Product: Func Industries sUrface1030 Archetype
MSRP: $24.99
Supplier: Func Industries
Author: Bill (tomalakborg)
The original sUrface1030 put Func Industries on the map, providing a quality surface superior to the competition. With the addition of the sUrface1030 Archetype to its arsenal, Func hopes to provide an even better surface for all to experience. At 30 dollars it provides two surfaces, loads of extras, and 20% more surface area than its predecessor, but how will it hold up?

 

Features/Specifications-

• 11.5″x9.5″
• Dual Surfaces
• Mouse clip
• Carrying case

 

Contents-

• Carrying case
• sUrface1030 Archetype
• Cord clip
• Case badge

 

Packaging-

 

The Archetype is well protected, first by its steel case, and then by the plastic packaging we are familiar with. It shows off the product well, and provides adequate protection.

 

Extras-

Before we get to the surface itself, we should look at all the extras Func Industries sent along for the ride. First, the case is rather unique. While this steel shell is very protective, it lacks functionality. Inside you will find soft molded compartments for the different parts, but room for little else. It looks great, but I can’t see myself at a LAN with it.

    

The case badge is a nice addition to those that want it on their case. While I won’t be adorning my computer with it, the addition of a case badge is a welcome sight. This brings us to the cord clip. If you are using a very lightweight mouse, the cord can have such a pull on it that your performance may suffer. To stop this, you can coil a loop of your cord at the top of the mouse pad, held by this clip. It attaches easily to the top of the mouse pad, and provides the promised functionality sans fuss.

 

Pad-

Once I pried the Archetype from its protective case, I noticed that it was really two pads in one. The Archetype is made of a base station, and a double sided insert. The base is held to the desk by four large grip pads, and is emblazoned with the Func logo at the top. The insert sits well in the base, and is made of two separate textures. One is much finer, and provides a smoother experience. The other is slightly more defined in texture, and slows things down some.

 

   

 

 

Performance-

Getting down to business, I tested this with the standard array of mice-

• Razer Copperhead (High-End Laser)
• Logitech MX1000 (High-End Laser)
• Logitech MX700 (Quality Optical)
• Microsoft Intellimouse (Standard Optical)
• Generic ball mouse (Low-End Ball Mouse)

After being warned that some of the Archetype owners reported problems with their laser mice tracking on the surfaces, I was eager to give it a go. Positioning the pad revealed the power of the grip pads underneath. These held fast against any amount of pressure I exerted. The cord clip did what it should, holding a loop of cord at the top of the base.

Turning my attention to the surface, I tested out the rougher of the two. This felt very similar to the S&S Steelpad, and the Ratpad. In short, there were no problems with any of the mice tested, and all tracked exceedingly well. While this is a quality surface deserving of an award, there is still more. Flipping the insert over to the finer surface I found an ice rink for computer mice. This side provides all the excellence of its partner, and a thousand times the speed. With a light weight mouse such as the Copperhead, I was able to blow on the mouse and have it move across the pad. The size of the pad is a little small. I had to reposition myself a few times, but not enough to be a problem. If you know you need acres of room, look elsewhere.

 

Conclusion-

This is a quality pad, and a great value. The reversible surface is a great idea, and the base is solid. The inclusion of the case, case badge and cord clip are another reason why you get it all for 30 bucks. If the surface was a little bit larger it would be perfect, but this is more personal preference than complaint. Many thanks to Func Industries for this one!

Maximum CPU gives the Func Industries sUrface1030 Archetype 4/5

 

 

Pros-

+ Performance
+ Value
+ Two different surfaces

Cons-

- Small size