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View Full Version : Microsoft Announces the SideWinder X6

Mondopest
08-20-2008, 11:56 AM
Apparently, Microsoft needs a new gimmick (http://www.gamingshogun.com/Article/2128/Microsoft_Announces_SideWinder_X6_Gaming_Keyboard. html) in their gaming keyboard line. I just don't get why you would even want to swap keypad to the left side of the device anyway. Plus, its $80 bucks!

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.
Cupelix
08-20-2008, 12:00 PM
I would switch the keypad to the left side simply for ergonomic purposes. On my Microsoft Natural keyboard there is an immense span between the main keyboard area and where my mouse ends up, which makes me have to either reach for my mouse, or reach left slightly to get to the keyboard. Neither is very good for you.

Alas, this is not even an ergonomic keyboard, so it loses out anyway.
NuK
08-20-2008, 12:15 PM
Actually, looks interesting to me. I pretty much never use the numpad, so i'd probably just leave that in hte box. I currently have a 1st gen G15 keyboard (i love it) but it's freaking HUGE, and takes up way more desk space than I need. I do like the LCD (especially w/ ventrilo, what a nice addon) but the small footprint of this keyboard, w/ backlighting, and the fact that it's NOT ergonomic is pretty attractive to me (and most gamers i think...all of my friends still use non-ergo keyboards)

Looks good, i may try to see if i can get one cheaper tho...that price is a little much for a keyboard that DOESN'T have the sweet LCD :)
KingFire
08-20-2008, 12:16 PM
Too expensive.
NuK
08-20-2008, 12:18 PM
Too expensive.

My 1st gen G15 was $99.99 :( This isn't unprecedented. But yah, i agree.
dr_wily
08-20-2008, 12:41 PM
i cant go back to a non-split keyboard.. they need a fancy ergo gaming keyboard
ÜberJumper
08-20-2008, 12:45 PM
If it doesn't have an LCD screen like the original G15, I don't want it.
MelbaToast
08-20-2008, 01:08 PM
I've got the G15 but the LCD screen won't work with Vista64. Boo.
murpes
08-20-2008, 01:09 PM
My 1st gen G15 was $99.99 :( This isn't unprecedented. But yah, i agree.

I have a MS Sidewinder racing wheel which I paid well over $100 for. MS never updated the software to work properly under XP, so I can't get a split Y axis, making it a freaking useless racing wheel. It'll be a cold day in hell before I buy a piece of expensive hardware like this from them again.
murpes
08-20-2008, 01:13 PM
and another thing ... if you're designing a gaming keyboard "from the ground up" then why put the Windows key between the CTL and ALT keys? Does it have to go there? Why not put it someplace else, like above the escape key or over above the keypad. A lot of gamers complain about this key, many people disable it, yet they always leave it there. Is there some standard or some legitimate reason that is has to be in such an inconvenient (at least for gaming) location?
Goronmon
08-20-2008, 01:18 PM
Why the heck did the make the spacebar so wide as to force the right Alt key way over to the right? Were they trying to make sure you could never actually reach it with your thumb?
Froggy
08-20-2008, 02:30 PM
My gaming keyboard is a wiimote.
digitalErich
08-20-2008, 02:31 PM
I've got the G15 but the LCD screen won't work with Vista64. Boo.
Really? I'm in the same boat and everything runs just fine. The only issue I've had is with the media display service crashing when I delete a podcast I'm listening to while it's playing, but who knows if that's specific to Vista64 or not.
Froggy
08-20-2008, 02:32 PM
and another thing ... if you're designing a gaming keyboard "from the ground up" then why put the Windows key between the CTL and ALT keys? Does it have to go there? Why not put it someplace else, like above the escape key or over above the keypad. A lot of gamers complain about this key, many people disable it, yet they always leave it there. Is there some standard or some legitimate reason that is has to be in such an inconvenient (at least for gaming) location?

Solid. ctrl, alt, and delete should be right next to each other, considering Vista's reliability.
Klade
08-20-2008, 03:06 PM
Better picture at Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/20/microsoft-intros-sidewinder-x6-keyboard-and-x5-mouse/)

I've used the old sidewinder mouse in stores and it has to be the most uncomfortable mouse on the face of the planet. Plus it looks really stupid. I don't think I could take anyone seriously that thought it was a good product.

As for the keyboard... Well even if everything on it is perfect that giant plastic wrist rest better be removable or there's the device killer.
arne
08-20-2008, 03:11 PM
i cant go back to a non-split keyboard.. they need a fancy ergo gaming keyboard


ergonomic keyboards aren't efficient for gaming... i mean, if you're going to be really hardcore about it. is there even an ergo gaming keyboard? i never found one.
ÜberJumper
08-20-2008, 03:12 PM
I've got the G15 but the LCD screen won't work with Vista64. Boo.

You're doing it wrong.

(I've got Vista 64, and use a G15)
ÜberJumper
08-20-2008, 03:14 PM
Solid. ctrl, alt, and delete should be right next to each other, considering Vista's reliability.

Vista (on my last PC) was awesomely stable, better than XP even. But my new Dual (*sigh* it's Tri SLI capable) SLI rig's been finicky, but I think it's a hardware issue.
Pluvious
08-20-2008, 03:31 PM
Nothing beats my Saitek Eclipse II.. forget it MS.
AversionFX
08-20-2008, 03:43 PM
Nothing beats my Saitek Eclipse II.. forget it MS.

My sentiments exactly, although I'm using an original Eclipse. Such damn good keyboards.
MaiXu
08-20-2008, 06:21 PM
Hurray! Another missed opportunity to implement some kind of analog stick/movement on a keyboard! Way to fail, MS. Way to fail.
TrackZero
08-20-2008, 07:42 PM
*scratches head* Well, wouldn't it be useful if you're left handed?
Demo_Boy
08-21-2008, 06:21 AM
I would like a keyboard that allows me to output a toggle to a specific key
So I press the A key, and it out puts 2, then I press it again it outputs 3. Again, back to 2. and so on.
dr_wily
08-21-2008, 06:38 AM
ergonomic keyboards aren't efficient for gaming... i mean, if you're going to be really hardcore about it. is there even an ergo gaming keyboard? i never found one.

heh yeah.. but in my ripe old age my wrists cant handle a 12 hour lan party any more on a straight keyboard.

Im sure SOMEONE else out there feels this way. I figure comfort over long stretches should be a factor in designing these things.
MelbaToast
08-21-2008, 08:10 AM
You're doing it wrong.

(I've got Vista 64, and use a G15)

First gen or second gen G15?

I called Logitech support after I spent a while trying to get it running and he told me it's a known issue that the LCD won't work with Vista 64 and they're working on new drivers to make it work.
Lobster Mobster
08-22-2008, 06:19 PM
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.

Wow, switchable keypad, huh? Why didn't anyone think of that before?

/typed on a Z-board
digitalErich
08-22-2008, 08:47 PM
First gen or second gen G15?

I called Logitech support after I spent a while trying to get it running and he told me it's a known issue that the LCD won't work with Vista 64 and they're working on new drivers to make it work.
If by first gen you mean with the flip-up LCD and 18 macro keys, then yes, I have this and it's working for me under 64bit vista. If you mean there are two versions of the first model, then I don't know, but I only got it this past summer so I'm guessing I would have a later model.
MelbaToast
08-22-2008, 08:56 PM
If by first gen you mean with the flip-up LCD and 18 macro keys, then yes, I have this and it's working for me under 64bit vista. If you mean there are two versions of the first model, then I don't know, but I only got it this past summer so I'm guessing I would have a later model.

They're are two types of G15 keyboard, one with a flip up LCD that's larger, which is the first gen G15, and the one I have which is smaller with less macro keys and an LCD that's always displayed.

This is what mine looks like:


http://icewalker.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/dsc00149_1.jpg
digitalErich
08-22-2008, 09:51 PM
Ah, I have the one with the flip. It's odd that mine works as it's the older model, hm.
Talon-
08-22-2008, 10:00 PM
I could never see myself shelling out more than $20 for a keyboard. More power to you if you purchase this or a G15 or whatnot, but I personally don't see the draw at all. Hell, I got my Razer DeathAdder on sale for $25.
reallyjoel
08-23-2008, 03:25 AM
I actually had a discussion just some week ago about this; when you play a game with WASD + mouse, and then in the middle of everything you want to type something in the chat, you end up leaning over to the left.. this really hurts my back after a while. If the numpad was on the left, the main part of the keyboard would be more in the middle, and instead of using WASD, you could use the numpad for movement instead. I'm seriuosly considering something like this, and I'm prepared to pay for it too. This one seem OK, I'm positively surpriced with the fact that this MS keyboard doesn't have that ghastly 2*3 Home-End area, instead of the standard 3*2.