Microsoft Sidewinder X6 Review by Peter Brennon

My Overall Rating:

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The Microsoft Sidewinder X6 isn’t the latest gaming keyboard out of Redmond. Despite the backwards numbering scheme, the X4 is newer.

But even at over two years old, this unit is a serious competitor to models by Logitech and Razer. With the Sidewinder X6, the company is clearly aiming at serious gamers.

Their aim is accurate.

The X6 has that cool factor that all gamers – even those who say they’re interested only in function – find irresistible. It’s slick, sleek, and all around sexy looking. For all that, it’s a bit large at 20.2 inches wide by 9.22 inches deep. Not quite as large as the Logitech G510 (21″ x 9.9″), but it does require some real estate. Into that large rectangle Microsoft has placed some of the most desired gaming keyboard features around.

Watch this great review of the Microsoft Sidewinder X6 gaming keyboard

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The X6 offers a feature no other gaming keyboard we know of has: a removable key pad. Apart from that ever-important cool factor (who doesn’t like gear with moveable parts?), it lets you reduce the size with a tug. Raising the cool – and function – factor still higher, it attaches via a magnetic contact to either side of the keyboard. Finally, left-handed gamers (or just individualists) get something just for them.

That keypad holds 30 programmable “S” keys in a well-thought out rectangle. (Hey, they had to call them something other than Logitech’s “G” keys, right?) They feel good, too, with a tactile feedback as good as anything on the market. A matter of taste? Sure. Judge for yourself.

It’s a breeze to record personalized macros on the fly. Press the Macro Record button. Then press the S-key that you want to use for the keystroke series. Then tap any sequence of keystrokes you want. You’ve just created a set of actions tailored to your individual game and style of play.

The “cruise control” feature adds to that uniqueness by allowing you to combine up to any four key presses into a single keystroke. That’s like having WASD anywhere on your keyboard. There’s also a Quick Launch button that initiates Game Explorer in Vista or the Intellitype app in Windows XP.

The software lets you assign specific functions for a range of popular games. Load the game and those individual customizations are loaded automatically at the same time.

With a 1-2-3 profile key on the upper left you have near-instant access to a dizzying array of options. Just to the right there are small 1-2-3 lights that illuminate to show you clearly which mode you’re in. It will very quickly become an indispensable visual indicator to help optimize your game.

The backlighting scheme is also exceptionally well done. Standard keys glow red; the keypad and programmable buttons show up in amber, another great visual aid for optimal gaming. The intensity is adjustable by a large knob at the top, making personalization effortless. Just to its right is an equally handy, equally ginormous Volume control knob.

The guys in Redmond may make a mediocre operating system – ok, maybe that’s another matter of personal taste – but most gamers will agree they make one heckuva gaming keyboard. The Microsoft Sidewinder X6 is proof.

Read what other users of the Microsoft Sidewinder X6 have to say about it:

Brett S.,
“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. 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. 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!… ” Read full review

Paul K.,
“I 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… ” Read full review

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