The esports-focused brand of BenQ, Zowie, has announced the establishment of its first European Sports Science Lab in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
The Sports Science Lab will act as the main lab for all European-based tournaments and players that are supported by Zowie.
As the third lab in Zowie’s global network, this new facility is said to underscore the brand’s commitment to applying sports science to esports peripheral design.
At the Zowie Sports Science Lab, they utilise motion capture and electromyography to analyse player interactions with mice, collecting data on ergonomics, joint angles, movement speed, and muscle activity.
This enables personalised mouse recommendations tailored to individual playstyles and game types, letting players optimise their training based on fatigue data to maintain peak performance under prolonged competitive pressure.
Player-Centric Design, Informed by Data
Since the launch of the iconic EC series mouse, co-developed in 2010 with Swedish esports legend Emil ‘HeatoN’ Christensen, Zowie has remained committed to evolving its products through real-world player feedback.
With the new Sports Science Lab, Zowie can assess how various mouse models align with individual gameplay styles across FPS titles like CS2, VALORANT, Fortnite, and Apex Legends, enabling precise equipment recommendations that maximise player potential.
The lab also evaluates performance before and after fatigue sets in, helping players identify issues like reduced finger stability or imprecise deceleration control, and adapt their training accordingly.
Continuous collaboration with esports athletes throughout the testing process ensures that every product generation reflects the evolving demands of actual competition.
Sports Science in Action: ZOWIE Mouse Design
Sports science insights play a central role in shaping Zowie’s mouse designs.
The U series, for instance, was designed for fast-paced games like Valorant, Fortnite, and Apex Legends, featuring a lightweight wireless build and improved claw grip feel to enhance agility and endurance.
Similarly, the EC3 goes beyond simply scaling down from EC2 to incorporate deeper sports science insights, with a restructured design that adjusts finger joint angles and side button placement to reduce fatigue during rapid clicking and avoid accidental presses.
Testing has shown that these refinements help minimise strain in the wrist flexor muscles during repeated click-intensive tasks.
The DW series, Zowie’s latest symmetrical wireless mouse, was also developed based on real-world gameplay needs and professional player testing data.
Designed to support a variety of grip styles, each model in the DW series offers distinct gameplay advantages.
For example, FK-DW variants excel during repeated micro-adjustments, providing greater precision and long-term comfort in FPS games that require intensive aiming.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Innovation Through Research
Zowie has long been devoted to innovating esports equipment, holding numerous patents and continually evolving its product design philosophy. The launch of the new European Sports Science Lab marks a milestone in ZOWIE’s product innovation journey.
With the European esports market experiencing exponential growth, Zowie is committed to expanding its research efforts to deliver tailored gear and training recommendations that adapt to the evolving demands of players.
“With the ZOWIE Sports Science Lab, we’re bringing scientific methodology to help European pro players unlock their full potential.
President of BenQ Europe B.V., Jay Wu
Every design is grounded in real-world player data and expert insights, reflecting our dedication to performance-driven product innovation and the future of esports.”
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