Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse
Despite their cord-free convenience, wireless mice have a poor adoption rate among serious PC gamers because of lag and signal hiccups. Microsoft's feature-heavy SideWinder X8 solves that problem with a hybrid design that lets you swap almost...
Microsoft's SideWinder X8 isn't the only mouse that can swap seamlessly between wired and wireless modes; however, between its BlueTrack sensor and its on-the-fly macro recording capability--not to mention a competitive price--we imagine few PC gamers...
Microsoft SideWinder X8 Review
Microsoft SideWinder X8 reviewed by ConsumerSearch, which notes pros and cons, along with reviews and ratings for the Microsoft SideWinder X8 and comparisons to other Computer Mice
Microsoft Sidewinder X8
Microsoft's latest Sidewinder mouse, the X8, combines a wireless design with the latest in optical sensor technology. Sporting a proprietary BlueTrack sensor, the X8 will work on most any surface, including granite and marble, which are problems for...
Like the Razer Mamba, which we reviewed last month, the X8 features a play and charge cable. Using a magnetic power adapter that quickly and easily snaps into place, you can convert the X8 from battery power in mere seconds, should your battery die....
Review: Microsoft SideWinder X8 Gaming Mouse
Microsoft's SideWinder gaming gear has been around for close to two years now and line has expanded from a single mouse to a few different products. We have looked at a lot of it in the past and while it all always looks impressive on paper, I...
Microsoft SideWinder X8
Pros:
- BluTrack can function on surfaces normal optical and laser mice cannot
- 7 fully programmable buttons
- tangle-proof charge wire
- multiple DPI settings, with on the fly switching
- macro button for creating macros from within games
- 30 hours of active use on a single charge
- Much cheaper than Razer Mamba (MSRP $130)
- same price as other high end gaming mice
- charge wire is thoughtfully designed to safely disengage when yanked, unlike Razer's MAMBA which uses 5-pin miniUSB
- "game" button (opens folder with shortcuts to installed games, i find it useful...)
- Utilizing the in-Windows mouse sensitivity, 4000dpi no longer moves like a rocket and is great for detail work (photoshop or shootin up n00bs)
- mouse remembers macro functionality which helps in LAN parties
- Can charge while gaming, offering unlimited usage time.
- unlike Razer Mamba, the dpi-mode buttons are out of the way under mouse wheel: Mamba places them (2 only) on corner of left mouse button!
Cons:
- right handed only
- Razer Mamba has 1000Hz (1ms) capability, SideWinder is 500Hz (2ms delay)
- Tracking sometimes stutters and jitters (has 'hickups')
- expensive
- Razer Mamba has 5400dpi sensor
- Very tough button resistance for a gaming mouse
- Logitech MX wheel has better feel
- DPI wars
- the blue lights seen under the mouse in images is *not* present, only indicates "bluetrack" exists but cannot be seen
- Always wireless no option to plug in for hardwired connection.
- too many lights - unattractive for the minimalist computer enthusiast
- no lights always active, they all turn off after moments
- BluTrack is expensive and nothing special
Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse
Pros: Hybrid wired/wireless design eliminates downtime between battery charges; BlueTrack sensor expands mousing surface options; easy on-the-fly macro recording; 4,000dpi maximum
Cons: Scroll wheel needs a better grip; signal drop-off in wireless mode at high sensitivity
Microsoft SideWinder X8 Review
Pros: Styling (if you're a gamer); Top-notch accuracy; BlueTrack works on almost any surface; Very customizable
Cons: Styling (if you're not a gamer); High cost; Some ergonomic miscues
Microsoft Sidewinder X8 BlueTrack Gaming Mouse
Pros: Very much improved over previous products ; Wireless convenience without the wireless lag ; Great tactile response from all buttons ; A joy to use in FPS shooters and very fast and accurate
Cons: There is no loitering on this mouse if you want to avoid discomfort (RTS, MMORPG and heavy web surfers can move along)
Microsoft Sidewinder X8 BlueTrack Gaming Mouse
Pros: Very much improved over previous products ; Wireless convenience without the wireless lag ; Great tactile response from all buttons ; A joy to use in FPS shooters and very fast and accurate
Cons: There is no loitering on this mouse if you want to avoid discomfort (RTS, MMORPG and heavy web surfers can move along)
