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- Posted Aug 20, 2008 12:45 am PT
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Microsoft revealed a couple of new SideWinder hardware products for the PC today at the Leipzig Games Convention. We were able to get some hands-on time with the new hardware in advance during a special press briefing.
SideWinder X5 Mouse
Gamers looking for a no-frills gaming mouse will want to check out the SideWinder X5. The X5 features the same optical internals and excellent side buttons as the original SideWinder Mouse introduced last year, but Microsoft has trimmed down on the feature set to make the X5 more affordable.
Gone are the LCD display, macro record button, removable weight system, and replaceable mouse feet. The new mouse also has a blacked-out look for gamers who fear color. The SideWinder X5 Mouse will available this September for $59.
SideWinder X6 Keyboard
The gaming mouse always functions as the little harbinger for the keyboard. As soon as Microsoft announced the original SideWinder Mouse, you knew that a keyboard was on its way.
The biggest feature on the SideWinder X6 is its moveable keypad. It functions as a mild-mannered numpad when sitting on the right-hand side of the keyboard, but if you move it over to the left-hand side of the board, the buttons will transform into a big macro pad for gaming. Moving the pad back and forth also has the potential to provide hours of amusement because it snaps into place with the magical power of magnets.
Other hardware upgrades include large knobs for backlight and volume controls and a quick-launch button for the Windows Games Explorer. The board also has a new "cruise control" feature that lets you program buttons for the keyboard to hold down for you (we didn't have the heart to tell them what numlock does in World of Warcraft).
The X6 can support up to three profile modes, with 30 customizable keys for each mode. You can also create custom profiles for games. For example, when you launch Team Fortress 2, the keyboard will automatically detect the game application and switch profiles accordingly. Users can save up to three profiles per game for multiple people or for specialized class play. The SideWinder X6 Keyboard will also be available this September for $79.
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