Func Pad (Mousepad/surface 1030 XL review)

For a generation of gamers the Func brand had a reputation for creating some high end gaming items. They were the first, for example, to produce a mouse pad with two different gaming surfaces, one on each side, which could be flipped depending on the gamers needs. In more recent times the Func brand went into a hibernation like state, but now they are returning with a brand new range of products aimed at gamers who want maximum quality, performance and FUNCtionality. We have their first new product on our test bench and it is a new revision of the Surface 1030, the XL.

Packaging and Bundle



Func package their surface in a large white box which is reasonably plain but offers some key information on the back. Inside we find the surface under a layer of foam and held in a soft surround. We lift it out by pulling the orange ribbon and bundled with the surface we find a short multi-language user guide.

The Pad



The Surface 1030 XL is one of two new gaming pads from Func. The other being the L version and not quite the same size. The XL is 13x10 inches and 4mm thick weighing 422g. The main pad sits within a plastic surround and flipping the whole product over we find that a large number of rubber feet are on the base to provide stability with two holes available to push out the surface.

In the shipping configuration we have a more textured (F30.r) surface designed to maximise precision with the opposite side of the 1030 XL being smoother (F10.s) for speed. Each is polycarbonate and wipe clean.

User Experience
It is fair to say that Func have gone above and beyond in terms of the packaging for the Surface 1030 XL, it is a higher quality than we would expect and creates a great first impression. The pad itself continues this high quality approach and we get a solid base with plenty of rubber to hold the product in place. Changing from one side to the other is very easy, just push out from below, then flip.

With some dual sided pads the surface textures are not that different however on the Surface 1030 XL we have two very distinct feels and our mouse (in this case a Rocat Kone[+]) travelled differently on each, as expected. Tracking was spot on and the surface of the 1030 XL was flawless with a durable feel to either side and the edges. We would fully expect the Surface to last several years of heavy use and it is of course wipe clean and covered by a 2-year warranty.