Anyone got the Microsoft SideWinder X8?

EdwardTeach · 10 Nov 2010 at 01:11

I am considering buying one, so would be interested in hearing of anyones first hand experience with this mouse.

My criteria is I want a wireless mouse that can be used for gaming. other than the X8 i am only aware of the Razer Mamba, and it costs twice as much.

I don't think that there are many other options at this price range. I wouldn't want to pay any more than ~£40.

Anewbe4u · 10 Nov 2010 at 01:34

What's wrong with any half decent wireless mouse exactly? Am I missing out on something by using a cheap Wireless set?

the_r_sole · 10 Nov 2010 at 10:50

i've got the x5 wired one, it depends on what you want from the mouse really; it's big so some people just can't get comfy with it, see if you can go somewhere to put your hand on it to get a feel for it before buying

EdwardTeach · 10 Nov 2010 at 11:28

Anewbe4u said:
What's wrong with any half decent wireless mouse exactly? Am I missing out on something by using a cheap Wireless set?

My understanding is that most non-gaming wireless mice will suffer from lag. The x8 and mamba won't.

Marvin · 10 Nov 2010 at 11:29

My brother's X5 is nice to use - assuming you have large(r) hands, just be worth trying to find some reviews to see what the lag's like.

Liampope · 10 Nov 2010 at 11:36

I'm no pro gamer, but I notice no lag at all on my X8. Perfect in FPS and anything else. Battery life is awesome, not that it matters as the on-the-fly charging system is brilliant too. It is big, and it took me a little while to get used to it, but I find it comfortable now and the vertically positioned thumb buttons are the best thumb buttons I've used.

shadow_boxer · 10 Nov 2010 at 11:43

Hi mate. I've got the Sidewinder X8. Had it now for around a month or so, bought for £30. Had a cheap and nasty microsoft wired mouse before that. First impressions of it were good, aesthetically it looked very good to me, especially considering the price. Sure its probably not as fancy as other wireless gaming mice but I was very pleased.

Size was initially a bit of an issue, had been used to the smaller standard mice and this one was initially uncomfortably large for my hands (ps I probably haven't got the biggest hands in the world! lol After using it for a week or so it was completely fine and felt comfortable.

Gaming wise its pretty good, moves well and you get a number of variable "feet" to put on the bottom to change its glide/friction etc. Weight wise its good too, felt more sturdy and robuse compared to a cheap mouse. Battery was charged though a nifty wire which attaches magnetically to the mouse and initial charge time was a couple of hours I thing and since have only needed to charge it once. (remember that it charges whilst your using it with the wire connected, which was handy). No lag noticed in COD4 which is the only shooter game I've got.

Quite a few customisable buttons and the wheel tilts to left and right for scrolling too. Windows 7 detected and downloaded all drivers with no problems. For the price it was a fantastic buy in my opinion.

EdwardTeach · 10 Nov 2010 at 13:02

I think I have been pursuaded. Now I need to choose a mouse mat.

Any thoughts on the razor sphex?

Liampope · 10 Nov 2010 at 13:29

Dunno - dont use one myself. Works perfectly on my slightly shiny white Ikea desk

Jeepo · 10 Nov 2010 at 14:17

I have an X8 and love it, good choice.

I have a Razer Exactmat, and love it. The two sides are useful for different reasons, although I mostly just stay on the smooth side these days.