Photo gallery: Microsoft SideWinder X8Design and features
The original SideWinder suffered from a problem — it was designed for big, wide hands. Really big hands. It's almost as if the original Xbox controller designer was assigned to the task of fostering Microsoft's new gaming PC peripherals.
The SideWinder X5 refined the shape a little, and with the latest iteration, the X8, Microsoft has brought a better shape (as well as new technologies) to the table.
There are two big changes — the first (and a controversial one for gamers), is that it's gone wireless. While this is usually enough to make the most ardent gamer scoff and reach for their USB cable, we can happily say the X8 is the first wireless mouse that performs to our satisfaction for gaming needs.
It's all achieved by a circular, 80mm diameter receiver, inside which Microsoft also hides two different types of mouse feet for adjusting the friction as the mouse glides across its intended surface. The adjustable weight system, sadly, is gone, so those wanting a precise weight will either have to indulge in the original SideWinder, or opt for a Logitech option.
In this receiver is also a new trick — a cord can be unwound from it, and magnetically attached to the X8 to charge its rechargeable battery. It's a nice touch, as it allows you to keep playing, and if you place your receiver well it also acts to reduce drag on the cord, making it a seamless experience.
The second standout is the introduction of Microsoft's BlueTrack technology into its gaming range. BlueTrack shifts away from the usual red laser to the predictable blue, and as a result the camera in the mouse can discern more surfaces than ever. The upshot of this is that the SideWinder even works on semi-glossy surfaces, although the blue glow from the bottom clashes heavily with the red Cylon Raider-esque eye at the back of the mouse, and the readout LED on the left-hand side.
Under the multi-directional scroll wheel are three programmable on-the-fly DPI switching buttons (the DPI being displayed on the LED on the left), and below this again is the SideWinder button, which rather uselessly loads Windows Vista's "Games" menu. Its placement precludes it from being used in anything gaming as it's not in a convenient spot, and it cannot be programmed.
One area that Microsoft has perfected though is the side buttons — we finally have ones that we're happy with, and are useful. Gone are the round push-buttons on the original SideWinder, replaced with tapered, flat buttons that simply require a rolling of the thumb up or down to activate. Nestled above this is the macro record button, to allow you to create macros in a game and assign them later.
Software-wise, Microsoft allows almost all the buttons on the X8 to be customised, whether it represents a keystroke, becomes a precision booster (allowing you to temporarily change the mouse speed while holding a button), performs common Windows functions or is simply disabled altogether.
Unlike other garish software suites, Microsoft just inserts extra options into the mouse dialog under Control Panel. Buttons are highly customisable.
(Credit: CBS Interactive)
Scroll speed both horizontally and vertically is adjustable, and per-application settings and setting the values for the on-the-fly DPI switching are also possible. Hidden away is the macro editor, which can be accessed by setting any of the buttons to Macro. The editor is easy to use, abd allows you to insert custom delays, mouse clicks, keyboard strikes and if you're particularly finicky, DPI mouse settings.
The macro editor is simple and easy to use.
(Credit: CBS Interactive)
Performance
So most importantly, how does it perform? The sensor is excellent, as already proven on Microsoft's consumer range. The wireless is top notch, the recharge cable intelligent, the software fantastic, the side buttons useful, and a frantic match of Left 4 Dead showed that it certainly had the accuracy and response needed to dispatch zombies with aplomb. The Achilles heel remains from its forebears though — the shape.
The X8 is sadly still too wide at the base and its rear "hump" (which is usually closer to the middle of the mouse) is too high, causing hand strain and forcing you to change your gaming style. You do eventually adjust, but it takes a few hours to stretch the hand out.
The key seems to be in the pinky finger — while other shaped mice like the Logitech G5 have an indent for the pinky, the X8 instead has a protrusion, forcing you to splay it out too far and causing strain. This forced us mid-gaming session to change our usual index finger/left click, middle finger/scroll wheel, ring finger/right click grip to index finger/left click and middle finger/right click, leaving our ring finger on the pinky grip for maximum control and comfort. While this lowered strain, it was still a stretch and sacrificed immediate access to the scroll wheel.
The new technology makes the SideWinder X8 a compelling purchase — but only if you're blessed with big hands.
2%
1%
