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Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard  (Source: Engadget)

Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse  (Source: Engadget)
SideWinder X6 keyboard has movable number pad

Today at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany Microsoft made the SideWinder X6 keyboard official. The new X6 keyboard's most innovative feature is the ability for the number pad to be moved to the right or left side of the keyboard.

This is an interesting feature for gamers, who can move the number keypad from the right side where it normally sits, to the left side of the keyboard where they can access the number keys without having to remove the right-hand from the mouse. In addition to the movable number pad, the SideWinder X6 also offers the ability for gamers to program up to 90 macros per game and bind them to dedicated macro keys as well as the fully programmable keypad.

The keyboard features mode switching that allows toggling between standard mode and two different gaming modes with LEDs to signify what mode is active. The keyboard also supports automatic profile switching to detect the application running and apply custom profiles to the keyboard.

Microsoft also added features specifically with the gamer in mind including a new Cruise Control feature that continues a key action without having to hold down the key or keys assigned to the action. The new Cruise Control feature works with up to four keys simultaneously. The SideWinder X6 also features in game macro recording and macros are stored directly to the computer's hard drive.

Other features of the X6 keyboard include WASD gaming keys with front-face lighting for enhanced visibility as well as full backlighting. The keyboard features two different backlighting colors with red backlighting identifying standard keys that are not programmable and amber backlighting identifying keys they can be custom programmed with macros. The SideWinder X6 also features a complete array of media keys and controls for volume and backlighting.

In addition to the SideWinder X6 keyboard, Microsoft also announced a SideWinder X5 mouse. The SideWinder X5 mouse has nine buttons with five of them being fully programmable. The mouse sensitivity is adjustable on-the-fly up to 2000dpi. Both the SideWinder X6 keyboard and SideWinder X5 mouse will be available in September. The SideWinder X6 keyboard will retail for $79.95 and the SideWinder X5 mouse will retail for $59.95.

When Microsoft relaunched its SideWinder brand in August of 2007, the first product was a SideWinder mouse for gamers that featured adjustable sensitivity, an LCD screen, and adjustable weight. The new SideWinder X5 mouse lacks the adjustable weight and LCD screen displaying the sensitivity setting of the mouse.

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What's with all these mice...
By MrBlastman on 8/20/2008 12:55:34 PM , Rating: 2
That have a fat, bulbous end where your palm lies? For gaming - it sucks!

I'm sure many will not agree with me - but - at the highest level of playing (expert, semi-pro and pro), you don't hold the whole mouse in the palm of your hand and move your arm, nor do you move it with your wrist.

No, you move the mouse with your fingers using a claw grip. It is far more accurate and yields better results.

But, as long as these mice makers keep making the spot under the palm significantly fatter (and higher up) than the spot where your fingers lie, the upper echelon of gamers suffer. But why? Simple - it penalizes you for using a claw grip because in down motions (bringing the mouse towards your body), your palm hits the top of the mouse, messing up the movement. This screws up your gameplay.

I have a Logitech G9 and a Logitech MX 500. Sure the MX 500 is kinda bulbous at the palm area, but no where near as pronounced as the G9. What do I use? The MX 500 because it doesn't hit my palm like the G9 does.

Remeber the original Logitech design? You know - the 3 button mouse that was really fat where your fingers were but narrow at the palm area? THAT was a good design. Lets get back to that, shall we?

I'm sure many gamers would flock to that old-school layout (of course with modern tech such as extra buttons and a mousewheel).




RE: What's with all these mice...
By FITCamaro on 8/20/2008 1:03:59 PM , Rating: 3
I play games for fun and don't recognize anyone who calls themself a "professional" gamer. I view them as unemployed people who've devoted themselves to something that was supposed to be enjoyed.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By MrBlastman on 8/20/2008 1:16:16 PM , Rating: 1
Ok, lets put it another way... ;)

The people who typically get <3-1 Kill to Death Ratio in games where people on average are lucky to get a 1:1 ratio or a 1:1.5. Say, in a game like Team Fortress 2 for instance.

At times, they'll have a 5-1, 6-1 or even higher on average.

... and they do all of this while only playing the game maybe an hour or so a night. Not chronically like some people do for 40 - 80+ hours a week.

As amazing as it sounds, it IS possible to be that much better than everyone else and not have to play 24/7 - especially in a skill based game like TF 2. If you can casually play a game at your leisure and still stand out from the crowd, that says something.

THESE PEOPLE :P I think you can truely call them experts in their class.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By nosfe on 8/20/2008 1:32:11 PM , Rating: 2
The people who typically get <3-1 Kill to Death Ratio in games where people on average are... kids under 17yo who play all day long and don't give a damn about ergonomics or carpal tunnel syndrome or anything of that sort


RE: What's with all these mice...
By MrBlastman on 8/20/2008 1:40:19 PM , Rating: 3
Keep thinking that.

Some of us can do it in our 30's and only play maybe an hour a night at most.

The theory of the high-school kids being the best at gaming doesn't hold water anymore. I know a few late twenties to mid-thirties players that can more than pwn the rest of the "kiddies" out there with far less playtime.

It is all a matter of your manual dexterity and - mental thought processing ability. Think quickly, think often and think smartly... and you can do it too.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By nosfe on 8/20/2008 1:43:31 PM , Rating: 2
well of course there will be guys in their twenties that are good at games, because those trigger happy kids have to grow up too, they won't stay 16yo for the rest of their life


RE: What's with all these mice...
By MrBlastman on 8/20/2008 1:45:30 PM , Rating: 2
What about their 30's?

You aren't doing well to explain your case. It can happen.

I can give you evidence if you'd like.

Either way, my original post was about mouse design and I think it holds merit.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By nosfe on 8/20/2008 1:57:12 PM , Rating: 2
of course there will be exceptions, all the rules have them

mouse design is a matter of preference, as is design in general, you can't appease everyone. not everyone uses the mouse the same way, i for one also move my mouse with my fingers but its much more comfortable using it the old fashioned way


RE: What's with all these mice...
By MrBlastman on 8/20/2008 2:14:01 PM , Rating: 2
I agree, you can't appease everyone, which really is the purpose of my post.

Currently, there really aren't any solutions on the market for what I speak of. The majority of mice have a fat, bulbous end around the palm area - if not all of them.

So really, they are only appeasing that one type of mouse user. I think there is a market for the other, older-school style, it is just untapped.

I suppose I could always hack up an old mouse I have lying around and replace it with the guts of say a G9.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By ultimaone on 8/20/2008 3:32:02 PM , Rating: 2
Well you have to look around, not just at the big name players for mice makers.

Like this one, its basically the mx510 / mx518 design
But has high dpi and weights, tilt scroll wheel, macros, etc

http://www.cybersnipa.com/us/products/stinger-gami...

It'll be my next mouse, i currently own a mx510 as well.

Also i'm' 33 and can get high ratios in FPS, 3 to 1 typically. Just from experience playing, some of the younger players do better than me only because their reaction time is faster...ah to be young again :D


RE: What's with all these mice...
By LordanSS on 8/21/2008 2:25:12 PM , Rating: 2
I was used to using big, fat mouses, as they are the predominant shape unfortunately...

Couple years ago though, I got myself a Razer Diamondback. At first, it felt really awkward since I had to hold it differently. After I got used to it though, never going back. Love this thing.

Has my FPS shooting improved with it? Don't think so... it seems as I get older, my "skills" in certain type of games are going downhill. I prefer a good strategy game now (Company of Heroes, Supreme Commander), or RPG, over FPSs.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By markitect on 8/20/2008 2:45:06 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
of course there will be exceptions, all the rules have them


Not in thermodynamics!


RE: What's with all these mice...
By semo on 8/20/2008 4:28:23 PM , Rating: 3
especially in Homer's house!


RE: What's with all these mice...
By MozeeToby on 8/20/2008 4:04:44 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
I know a few late twenties to mid-thirties players that can more than pwn the rest of the "kiddies" out there with far less playtime.


You mean far less playtime on that particular game. Let's face it, all FPS's require the same coordination and strategy. Even if the games are completely different, they are really 90% the same.

Hell, even if games are completely different genre's, general stategy can go a long way. Learning how and when to flank, ambush, or rush is applicable in almost every competitive game.

So, while you might be new to the game, you are very much so more experienced at gaming in general.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By afkrotch on 8/21/2008 2:52:44 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
You mean far less playtime on that particular game. Let's face it, all FPS's require the same coordination and strategy. Even if the games are completely different, they are really 90% the same.

Hell, even if games are completely different genre's, general stategy can go a long way. Learning how and when to flank, ambush, or rush is applicable in almost every competitive game.

So, while you might be new to the game, you are very much so more experienced at gaming in general.


Experience in Game A is greater than Experience in Game B, C, and D, if the tournament is based around Game A. Not knowing what weapons you have, how the weapons work, where weapons are located and not knowing anything about the map, and not knowing spawn points is a huge disadvantage.

If Player A has 2 years experience on Game A and Player B has 20 years experience in Game B, C, and D, odds are high, Player B will get his ass handed to him for a while. I'd expect Player B to have a hard time until they get accustomed to the game.

You're not gonna tell me you play Quake 3 the same way you'd play Rainbow Six Vegas, even if you think they're "90% the same".


RE: What's with all these mice...
By Flunk on 8/20/2008 5:38:48 PM , Rating: 2
I feel sad for you then, but I do have to agree on this. The mouse does not look very comfortable. The first "Sidewinder" mouse wasn't very comfortable and this looks basically the same. I'm keeping my G5.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By mmntech on 8/20/2008 1:26:45 PM , Rating: 3
Are you saying you don't consider Jonathan "Fata1ty" Wendle a professional? lol


RE: What's with all these mice...
By FITCamaro on 8/20/08, Rating: -1
RE: What's with all these mice...
By MrBlastman on 8/20/2008 2:31:53 PM , Rating: 2
You should look him up since you are prejudiced against gamers. He's done quite a good thing with his life by... "being an unemployed loser who sits on his behind playing video games."

Also, please look up "Thresh"

He was a pro-gamer in the 90's who has also done very well for himself. There's a website called the "Firing Squad" that he setup which made quite a bit of money for him, all due to his name recognition earned through gaming.

What about Gamespy industries? They umm, were a bunch of lazy gamers also - who - have become quite successful.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By FITCamaro on 8/20/2008 5:36:39 PM , Rating: 2
I am a freakin gamer.

Why do I have to care about what others have done with their lives? I never said you can't make money. I just don't view it as a sport or as a profession. To me it's like sitting on the couch all day watching countless episodes of Jeopardy. Eventually you'll know all the answers.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By MrBlastman on 8/20/2008 5:59:55 PM , Rating: 2
I'd certainly consider it a sport. For the majority of us - 99% of gamers, it is simply a sport that is a pastime.

Many of us join soccer leagues, baseball leagues and basketball leagues on the side, as a sport to partake in and have some competitive fun. Gaming on the internet in leagues is no different. No, you aren't an "athlete" as a gamer, but - you can be considered a competitor. There are leagues that operate no differently that major sports. The pressures to win are no different either (sports are 80% mental to begin with at the top end) and you will face the same mental challenges that you would in a physical sport without the physical aspects.

The leagues are actually pretty fun once you get involved and to me - serve a far better purpose as a hobby than sitting on the couch and watching television like a large number of Americans do. They are mentally stimulating - be it Yahoo Chess, StarCraft (RTS Games), CounterStrike or TeamFortress (shooters - but completely different playstyles).

So yes, I'd call them a sport once league play is involved, minus the physical part. You must remember, there are some people out there whom have physical limitations which prevent them from partaking in strenuous activity. They might look like you or me, an average guy and you'd never know unless they told you.

If you're just hopping on pub servers blowing the pieces out of random opponents - no, that is not a sport, but more of a pastime.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By FITCamaro on 8/20/2008 6:12:48 PM , Rating: 3
quote:
serve a far better purpose as a hobby than sitting on the couch and watching television like a large number of Americans do.


Sitting on the couch and playing a game? Yes....far better purpose. I do both but I don't consider either an activity to brag about.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By afkrotch on 8/21/2008 3:07:36 AM , Rating: 2
You would if you were making thousands of dollars playing games. I could care less about Fatal1ty, but I will say, it's great to see a gamer making 1/2 a mil by gaming.

Me, I just game for recreation.


By MrBlastman on 8/20/2008 1:34:26 PM , Rating: 2
hehe and what about Gary Kasparov?

He's done... okay for himself I'd say.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By Flunk on 8/20/2008 5:40:57 PM , Rating: 2
Exactly, professional = make your living by doing whatever. A professional gamer makes their living by gameing, and there are very few of them. Anyone who doesn't is just playing a game and most of the time the people are really good have nothing better to do with their time.


By TomCorelis (blog) on 9/10/2008 1:00:53 PM , Rating: 2
I don't know about you, but I consider the guy to be a putz.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By nafhan on 8/20/2008 1:55:57 PM , Rating: 2
I think the whole concept of "professional" sports is kind of rediculous as well, but people still make money at it.

I'd say anyone who's making more money than they are spending on something could be considered a professional. I'd love to get paid $100,000 a year to play video games...


RE: What's with all these mice...
By IvanAndreevich on 8/20/2008 3:33:58 PM , Rating: 2
Having to play as a full time job? Goddamn, that would get boring really fast. I am pretty damn good and I'd imagine to go pro, you would need to do drills rather than just play all day. Same as in real sports, such as tennis and volleyball.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By afkrotch on 8/21/2008 3:11:06 AM , Rating: 2
A gamer games. They would probably do drills or something for the main game at a specific tournament, but once they're done with that, they can play whatever game they want for enjoyment.

During a weekend that I don't plan on going out and doing anything, I can easily sit behind my computer and play games for 10+ hours a day. There are times I get on Tiberium Wars and spend 2 hours on a single skirmish screwing around.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By FITCamaro on 8/20/2008 5:39:31 PM , Rating: 3
I wouldn't. I get bored after a few days of just playing games.


By someguy123 on 8/20/2008 9:38:30 PM , Rating: 4
you obviously have never competed in real sports then. its not about the game, it's about the competition and the friendships you make.

you think kids at school play football because they get to run forward over and over?


RE: What's with all these mice...
By Verran on 8/20/2008 2:12:13 PM , Rating: 2
Does this extend to activities like basketball, football, and baseball? Those are games and they're supposed to be enjoyed.

I would say "yes" as I don't recognize professional sports any more than professional video games, but I bet a lot of the people who rated you up do.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By Hakuryu on 8/20/2008 2:23:39 PM , Rating: 2
Wow, I cant tell if jealousy or obstinance drove that post.
Are you jealous that some people can play alot of games and don't have to work a 'regular' job, or are you that set in your ways that anything that isn't 'normal' is therefore wrong?

I competed in Tribes for years, and had a blast with a clan of individuals that had a sponsored yearly lan party, where we got free hardware and gear from NVidia on down to Bawls energy drinks. You might think we were a bunch of kids, but the reality was we had players from 15 to 55, one doctor, a few high up network admins, and I was a programmer at the time.

Competitive gaming today is like football or baseball of the past. It surprised me how much I felt part of a team, even moreso than I when I played baseball and soccer because we communicated and even practiced outside of normal playing times... in baseball or soccer the only times you talked to or worked with your teammates was when you showed up on the field.

Get off your high horse, and let people do what they want. Childish barbs like assuming these people are unemployed just show how closed minded you can be.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By FITCamaro on 8/20/2008 5:44:39 PM , Rating: 2
I've done a clan in Desert Combat as well. To me there's a difference between doing something for fun in your spare time and calling it a profession. If you're good at a game and can win some money at a competition, more power to you. But a profession to me is something kids should strive to have. If a kid strives to be a "professional" game player, to me that's pretty sad.


By someguy123 on 8/20/2008 9:43:11 PM , Rating: 2
who are you to judge the way someone lives their lives? if it makes them happy and they can do well off it why not? I sort of agree that it shouldn't be instilled as a goal compared to professions that can help fellow man, but calling it "sad" just makes me wonder what exactly is so wrong with your own life that you have to judge other people's dreams.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By afkrotch on 8/21/2008 4:45:33 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
If a kid strives to be a "professional" game player, to me that's pretty sad.


The same can be said about any career field. Seeing a kid strive to get a PHD is sad to me. The countless hours spent reading books, doing homework, to pass specific classes that don't even pertain to their major. All the while, putting themselves thousands of dollars into debt.

Thank god all I really need is certs that pertain to what I want to do.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By TimberJon on 8/20/2008 2:40:59 PM , Rating: 2
I'd rate you down but I have to tighten your collar some more. I play games for fun because nobody plays games for evil or because they want to be depressed. I don't recognize anyone that denounces Gamers, or who does not recognize the code of the Gamer.

You're probably just an average gamer.

I and many of my colleagues and friends consider me to be an elite gamer because I can whip through games in record time, or just best 98% of all challengers.

Consider his "Professional" comment to be replaced with "Elite" because it is a much more fitting term. I can take on another elite gamer with a STANDARD kb and simple corded optical mouse. A real gamer does not need all these fancy laser models with configurable DPI sensitivity. I suppose only the Brain mouse can give a gamer an edge in FPS games.

In which industry can someone be looked down upon for devoting themselves to their job and enjoying it at the same time?

Are you / have you been employed?


RE: What's with all these mice...
By FITCamaro on 8/20/2008 5:53:06 PM , Rating: 2
You're right. I am an average gamer. I spend time playing them. Not to prove I'm better than anyone else. But because I enjoy them. I don't care how quick I beat it. That's not the point.

I enjoy my job for the most part as well. As long as I'm challenged.


By AlmostExAMD on 8/21/2008 3:22:02 AM , Rating: 2
Half your post is right, But I disagree about not needing fancy laser mice and dpi sensitivity.
A pro gamer will have every ounce of power he/she can manage to get to give them an edge over the competition,
From an overclocked cpu to the latest graphics card or even just a superfast internet connection can make a difference between fps/lag and being pwnd!
You wont see fatality running on a Pentuim 4 and a geforce 6800, Quite the opposite.
Doesnt matter how good you are if your running on obsolete gear you will eventually be owned by someone with half the talent, As they have the latest tech and are circle strafing you while you are on 10fps and lagging like a biotch! lol


RE: What's with all these mice...
By 1078feba on 8/20/2008 2:46:11 PM , Rating: 2
Provacative.

I wonder then, how you manage to logically differentiate "unrecognized pro gamers" from "recognized pro sports" players.

...unemployed people who've devoted themselves to something that was supposed to be enjoyed.

Tell me, how's life in the 50's?


By icanhascpu on 8/20/2008 3:18:49 PM , Rating: 2
It depends. If someone has an actual job that takes care of the bills and that job is playing games, then yes, they are a "professional" gamer.

Who are you to redifine the word based on such silly logic?
I like to play baseball for fun. That doesnt make people that do it for their livelyhood any less a "professional".Nor does it make someone that likes to work on cars for fun look smart by looking down on the guy at the auto shop fixing my truck as a job.

One mans hobby is another mans paycheck. Get over yourself.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By therealnickdanger on 8/20/2008 3:42:23 PM , Rating: 2
I rarely find myself at odds with you, FIT, but if someone can maintain a self-sustaining "profession" by playing games, I think he can be defined as a "professional". Professional car detailer, professional basketball player, professional architect... professional gamer? Where I have trouble is calling them "athletes". "Cyber-athletes" I believe is what they are called. L.M.F.A.O.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By FITCamaro on 8/20/2008 6:10:33 PM , Rating: 1
What I have a problem with is it being called a sport.

Read my other posts to see why I have odds with calling it a profession.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By afkrotch on 8/21/2008 9:07:25 AM , Rating: 2
Why is it not a sport? Just cause it's less physical, doesn't make it any less of a sport. It's more focused around dexterity, mental acuity, etc.

Motorsport is less focused around the physical abilities of the athlete and more around mental acuity and the vehicle's quality.

I wouldn't expect to see them show up in the Olympics, but it is a sport.


RE: What's with all these mice...
By althaz on 8/22/2008 3:41:45 AM , Rating: 2
It's not in any way a sport. Neither is "motorsport", horse racing, kayaking or gymnastics. There's even an argument that athletics aren't sports.

Some people say "No ball, no sport". It's not as simple as that, IMO, but it's close. That's not to say these other pursuits are somehow inferior to sports, less important or less prestigious. They just aren't sports.


By littlebitstrouds on 8/22/2008 11:43:51 AM , Rating: 2
Anyone arguing with FIT is an idiot, just search his other posts. The most he gives to any argument is a few masher fan boy comments or close minded uneducated comments. Don't waste your breathe or time on him.


By rippleyaliens on 8/21/2008 4:26:15 PM , Rating: 2
Professional gamer? Well that would be me, people in my guild, etc...
A good mice, well, that is like having a sli 9800gtx + setup.
See the enemy kill the enemy, be more responsive than the enemy, etc...
BTW i am 37, and as of last night, in BF2142, i still have a kill/death ratio 7:1. EASILY,
started at a .5:1 and rose as i PLAYED the game. Then tactics played the part. Professional means i play to win,

Better Keyboard/mice/videocard/cpu/monitor, are like the same tools as when i was in the Marines.
M16a2>>ak47 (range, accuracy)
M1 tanks>>>>>> all other tanks (range, accuracy, fire on move, speed, armor)

Gaming is war, virtual or not. You are as good as your tools.. and if you are serious about Gaming/War, you buy parts that make you better. The moment you purchase a article of computer hardware to make yourself better, you became a pro...


RE: What's with all these mice...
By 325hhee on 8/20/2008 1:42:50 PM , Rating: 3
quote:
That have a fat, bulbous end where your palm lies? For gaming - it sucks!


Why did the first thing that popped in my head was Zoolander when I read that?

I'm sorry, did my pin get in the way of your fat bulbous ass?

Todd, are you not aware that I get farty and bloated with a foamy latte?


By fleshconsumed on 8/20/2008 3:42:10 PM , Rating: 1
Your whole tirade tells me you don't really know what you're talking about.

It really depends on the game, your game style and personal preferences such as mouse sensitivity. Claw grip allows you for faster movements and faster movement correction, and is generally preferred by gamers with high sense. This has its advantages but because of the claw grip the mouse is more likely to wobble up and down during horizontal mouse movements so you're less likely to get consistent hs on plain surface. Mice that allow hand to rest on it allow for greater precision, especially on mid-to-long distances. In the end it really depends on the game (open vs. closed spaces) and personal preferences. You can't really tell that one is superior to another.

As far as to 20-30 year olds beating teenagers, chances are that those 20-30 year olds used to play a lot in their teens as well which is why they are still so good. No one that plays casually only an hour a day at the most can ever compete with someone playing 4+ hours a day, at least not in the long term.


I'll stick with...
By Icelight on 8/20/2008 3:37:13 PM , Rating: 2
...my $9 Logitech keyboard for gaming thank-you-very-much.

Last time I checked it, too, has all the standard keys available that I would ever need and I can press them and it sends a signal to the computer. At less than a quarter the price!

I always pity people who buy "gaming" hardware thinking they need it.




RE: I'll stick with...
By afkrotch on 8/21/2008 6:04:17 AM , Rating: 2
Majority cheap keyboards are unable to take more than a couple key presses at the same time.

Of course, you can't create macros on them. Maybe someone out there has made a macro program to work on any keyboard. *shrugs* I also play in the dark, so having lit keys is nice.

Yes, there was no need to purchase a Razer Lycosa keyboard, but it does make gaming a little easier. I also have the Sidewinder mouse and I love it. There's a difference between a generic mouse and a 2000 dpi mouse built for gaming.


RE: I'll stick with...
By Omega215D on 8/21/2008 6:35:45 AM , Rating: 2
Many gaming keyboards have good backlighting which make gaming at night or typing up reports in low light quite good. Another thing to consider is that many gaming keyboards have better quality keys that are tactile but quiet and remain that way for a long time. Lastly gaming keyboards have programmable macro keys for games requiring one touch commands.

Gaming mice tend to have better feet to have a smoother glide on many surfaces and better tracking than regular mice. I know my Razer DeathAdder was meant for gaming but it is comfortable as hell to use for everyday tasks.

I just hope that this MS keyboard will have a macro to disable the Windows Key and maybe some powered USB 2.0 ports would be nice (my Kensington Ci70 has powered USB ports but no backlighting).


RE: I'll stick with...
By Icelight on 8/21/2008 9:05:56 AM , Rating: 1
Mice I can somewhat agree with, within reason. I have an MX510 and I certainly couldn't imagine using an old generic mouse ever again.

But backlit keyboards? I have something called a light in the room where my computer sits. It costs about $10 and has the added benefit of lighting up the *entire* room instead of just the keyboard. Interesting technology.


RE: I'll stick with...
By afkrotch on 8/21/2008 10:32:31 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
But backlit keyboards? I have something called a light in the room where my computer sits. It costs about $10 and has the added benefit of lighting up the *entire* room instead of just the keyboard. Interesting technology.


And we have a thing called Ppl who like the darkness. I'm one of these ppl. I prefer to keep my lights off and my windows covered in tinfoil. Only time my lights come on is when I'm eating. Half the time, I don't even do that. That's why we like lit keyboards.


RE: I'll stick with...
By Omega215D on 8/21/2008 1:55:29 PM , Rating: 2
See I do turn my lights on but I don't want my room to be overly bright but eye strain is no good either. Low lighting can also apply to LAN parties or I am in the middle of a gaming session from midday to dusk and I tend to just stay where I am until I hit a losing streak then I'll be compelled to get up to turn the lights on. Hell I could be typing up a report in the middle of the night and dim the lights to cut the electricity use a bit.

Glowing mice I do not need but thankfully Razer lets me turn off those LEDs on the DeathAdder.


RE: I'll stick with...
By afkrotch on 8/21/2008 10:30:21 AM , Rating: 2
My Razer Lycosa has the ability to disable the Windows key and it doesn't have regular keys for multimedia functions. It has a little touchscreen/pad where your num/scroll/caps lock lights would be.

So it's a standard 104 key layout. The keys are almost like laptop keys, but they are a bit higher up. they are also partially rubberized, so my fingers don't slip off easily.


RE: I'll stick with...
By Omega215D on 8/21/2008 1:50:23 PM , Rating: 2
I was considering a Lycosa and I had a MS Reclusa (reclusa spider not recluse) but the keys were a bit too soft. The Lycosa is $80 and I would like separate macro keys (as found on the Logitech G15 or Saitek Cyborg) but it does look comfortable to type on.

Right now I have to tough it out with my Kensington Ci70 since it has 3 powered USB 2.0 ports for gaming controllers and MP3 connection.


Gaming natural keyboard
By boogle on 8/20/2008 12:54:01 PM , Rating: 2
Why can't they make a natural (aka split) keyboard for gaming? I get RSI from non-natural keyboards, but still love gaming.

Having said that, the different size of keys on natural keyboards (esp the super-large spacce bar, ctrl, and alt keys) makes it almost a gaming keyboard... naturally. Heh.




RE: Gaming natural keyboard
By itlnstln on 8/20/2008 3:15:57 PM , Rating: 2
I'll one up you on that. Also give it mechanical keyswitches instead of crappy rubber domes. That would be an ultimate keyboard.


RE: Gaming natural keyboard
By mcturkey on 8/21/2008 10:12:41 AM , Rating: 2
Agreed. I had to give up on gaming keyboards because my hands were hurting too much. I just don't understand why Logitech and Microsoft refuse to recognize how many gamers out there appreciate natural keyboards as well. Sure, you'll need time to adjust to it, but once you do, it becomes very hard to go back to a straight-row keyboard.


RE: Gaming natural keyboard
By TomCorelis (blog) on 9/10/2008 1:03:34 PM , Rating: 2
Agreed. Almost all of my here is done on grungy little MS Natural. I keep hoping that one day I'll see a nice gaming keyboard in this style....


Additional Information
By UninvitedGuest on 8/20/2008 1:24:12 PM , Rating: 1
Any expected price range? And is the mouse laser or optical?




RE: Additional Information
By DeepBlue1975 on 8/20/2008 2:38:59 PM , Rating: 1
The article quotes the prices.


RE: Additional Information
By bldckstark on 8/21/2008 12:43:49 PM , Rating: 2
And there is a bright red light in the picture under the mouse that would seem to indicate it is a laser mouse.

And before you ask - They are both wired. You can see those in the pictures also.

So now it's not just RTFA, but also LATFP.


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