Xtrfy MZ1 Wireless: Two mice for the price of one, not just a wireless refresh

Xtrfy has finally released the long awaited MZ1 Wireless, the wireless version of the mouse designed by mouse reviewer Rocket Jump Ninja.

We took a look at the original wired MZ1 a year ago, and while we still agree that the shape is the most divisive factor of this mouse, the MZ1 Wireless actually comes with quite a few new useful features that can possibly convert those who were hesitating on the wired version before.

One of them is the swappable lower back shell, which essentially changes the shape of the mouse to something entirely different.

It really feels like you are paying the price for two different mouse shapes just by swapping the back shell.

But before we get into that, let's just do a quick look into the specs.

Specifications

• Sensor: Pixart 3370 optical gaming sensor

• Weight: 62g

• Main switches: Kailh GM 8.0

• Connection: 2.4 GHz wireless / USB

• Cable provided: 1.8 m Xtrfy EZcord Pro

• Battery: 500 mA (up to 75hrs)

• CPI settings: 400 - 19000

• Polling rate: 125/500/1000 Hz

• Debounce: 2/4/8/12ms

The mouse comes with a soft braided USB-C to USB-A cable which Xtrfy dubs the EZcord Pro, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, the wireless dongle, the lower hump back shell, a screwdriver, replacement mouse feet, an instruction booklet and a Xtrfy sticker.

Like all Xtrfy mice, the MZ1 Wireless is a software-less mouse that you are able to configure with a few button presses.

You are able to configure a few things like:

• the debounce time of the switches (the delay in sending mouse-click signals to the computer, typically to prevent mouse double clicks)

• the mouse's polling rate (how often it send signals to the computer for pointer position)

• the RGB (pleb things)

• the CPI (the mouse sensitivity)

The instruction booklet that accompanies the mouse has the full set of instructions on how to change these options.

For testing, I have set it to the lowest debounce time as possible, which is 2ms (if it doesn't double click here, it wouldn't double click with a higher debounce), 1600 CPI and also at 1000hz polling rate.

Experience

From my one week usage of the MZ1 Wireless, there were absolutely no issues with the connectivity of the mouse.

The wireless felt great and there wasn't any kind delay present that I could feel. This is truly a top tier wireless experience.

There were no double clicks, and the main mouse buttons felt crisp. It also feels like the mouse is more sturdy than the wired MZ1.

Even with the swappable parts (more on that later), the mouse feels absolutely well-built, with little to no creaking or rattle.

Coupled with the fact that the MZ1 Wireless is only a few grams heavier than its wired version, this is really an amazing feat.

The mouse skates are also great, similar to the original wired MZ1.

The quality of the MZ1 Wireless is definitely top notch.

New features

Xtrfy also introduces an adjustable weight system for the mouse. You are able to move the battery cage that is present inside the mice to the front or the back of the mouse to distribute its weight.

The mouse ships with the cage in the middle by default.

You are able to use the provided screwdriver to unlock the cage at the bottom of the mouse and move it to your desired position.

I personally find this as a gimmick, but it's still a nice to have.

The battery cage isn't heavy enough to provide a meaningful difference in weight distribution for me personally, so the mouse didn't feel much different no matter where I moved the battery cage to.

But like I said, it is a nice to have. Someone that is more sensitive to the weight distribution would probably see a use for it.

You are also able to swap the shell of the mouse to your desired colours, unlike the wired MZ1.

Xtrfy sells these different coloured shells separately, and using the provided screwdriver again, you are able to unscrew the back shell to swap both the main mouse button shell and back shell out.

Speaking of which, you will also need adhere to the same steps if you are looking to swap the shape of the back shell.

You're getting more than a single mouse, in a way

The original shape of the MZ1 was a very divisive shape. In our review of the wired version, we did state that the shape is not for everyone.

While the mouse is generally flat and caters towards fingertip-grip users, the original MZ1 had a rather high hump for such a low-profile shape. Even some fingertip-grip users had a hard time adjusting to it because of this.

For the MZ1 Wireless, Xtrfy included a back shell that has a flatter and lower hump.

Unlike the slight change in hump size that is present in other Xtrfy mice like the M4 or the M42, this brand new back shell totally changes the feel of the MZ1.

I would even go as far to say that it feels like a totally different mouse altogether when you swap the shell.

The new lower hump allows your palm to travel deeper into the mouse if you are using a fingertip-grip. The original higher hump would limit the mobility of the mouse because the hump would hit your palm ever so often. The lower hump provides more flexibility when moving the mouse around without bumping into the back shell.

For a claw-grip user, though, there is very minimal support for the palm with this new shape. While still doable, a claw-grip user will need to tighten their grip on the sides of the mouse if they want to achieve the same stability present in the original shell.

This lower shell also opens up the possibility for palm-gripping. You are able to place your whole palm on the mouse now without feeling the discomfort of the high hump.

In addition, it feels like a very small but unique ergonomic mouse due to the small groove present on the left side of the mouse.

For fast-paced shooting like Apex Legends and Call of Duty, the lower shell allows me to adjust my aim pretty quickly for fast swipes and quick adjustments.

I would swap to the higher hump if I need to have aim stability in tactical shooters like VALORANT or Counter Strike.

The MZ1 Wireless really feels like two different mice for the price of one.

Battery life

As I've only had the MZ1 Wireless for a week, I have been testing this mouse with an average 8 hours per day.

So far, I have clocked a good 50 hours on them (I leave them switched on, connected to my computer even if I don't use it).

As I have two copies, I have been testing one with RGB on and the other without.

I charged both of them up to 100 percent battery life on the first day I got it, and for now, the one with RGB turned on is sitting at around 0 to 25 percent charge, while the one without RGB is still sitting at 51 to 75 percent charge.

The only annoying part about the mouse being software-less is that you can't exactly tell what the battery percentage is, and you have to rely on the in-built mouse indicators.

The mouse will display specific colours when you check its battery level to indicate where it's at, but you can never get an exact percentage due to this.

But, based on this test, I still cannot tell that whether the advertised battery life of 75 hours is with or without RGB turned on. We will update this portion as we test further.

As of now, it does feel like it is lasting around 50 hours of use with RGB, and you should hit 100 hours of use without.

Conclusion

This is a top tier mouse. It is well built, clicks are great, and the wireless is flawless. As usual, the shape of this mouse is what you should be looking out for.

If you love the wired MZ1, this is a no brainer. Just go out to get it. It is a pure upgrade in many ways.

But if you have not gotten it due to the original shape, or simply have been hesitating, if it is possible, try this mouse before you get it, especially with the lower hump installed.

If you didn't like the original shape of the MZ1, the lower hump may or may not change your mind.

But one thing is still certain with this mouse — it's still not for everyone.

However, if you do get it, you are definitely getting two mouse shapes for the price of one.

You can purchase the Xtrfy MZ1 Wireless now from Xtrfy's website for US$119.

Dominic loves tech and games. When he is not busy getting bodied in games or watercooling anything he sees, he does some pro wrestling.

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