microsoft sidewinder review

This review will be updated with multiple parts as soon as i get the software and use this mouse for a week.

So I have noticed a lack of reviews on this site for gaming mice. People ask lots of questions, but don't ever give their opinions after making a purchase. I received my Microsoft sidewinder gaming mouse in the mail today. I will be doing as much of a review as possible, hopefully to your advantage.

First impression: When i opened the box i noticed how awesome this thing looks. The buttons are unlike normal mice, the scroll wheel is strange looking, and the overall shape is somewhat skewed from what people consider a proper mouse. Either way I was excited. it looked like a fine piece of machinery and i couldn't wait to test it.

Build Quality/Design: Both the quality of this particular product and the overall design i give an 9 out of 10. There are 10 buttons overall, most of which are very well placed for optimal use. there are 2 main buttons (left and right), a scroll wheel button, 3 DPI changing buttons, a back and forward button, and another button which i believe is mappable for gaming purposes but does nothing as of yet. Finally, there is a button which rests under your palm. Purpose unknown but it isn't comfortable to use. There is a small screen which displays DPI when it is changed (unknown if it can display anything else as of yet). It fits well in my hand, but i have smaller hands then normal so people with bigger hands may not like this mouse. The release for the weights is on the bottom. There is a small slot for 3 weights. It comes with 3 10 gram weights and a 5. Finally, there are replaceable "feet" on the bottom of the mouse to manage friction. The mouse comes with 3 separate sets of "feet".

Function: Due to lack of software, function is limited on my part because i can not set DPI to exactly what i want it. Currently set at 800, need it a bit higher. All buttons work very well. Scroll wheel is a bit awkward to get used to, not as much grip as rubber but plenty when any force is applied down on the wheel. (To be expanded after a week of use)

Sections to come:
1. Opinion after a week
2. Software / customization
3. Trial in different games
4. comparison to other mice (non gaming)
5. pictures
6. Contents (of the purchase)

Current final thought: Would recommend to anyone, very good so far.

 

Microsoft Sidewinder is now a gaming mouse? I still have 2 high end Microsoft Sidewinder gameport joysicks and a Sidewinder 2 USB joystick from like 2000 lol.

-J.B.

 

LOL me too...from 1996 i think! I cant use it in xp or vista though...

 

microsoft came out with this mouse a while ago.... i tried this mouse out before. i really like the shape of it. it felt really comfortable in my hand. the red leds on the bottom of the mouse are also cool. i still ended up choosing the g9 over the sidewinder tho.

 

Same here, I went with a G9 too. But unlike you, I thought the sidewinder felt like a chunk of plastic in my hand.

 

I'm using a Logitech MX518 in my house, but I bought a $20 Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical for the dorm room for my laptop (that way if it gets stolen...you know). I know its only 400 DPI but good regardless. When I come home, I can play CS:S with the luxury of my MX518

P.S. Sidewinder reminds me of Halo's map Sidewinder lol..coincidence Microsoft made both? haha