Func MS-2 Review

Func MS-2 Review

Manufacturer: Func
UK price (as reviewed): £42.50 (inc VAT)
US price (as reviewed): $48.99 (ex Tax)

Func's intention with the MS-2 is to create a mouse with all the functionality of the well-received MS-3 in a more universally accepted but still ergonomic shape; whereas the MS-3 is undeniably large, the MS-2 is described as mid-size. Both mice have the same button count and software feature set, and even their price is nearly the same now. That said, one key difference is the sensor, which has been switched from a laser one to an optical one.


Despite lower pricing, Func's build quality has actually improved since we saw the MS-3, as there's no looseness in the buttons or scroll wheel. The soft-touch and scratch resistant plastic coating is also of high quality and, coupled with the ergonomic shape and very well rounded curves, this makes the MS-2 very comfortable to hold in palm, claw and finger grips. However, the surface is also rather low friction, which could be problematic for claw and finger users since there are no rubberised side sections like on the Asus ROG Gladius. As palm users, we didn't have any issues, but attempting to use said other grips we did find that we felt less in control compared to our attempts with other mice. This is particularly irksome as the MS-2's redesigned shape is likely to appeal far more to finger/claw users than the MS-3. There is also no weight adjustment system, though we didn't find the MS-2 to be too heavy or light.

The 2m braided cord ends in a gold-plated USB connector. More could be done to keep this cable elevated, but even so drag shouldn't be an issue provided you keep the cable clear of desk obstacles. The three large Teflon feet also mean the MS-2 glides very smoothly in use.


Func is using an ADNS 3090 LED optical sensor with the MS-2. It's cable of tracking at up to 4,000 DPI with a 1,000Hz polling rate. We've never needed more sensitivity than this, but it is limited compared to other offerings – we've seen optical mice at 6,400 DPI and laser ones at 8,200 DPI, but these tend to be significantly more expensive. Nonetheless, it's a smooth tracker with no unwanted acceleration or deceleration issues or odd jittering. It also handled sub-par surfaces such as wooden desks better than other optical mice we've seen, though you'll still benefit from using a mouse mat.

The MS-2 has dual DPI buttons, an extra switch on the right clicker and four thumb buttons for a total of ten. There are Omron switches beneath both main buttons so we've no complaints there. The back, forward and Instant Aim thumb buttons are well placed and easy to actuate quickly but the lower one has a higher resistance. This is deliberate so as to stop accidental pressing during rigorous movements, but it means you typically need to press it with your thumb tip rather than simply rolling down, so we wouldn't recommend assigning any functions to it that you might need at a moment's notice. The same is true of the extra button for your middle finger – trying to actuate this to quickly can result in pressing the main right switch too. The rubber-coated scroll wheel is a little stiffer to press than we'd like but is otherwise fine, and the two DPI shift buttons are also easy to use.


All ten buttons plus the two scroll commands are again fully programmable. Func's software is still rather basic compared to other offerings, but the upgradeable mouse firmware means this may not always be the case. As before, the layout and usability of the software is first rate. It takes about five seconds to apply settings but is otherwise fast and responsive. You can store up to three profiles on the MS-2's 512KB of onboard memory for use anywhere.


The Basic Settings page lets you program Windows settings and your four DPI levels (three normal, one for Instant Aim), though it is limited to 800, 1,600, 3,200 or 4,000 DPI – we really would have liked finer granularity as those are pretty big jumps. Button programming allows you to disable buttons or assign mouse, Windows or media functions to any button, as well as recorded macros and single keystrokes. The LED settings allow you to program the scroll wheel colour, saturation and brightness and set it to solid, pulsating or off. The MS-2 also has three indicator lights that shine through the crack in the body between your thumb and index finger, which makes them very easy to see at a glance. By default, they glow orange and represent the current DPI level, but when profile switching they temporarily change to white.


There's also a macro editor but it's also very rudimentary, though the 255 action limit should be plenty for most. It will record some mouse buttons, but it doesn't have the ability to record timings or delays, and there's not even a way to edit individual commands – you have to start over if you make a mistake.

Conclusion

There's definitely room for improvement in the MS-2: textured sides, finer DPI control and a better macro editor all spring to mind. Still, at just over £40, the MS-2 looks like good value. It offers ten programmable buttons, an intuitive software suite, an ergonomically pleasing design and it's also comfortable to hold and use. Even so, this is a highly competitive price point. The Corsair Raptor M45, for example, is now under £40, and while it loses three buttons, it does have adjustable weights and more advanced software as well as a more sensitive sensor. It also has textured sides and as such, it would be our choice at this price point for claw and finger users. For palm users, the MS-3 is still a great mouse. However, all mice at this price point also suffer from the fact that a little extra cash can get you significantly more in the way of features: for around £10 more you could upgrade to the Corsair Vengeance M65 (while it's still in stock) or the excellent Mionix Naos 8200, depending on your preferred grip.