Page 3 - Subjective Performance Tests
After installing and configuring the Func MS-2's software to our liking, we put the mouse through our series of revised standard tracking performance tests. This includes normal office usage in the Windows environment, as well as gaming. Graphics work is done in addition to regular office usage with Adobe Photoshop. Games we have used in this test include Sid Meier’s Civilization V, League of Legends, Dragon Nest, and Crysis 2 Maximum Edition. This spans multiple genres and allows us to get a feel as to how the mouse responds in different situations. The Func MS-2 was cross-referenced with other mice such as the Gigabyte Aivia Uranium and the Gigabyte Force M63. All testing were completed on the XTracGear Carbonic. Please note these are subjective tests, but we will attempt to make it as objective as possible with our cross reference testing methods.
Switching from the Gigabyte Force M63 to the Func MS-2 means I have to switch back to a palm grip, or at least hybrid grip. Due to the shape and size of the mouse in relation to my hand, the Func MS-2 allows your palm and two fingers to rest on the mouse. While it may not have the side width employed on the larger MS-3, this mouse is still very comfortable to use as a palm mouse. And of course, you can also swap to a fingertip grip, but it does require a bit of adjustment. All the buttons on the MS-2 are well within reach, and seem quite intuitively placed. The "T+4" zone is actually quite handy, as my thumb is placed perfectly in the middle of all the buttons, but can still access them. When it comes to actual comfort, the Func MS-2 is no doubt a joy to use. In addition to the accessible buttons, the soft rubber touch really just works. It is not affected by oily fingers too much, and it feels great in the hands. In addition, the Func MS-2 stays in your hand with this surfacing.
The weighting of the Func MS-2 is not adjustable, but at 100g, the mouse is very usable in all sorts of applications, whether it is gaming or graphical work. Of course, the experience will vary from users since this is a preference thing. I like a bit of weight in my hand for stability, but for certain this may hamper the user control for quick reaction games like first person shooters and multiplayer online battle arenas. The sensor being limited between 800 to 4000dpi may sound a bit low, especially considering many mice go up to 6500dpi and even higher. I never went past 3200dpi in my usage, even in different games, but offering the greater flexibility for other users would be nice. I already mentioned the huge steps the dpi changed at, and this was made even more prominent in my daily use. The sensor, as it is an optical and not laser sensor, only works on opaque materials. Surfaces like glass should be avoided as the mouse will not be able to track, as this is a limitation of not just the mouse, but optical sensors in general.
As Func has labeled this a gaming mouse, it only makes sense for us to first test it out in a few games. I fired up Crysis 2, and played a few levels to test out the mouse. While first person shooters are not exactly my favorite kind of games, the Func MS-2 made the experience more enjoyable. Tracking and movement is smooth and accurate, and never does it limit my playing abilities. The sniper button is also well within reach, so I can fix the dpi at a certain setting without having to readjust my hand. Next, in League of Legends, the MS-2's extra keys do not get in the way. Simplicity is what most MOBA gamers look for in a mouse, and the Func MS-2 does not obstruct the user with too many keys. Some may find the mouse to be a bit too heavy for this genre of games, but it was fine for myself. Moving to an online role playing game I recently got back into, Dragon Nest, the mouse performs similarly. While majority of the actions are done with the keyboard, it is important to have a decent mouse to aim skills and aid in overall movement. The mouse is quick to respond to my movements, but its tracking is still predictable. Finally, for Civilization V, accurate tracking is not necessarily crucial as it is a turn-based strategy, a well functioning mouse makes this game all the more enjoyable. Thankfully, the MS-2 is more than up to the task. It seems overall, the Func MS-2 does fit the over-encompassing role of being a gaming mouse. Tracking accuracy and smoothness make the mouse fun to play with. The Teflon feet lining the base provide a near frictionless experience too. There is no "oil slick" delay here either. Thus, there is nothing the Func MS-2 particularly shines at, but it is more than capable in every game genre.
As for graphical work, the Func MS-2 continues its smoothness. Even though it is touted as a gaming mouse, the MS-2 should be functional if not exceptional in other work. Using Photoshop, I tried my hand at a few lasso tests with the mouse. Using the lasso tool, I try to select a certain element in an image, and I see how successful I am. Of course once again, I compare it to other mice to keep the test as objective as possible. With the MS-2, I was able to produce a lassoed region as I expected. The extra weight makes it easy to use and stable without picking too much unintended motion. Daily office work and internet browsing is flawless. In conjunction with the 1000Hz polling rate, the mouse picks up movement just fine. Once again, much like the Gigabyte Force M63, I miss the side scrolling capabilities found on other scroll wheels, but it is not a huge deal.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Subjective Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
