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Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard and X5 Mouse

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News Posted: Tue, Aug 19 2008 8:47 PM

Early this morning, Microsoft will reveal two new additions to the SideWinder gaming line – the SideWinder X6 Keyboard and SideWinder X5 Mouse. The SideWinder X6 Keyboard is the first gaming keyboard created by Microsoft from the ground up, and the only gaming keyboard on the market with a switchable key pad for powerful versatility. The X6 Keyboard’s key pad does double duty, with connectors on either side of the keyboard that allow gamers to attach it on the right or left side. Mode switching lets gamers manually toggle the keyboard from standard mode to either of two gaming modes, where the Windows Key is deactivated and the key pad becomes a fully-programmable Macro pad. The X6 Keyboard also includes two-color adjustable backlighting, controlled by a dial right on the keyboard to offer fine tuning of the gaming experience and it will be available for an estimated retail price of $79.95.

The SideWinder X5 Mouse is the perfect choice for mainstream gamers looking for a competitive edge. This fast, durable, nine-button gaming mouse is designed for gamers with vertical side buttons, five customizable buttons, and a Quick-Launch button that offers one-touch access to the Windows Vista Games Explorer. The 2,000 DPI laser tracking engine allows gamers to choose from six DPI settings and instantly switch between high, medium and low sensitivity with one click – in-game, any time. The comfortable shape designed for gaming offers superb handling and control, while the wide rubber scroll wheel offers better response with detent clicking action. All these top features will be available for an estimated retail price of $59.95.



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warlord replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 12:24 AM
Decent offerings. I like the look of the mouse
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3vi1 replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 12:05 PM
Those look pretty sweet - I just wish the keyboard were ergonomic like their natural line.

I use an ergonomic MS keyboard on my otherwise all-Linux systems, which says a lot for the quality/design of their peripherals compared to the competition.

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bob_on_the_cob replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 12:52 PM

3vi1:
Those look pretty sweet - I just wish the keyboard were ergonomic like their natural line.

I use an ergonomic MS keyboard on my otherwise all-Linux systems, which says a lot for the quality/design of their peripherals compared to the competition.

-J

I could never use those ergonomic keyboards.

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recoveringknowitall replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 12:56 PM

The sidewinder is kinda old news... I heard about it like a year ago and even posted about it. It loox cool, but I'm so used to my G5's shape that I couldn't see myself switching.

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Marco C replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 1:37 PM
Both of these products were just unveiled this morning. You're thinking about last year's Sidewinder Gaming Mouse. This new one is less expensive.

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3vi1 replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 3:47 PM
>> I could never use those ergonomic keyboards. <<

You just have to make yourself type on it for an hour or two.

After that, you don't even notice the difference when switching back and forth - except that the ergonomic board is much more comfortable for those 14-hour programming sessions (or 17 hours of camping for jboots ).

People read the stupidest things.  Like this sig, for instance.

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bob_on_the_cob replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 4:40 PM

3vi1:

those 14-hour programming sessions

That sound awful!

I admit I have never used one for a long period of time. Might try 1 out sometime.

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higgamo replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 5:32 PM
love the sidewinder mouse might have to try the keyboard
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nelsoncp21 replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 5:50 PM

 can't say I am a fan of the look but it sounds like a pretty decent choice for the money.

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warlord replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 6:14 PM
One things for sure microsofts mice are as dependable as the day is long. With that said i do still love my logitech mouse

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bob_on_the_cob replied on Wed, Aug 20 2008 10:10 PM

warlord:
One things for sure microsofts mice are as dependable as the day is long. With that said i do still love my logitech mouse

I have had mine for a long time. Its a wireless lazer mouse 5000. The batterys last about a month or so. I just leave some extra ones in the charger. Your right warlord. I've been waiting for it to die since the day the MX Revolution came out.

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ryan92084 replied on Thu, Aug 21 2008 10:23 AM
i wonder how the backlight will fair against my saitek eclipse... might be time for an upgrade soon

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