One might assume that there are only one or two big names that are making great gaming keyboards, and Microsoft doesn’t want to be left behind. After reviving the Sidewinder brand, they’ve released the all new X6 keyboard.
The X6 is a really huge keyboard, and it has plenty of keys as well. The quality could be better, but the design is not shabby. The first things you notice other than the dials is the red backlight. The first dial is there to allow you to change the brightness of the lights, and the other is for the volume control.
The keyboard has a matte plastic finish, except for the areas around the keys. The keys themselves don’t go deep into the keyboard, but aren’t too shallow like a laptop keyboard either. One of the unique features is the detachable numerical pad which can be attached either on the right or left of the keyboard with the help of a magnetic strip on the side.
Using the keyboard is very confusing in the beginning, and it takes a while if you’re upgrading from a standard keyboard. Once you do get used to it, however, it becomes a great stable keyboard to use. There are six macro keys on one side of the keyboard with a toggle to use three different settings for those keys. The numerical pad keys are also part of the macro keys.
There are a few other things missing in the X6. The right Windows key is missing and the size of some of the keys like the right [Shift] key are longer than usual. The drivers will let you customise it further.
Overall, this is a very good keyboard for gaming use. Although Rs 4,480 may seem like a lot of money for a keyboard, with the number of features it has, it’s definitely worth it.
Besides, this is far from the most expensive keyboard around.
Specifications
Detachable numpad, up to 30 programmable keys
Contact
Microsoft Hardware
Phone: 9886328580
E-mail: geethakb@microsoft.com
Web site: www.microsoft.com/india/edd/
Price: Rs 4,480
Ratings
Features: 4.5
Performance: 4
Build Quality: 4
Value for Money: 3
Overall: 4