Buy it here Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard for $40.00
Product Description
Powerful. Programmable. Gaming Keyboard. Ready for the next dimension in gaming performance, custom tuning, and action. Then grab on to the Microsoft SideWinderTM X6 Keyboard the powerful companion to the Microsoft line of award-winning SideWinder gaming mice. This breakthrough keyboard incorporates a host of powerful features, including a detachable key pad, in-game macro recording, a full media key set, automatic and manual mode/profi le switching, two-color dimma. . . More >>
- Switchable key pad – Flexible design, choose right side or left side confi guration. Switch between standard key pad and macro pad in gaming mode.
- Two-color adjustable backlighting – Keyboard keys are red, and key pad and Macro keys are amber in Game mode. Lighting dial adjusts the brightness of the keyboard and key pad.
- Cruise Control – Use Cruise Control to continue an action without having to hold down the key or keys assigned to the action. You can use Cruise Control with up to four keys at a time.
- Mode switching – Manually toggle the keyboard from standard mode to either of two gaming modes. LEDs show the selected mode.
- In-game Macro Record button – Record any sequence of keystrokeseven standard chat messages. Macros are stored on your hard drive and can be easily shared.
This product can be bought at Amazon for $40.00 -> here is the link: Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard
I got this keyboard to replace my G15. I have had both G15s so this is my third gaming keyboard. In general the keyboard is very nice, but I suggest consider what game you want it for. I purchased the keyboard for Warhammer Online, to help me with the extreme number of keys that need to bound for your abilities.
The first thing to be aware of, is the macros are driven by software driver. There is also a deficiency in the drivers that do not allow the macros to execute in games that require administrator mode in Vista. I know, I know this probably isn’t a deficiency in the driver but in the game software. All I care is it doesn’t work in Warhammer unless I disable User Access Control (UAC). Also this is a result of the decision to support macros via driver.
Also the num-pad switching position is nice, but I haven’t found a use for it. If your hands must always be on the a,w,s,d for moving, then the number pad is too far out of reach to reach easily. I have yet to come up with a creative, and trainable solution but am going to keep trying. There has to be gold in there somewhere. (The num pad can be made to be all macro so I will probably start down that route. )
OK Those are my negatives, the positives:
The keys press firmly and nicely. The volume knob is very nice. And the dual lighting on the keyboard is very nice. I have a hard time finding these keys but I figure that is just a training issue, but the alignment feels different (I hit ~ a lot when going for the 1 key).
It goes very nice with my MS Gaming Mouse, although I have not found any particular synergies. The Macro keys on the left are nice but I still find them hard to get to with a pinky if I’m required to work my movement keys.
So all in all, a very good keyboard with a few issues with my play style and/or hand size (I have long fingers). I would give it 5/5 if weren’t for the driver issue that interferes with my play patterns.
Timothy Ehlen
April 8th, 2010
I have the Logitech gaming keyboard, and have owned a number of keyboards, and this is by far the best. The simple reason is that it is a gaming keyboard that allows the number keypad to be placed on the left side of the keyboard.
I am right handed, so this may seem a strange reason to recommend this keyboard, but ergonomically moving out the keypad puts the main part of the keyboard and the mouse closer together. You don’t reach far to move the mouse. For regular and gaming use this is a big win.
As a gaming keyboard it is fine, and the keys feel adequate (not stellar). If Logitech made a keyboard with this break-off keypad design it would beat the Microsoft keyboard in most respects. But again, an adequate gaming keyboard with one really great feature.
I also like the big round knob used for controlling volume versus the usual + and – buttons.
Minor quibbles include the placement of the “Esc” key, I keep hitting F1 by mistake and that it has a non-detachable hand rest.
But the detachable keypad for ergonomic reasons makes this keyboard a “must have”, and deserving of 5 stars despite minor problems.
Paul of California
April 8th, 2010
I received this keyboard today and have had nothing but good experiences with it so far!!
The back light is bright but not offensive; the numberpad/macropad easily switches between sides and removes completely when not needed; macros are easy to program, though the macro programing ui could be a bit better (software complaint – the hardware is great!); and it feels really well made. The different modes makes it easy to turn off buttons that annoy me during game play (windows key, app key) without remapping them or using custom keybinding software (I realize that this came with just such software, but the button on the keyboard itself is much easier!).
All in all I love this thing and can’t wait to play more games with it!! If you’re in the market for an illuminated gaming keyboard that provides plenty of options, this is the one!
Brett Schandelson
April 8th, 2010
The Sidewinder X6 is solidly built. The variable keyboard illumination is sharp, and the use of an analog dial for volume control dial was a sound and welcome usability decision.
Unfortunately, as a keyboard billed primarily for its “gaming performance,” it suffers significantly from ghosting issue that makes it unsuitable for a certain style of gaming: The keyboard is unable to process many 3-keypress combinations, such as CTRL + W + R. If you’re a touch-typist comfortable with and reliant on key chording, this keyboard will disappoint you.
The problem appears to be with the hardware, because it occurs whether or not you use the keyboard software support specifically intended for it.
I found the keyboard so good in all other respects, that I found this crucial design flaw severely disappointing.
Noel Ang
April 8th, 2010
I’m going to say right out that I’m not a heavy gamer. I do play occasional games, but plenty of other reviewers have covered the pros and cons of this keyboard for game use; what I haven’t seen are a lot of reviews for general use.
When I recently built a new computer, I decided to treat myself to a back-lit keyboard. I write quite a bit at night, don’t like keeping my office lights on, and, while I can touch type, I do need to be able to see function keys, the number pad, music controls etc,. The sidewinder is on the (rather short) list of keyboards that have this feature.
But while I bought it for the backlighting, I’m keeping it because as a keyboard on ANY terms, it’s great. Key action has just the right resistance and clickiness; it feels great and is never annoying. Travel is less than any other keyboard I have, though more than a laptop, and the keys don’t stick up annoyingly far; they are flatter than other desktop keyboards I’ve worked with. The action is also firm and not spongy at all: stroke feels positive and reminds you that you are using a well-built keyboard. So for me, it’s an “A” in ergonomics.
As for the unique features, the back-lighting is great, and fully adjustable from off to bright-but-not-obnoxious. Some folks have complained that you can’t change the color, but I personally like red, and find color changing keyboards a bit gimmicky (and just one more thing that can go wrong). The vertical row of six keys on the left are fully programmable using the Microsoft software (download only, strangely – if you don’t have a fast connection you’ll be waiting a while as it isn’t included on a CD). Each can hold two macros (you switch from one set to another with a small switch at their base) and they are lit in yellow-orange to make them easy to delineate quickly. There are also three different keyboard profiles that you can set up and select based on use. I find ALL of these features useful, even when not gaming, particularly the programmable macro keys.
So overall, if you’re looking for a nice looking keyboard with great action (really – I like the action on this keyboard more than ANY other keyboard I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a few), think back-lighting would be useful, and, like I, find the occasional delays and connection problems associated with wireless desktop sets an irritant, I’d urge you to give the Sidewinder a shot. For me, the gaming capabilities are just a great bonus to a wonderful keyboard.
Highly Recommended.
Bradford Schmidt
April 8th, 2010