Microsoft SideWinder X6 Gaming Keyboard & SideWinder X5 Gaming Mouse Become Official

Following on from a number of leaked images purporting to be the new Microsoft X6 Keyboard circulating the net a few months back – which were, incidentally, widely touted as being fakes – Microsoft have at last officially announced their new SideWinder X6 Keyboard, which is billed as being ‘the most versatile gaming keyboard on the market’, along with their new SideWinder X5 Mouse.

Featuring ‘the first ever’ switchable key pad that can be attached to either the left or right side of the keyboard which can function as a standard number pad as well as what MS term as a ‘programmable macro pad’ capable of storing up to an impressive 90 macros per game, Microsoft’s SideWinder X6 Keyboard naturally, in being aimed specifically at gamers, comes with adjustable two-colour backlighting as well as a series of quick launch keys and, of specific interest to Vista owners, a Vista Games Explorer hot key allowing instant, one-key access  the their games library.

‘We know that consumers don’t want to pull out and set up a second keyboard for a gaming session, so we created a device that was perfect for both gaming and regular computer use,’ said Kevin Flick, user researcher for Microsoft Hardware. ‘With the switchable key pad, gamers will have a fantastic, customizable experience whether they’re playing their favorite game or creating Microsoft Office PowerPoint presentations.’

Along with the SideWinder X6 Microsoft have also announced a new, nine button SideWinder mouse in the form of the SideWinder X5 which, though not quite as interesting or as innovative as MS’s new gaming keyboard is certainly not uninspiring in offering five customisable buttons, adjustable sensitivity up to a maximum of 2000 DPI and a Vista Games Explorer hot key.

Due to begin shipping next month (Sept ’08) Microsoft’s new SideWinder X6 Keyboard and SideWinder X5 Mouse will set you back around $80 and $60 respectively.

Microsoft