Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse
- 2000 DPI Laser Tracking Engine – For fast action
- Built to Last – Main button life: Rated to 10,000,000 clicks
- On-the-Fly DPI Switching – Instantly switch sensitivity between high (2000), medium (800), and low (400) with one click.
- Five Programmable Main Buttons – Customize your main gaming buttons to your preference.
- Macros – Create and assign macros out-of-game using included software.
Product Description
Fast. Durable. Gaming Mouse. Cut right to the chase with the Microsoft SideWinderTM X5 Mouse another addition to Microsoft¿s award-winning line of SideWinder gaming products. This fast, durable mouse delivers super-precise action with advanced features like vertical side buttons, 200 to 2000 dpi on-the-fl y laser tracking, macros, 5 assignable buttons, and more…. More >>
I’ve been a PC gamer for 15 years and I’ve never had a dedicated “gaming” mouse. I’ve always used premium mice that featured several extra buttons for customizing. I never really felt like I was missing out on anything not having a specialized gaming mouse, and I still don’t really feel like I’m missing out on much. The Sidewinder does have a nice list of features, but nothing really stood out as features I really needed to enhance my gaming experience.
I will admit, at first I didn’t think I would like the way the side buttons stick out so much and was used to the buttons on my Logitech Revolution even though they weren’t necessarily intended for gaming. After using the Sidewinder, I very much prefer the buttons to stick out. It doesn’t feel as comfortable for some reason, but it the buttons are much easier to access. Other than that, I am not overly concerned about it’s 10 million click lifespan. And moisture resistant coating? Maybe I don’t game enough, but I don’t have a problem with wet mice.
I’ve had three mice in my entire life and none of them ever broke, I just wanted to upgrade to newer technology. Also, being that they’re fairly inexpensive, I don’t fret over having to buy a new one every 5+ years.
As for it’s other features, the quick turn is nice in certain situations but most of the gaming I do, the quick turn is ignored. And I honestly don’t notice any difference with it’s “2000 DPI Laser Tracking Engine” and “Engineered for Speed” design. I don’t feel any faster than with my old mouse! The rubber scroll wheel is standard on most mice and didn’t notice anything special there either. And regarding it being called “wide”, I can’t say it’s but a tiny bit wider than a standard mouse wheel. The ability to create macros out of game was an interesting touch, but I honestly didn’t dabble into it much. There’s really no reason not to just make your macros in game. That’s what I’m used to and that’s how I like it.
Overall, for it’s current price I’d say it’s an excellent buy and definitely delivers in every aspect. Don’t expect it to somehow make you better at gaming or make your gaming easier. It just doesn’t do much for me to make it an obvious choice for gaming over any other premium mouse on the market.
Rating: 4 / 5
The side buttons are positioned too far away from my thumb. I have to put my hand too far up and forward on the mouse for my thumb to just start touching the side buttons, and I think my hand is average size. After playing like this for a few minutes, my hand and wrist start hurting – - yikes! this mouse will give me carpal tunnel syndrome all over again! What – - do they design these things in China?
Rating: 1 / 5
Even after installing the Software for the Sidewinder Mouse, the annoying element is that a supposedly good mouse takes advantage of SETPOINT, a far superior software, in setting up the terms of the mouses abilities. After using the Mouse for several weeks it is clearly unwieldy , difficult to use at the best of times, and has left and right “clickers” that are part of physical makeup of the body of the mouse which is a disaster waiting to happen. The mouse cable is extremely Poor, expecially in comparison with the Logitech G9 Gaming mouse which has tough cables,
variable weight ratios, and well placed buttons.Whilst the Variable DPI is a plus, it does not help. The Macro capability is standard, but once again does not help in regular, variable or gaming modes.For a Person with a big hand , and using it in a regular Office style session it would work well, but most good mouses of that style are now wireless, so the cable element is a negative in a big way for regular use. The bottom line is that Logitech have this style of Mouse market cornered, and they have it this way for a reason, they have extremely good mouses. This really is a pathetic attempt at a mouse in either the Gaming or the regular style.
Rating: 2 / 5
I have at least 3 Logitech mice around the house. I have in the past stayed away from Microsoft for no other reason than it was not Logitech (Logitech customer support is also fantastic). Getting a chance to examine the SideWinder X5 was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss. At the least, I’d get a chance to see if Microsoft measured up to Logitech quality wise.
First off, getting the mouse out of its packaging proved easier than I thought. For some this will hardly matter. For me, not getting cut or exerting unnecessary energy and getting out my toolbox, in the process of opening up an electronics item I have purchased, is a big plus for the company.
The mouse connects via USB. My laptop with Microsoft Vista immediately found the necessary software and within 10 seconds I was able to use the mouse. The mouse comes with a software disk and manual. The software gives you access to the full capabilities of the mouse, which is what it was originally created for. Overall, when not playing games, the mouse is easy to use, comfortable to hold, doesn’t skip around, good sensitivity, and easily programmable. It glides over a variety of surfaces so you can skip the mouse pad. It does feel light and not very solid, but I’m not about to throw it at my wall. Considering that some mice, i.e. from Logitech, cost about twice what the SideWinder is going for, I’d say you’d have a good investment on your hands if you purchased the X5. Then again, the original SideWinder is selling for less than the X5, so give it some thought as to what you really want out of your mouse. For example, you cannot change the weight here, as you could/can with the original SideWinder.
Rating: 4 / 5
OK, caveat – I am no gamer. I wrote this review with input from my teenage son (who plays WoW).
My teen says: The Sidewinder is extremely useful for gamers. Its extra buttons on the side increase the available range of commands. Its light-plastic exterior is perfect for fast moving gamers, and its ability to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the pointer allows the user to adjust his/her mouse movement speed according to circumstances. The programmable buttons are helpful and very easy to program. Not only is this mouse extremely useful, it is also quite cool looking.
I say: I don’t like it for email / casual internet use. It feels bulky under my hand and it sometimes drags on my desk. I also find it unwieldy – I prefer wireless. And, unlike my son, I think it’s ugly. However – I can’t mark off for any of that except the bulkiness; the mouse is specifically marketed to gamers, not to middle aged moms like me.
Rating: 4 / 5