Microsoft Sidewinder X6 keyboard

Feature

Along with the release of their newest gaming mouse, the Sidewinder X5, Microsoft have also made available a new, high-end gaming keyboard, the Sidewinder X6. Jam-packed with features, the X6 is clearly aimed at the likes of Logitech G15 and co. But is the X6, Microsoft�s first fully independently designed gaming keyboard, really as good as the market leaders from Razer, Logitech or Saitek?

December 31st, 2008 by Patrick Steinmann

Media Control & Gaming Keys
The fourth key is for switching macro modes. Three different modes are available, indicated by three small red LEDs next to the key. For each mode, it is possible to completely reconfigure the keyboard and macro keys, and then instantly switch between modes. Along with the dedicated macro keys, which have two different modes as well (switchable via a small button located beneath the row of keys), users have a grand total of no less than 90 customizable macro keys at their disposal! Needless to say, this makes other keyboards� numbers of macro keys look positively paltry.

A very smart addition is that depending on the macro mode, the macro keys will light up in different colors � red for the first, �normal� mode, and orange for modes 2 & 3, the �gaming� modes. It should be noted that the dedicated macro keys on the left of the keyboard always shine orange.

Comfortability of Use

One of Microsoft�s big goals when designing the X6 was to create a keyboard that is not only great for gaming, but also in everyday use � a task at which some gaming keyboards fail miserably. However, the X6 clearly doesn�t. They keyboard is very comfortable to use, and is a joy to type on thanks to the snappy, clean travel of the keys. The well-defined pressure points and clear labeling of the keys help as well, not to mention the beautiful backlighting. The build quality is also very good � there is next to no flex in the palm rest, and the keyboard itself, and large rubber feet keep the X6 from sliding around. Our only complaints are that the typing angle of the keyboard cannot be adjusted (by means of extensible feet or similar), as well as the somewhat awkward placement and size of some keys, especially the Function keys and the topmost keys for media control etc.

The attention to detail on the X6 is notable � for example, the WASD keys, the mainstays of game controls, are especially illuminated from the front as well, and the W key features two small nubs on it, much like the small bars usually found on F and J to make finding them by touch easier � clearly, this was also the idea behind the nubs on the W key. Other things, such as the inset Vista orb on the OS key, are nice as well.

A final great feature of the X6 keyboard is that the Numpad, located on the right side on normal keyboards, can actually be removed and re-attached to the left side of the keyboard at will thanks to a couple of magnets and a generously-sized connector � not only making space for a mouse pad and mouse, but also freeing up the user�s right hand, enabling gamers to use both a mouse and the Numpad at the same time. To our knowledge, this feature is a first in the world of gaming keyboards, and we really must ask ourselves why no one has thought of this before � it�s simply brilliant.

Conclusion
Overall, the Microsoft Sidewinder X6 gaming keyboard did admirable well at both gaming and office use, which was no surprise at all considering the list of features. While the styling, especially the red LEDs, may not appeal to everyone, the X6 is definitely a worthy contender for the crown of best gaming keyboard.

We�ve rated the Sidewinder X6 gaming keyboard the same way we rated keyboards in other reviews, letting you easily compare scores.

Layout & Design: 8.5
Media & Gaming Keys: 9
Comfortability: 8
Total: 8.5