delivers a true portrayal of mouse movement with no jitter, acceleration or prediction. The available DPI choices of 400/800/1600/3200 are all native and should ensure an equally good performance, regardless of which one is chosen.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Sensor and DPI options ensure fluid and optimal gaming performance
The Avago 3310 sensor used by this mouse is exceptional. It delivers a true portrayal of mouse movement with no jitter, acceleration or prediction. The available DPI choices of 400/800/1600/3200 are all native and should ensure an equally good performance, regardless of which one is chosen.
Pro Ergonomic, accommodating shape, especially for those with big hands
Though it may look tame, the mouse’s shape is quite ergonomic. Its subtle curves help your fingers position themselves while also allowing various grip types. For the same reason, the bulge of the mouse is located strictly in the middle, making it accommodating for the most amount of people, and even more for gamers that have big hands. Nevertheless, it may be more suited for palm grips because of the subtle curve at the right side which provides support for the ring and pinky fingers.
Pro Flawless movement, essential for gaming
The EC1-A delivers accurate mouse cursor movement that is essential to any gaming mouse. Virtually flawless, it has none of the precision-altering flaws that are apparent in other mice.
Pro Button switches click easily
Although the buttons have Huano switches, which are more stiff, the shell of the mouse somehow negates this and makes them click easily, just like typical Omron switches.
Pro Smooth mousepad movement
The mouse comes with two mouse feet that are larger than normal and ensure smooth movement over the mousepad.
Pro Includes a set of thumb buttons
The EC1-A includes a set of thumb buttons which are standard for most mice.
Pro Built to last
The switches don’t randomly break down, no component excessively rattles and the scroll wheel doesn’t degrade easily. Although the mouse has a rubber cable which is quite vulnerable to bending and damage, the mouse as a whole is well built and can be expected to last.
Pro Coating ensures a good grip
The mouse has a smooth plastic coating that doesn’t feel slippery. You can easily hold the mouse with a comfortable grip even without the rubber sides.
Pro Some customization options
The EC1-A has only a few customization options, all of which are sensor related. It is possible to change the lift off distance, polling rate and the DPI settings (400/800/1600/3200).
Pro Resistant braided cable
The cable is braided so it doesn’t bend easily.
Pro DPI button binding can be configured
The DPI button, which is located on top of the mouse, is actually a profile changing button and can be tied to button configuration or lighting options.
Pro Long list of customization options, for a budget mouse
This mouse has some basic sensor-related customization.You can modify the polling rate, DPI amount, lift-off distance and even angle snapping. The angle snapping is an on/off choice instead of a slider. Its UIX companion software has an extensive list of customization options, notably long for a budget mouse. It includes lighting options, button rebinding, macros, DPI changing, multiple profiles and several other smaller features that even other non-budget mice don’t have.
Pro Good performance for fluid gaming
The Cougar 450M uses the Avago 3310 sensor and presents no jitter, acceleration or smoothing. The DPI choices ranges from 50 all the way up to 5000 with increments of 50. For this sensor, every DPI step of 50 should work equally well, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of native DPI settings.
Pro Easy to manipulate
Being an ambidextrous mouse, it avoids unconventional shapes and stay true to the classic mouse design. To facilitate control and finger grip, it has a slight incline located at the side and its sides are covered in textured plastic.
Pro Good for left hands and right hands
The mouse has an ambidextrous design, making it a possible choice for left-handed users. It also has extra buttons on both sides, so they can be used on both use cases.
Pro Sensor is able to reliably track precise movements
It’s Avago optical sensor is a solid performer recognized many mouse enthusiasts. You can rely on it to track precise movement without worrying about acceleration or jitter.
Pro Great value
Despite the low price point, this mouse still maintains a respectable list of features. It has a good shape, reliable sensor and plenty of customization options. It bridges the gap between low cost and high quality while still being well built.
Cons
Con Customization options are limited due to the lack of companion software
There is no companion software to this mouse, which means you cannot do thorough customizations, such as button remapping or custom lighting.
Con DPI colors annoying and can't be customized
The scroll wheel has an LED that changes color depending on your DPI setting, but the corresponding color cannot be customized.
Con Side buttons don't register easily
The side buttons require you to press deeply before it registers an action.
Con DPI switch can't be accessed during use
The DPI switch is a button that can’t be accessed while in use because it's located under the mouse.
Con The customization process is inconvenient
All Zowie mice are built to be straightforward and simple to use. However, its settings cannot be changed easily during normal use: you have to unplug the mouse and use a combination of different button presses while plugging the mouse in, which is unintuitive and a hassle to learn.
Con Not manufactured anymore
The Zowie EC-1 is no longer manufactured by Zowie but it still can be found on eBay and Amazon from third party sellers.
Con Minor sensor rattle can be slightly annoying
There is some minor sensor rattle which is common with cheaper mice but otherwise has no effect in performance.
Con Companion software is only available for Windows
The UIX companion software is only available for Windows.
Con Feels somewhat cheap and gets dirty easily
The body of the mouse is covered with smooth, glossy plastic that feels cheap and can easily get greasy from sweat after prolonged use. Some people might find it uncomfortable to use and a hassle to clean often.