To Microsoft Sidewinder X6 owners

[Axonn]

Does your keyboard's software automatically switch profiles based on what executable is running? That is, can you add per-application profiles? I'm trying to dump my Logitech G510 which is garbage compared to the 1st gen G15. But the Logitech software does have one great advantage: it allows for unlimited profiles: you can assign a profile to Photoshop.exe, another one to Eclipse.exe, etc etc etc.

Also... I read on several Forums that there are issues with the Intellitype software and the Volume Knob. Apparently turning the volume knob has a very laggy effect once you install Intellitype (without which the keyboard is practically worthless).

 

[mrSHEiK124]

I can't answer the profiles as I don't bother with them, but the volume knob does NOT lag with IntelliType, which installed itself as soon as I plugged the keyboard in.

 

[Axonn]

Hi mrSHEiK124. Finally an owner.

I installed IntelliType even though I don't have the keyboard ::- D. Of course, it doesn't work, but I got the manual ::- D. I looked in the manual and the keyboard can do it! So that's a relief.

Another thing I noticed people complaining about, and I'm very curious what you have to say about it: when you lift it of the table with one hand, the numpad will fall off.

 

[vbuggy]

Actually, the volume does lag. Not a big deal for me as I use the volume control on the G35 or the external soundcard, but I do understand why it is for some.

The X6 has three banks of assignability, switched by the 1-2-3 bank key, and automatic program launch detection allows a further three banks of customisable assignments per program.

 

[Axonn]

Hm, so far, 1 person with laggy volume, one without. Same on the 'net. The issue appears to be isolated only to certain people. So it's a gamble.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Hm, so far, 1 person with laggy volume, one without. Same on the 'net. The issue appears to be isolated only to certain people. So it's a gamble.

Hmm, if it helps, I have 64-bit Windows 7. Have never noticed any volume lag. I don't know if ~500ms could be considered volume lag but I tried counting with "one Mississippi's" and I could not.

Yes, if you lift it up the numpad will disconnect. Actually, if you look at it the wrong way, the numpad pops off, but once reconnected it turns back on in a second or two.

 

[vbuggy]

It won't always do it. I'm not sure under which circumstances it lags, but it does. 64-bit W7 here as well.

 

[Axonn]

Thanks for answering.

I'm a bit confused because... If you see this video, at 5:29, you'll notice that he practically throws the keyboard around and the numpad doesn't fall off. Maybe the magnets slowly demagnetised for your keyboards? Or maybe they fixed that issue? Was it like that for you guys from the beginning?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkSnWooI-hE

 

[TidusZ]

The major issue with this keyboard is the ghosting, you cant crouch/move and reload at the same time in FPS games. The volume knob is laggy on mine btw, but I don't find it to be an issue. I don't use the numpad. If I were to buy a new keyboard I would get a different one based only on the ghosting affecting first person shooters.

 

[vbuggy]

The major issue with this keyboard is the ghosting, you cant crouch/move and reload at the same time in FPS games. The volume knob is laggy on mine btw, but I don't find it to be an issue. I don't use the numpad. If I were to buy a new keyboard I would get a different one based only on the ghosting affecting first person shooters.

I believe we've already established elsewhere for the OP it becomes 2KRO on Ctrl+R. It is my one major bugbear and I don't use R for things I know I'll need to press in conjunction with pressing a modifier + movement key. The X4 doesn't suffer this issue but I prefer the features (specifically numpad swappability and the ability to run it tenkeyless) of the X6.

Re: Magnet problem, I don't really see it's going to be a major issue if the numpad falls off when the entire keyboard is lifted up. How often will you be doing that? (Having said that, even my oldest X6 requires a sizeable pull before the numpad comes off)

 

[whitewarrior11]

Another X6 owner here. The knob does lag, but it is not a deal breaker for me. As for the 2KRO thing, it is true, although I'm far from being a consistent enough FPS player to have this bother me. The keyboard is very useful wit the macros, the lighting and the removable numpad. There is such a wealth of additional keys too, media and whatnot.

 

[Axonn]

Thank you guys. The Microsoft's out then. Not to mention I don't appreciate it having no legs to prop it up. I'm very picky with my keyboards ::- D. I also have to determine if I like mechanical or not. Gotta get my paws on a Razer, just for testing reasons.

 

[jhansman]

OP, for what it's worth, I use the Blackwidow at work strictly for typing. While I like the key action (which is why I requested it; no other mechanicals available through our suppliers), the keyboard feels 'small' to me, and is IMO not a good choice for touch typists. It clearly feels like it was designed for gamers, and not for getting any serious work done. I might like it more if I had it at home and gamed with it, but if you type more than a little, you may want to have another board available.

 

[Axonn]

jhansman: thanks. I definitely wouldn't have ordered it. Just want to get a look at it in some showroom/store before I buy. I forgot how it is to use a mechanical keyboard. I think the last time I touched one was at least 10 years ago. And indeed, I am a touch-typist.

 

[Pia]

Please don't reward Razer for their design and marketing practices by buying their mech keyboards. It's one thing they are behind their key competition (no NKRO, worse build quality), but then going and claiming to have "advanced anti-ghosting" and pretending their ordinary mechanical switches are something special takes them to douchebag territory.

If you find you like the blue/brown cherry switch feel on the Razers, there are plenty of other manufacturers that will sell a good keyboard to go with those switches.

 

[jhansman]

If you find you like the blue/brown cherry switch feel on the Razers, there are plenty of other manufacturers that will sell a good keyboard to go with those switches.

Yes, I am currently desiring a WASD Semi-Custom. My aging Focus 2001 (Alps switches, I believe) still works nicely for my needs, but it may become my backup.