Microsoft SideWinder X5 Gaming Mouse Review

Introduction:
In this review we will be focusing on Microsoft's latest gaming peripherals. The X5 gaming mouse lends its design from the previous SideWinder Gaming Mouse.

Microsoft has been making gaming gear for a while now and they have been getting pretty good at it. Microsoft’s first serious gaming mouse was the SideWinder, which came after a collaboration with Razer to produce the Habu.


SideWinder X5 Gaming Mouse

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Boxing is similar that we saw with the previous SideWinder Mouse. Bright red so you won't miss it when looking for a new gaming mouse from the store.

This is a modified version of the classic SideWinder gaming mouse that sported a lovely burgundy coloured detailing. However, they have done away with the colouring in favour of a look that reminds us of stealth bombers.

Gone are the silver side buttons, replaced with some black ones to complete the look of pure malevolence. It's like Darth Vader in mouse form.

The bundle with the Accessories

Microsoft included a fairly simple package with the SideWinder X5. This isn’t surprising, given this mouse’s positioning as a cheaper alternative to the SideWinder. Still they have included their full software package, which allows you to customize the mouse in its entirety, as well as setup macros for your favourite games. It still has the same shortcomings as the software included with the SideWinder, but it has the features that count.

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Bundle is a lot more limited than with the previous model - Driver CD and two thin quick start guides. I believe Microsoft realized the same philosophy that for example SteelSeries have with their products - KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid. There are only so many gamers that want to tweak the weight of the mouse, use cord bungies etc.

SideWinder will also have the great combination with the Razer Tarantula Gaming Keyboard as what we are concerning...

The Design

The SideWinder X5 is not just Microsoft’s followup to the SideWinder, it’s practically the same mouse. This time though a few features were cut and materials changed so the X5 could have a street price of under $40. The shape of the mouse is basically the same as before but the LCD was dropped, There are some things missing though, like the adjustable weights and the LCD screen. Alloy scroll wheel has been replaced with a rubber coated plastic one and the overall coloring is bit darker.What this all adds up to is a mouse that is functionally quite similar but is no longer as customizable or visually appealing.

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Design that works for one player, may be horrible to another. It is great that we have such a variety of design when it comes to computer mice. Gaming products tend to focus on bright lights, flashy colors and high prices but not these higher end models (exclude that high price though...). High quality materials and stylish outlooks are the things that make a good product in my books.

More Features:Handling, Controlling
The three buttons below the scroll wheel are each tagged to a dpi setting. This means that you can switch the mouse’s sensitivity on-the-fly with no software installation necessary. The mouse is preset for 400, 800, and 2000 dpi, but if you do install the software you can customize these. The best part about this is that you can click and know what you are getting, you don’t have to use the same button to scroll through sensitivity levels. The LCD is gone, but that was just a distraction for many gamers.

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In addition to the X5 feeling lighter than the standard SideWinder, the materials have been downgraded a bit. The biggest loss is the metal scroll wheel, but the button front/back buttons were pretty cool as well. None of these were necessary and their plastic/rubber replacements work just as well, but the mouse does not seem as unique as before. Despite the changed materials, build quality seems unaffected.

Performance

The mouse has five programmable buttons and supports macro recording. A quick launch button makes accessing games on a Vista computer easy. The mouse also features a quick turn button that allows you to spin your character in game with the click of a single button. Side buttons are used on the SideWinder X5 Mouse, but they are round stacked buttons rather than the typical long side buttons seen on most gaming mice.

Three buttons under the scroll wheel allow the gamer to choose between three different sensitivity settings. I like the one touch button arrangement for the sensitivity; it makes it very easy to know what setting you are using. Other mice that use one button for all settings are difficult to use at times.

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The quick turn button turns the player character in a circle on screen and is somewhat helpful if you are playing a FPS. At times during heated battles, it can be hard to tell where fire is coming from and with the press of a button you can rotate to find the enemy.

The maximum sensitivity of the SideWinder X5 Mouse is only 2000 DPI. That setting may be enough for many gamers, but those accustomed to using gaming mice form Razer or Logitech with up to 4000 DPI will notice an immediate difference in how much hand movement is required to turn the character.

When we last looked at Microsoft’s revitalization of the Sidewinder peripheral line, we weren’t very impressed. Though the mouse was technologically sound, it was painfully uncomfortable to use. We weren’t alone in that assessment either; sites all over the Internet penned the Microsoft Sidewinder Mouse as a rodent. Well Microsoft has taken another crack at the gaming mouse market, and they’ve scaled things back a little bit with their latest endeavour.

Conclusion:

Considering the reasonable price the mouse will be worth it for some people, but the SideWinder X5 problem is that is offers no improvements over the older model. Ultimately it’s a good mouse at a very good price, but it’s not a clear winner.

which is the best?
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Logitech G9 Gaming Mouse
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Microsoft SideWinder X5 Gaming Mouse

The Gaming mouse on which you wanted to have an opinion such as Logitech G9, and Microsoft SideWinder X5 both have no comparison because they are made for gaming and they are true to satisfy gamer requirement so you just need to go for the handling comfort out of the both, and for that i will suggest you just go for Sidewinder X5, and it provides handling comfort while playing games.Just have a closer look towards Logitech G9
Otherwise choose anyone, and be sure that none of them let you down for the money you pay in front of him.:thumbup1: