At first glance the MS-3 appears superficially similar to a number of mice already on the market, each of which feature a shape heavily influenced by ergonomics. However upon closer examination it's clear that the implementation is much more exaggerated in that regard, including more significant support for the ring and little finger in conjunction with a more contoured thumb rest than is normal. The mouse shell is coated with a matte black rubberised textured finish which should stick to the hand quite well in operation.
The top of the mouse reveals a layout which is a departure from other gaming mice. The normal portions are the wheel, two main buttons and auxuilary buttons below the wheel. Normally these buttons are dedicated to DPI/Profile adjustment, but as we will see in the software analysis they are fully bindable to macros and windows hotkeys.
The major oddity is the button on the top-right of the right-mouse-button. The standard implementation is as a profile switch: press once, then again in succession to advance to the next profile; as with all the MS-3 buttons however this is customisable. The active profile can be identified by the colour scheme you've chosen (see: Lighting Customisation), whilst active DPI setting is identified by a three LEDs on the shoulder of the mouse near the thumb buttons.
The left side of the MS-3 highlights further adaptations Func have made to the MS-3 to place it ahead of the competition. The standard thumb buttons located on the shoulder are quite distinct, though strictly speaking a slight looseness in the vertical plane means they can't quite be called excellent. On the other hand actuation is immediate, which we find to be very important for gameplay where reaction time is key. By choosing Omron switches Func should see a mouse which retains button press consistency in the long-term.
Adding to two thumb buttons on the shoulder of the mouse are buttons on the edge of the thumb rest andthe vertical. The latter is stylised by Func as an InstantAim(TM) button, designed to enable a low DPI mode for sniping in FPS games but can also be bound to any macro or keystroke through software. Actuation of the Instant Aim button is almost immediate, though a switch which continues to give thereafter won't be to everyone's taste. By the same token, the button on the thumb rest is more general use, again able to be bound to a variety of macros or keystrokes and should be particularly useful for MMO gamers. This button is quite stiff and much more suited to less common actions as the amount of force needed to push it can destabilise the mouse if also moving at the same time.
There's not much of great significance on the underside of the MS-3: four large teflon pads should do a fair job of keeping the mouse sliding, although this does represent a little more surface area presented to the mousing surface than is typical on a gaming mouse. The sensor is located a little higher on the base than is usual, with plenty of area devoted to the QA label (where you can also find the serial number).
Connector & Cable
The MS-3 utilises a standard gold plated USB 2.0 connector and braided cable which together should retain connection durability in the long-term. Func have engineered the USB connection to be capable of up-to 1000Hz polling for those eager to shave off every last millisecond from their reaction times, with the default being 500Hz.
Func's MS-3 draws you in as little design tweaks are revealed to provide a more powerful overall experience, especially with regards to the additional thumb buttons. It also feels quite large in the hand - deceptively so - which may render it a little unwieldy for high level FPS gamers. On the other hand, gamers with large hands should appreciate it's size, if not the finger grooves on the right which are a little tight. You're probably looking at Claw grip styles being optimal for the MS-3, with palm grips being strictly okay. Fingertip style grips, with the palm wresting on the mousing surface, are less suitable due to how far forward the InstantAim button is.
