This makes for a much more slender package, which is only beaten by the Razer Lycosa in terms slimness. This was done by slimming the main function keys, and placing the additional functions along the top edge of the keyboard. Microsoft added more function keys to the top of the keyboard, but they managed to do this without adding any additional bulk. Though there are only six keys physically, the 1-2 switch below allows you to change their mode, giving you 12 programmable macros in total.
![microsoft sidewinder x6 mechanical microsoft sidewinder x6 mechanical](https://sm.pcmag.com/pcmag_au/photo/m/microsoft-sidewinder-x6-keyboard-side/microsoft-sidewinder-x6-keyboard-side_735a.jpg)
There’s the afore mentioned macro keys six of them to be exact. Microsoft has also included a whole host of useful function keys over and above the standard 104. Though the removable keypad is the most noticeable feature of the SideWinder X6, it’s not the only benefit this keyboard provides to gamers. And I just tried a mechanical gaming keyboard, one with very high ratings, lots of sales, and cost well over 100, and I can say that I think the Sidewinder, even 6 years old, is a superior keyboard. This is good as these magnets will definitely hold the keypad in place while you are pounding on the keyboard through victory and defeat. Its unfortunate Microsoft doesnt make these anymore because this is definitely a top 10, maybe even a top 5 keyboard. The magnets used are actually rather powerful, bordering on Neodymium or some other Rare-earth magnet in comparable strength. Thankfully they settled on what appears to be the simplest option, which is to use magnets. When Microsoft was deciding what to use to keep the keypad connected to the keyboard, I’m sure they went through a whole litany of options. FPS players might even derive some use out of this, though the first 12 macro keys should be enough for most FPS titles. This places it right next to the main column of macro keys. If you’re a big macro freak (as many MMO and RTS players tend to be), moving the keypad over to the left side makes for easy access to all the macro keys. from the ground up, and the only gaming keyboard on the market with a switchable key pad for powerful versatility. The keypad even changes backlight colour based on what mode it’s in. Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard Fact Sheet August 2008 What: The SideWinder X6 Keyboard is the first gaming keyboard created by Microsoft Corp. Check out Microsoft JQD-00001 Sidewinder X4 Wired Keyboard reviews, ratings, features, specifications and browse more Microsoft products online at best prices on Amazon.in. The keypad isn’t functional when disconnected, but when it is connected you can choose to either run it in number pad mode, or switch to macro mode and add another 18 macro keys to the existing 16. Buy Microsoft JQD-00001 Sidewinder X4 Wired Keyboard online at low price in India on Amazon.in. You can choose to connect it to either the left or right side of the keyboard, depending on what kind of configuration and what genre of game you are playing. The feature that differentiates the SideWinder X6 from many other gaming keyboards is the detachable keypad.