Microsoft Sidewinder X5 Mouse
Home : Hardware : Reviews : Microsoft Sidewinder X5 Mouse
The software suite offers the basic customization options that gamers have come to expect in a gaming-specific product. The 5 main buttons are fully programmable, macros included, and each of the three resolution buttons can be assigned one of six DPI-specific settings. Game profiles are offered as well, so you can have specific configurations for each game that you play.
While the X5 is fairly impressive on initial use, after putting it through its paces I found it fell short in several areas:
The most obvious problem with the unit is its weight. This mouse is very light. In fact, because of its lack of heft, and lack of weight customization, my first thought when using the X5 was “cheap”. Since there is no way to adjust the weight of the unit, the design should have incorporated a lot more solidity from the get-go. As it is, the X5 just doesn’t feel as solid as it should.
The second shortcoming that the X5 suffers from is in its button assignment options. While the mouse offers a full 9 buttons, only a paltry 5 are programmable. The DPI buttons can ONLY control sensitivity, and the very weird Quick Launch button near the bottom of the unit will ONLY launch the Microsoft Games Explorer. Sure, you can disable the button by holding it down for 5 seconds, but it would be much better if you could simply assign another function to it. Why Microsoft has decided to disable this option is beyond me. By doing so, they have rendered the button effectively useless in gaming.
Conclusion:
Ultimately the Microsoft Sidewinder X5 doesn’t quite achieve excellence in what it offers for its 59.99 MSRP. While it is quite capable and comfortable for basic gaming functions, its light weight and limited customization prevent it from competing with similarly priced units from other companies. It is really too bad that Microsoft decided to strip the X5 down so much. It has potential to be a really nice gaming peripheral. As it is, it is just an “okay” piece of hardware.
Highs
Performs capably for gaming; Very comfortable form factor is great for those with larger hands; three backlit dedicated resolution buttons; Vertically stacked thumb buttons are quite easy to use.
Lows
Too lightweight with no way of increasing heft; Only five of the nine buttons are programmable; Options are too limited for price point, considering the competition; Ultimately feels too “economy class”; What the hell is the point of that Quick Launch
Final verdict
While the Sidewinder X5 performs its duties capably, there are simply better options at this price point.
70%
Sep 21, 2008
Review by Zack Stromberg.
Send this review to a friend.
Home : Hardware : Reviews : Microsoft Sidewinder X5 Mouse
Another great idea borrowed from its big brother is the dedicated DPI adjustment buttons. Rather than offering two buttons that are used to cycle between resolutions, the X5 has 3 small buttons that sit directly below the scroll wheel; one for each resolution setting. The active button is illuminated in red. This way, you always know which sensitivity setting you are currently using, with a quick glance at the mouse. Also, having a dedicated button for each setting allows you to touch-select your desired sensitivity.
This mouse looks mean when it wants to.
The software suite offers the basic customization options that gamers have come to expect in a gaming-specific product. The 5 main buttons are fully programmable, macros included, and each of the three resolution buttons can be assigned one of six DPI-specific settings. Game profiles are offered as well, so you can have specific configurations for each game that you play.
While the X5 is fairly impressive on initial use, after putting it through its paces I found it fell short in several areas:
The most obvious problem with the unit is its weight. This mouse is very light. In fact, because of its lack of heft, and lack of weight customization, my first thought when using the X5 was “cheap”. Since there is no way to adjust the weight of the unit, the design should have incorporated a lot more solidity from the get-go. As it is, the X5 just doesn’t feel as solid as it should.
The unusual shape is quite comfortable.
The second shortcoming that the X5 suffers from is in its button assignment options. While the mouse offers a full 9 buttons, only a paltry 5 are programmable. The DPI buttons can ONLY control sensitivity, and the very weird Quick Launch button near the bottom of the unit will ONLY launch the Microsoft Games Explorer. Sure, you can disable the button by holding it down for 5 seconds, but it would be much better if you could simply assign another function to it. Why Microsoft has decided to disable this option is beyond me. By doing so, they have rendered the button effectively useless in gaming.
Check out that backside!
Conclusion:
Ultimately the Microsoft Sidewinder X5 doesn’t quite achieve excellence in what it offers for its 59.99 MSRP. While it is quite capable and comfortable for basic gaming functions, its light weight and limited customization prevent it from competing with similarly priced units from other companies. It is really too bad that Microsoft decided to strip the X5 down so much. It has potential to be a really nice gaming peripheral. As it is, it is just an “okay” piece of hardware.
Highs
Performs capably for gaming; Very comfortable form factor is great for those with larger hands; three backlit dedicated resolution buttons; Vertically stacked thumb buttons are quite easy to use.
Lows
Too lightweight with no way of increasing heft; Only five of the nine buttons are programmable; Options are too limited for price point, considering the competition; Ultimately feels too “economy class”; What the hell is the point of that Quick Launch
Final verdict
While the Sidewinder X5 performs its duties capably, there are simply better options at this price point.
70%
Sep 21, 2008
Review by Zack Stromberg.
Send this review to a friend.
Add a new comment below
Top Games:
World In Conflict | The Settlers - Rise Of An Empire | Crysis | Medal of Honor: Airborne | Supreme Commander | Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars
Top Cheats:
Test Drive Unlimited cheats | Just Cause cheats | NCAA Football 07 cheats | FlatOut 2 cheats | Dead Rising cheats
© Copyright Gameworld Industries Pty Ltd RSS Feeds | Corp Info | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact
Not a member? Register here for free! It's quick and easy.