Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard
- Switchable key pad – Flexible design, choose right side or left side confi guration. Switch between standard key pad and macro pad in gaming mode.
- Two-color adjustable backlighting – Keyboard keys are red, and key pad and Macro keys are amber in Game mode. Lighting dial adjusts the brightness of the keyboard and key pad.
- 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.
- Mode switching – Manually toggle the keyboard from standard mode to either of two gaming modes. LEDs show the selected mode.
- In-game Macro Record button – Record any sequence of keystrokeseven standard chat messages. Macros are stored on your hard drive and can be easily shared.
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 mor
Rating: 
(out of 89 reviews)
List Price: $ 74.99
Price: $ 45.00
Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000
- Cutting-edge design and improved performance for maximium productivity
- E-mail and Internet hot keys
Main FeaturesManufacturer: Microsoft CorporationManufacturer Part Number: B2M-00012Manufacturer Website Address: www.microsoft.comKeyboard/Keypad Type: Keyboard Keyboard/Keypad Connectivity Technology: CableKeyboard/Keypad Wireless Technology: Not ApplicableInterfaces/Ports: 1 x Type A Male USB
Rating: (out of 780 reviews)
List Price: $ 59.95
Price: $ 26.00
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Review by Timothy Ehlen for Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard
Rating:
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.
Review by Paul of California for Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard
Rating:
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.