Microsoft Preparing Gamer-friendly Keyboard

[btarunr]

Microsoft is working on a new keyboard design that features modularity of key-clusters, the model Sidewinder X6 features a modular num-cluster that can be positioned for convenience of both left and right oriented users. Additionally, A row of programmable keys for binding game macros and a "cruise control" feature that will repeat keystrokes without the need for holding down a key (like the Turbo buttons on some SNES gamepads).Expect an official announcement from Microsoft in the near future as the Sidewinder X6 is expected to launch in September at a US $80 price-point.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Zehnsucht]

Looks cool. It would suit my old version of the Sidewinder Mouse perfect.

I wonder what the round things are for.

 

[[I.R.A]_FBi]

works best with vista?

 

[Kreij]

I wonder if they will make curved or split key version.
If they do, I'll be getting one. I don't care for straight keyboards anymore.

 

[Megasty]

Hmmm, wonder how solid/stable it will be. I can pound the hell out of my G15.
That num-cluster could be a weak point.

 

[MilkyWay]

i dont really know how good it is going to be until i see a review

microsofts other gaming keyboards havnt been too good like that razor/microsoft board

 

[Trigger911]

If these things last as long as my old optical mouse then there gonna be a great product i still use the dang thing and its still in good condition I've even changed the feet about 50 times now

 

[ShadowFold]

80$? Thats why I bought a Saitek.. 20$ for lit keys and great functionality.. That does look cool and I would pay 50$ for it but 80$ is too much.

 

[iamajunky]

looks like an saitek board

 

[PVTCaboose1337]

My G15 has taken beatings, from food, and pounding. This... probably not so much.

 

[HaZe303]

I like the fact that you can take the numrics of, sometimes when sitting infront of hdtv you need all the space you can get for the mouse..

 

[Mussels]

80$? Thats why I bought a Saitek.. 20$ for lit keys and great functionality.. That does look cool and I would pay 50$ for it but 80$ is too much.

my saitek cost $110. the MS keyboard looks like vomit in comparison to my saitek.

lovely blue LED's... or red... or purple...

 

[ShadowFold]

What saitek did you get I got the good 'ol Eclipse I

 

[oily_17]

Might be a good idea when you are cramped for space on a small desk

What saitek did you get I got the good 'ol Eclipse I

The Eclipse II..like mine

 

[Megasty]

What saitek did you get I got the good 'ol Eclipse I

Heh, I got my eclipse on ebay for $15

 

[Mussels]

i've got the eclipse II *points down at blue writing in sig*

 

[WarEagleAU]

Love that board, nothing like the g15 or g11 but the price is ridiculous.

 

[Bjorn_Of_Iceland]

I got the good ole eclipse 1 too. Great look and feel. Without bloatwares and the likes.

 

[Hayder_Master]

new look design

 

[newconroer]

Still not seeing how this is gamer-friendly. It's got a few buttons moved around, and a detachable keypad - and while that alone is a help per se, the keys are still layed out like a number keypad..


So what's the point?

There is no substitute for a stand alone board, like a Zfang or a Claw.

 

[candle_86]

i dont get the point either, I use an MS Media keyboard and play all my games, its taken burn marks on the keys, food, drink, slammed into a wall, and its still going strong and it plays my games just fine, this gamer keyboard crap is a gimick

 

[Mussels]

they call it a gamer keyboard cause it has a few extra buttons for gamers.

who the hell cares... i too, buy a simple keyboard (saitek eclipse have a 'standard' layout) with high durability... cause i smack it around a lot too. take it to lans sometimes, and you just know things will get dropped and bashed around in a car.

 

[Water Drop]

It looks good. I'm hoping Microsoft brings back the Sidewinder brand to full strength like it once was. I had a MS Sidewinder 3D Pro joystick in the 90s that was excellent, and in fact it still works great today and has survived years of torture.

 

[calvary1980]

i dont get the point either, I use an MS Media keyboard and play all my games, its taken burn marks on the keys, food, drink, slammed into a wall, and its still going strong and it plays my games just fine, this gamer keyboard crap is a gimick

does your keyboard have detachable num pad? does your keyboard have macro keys? does your keyboard have a volume knob arguably the best feature of the Logitech G15 Rev 1 (removed in Rev 2), does your keyboard have drivers? what kind of switches? rubber, stainless steel or gold?

the keys of the sidewinder look steep.

- Christine

 

[Mussels]

does your keyboard have detachable num pad?
no, nor do i really use it
does your keyboard have macro keys?
no. nor would i use them
does your keyboard have a volume knob arguably the best feature of the Logitech G15 Rev 1 (removed in Rev 2)
no but it has a brightness knob beat that
does your keyboard have drivers?
nope. win.
what kind of switches? rubber, stainless steel or gold?
it has blue, red and pink LED's. too busy looking at them to understand what this question is about.


randomly joining in.