Go To Latest Video ReviewsRefine search for Peripherals
Microsoft SideWinder X3 - Laser Gaming Mouse Review
| Author | Ardjuna Seghers |
| Published | 5th Aug 2009 |
| Manufacturer | Microsoft |
| Supplier | Play |
| Price | £23.47 (Exc VAT) |
| as reviewed | £26.99 (Inc VAT) |
| Latest Price |
| Design |  |
| Features |  |
| Performance | |
| Value | |
| Overall |  |
4 comments
Email
TrustedReviews NewslettersA mouse is undoubtedly the most important weapon in any PC-gamer's arsenal. Whether you're playing a First Person Shooter (FPS) or Real Time Strategy game (RTS), your mouse is the difference between domination and defeat. If you're on a budget though, finding a current-generation gaming mouse from a trusted brand is not that easy, especially not if you're left-handed into the bargain. Enter Microsoft's SideWinder X3, an ambidextrous gaming rodent available for just £27.
At this kind of price it's obvious a few corners will have been cut. Starting off with the design, this is the plainest SideWinder mouse since Microsoft resurrected its PC gaming peripheral brand. Visually it's a significant step back: there are no cool lighting effects, no fancy LCD screen, no glossy highlights or accents and no impressive metal scroll wheel.
An unremarkable combination of matte silver and black completes the top of the mouse, with a very cheap-looking plain red underside, the rear of which can be seen from a lip at the X3's back. Its sides are matte black plastic rather than the soft-touch coating on Microsoft's X8, the original SideWinder Mouse or pretty much any other gaming mouse around, for that matter.
Ergonomics have also changed significantly to accommodate ambidexterity. Strangely enough, despite being right-handed where mice are concerned, I actually found the X3 more comfortable than the specially sculpted X8. This is mainly because you can position your ring and little fingers where you wish, rather than them being forced into preset positions by a sharp-edged angle as on the X8.
In fact, for either finger or palm grip users, this mouse is quite comfortable. While the former will definitely prefer the somewhat stubby Logitech G9, the X3's length (12cm) and shape lends itself better to a palm grip.
Newsletters
Register to receive the latest Reviews and News Headlines directly to your Inbox every day, and enter our regular competitions. More Info.
Latest 4 of 4 Comments
Have your say: Leave a comment below about this article.
stranded said on 5th August 2009
Ed said on 5th August 2009
Sorry, but, I'm really struggling to see exactly are you trying to say? Ardjuna's wrong? This mouse is rubbish? All ergonomic mice are rubbish?
Ardjuna was... more
stranded said on 6th August 2009
Let's put it another way. Ergonomic, right handed mice are the best, but companies designers seem not able to offer users a proper mouse. Lack of imagination and real life?
Ardjuna said on 6th August 2009
@stranded:
I see what you're saying, though I do find Logitech's G5 [http://www.trustedreviews.com/peripherals/review/2005/10/19/Logitech-G5-Gaming-Mouse/p1] to be... more
See all 4 comments on this article.
Add your comment
You must be logged in to comment. Login or register here.
"Strangely enough, despite being right-handed where mice are concerned, I actually found the X3 more comfortable than the specially sculpted X8."
All these "s... more