Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Rich Brown
Reviewed on: 08/20/2008
Released on: 08/20/2008

Microsoft's new SideWinder X5 Mouse is a stripped-down version of last year's Editors' Choice-winning SideWinder Gaming Mouse. Where the original model was a packed-to-the-gills gaming powerhouse, the X5 feels flimsy and expensive for the $60 Microsoft wants you to spend. We're willing to accept a more basic version of a product for a lower price, but what you get with the X5 doesn't quite scale appropriately, either in its features or in its design. Especially considering that you can get Logitech's still outstanding G5 Laser Mouse for the same price, we can't recommend the SideWinder X5 Mouse.

In outward appearance, the SideWinder X5 looks more-or-less the same as last year's higher-end SideWinder. Two distinct, round thumb-side buttons poke out noticeably, and the three sensitivity-switching buttons run down the middle in-line with the chunky scroll wheel. Microsoft has improved the sculpt in this newer model, it has fewer hard angles than the original. The pinkie-side especially has been refined, and in a good way. A ridge on the right side still cradles your little finger, but even more comfortably than last year's mouse. It also uses a moisture resistant material on the sides that helps keep the mouse dry.

In general, the SideWinder X5 certainly delivers most of the core features PC gamers look for. You can customize the sensitivity setting for the dpi buttons, ranging from 200dpi to 2,000dpi, with 400, 800, 1,000, and 1,600 stops in between. However, unlike Logitech's MX 1100, the software won't let you completely customize every button on the SideWinder X5. The dpi buttons have to control the sensitivity, and there's also no way to tell the "Quick Launch" button to do something other than open Microsoft's less-than-useful Games folder in Windows Vista, or the mouse setting screen in XP.

You get no hardware macro-recording functions in the X5 as with the original SideWinder, but we can't fault Microsoft for leaving them out in a lower-end product. We're more surprised that the weight kit was also left out. Perhaps that once might have been the domain of truly high-end mice, but Logitech's G5 Laser Mouse and its weight kit currently go for $60, according to Logitech's Web site. That makes Microsoft look cheap for leaving it out.

You could reasonably argue that customizable weights and feet for mice have a certain gimmicky feel, but we especially miss the weights for the SideWinder X5 because it desperately needs some added heft. It feels less like a precision input device and more like a hollow hunk of plastic, even when you play with the sensitivity. Even without its weights, the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse feels substantial. Instead, this new SideWinder X5 feels like a toy.

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Product summary
The good:
Improved sculpt; moisture-resistant coating.

The bad:
Competing Logitech mouse offers more mouse for the buck; lacks heft.

The bottom line:
Microsoft's pared-down SideWinder X5 Mouse is supposed to offer PC gamers a lower-cost version of its award-winning higher-end model. Instead, it comes across as flimsy and overly stripped down. Other mice deliver better control for the same price.

Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #8282 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Microsoft
Model: ARB-00001
Dimensions: 2.83" h x 8.35" w x 8.35" l, .93 pounds

Features
2000 DPI Laser Tracking Engine - For fast action
Built to Last - Main button life: Rated to 10,000,000 clicks
On-the-Fly DPI Switching - Instantly switch sensitivity between high (2000), medium (800), and low (400) with one click.
Five Programmable Main Buttons - Customize your main gaming buttons to your preference.
Macros - Create and assign macros out-of-game using included software.

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Overview:

Cut right to the chase with the Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse--another addition to Microsoft's award-winning line of SideWinder gaming products. This fast, durable mouse delivers super-precise action with advanced features like vertical side buttons, 200 to 2000 dpi on-the-fly laser tracking, macros, 5 assignable buttons, and more.

Features:

Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse

Quick Launch Button
One-touch access to Microsoft PC Gaming features.

Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse

Vertical Side Buttons
Top/bottom design makes locating side buttons easier.

Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse

On-the-Fly DPI Switching
Instantly switch sensitivity between high, medium, and low with one click.

Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse Additional Features:
2000 DPI Laser Tracking Engine: For fast action.
Built to Last: Main button life rated to 10,000,000 clicks.
Engineered for Speed: Right-handed shape designed for quick, balanced, precision gaming action.
Quick Turn: Check your perimeter with the click of a button.
Wide Rubber Scroll Wheel: With detent clicking action.
Five Programmable Main Buttons: Customize your main gaming buttons to your preference.
Macros: Create and assign macros out-of-game using included software.

System Requirements:
Windows Vista/Windows XP
100 MB
Powered USB port
CD drive

Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse

Comments & Reviews

Great technical specs...a pain in the wrist
I'm a gamer who spends most of his free gaming time parked in front of his PC, whether it's playing FPSs or MMOs. The two most important things a gamer needs are a comfortable headset and a comfortable mouse. On the mouse side of things, I've been using the Logitech G9 Laser Mouse, a laser gaming mouse I've really enjoyed. But I'm always curious to try other mice and jumped at the opportunity of taking a look at Microsoft's SideWinder series.

On a purely tech level, the SideWinder is pretty nice. With a high click count (10 million!) and 2000 DPI for tracking purposes, it's a durable, fast mouse that should satisfy gamers everywhere. I also appreciate the "on-the-fly" DPI-switching feature (the three bars down the center). However, I didn't find the DPI-switching to be as effective as the ones on the Logitech G9 mouse, which offer a few more options in between. I found myself wanting a setting between the fastest and the mid level once in awhile. I also wasn't sure how I'd feel about the vertical buttons on the side of the mouse, versus the horizontal, "slit-type" buttons on most mice. I actually liked them better than I thought I would, but it's purely a matter of preference.

The problem I have with the mouse is that I don't find it to be very comfortable. The way it's designed isn't ergonomically fit for me and I find it sometimes cutting off my circulation, due to the way it fits my hand. I find my wrist/hand on a slight upward slant that didn't really feel comfortable, especially when you add in the circulation issue. For this very reason, I probably won't use the mouse as much as I'd like and I definitely prefer the feel of Logitech's G9 instead.

Which is a shame because I do like the options it offers, it's not as pricey as the Logitech G9 and it's a solidly-built mouse. But, like I originally said, it's all about comfort and this mouse just isn't doing it for me.

Useful but Awkward
This is my first gaming mouse. I've found the default Microsoft mouse that came with my PC (Wheel Mouse Optical) to be sufficient in the past. Overall, I've found the Sidewinder X5 to be clunky and awkward.

PROS
+ There are 2 thumb buttons to assign macros. This can be useful for actions such as 180 turns within games, etc.

+ On the fly DPI change. I've made a quick diagram (see user photos above) to illustrate the extra precision you can get by changing from 2000 DPI to 400 DPI. This would be great for precision shooting (e.g. sniper rifles) within a game.

CONS
- This mouse is bulky. I'm 6' with an above-average hand size. This reminds me of the larger, original Xbox controller that first shipped. If you remember, the more popular Xbox controller was the smaller S model released for Japan and then later released in the US.

- The placement of the 2 thumb buttons are awful. These are arranged with one above the other. My above-average thumb can easily press both buttons at once which is not the point. You want to only press one of them if at all. This means I have to use the tip of my thumb to press these buttons and also means I need to slide my hand further back from the front of the mouse.... Which means less control over the mouse direction.

- The thumb buttons are also too easy to accidentally press. As a test, I set the buttons to show my desktop. In the course of answering a few e-mails, I've accidentally jumped back to the desktop 5 times. So when you're playing a game, expect to see the thumb buttons triggered a lot by accident.

- The scroll wheel doesn't seem to work right for web browsing. It jumps down instead no matter how I configure it. Jumping is awkward for reading a page of text.

- Not for left-handed people.

I would recommend this for games if you set both of the thumb buttons to the same function. This would let you hold the mouse better since you wouldn't need to press the thumb buttons with the tip of your thumb anymore. When you're not playing a game, I'd recommend re-connecting your original mouse which is less bulky and awkward.

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