Microsoft Sidewinder Vs. Sidewinder X3 Vs. Sidewinder X5 Vs. Sidewinder X8 – Gaming Mouse Review
Microsoft SideWinder Gaming Mouse Reviews
The SideWinder, SideWinder X3, SideWinder X5, and Sidewinder X8 reviewed.
Avg. Rating: 4.2 out of 5.0
SideWinder X3: 4.1 out of 5.0
SideWinder X5: 4.1 out of 5.0
SideWinder X8: 4.3 out of 5.0
SideWinder: 4.2 out of 5.0
Recommendation: For the money, we like the extra features found in the SideWinder and SideWinder X8. Still, the X3 and X5 are excellent low-cost gaming mice.
SideWinder X3 Standard Retail: $39.95
SideWinder X5 Standard Retail: $59.95
SideWinder X8 Standard Retail: $99.95
SideWinder Standard Retail: $79.95
What we liked:
Comfortable design, large palm area
On-the-fly DPI switching on all models
The QuickTurn feature on the X5 and better
Well-placed buttons (metal on SideWinder and X8)
Good reliability and fair software features
Multiple models to choose from based on price range
What we disliked:
Awkward for those who like a fingertip grip
Price-to-value is just average
Review:
Before we get started with the review, let’s clear something up that has been confusing users. There are four “SideWinder” mice. To add to the confusion, one is just called the “SideWinder,” while 3 are called the “Sidewinder X*”. We used to review each one separately, but found that people were confused by the repetition and frustrated trying to find the unique info to each review. The solution: list them all together. The individual reviews are at the bottom of this page, but you don’t need to read them all.
Features similar on all SideWinders: If you put your hand on a SideWinder, the first thing you’d say is, “this mouse is huge!” You will also be dead wrong. Allow me to explain: while the mouse is larger than some, it’s not by much. The major difference is that the back of the mouse really comes up to a high arc. If you’re used to placing your wrist on your mouse pad, this would be almost impossible without a wrist pad on the SideWinders. Those who want to place their whole palm on the mouse and move it in swiping motions will enjoy how the SideWinder feels.
Different SideWinder features: The SideWinder is the only SideWinder with a weight cartridge, allowing you to change the weight of the cartridge. The SideWinder X8 is the only one that can operate wirelessly. It can also be plugged in for wired power. Both the SideWinder and the X8 have macro recording features, while the others do not. Pro tip: you can often find the X5 at lower prices than the X3. Oh, and the X3 is the only one that looks lame.
If you include DPI buttons and the push-down wheel, there are 7 buttons on the X3, 8 on the X5 (5 of which can be re-programmed), 12 on the X8 (7 of which can be re-programmed), and the regular SideWinder has 9 buttons.
Which one should you choose?: Good question! If you’re just looking for a basic mouse that is reliable and effective, go with the X3. I’d recommend this for gamers whose idea of gaming includes flash games, solitaire, and the occasional non-shooter. The X5 has a neat look to it, and is simple yet effective for gaming, and could be used in a shooter. Both the X3 and the X5 feel a little bit flimsy.
The SideWinder and SideWinder X8 are for gamers who play fairly regularly and want some features. The X8 has a few more buttons and can play in wireless mode, but it’s a little more expensive. If a weight cartridge is really important to you, the SideWinder (regular) has that. If you’re unsure, we would recommend the X8 over the SideWinder simply because it tracks better, is more precise, and has more features.
If you would like to see how the SideWinder and all other gaming mice stack up, please see our category review.