Shape and Dimensions

Shape

Prior to release, the shape of the NP-01 has been described as a mix between the Zowie EC2 and S2 shapes. While that does give one a general idea, there is more to this shape.

In principle, a singular shape cannot be both an ergonomic and an ambidextrous design at the same time. An ambidextrous design is defined as being axis-symmetric, whereas an ergo design isn't. The NP-01 is not axis-symmetric, which by definition makes it an ergo design. Yet, the NP-01 feels surprisingly similar to the S2 in hand. How is that? When looking at the NP-01 from the top or the back, it looks eerily similar to the S2. The slope curvature is slightly different, but hump placement and height are almost exactly the same, and the overall length and width are identical as well. Much like the S2, the NP-01 also lacks any button grooves that would limit one's finger placement. The difference lies in the curvature of the sides. Whereas the S2 curves inwards towards the middle on either side (being axis-symmetrical), the NP-01 curves outwards to the back on the right side, but inwards on the left side. While the general contour of the top rules hand placement, the curvature of the sides controls finger placement. As a result, my pinky extends more on the NP-01 than on the S2 even though the contact points themselves are identical.

Doing an ergo mouse without the usually raised left side and resulting increased hump height is an interesting and novel design approach. Although the NP-01 ends up handling more akin to an ambidextrous than an ergo design in practice, breaking free of established design principles is no doubt a welcome change within the stagnating world of gaming mouse shapes, and VAXEE can be lauded for that.


As for grip styles, I'd say the NP-01 is generally suited for all three main grip styles—palm, claw, and fingertip grip. It's a medium-sized mouse with a moderately pronounced hump, which should make it suitable for most hand sizes. For reference, my hands are 19 cm long and 10 cm wide, and I found the NP-01 very comfortable in claw grip.

Dimensions

This table includes the dimensions of the VAXEE ZYGEN NP-01 and several other right-handed ergonomic mice, along with an ambidextrous one. "Front height" denotes the distance between the base and main buttons. Measurements with two decimals have been taken with a caliper, while those with one decimal have been taken with a ruler.


Here are some comparison shots with each of the measured mice:


Zowie EC2-B


Zowie S2


Xtrfy M4