SideWinder line expands with first-ever keyboard and new SideWinder X5 Mouse. LEIPZIG, Germany, Aug. 20
LEIPZIG, Germany, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at the Games
Convention in Leipzig, Germany, Microsoft Hardware debuted the SideWinder X6
Keyboard -- the most versatile gaming keyboard on the market with the
first-ever switchable key pad that can be attached to the left or right side
of the keyboard for ultimate flexibility. To round out the SideWinder line,
the Hardware team is also announcing the SideWinder X5 Mouse, a fast, powerful
gaming mouse designed to give mainstream gamers a competitive edge.
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The switchable key pad makes the SideWinder X6 Keyboard ideal for gaming
as well as productivity, as the key pad functions as a standard num pad in
normal keyboard mode, but becomes a programmable macro pad in game mode.
Complementing the unique versatility of the keyboard are features specifically
designed for gaming, including the capacity to store up to 90 macros per game
and backlighting that helps users get immersed in the game.
"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."
Powerful Versatility
The SideWinder X6 Keyboard's switchable key pad allows gamers to program
up to 90 macros per game with the help of a set of dedicated macro keys as
well as a fully programmable key pad. With mode switching, gamers can
instantly go from Microsoft Office Excel to their favorite game -- and place
the macro pad on whichever side they prefer for gaming. The X6 also offers the
following features to take advantage of its adaptability:
-- Mode switching lets gamers manually toggle the keyboard from standard
mode to either of two gaming modes. LEDs show the selected mode.
-- Automatic profile switching detects the application that is running
and applies the custom profile.
Designed for Gaming
The SideWinder X6 Keyboard is more than a standard keyboard with a few
extra bells and whistles -- it was built from the ground up with gamers in
mind, to give them an edge up on their competition. To complement its
versatility, the keyboard has the following additional features to produce the
ultimate gaming package:
-- New Cruise Control feature continues an action without having to hold
down the key or keys assigned to the action. Gamers can use Cruise Control
with up to four keys at a time.(1)
-- In-game macro record button lets gamers record any sequence of
keystrokes -- even standard chat messages. Macros are stored on the PC hard
drive and can be easily shared.
-- WASD gaming keys, the most commonly used keys for gamers, have
front-face lighting for enhanced visibility.
-- Quick-Launch key gives one-touch access to Windows Vista Games
Explorer, allowing gamers to quickly see the games in their PC's game
library.(2)
Get Immersed
Gamers enjoy a heightened experience when adsorbed in the gaming world.
Research shows many gamers like to dim the lights, and the X6's two-color
adjustable backlighting helps set the mood to achieve total immersion. The red
backlighting indicates standard keys that are not programmable, while the
amber color indicates custom-programmable macro keys in game mode that can be
tuned to the gamers' preference. The X6 also includes full media keys and
volume and backlighting control dials to fine-tune the gaming experience.
SideWinder X5 Mouse
Today, Microsoft also announced the SideWinder X5 Mouse, a fast, powerful
gaming mouse designed to give mainstream gamers a competitive edge. The
nine-button gaming mouse is designed for handling with vertical side buttons,
adjustable sensitivity switching up to 2,000 DPI, five customizable buttons,
and a Quick-Launch button that instantly launches the Windows Vista Games
Explorer.
SideWinder: It's Only the Beginning
The SideWinder X6 Keyboard is the first keyboard to join the popular
SideWinder family of gaming products. Established in 1995 and revived in 2007,
the SideWinder line is known for its top-notch PC gaming peripherals,
including mice, game pads, joysticks and steering wheels.
Pricing and Availability
The SideWinder X6 Keyboard and SideWinder X5 Mouse will be widely
available in September 2008 for an estimated retail price of $79.95 (U.S.) and
$59.95 (U.S.), respectively.(3) The products are available now for pre-sale on
Amazon.com and will ship in September when they are widely released. The
SideWinder X6 Keyboard and SideWinder X5 Mouse will be backed by a worldwide
three-year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft Corp. More information
about these and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.
About Microsoft Hardware
For more than 25 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative
engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to
create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the
software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their
PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial
design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more
convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. Microsoft IntelliMouse
Explorer, which launched in 1999, earned a place on PCWorld.com's December
2005 list of "The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years" as the first
mainstream optical mouse that "brought gunk-free pointing devices" to a broad
consumer base. More information about the Hardware Group is available at
http://www.mshardwareguide.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.
(1) Cruise Control does not work with programmable macro keys.
(2) The Quick-Launch button will open IntelliType keyboard or IntelliPoint
mouse software when using Windows XP.
(3) Actual retail prices may vary.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
