Microsoft Sidewinder X6 Gaming Keyboard

     I don't care what anyone says about them, I like Microsoft, and for the most part they release quality products (*cough* Windows ME *cough*).  Now I remember back when I got my Sidewinder Gamepad 1.0, and later having a Sidewinder 3D Pro Joystick.  While they were not the top ones out there, both devices were sturdy and performed their duties well.  Needless to say I was disappointed when the Sidewinder line was discontinued in 2003.  It was stated to be from a lack of sales.  In 2007 the brand was shocked back to life with the Sidewinder Mouse, designed exclusively for gaming.  This was replaced by the X5, and here recently the X8 was released with bluetrack and wireless technologies.  All of these items were intended to build on the franchise that early gamers wanted to build.  In late 2008, Microsoft decided it was time to give the mice a new companion; and born was the X6 Keyboard.  Let's take a look at this new piece of the legacy.

Main Features

Switchable key pad   Flexible design, choose right side or left side configuration. Switch between standard key pad and macro pad in gaming mode.   Two-color adjustable backlighting dial   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.   Macro keys   Up to 30 programmable keys that can allow up to 90 programmable options with an assigned gaming profile.   Mode switching   Manually toggle the keyboard from standard mode to either of two gaming modes. LEDs show the selected mode.   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.* (* Cruise Control does not work with programmable macro keys.)   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.   Automatic profile switching   When a game or application profile is assigned using the software, the keyboard detects the game or application you are running and applies your custom profile to the application.   WASD gaming keys   Have front-face lighting for enhanced visibility.   Media keys   Play/Pause, Previous Track, Next Track, and Mute.   3 Year Warranty   »  Limited Warranty and License Agreement available here.

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