Microsoft Sidewinder X6 (keyboard)

CNET Editors' Rating

3.5 stars
    Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)

Very good

Average User Rating

9 reviews

Starting at: $89.99

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Microsoft Sidewinder X6 - keyboard - SD Microsoft Sidewinder X6 - keyboard - PD Microsoft Sidewinder X6 - keyboard - BT
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  • Microsoft Sidewinder X6 - keyboard - SD
  • Microsoft Sidewinder X6 - keyboard - PD
  • Microsoft Sidewinder X6 - keyboard - BT

CNET Editors' Review

CNET Editors' Rating

3.5 stars Very good
    Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
  • Design: 7.0
  • Features: 7.0
  • Performance: 7.0
  • Reviewed by:
  • Released on:
  • Reviewed on:
Edited by: Rich Brown

The good: Thirty programmable keys; profile switching; nice selection of vanity keys; automatically loads custom game configurations.

The bad: Not very comfortable for everyday typing; no adjustable height and angle; wrist pad isn't soft and can't detach from keyboard.

The bottom line: With its 30 programmable buttons, the Sidewinder X6 is solid choice for PC gamers who demand total customization. Its removable keypad is also sure to draw in the gamer who wants control over ergonomic preferences.

Review:

With the Sidewinder X6 gaming keyboard, Microsoft aims at the serious PC gamer who demands programmable keys and customized functionality for various situations in gaming. The keyboard's unique removable keypad is definitely a luxury that some may find useful in terms of ergonomics. That said, the X6, available for around $60 online, is sure to please even the most hard-core of gamers.

The X6 is a slick black keyboard that measures 20.2 inches wide and 9.22 inches deep. It does take up quite a bit of room, so be prepared to clear some space in order for ... Expand full review

With the Sidewinder X6 gaming keyboard, Microsoft aims at the serious PC gamer who demands programmable keys and customized functionality for various situations in gaming. The keyboard's unique removable keypad is definitely a luxury that some may find useful in terms of ergonomics. That said, the X6, available for around $60 online, is sure to please even the most hard-core of gamers.

The X6 is a slick black keyboard that measures 20.2 inches wide and 9.22 inches deep. It does take up quite a bit of room, so be prepared to clear some space in order for it to rest comfortably. Its thick rubber feet are sure to keep it from slipping during gaming sessions.

One of the main features of the X6 boasts is a unique, removable number pad. Depending on your preference, you can connect the keypad to either side of the keyboard via a magnetic contact. Say you're a southpaw who's more comfortable with the keypad to the left; the X6 can adjust to suit you.

The keyboard also has an adjustable backlight display that illuminates every single key. Standard keys glow red while the keypad and programmable buttons have an amber hue to them. The intensity is adjustable via a large knob at the top of the keyboard, something like you'd find on a car dashboard.

The X6 has a number of hot-key features that enhance the overall gaming experience. Once you install the bundled software, you can customize the 30 "S" keys found on the detachable keypad along with a row parallel to the left-most side of the standard keyboard. You can also store these keys in one of three save states, which gives you a way to switch between a work mode and play mode, for example. A convenient button on the top row allows you to switch through these profiles at any time. Through the included software, you can also assign specific configurations to particular games. These custom layouts will automatically load along with the game they're bound to.

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Average User Rating

3.0 stars out of 9 user reviews

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star: 3
  • 4 star: 3
  • 3 star: 0
  • 2 star: 1
  • 1 star: 2

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Showing 3 of 9 reviews

5.0 stars

"Great piece of keyboard" By sarutobistop

Pros: lots of programmable keys
great touches for the keys
removable numpad

Cons: none really

Summary: basically a very well built product, however from the above comments I see that some people might have a defected product. I've had mine X6 for 2 and a half years now. Everything is working perfectly and no paint chipping off so far.

1.5 stars

"Good for its removable numberpad." By JustFiona

Pros: This was my first Microsoft keyboard. I bought this model so the numberpad could be removed, giving me a shorter reach for the mouse (lessening shoulder pain). It's good for this purpose and has a nice touch when typing.

Cons: Paint comes off keys too quickly. I've had my keyboard for about a year and about 15 keys are unreadable now because the black paint has CHIPPED off. Also the wrist rest is too deep. It would be better if it was removable.

Summary: At the time of purchase, it was the only keyboard I could find with a removable keypad. I believe there are other models out now so I will be replacing this with a non-Microsoft keyboard as the paint on the keys just doesn't hold up!

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Specifications

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Quick Specs

  • Compatibility: PC
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 20.2 in x 9.2 in x 1.8 in
  • Weight: 2.9 lbs

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