Wow...first impressions of MS Sidewinder X8 Gaming Mouse

[AndroidVageta]

Well, just got my new Sidewinder X8 today from eBay ($50 new shipped) and all I can say is WOW!

I went from a Logitech G9 and Razor Mamba before it and, maybe it is just my bigger hands, but the X8 is truly the most comfortable form fitting mouse Ive ever used. I have access to all the buttons without having to "reach" for the side buttons (especially the one in the back) like on every mouse out there. Wireless connectivity is great and even though some people claim "lag" I havent noticed any what so ever...and I consider myself to be quite the hardcore PC gamer so Id think Id notice.

The little wireless receiver/charger is awesome as well. Its got some good heft to it so theres no sliding around and the magnetic charging cable/hardware cable works beautifully...the magnetic connection is very strong and always connects automatically when I hover the mouse over it.

I mean, this is honestly like I said the BEST mouse Ive ever used, and Ive only been on it for 2 hours. ONLY gripe I have is that the wheel is a tad loud...nothing annoying and I am completely over it, but its not exactly whisper quiet. It is however very assuring with each click.

I would say that if you are in the market for a new mouse and have $50-$60 I couldnt recommend anything else other than the X8!



Moved from PC Gaming

Anandtech PC Gaming Moderator
KeithTalent

 

[JoshGuru7]

This is the mouse that I use as well on a razer exactmat (speed surface).

The on-the-fly DPI adjustment works very well in shooters. I recommend setting the top button to your "normal" FPS value and then drop the middle one down by 2/3 or so for fine-tuned aiming. With a little practice you can easily dial the sensitivity in for normal gameplay and out for scoped work.

 

[PhatoseAlpha]

So, are the three little knobs under the scroll wheel programmable buttons? Where do they get their 5+tilt button count?

My MX1000 is starting to give out on me (left button losing sensitivity), but I want something with as many buttons in reach. Is there a diagram somewhere of what are programmable buttons, and what are just for show?

 

[AndroidVageta]

There are 7 buttons. The two side buttons, the 2 main buttons, the middle button (wheel) and the two side scroll buttons...7 total. I wish the "games" button (the silver one on top) and the DPI buttons were programmable, but alas they are not

In either case though, with the 7 buttons on mouse and my Nostromo SpeedPad n52, I have MORE than enough buttons for anything Id need haha!

 

[PhatoseAlpha]

Interesting, thanks. Might see if the local best buy has a floor model, to test for hand feel.

 

[AndroidVageta]

I know the couple around here dont :/

Fits my hand perfectly...what mouse are you using now?

 

[PieIsAwesome]

Yeah, that mouse seems to be good for big hands. I had the original version, which has the same shape, and it was uncomfortable because it was too big for me. Too long and the rear was too big.

 

[Ika]

and the rear was too big.

when is that ever a bad thing :hmm:

 

[AndroidVageta]

Yeah, I have to admit that at first it seemed to big for my hands too, but Ive already gotten used to it and Im still ecstatic about it haha...some times I find my self just looking at it...:hmm:

 

[MJinZ]

My Sidewinder mouse is better (it's wired).

And yes, people who use Logitechs and Razers don't know what thye're missing out on. It's like eating from dumpsters for all your life, and then suddenly, Bill Gates buys you Caviar.

Now you need a Sidewinder X6 keyboard. Best gaming keyboard ever.

 

[NinjaCat]

I have the X5, which looks like the same shape and even though it's a ergo design, it feels fine using my left hand. They are for big hands though, after using this other mice feel small. Also Microsoft's cs is excellent, my habu broke after using it for 3 years and even though they discontinued it, they gave me this mouse for free. I had only emailed once about it, but they just kept on emailing me to resolve my issue.

 

[MJinZ]

I have the X5, which looks like the same shape and even though it's a ergo design, it feels fine using my left hand. They are for big hands though, after using this other mice feel small. Also Microsoft's cs is excellent, my habu broke after using it for 3 years and even though they discontinued it, they gave me this mouse for free. I had only emailed once about it, but they just kept on emailing me to resolve my issue.

I don't get why people say these are made for big hands. I have average sized hands and the Sidewinder mices are perfectly sized.

Large? Razers are for large hands. I can't comfortably use a razer.

 

[PhatoseAlpha]

I know the couple around here dont :/

Fits my hand perfectly...what mouse are you using now?

Logitech MX1000. One I've had a devil of a time replacing since everything else seems short on buttons.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Logitech MX1000. One I've had a devil of a time replacing since everything else seems short on buttons.

Yeah, I used to have a Logi MX Revolution and loved it, VERY comfortable. Their new MX Performance is the most uncomfortable mouse Ive ever used lol...I hate it, I have big hands and even that is too big.

 

[AndroidVageta]

My Sidewinder mouse is better (it's wired).

And yes, people who use Logitechs and Razers don't know what thye're missing out on. It's like eating from dumpsters for all your life, and then suddenly, Bill Gates buys you Caviar.

Now you need a Sidewinder X6 keyboard. Best gaming keyboard ever.

X8 can be wired too FYL! hehehe...

 

[minmaster]

android, how does mamba compare to G9? i was thinking about going from G9 to mamba.

 

[AndroidVageta]

I would honestly say that I liked the G9 better than the Mamba...more comfort and better at gaming due to this. If you are thinking of the Mamba, skip it, get the X8...it really is THAT awesome, and Im not overhyped at all!

 

[minmaster]

i have small hands so no sidewinders for me

 

[Oyeve]

My Sidewinder mouse is better (it's wired).

And yes, people who use Logitechs and Razers don't know what thye're missing out on. It's like eating from dumpsters for all your life, and then suddenly, Bill Gates buys you Caviar.

Now you need a Sidewinder X6 keyboard. Best gaming keyboard ever.

Alas, I am lefty.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Actually, besides not being able to properly utilize the side buttons, the X8 is VERY comfortable left handed as well. Honestly, probably one of the most comfortable (used to be a lefty )

 

[NinjaCat]

I'm left handed and using this mouse left handed gives me no discomfort. For a right ergo mouse, if I didn't know that beforehand, I wouldn't think it was.

Only problem i think that it has is that there is a pointy edge in the back, and I overcome this by resting the middle of my palm on it or just using my fingers to move the mouse around.

 

[AndroidVageta]

You talking about the X5 or X8? X8 has no pointy back?

 

[NinjaCat]

oh right talking about the X5

 

[AndroidVageta]

Well, I would NOT recommend this mouse now until I can figure out what the hell is going on with it. Im using it and about an hour ago the pointer becomes REAL jumpy and the mouse buttons respond about 1/2 of the time...dont know if the mouse is going bad or what not, but it sure as hell isnt working like it should be...Ive never heard of a mouse going bad before...

 

[AndroidVageta]

Also, it would appear that the cable that magnetically connects to the mouse is ONLY for charging and has nothing to do with physically connecting the mouse to the computer via USB...it just charges it while the mouse still remains hooked up through wireless.