Product Survey: Mice : Microsoft Sidewinder X5
5. Microsoft Sidewinder X5
Driver software
The drivers that come with the X5 allow the buttons to be remapped to launch certain programs or even perform macros, as well as choose from preset resolution configurations. By default, these resolutions are 400, 800 and 2000 dpi.
The 400 and 800 dpi settings are worthwhile, with the first allowing for maximum precision, and the second being a standard speed for everyday use. 2000 dpi, on the other hand, is very fast - too fast if you ask us. You can use the drive to replace it with either 1600 or 1000 dpi.
It's disappointing that you can't choose your own speed like you can with the Logitech MX1100. Without wanting to sound picky, we reckon that 1200 dpi is the best setting and we'd like to be able to use it.
Microsoft has created a more affordable version of their popular Sidewinder mouse, an offering aimed specifically at gamers. However, the original Sidewinder was released in 2007, and its price has gradually fallen, meaning it is now possible to find the original for around the same price as the new, cut-down X5. Getting your hands on the new, 'affordable' version is a very nasty shock when you're used to the old one.
- Microsoft SideWinder...
Sidewinder Lite
We had no idea that Microsoft's plan was to offer a cheaper version of the original Sidewinder, and had assumed that this model would replace the original, building on its excellent features in the same way that the Logitech MX1100 does on those of its predecessor. Unfortunately, the build quality of the X5 is nowhere near as good as the original, and the metal buttons which were the hallmark of the old Sidewinder are here replaced by hard plastic.
The LCD screen on the original Sidewinder, which provided useful feedback on the current resolution settings, has been removed. Despite this, the X5 provides the same three small buttons directly underneath the scroll wheel for changing resolution on the fly. The spare pads for underneath the mouse are also gone, leaving you to wander the Internet looking for replacements when the originals start to deteriorate. While the original Sidewinder also let you customize its heft with removable counterweights, the X5 includes no such customization.
Cutting Corners
Cutting back on all these features shaves off 20 grams of weight compared to the original Sidewinder (not including optional counterweights), leaving the X5 at 105 g. This is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage, but simply a matter of taste. Personally, we prefer our mice to weigh in at around 100 grams, so we're happy to see a slightly slimmer mouse, although some gamers may disagree.
Fortunately, the X5 doesn't get rid of all the good ideas from the original Sidewinder. The side buttons are still arranged vertically, rather than side by side. They're very easy to use and feel much more natural, and we don't understand why the competition hasn't adopted this yet.
One change for the better is that this mouse now runs at 1000 Hz (although, irritatingly, you can't change this setting - once again, Logitech does better) and so it sends its position to the computer a thousand times a second. While this reduces latency from 8 ms all the way down to 1 ms, it also eats up a lot of system resources. When we moved the mouse quickly, the CPU load on our Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 GHz processor approached 20%. And if you start tossing the mouse about like crazy, the load can climb as high as 60%. It's a big pain that you can't turn down this frequency using the driver when you don't need the extra power.
Original & Best
The new X5 is a little lighter than its predecessor, and its new black buttons give it a slightly more restrained look. However, we can only recommend you avoid the X5 and opt for the original Microsoft Sidewinder. The X5 is nothing more than a “lite” version of the real thing, with cheap materials and fewer options at the same price point as the luxury model.
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The Sidewinder X5 is a good mouse, but loses out to the original Sidewinder. For the same price as an older model, you get fewer features and poorer quality materials.
Tom’s hardware this article seems more focused on budget consumers, however you also included the steelseries MMO mouse which is expensive. So why no Microsoft Sidewinder X8, Logitech G9x(most recent and not be confused with the G9 however very much the same), and Razer Mamba. Would love to see a review on those mice and others like them. I mean you did mention gaming a lot and didn’t include mice geared mainly toward gaming. Why not even throw in there the VisionTek XG6 if it was budget based, and for it just being really odd.
I think the the Logitech G9 should be on this list as well along side with the MX Revolution. But I do like how on the side of each mouse they explain some more into the different tech specs and what they mean.
While not a perfect article, this is a major improvement from some of the crap that I've seen from Digital Versus previous to this article.
I have tried several different brands and styles over the years. I always go back to my old favorite I have had for years. It's a Microsoft IntelliEye.
The article omits a discussion and comparison of a profound aspect of mouses, the sampling rate.
Nothing beats gaming like my optical MX510
Nothing beats gaming like my optical MX510
I just bought a MX620 for 20 bucks (they had a instant 15 off and 25 bucks off ontop of that) I am very happy, so happy that I bought a second one for my mac.
Nothing beats my Logitech Click!
Why?
-Light, comfortable, smooth.
-I have had this mouse for over three years now.
-I have long fingers, and they fit comfortably on the mouse.
-The mouse is decently light. I've used lighter, but too light can cause issues. (not durable enogh for example. I have thrown this mouse many times yet it works like a champ)
-Wired (I do prefer wired. I have two wireless mice, but the batteries die too fast, and the batteries make it too heavy. Plus not having extra batteries around when they die is horrible... Even more important, they're easy to lose. Someone like me is better with a wired product. I lose my wireless products frequently. It's not a big loss)
-Comfort. I never have a proper stance while typing. Both my hands, even when one is on the mouse, are resting on the surface if possible. My mouse pad is about 9 years old. I think one of my brothers got it in a parade. Best mousepad EVER. So soft, so smooth. ~1/8 foam with a soft and smooth matertial on top. Extremely durable. It has held out for 9 years. Has had countless drinks spilled on it and a endless amount of oil. Has been brutalized with knives several times, yet the material holds. I currently have this actually stationary at my desk, with 3 nails and 1 screw. Because my wrist is always dragging on it, my wirst has built extra callious skin, which is actually useful. I have never found a mousepad superior to this (actually I don't even know if this is actually a mouse pad to be honest), all being uncomfortable and undurable plastic or crappy foam. /end rant on mousepad
-Infrared. I understand that newer mopdels are superior to what surfaces they can be used on, but regardless, I have used this on my bed, carpet, wglossy wooden table, couch etc. It works like a charm.
-Sexy. Something must be said to the ones that look simple yet elegant. Some of us want something that will look good foir years to come, not just for a month or so. The Logitech Click! Plus (wireless version) is actually less visually appealing in my opinion.
-800 dpi. Even when running a dual screen setup, with one wrist movement, I can get from end to end easily. The mouse is just right for me.
I paid $60 (well, someone else did with my money...) and I haven't regret it since. Nice to know they're like $15 now.
I don't like those fancy super modern mice.
Firstly, expensive.
Secondly, I don't need 20 damned extra buttons. I rarely even use the extra 1 button I have.
Thirdly, design. I am no fan of super modern mice. To me, they look like a gross attempt to show off. Like adding nothing but a bolt-on body kit, spoiler, cheap window tint, and wannabe spinning rims. Excess in a unproductive way.
It's like excessive "gaming keyboards".
The things are damned large, damned heavy, and damned expensive. My keyboard is as basic as it gets. Durable (I like to play with fire...), thin (but structuraly 100% stable), light (but not too light, so it doesn't constantly fly off my desk if I try to move it around), small (while retaining a full size keyboard, by having bottom and side edges less tham a centimetre), wired (I have a wireless keyboard, I even lose that), only the hotkeys I need (1 key I didn't, so I just removed the key), and can be picked up new for less than $5. Heres what it looks like: http://www.geeks.com/imageshare/5/ [...] 2-unit.gif
I have a $100 wireless gaming keyboard. This is a HP cheapo keyboard that I bought with a $600 debranded HP computer. After only a couple hours of use, I never used my heavy, large, wireless (battery wasting), grotesque looking keyboard. It's extremely simple, and works like a charm. The Apple aluminum keyboard interests me. Extremely basic and light, it just needs to have a magnesium option over aluminum (for strength), and to be a lot cheaper...
I want those exact same features in my mouse.
Who can offer that?
/end all rants
I just bought a MX620 for 20 bucks (they had a instant 15 off and 25 bucks off ontop of that) I am very happy, so happy that I bought a second one for my mac.
Good deal.
A actually sexy mouse.
I don't like the sharp tip to it, or that it looks like it's built for small hands, but it's better than anything in this article.
I still like my G5. My old one died (the trigger button started to lag just enough so I was missing a decent amount of kills when sniping). I'm on my second G5 and probably would get another until they stop selling. Imo, the G5 is one of the best mice(mouse?) ever made. The G9 and others are technologically much better, but I don't like the feel of the G9,etc.
Also, the review should have included at least 1-2 track ball mouse as quite a bit of designers (vid editors,CAD,etc) use them.
Mouses!
(mice are animals)