NZXT LIFT 2 SYMM and LIFT 2 ERGO gaming mice in test – still no revolution, but a successful evolution

Practical test

For the practical test, I went through my usual routine again and put both versions of the Lift 2 through their paces in gaming and productivity scenarios.

Basically, there is nothing to criticize about the construction and workmanship of the mice. No sharp edges, no cheap gaps, no rickety buttons. Although the rough surface does not convey a high-end feel, it is very non-slip. The lack of RGB lighting can almost be seen as a special feature, but I certainly didn’t miss it.

 

Gaming

Let’s start with Counter-Strike 2, a discipline in which the LIFT 2 did not show any weaknesses. With its low weight and precise sensor, I was able to take great “flick shots” (by my standards). In principle, I actually like the shape of the ERGO better, but for my hand (see the section after next) and my grip habits, I find it almost a little too high, which is why I ended up sticking with the SYMM after changing several times. As the mice have the same sensor under the hood and completely identical technology, there is of course no difference in terms of performance.

The LIFT 2 is definitely a good choice for gaming – if you like lightweight mice. I had set the mouse to 1600 DPI and 8000Hz for CS2, then selected a sensitivity of 1.2 ingame.

 

Productivity

At this point, the initially seemingly “pointless” paint test was used again. The good sensor in combination with the fresh gliding feet and the mint condition mouse pad (NZXT MXL 900) implemented my movements cleanly, but the circular movements when drawing the spirals were very choppy (edgy) – regardless of the selected polling rate, by the way. I can’t say exactly what this is all about and I didn’t notice it at all when playing, but it was immediately noticeable in the paint test. Of course, the individual preferences of each user have to be taken into account here, but as our readers will have noticed by now, I’ve been convinced by lightweight mice for some time now.

Overall, the LIFT 2 is not only good for gaming, but also for working. All buttons are easy to reach, and I will go into the differences between SYMM and ERGO in the next section.

 

Bonus: Comparison of SYMM and ERGO

Of course, I couldn’t resist conducting a direct comparison test of the two siblings.

With circular dimensions of 126.8mm x 67.1mm x 38.3mm (length x width x height) for the SYMM and 128.4mm x 65.1mm x 41.4mm for the ERGO, the size of the LIFT 2 mice is rather mid-range. They fit very well in my hand (see picture for dimensions), although the ERGO is a little too high in the end despite its more comfortable shape.

With my relatively short fingers, I can easily reach the shoulder buttons of both models with my thumb, although I have to pull my thumb quite far back for the back button on the ERGO. According to the manufacturer, the ERGO is best suited to the palm grip, while the SYMM is aimed more at claw and finger grip users. I actually also use the palm grip and found the ERGO correspondingly more “comfortable”, but in a direct comparison I still liked the flatter SYMM better.

 

Sound check

Of course, the obligatory sound check is also a must. Contrary to expectations, both mice made audibly different noises despite their close relationship, which is why I made separate recordings for both mice. As always, recordings were made with the Elgato Wave and its XLR interface.

Lift 2 SYMM

5 x left-click, 5 x right-click

Scroll wheel Scroll and click

Side keys and profile key

 

Lift 2 ERGO

5 x left-click, 5 x right-click

Scroll wheel Scroll and click

Side keys and profile key