Microsoft has announced two new SideWinder products - the SideWinder X6 Keyboard and the SideWinder X5 Mouse. The SideWinder X6 is apparently the first ever gaming keyboard to feature a switchable key pad that can be attached to either side of the keyboard. The keypad is ideal for both gaming and productivity as it can be used as a regular numeric keypad for business use and a programmable macro pad in gaming mode.

Features of the Microsoft SideWinder X6 gaming keyboard include the following:

• Can store up to 90 macros per game
• Backlighting
• Mode switching lets gamers manually switch between standard mode and either of two gaming modes
• Automatic profile switching detects the application that is running and applies the custom profile
• Cruise control feature which continues an action without the user having to continuously press a key or a set of keys. Use this for up to four keys at a time
• In-game macro record button lets gamers record any sequence of keystrokes - even chat messages. Macros are stored on the hard drive
• WASD gaming keys have front-face lighting for visibility
• Quick-launch key gives one touch access to Windows Vista Games Explorer
• Two color adjustable backlighting

Features of the SideWinder X5 Mouse include:

• Nine-button gaming mouse with vertical side buttons
• Adjustable sensitivity up to 2000 DPI
• Five customizable buttons
• Quick-Launch button launches Windows Vista Games Explorer

The SideWinder X6 Keyboard and the SideWinder X5 Mouse will be available in September with the keyboard going for $79.95 and the mouse going for $59.95. Both products are available for pre-order on Amazon.com now.

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