Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard

Other products by Microsoft

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 9.6 x 3.1 inches ; 1.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001DWI4FM
• Item model number: AGB-00001
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #6 in	Video Games > PC Games > Hardware > Gaming Keyboards
  #8 in	Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Game Hardware > Gaming Keyboards
  #18 in	Video Games > PC Games > Hardware > Controllers

• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 20, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Overview:

Ready for the next dimension in gaming performance, custom tuning, and action? Then grab on to the Microsoft SideWinder 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, ingame macro recording, a full media key set, automatic and manual mode/profile switching, two-color dimmable backlighting, and much more. Plus, at the touch of a button, it doubles as your high-performance keyboard for everyday computing.

Features:

Switchable Key Pad Flexible design, choose right side or left side configuration. Switch between standard key pad and macro pad in gaming mode.		Mode Switching Manually toggle the keyboard from standard mode to either of two gaming modes.		Macro Keys Assign up to 90 macros.
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.		WASD Gaming Keys Have front-face lighting for enhanced visibility.		Two-Color Adjustable Backlighting Lighting dial adjusts the brightness of the keyboard and key pad.

Additional Features: Automatic Profile Switching: The keyboard detects the application you are running and applies your custom profile to the application. Media Keys: Play/Pause, Previous Track, Next Track, and Mute. Volume Control Dial In-Game Macro Record Button: Record any sequence of keystrokes–even standard chat messages. Macros are stored on your hard drive and can be easily shared. Quick Launch Key: Instant access to Microsoft Games Explorer (with Windows Vista) or IntelliType Pro keyboard properties (with Windows XP).

System Requirements: Windows Vista/Windows XP 100 MB Powered USB port CD drive

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 dimmable backlighting, and much more. Plus, at the touch of a button, it doubles as your 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good keyboard but could be better easily, October 24, 2008

By	Timothy Ehlen "Gamer" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a winnner!, September 29, 2008

By	Brett Schandelson (Missoula, MT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something No Other Good Keyboard Has, November 4, 2008

By	Paul of California "paulk" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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.