PC gamers are a picky lot that eschew traditional keyboards and mice for products catering to the specific needs of gamers. Typically gaming mice offer high levels of sensitivity, lots of buttons, macro capabilities, and a high price tag. Microsoft has added a new low price gaming mouse to its SideWinder line up called the SideWinder X3. Today we are going to take a hands on look at the SideWinder X3 and see is low price means low performance. Read on for more details on the Microsoft SideWinder X3.

Specifications

The SideWinder X3 has a 2000dpi laser sensor and on-the-fly sensitivity switching. The mouse features an ambidextrous design that allows use in either hand and sports five programmable main buttons. Macros can be recorded and bound to the buttons as well. The SideWinder X3 can process up to 7080 frames per second, withstand 20G of acceleration and offers full-speed 500Hz USB reporting for accuracy.

In Use

When you look at the SideWinder X3 and compare it to high-end mice like Microsoft’s own X8 or the Logitech G9, you see where the lower price comes in. The X3 lacks the little LCD that the X8 offers along with the wireless design and much of the X8’s sensitivity. Gamers looking for high sensitivity levels won’t find it with the SideWinder X3.

What you do get is a 2000 dpi laser mouse that is plenty sensitive for most gamers and has three easy to use buttons for adjusting sensitivity while playing. The three buttons move sensitivity between 400 dpi, 800 dpi, and 2000 dpi. I much prefer the three fixed buttons to a single button that cycles through settings like some mice have. You can simply hit the button you want and be done with it rather than having to repeatedly press a button to get to the sensitivity setting you want.

The mouse feels good in the hand and lefties will find the SideWinder X3 to be one of the few ambidextrous mice around for gamers. Included software allows you to construct macros to be bound to buttons on the mouse easily.

Of the five programmable main buttons, two of them are recessed side buttons. The side buttons were the only source of irritation for me with the SideWinder X3. The buttons are placed well forward and above where my medium size hands naturally fall. That means that while you won’t be hitting them accidentally, you may have to reposition your hand to reach the buttons.

The mouse offers considerably less sensitivity than the Logitech G9 I am used to gaming with, but 2000 dpi will be plenty for sensitivity for most gamers using smaller size LCDs. Accuracy was very good with the mouse and the SideWinder X3 works equally well for general computer use. One of the best features of the SideWinder X3 is the price. At $39.99, the X3 is well under half the price of most gaming mice on the market.

Pros

• Cheap
• Good Performance
• Ambidextrous

Cons

• Recessed side buttons hard to reach

Verdict

Other than the issue I had with the side buttons, the SideWinder X3 is a great little gaming mouse. Gamers on a budget needing a new rodent will want to try the SideWinder X3.