Sporting an intimidating all-black design, the Microsoft Sidewinder X5 is a somewhat simple but quite effective mouse for gaming enthusiasts. It doesn't feature a plethora of gimmicks like adjustable weight or an LCD display, but it does have on–the-fly DPI adjustment and several programmable...

2000 DPI sensor is precise; on-the-fly DPI adjustment; lots of programmable controls

Lacks some of the bells and whistles of other models; sensitivity not as high as some competing units

SLIDESHOW (6) Slideshow | All Shots The Batmobile is back. And no, we're not talking about The Dark Night. We're talking about the newest addition to the Microsoft SideWinder family: the X5.

Comfy; programmable buttons; fast and accurate sensor; on-the-fly dpi buttons

Still the same bulky shape as the older model; really only three buttons to program; side buttons still prone to accidental clicks

Sporting an ever-so-slightly trimmed-down shape compared to the original Sidewinder gaming mouse, along with a stripped down featureset, the Sidewinder X5 delivers great performance at a very reasonable price.

Sensor is super-accurate; Top-and-bottom thumb buttons kick ass; Love the three button sensitivity adjustment

Still too honkin' big; No reason to install the software, unless you want to make sensitivity adjustments.

After a hiatus from producing joysticks, gamepads and other gaming peripherals, Microsoft relaunched its famed SideWinder brand of gaming hardware last year with the release of the SideWinder gaming mouse.

Gaming related hardware and markets for them are booming. Gaming has become a type of electronic sport that has athletes competing against one another. If one believes that the hardware can give an edge over the opponent, one will use it without hesitation.

Easy to use software; Accurate tracking; Rubberized sides; Easy to use software; Adjustable backlighting; Rotary knobs; Same size; more keys/functions; (Un)mountable numpad

Feels a bit "cheap; Feels a bit "plastic; No height control at the back; No USB hub

The price for the Microsoft Sidewinder X5 is Rs 2,867, which is only a little better than the earlier Sidewinder which was priced around Rs 3,000.

Microsoft's new SideWinder X5 Mouse is a stripped-down version of last year's SideWinder Gaming Mouse . Where the original model was a packed-to-the-gills gaming powerhouse, the X5 feels flimsy and expensive for the AU$99.95 Microsoft wants you to spend.

Improved sculpt; Moisture-resistant coating

Competing Logitech mouse offers more mouse for the buck; Lacks heft

When we last looked at Microsoft's revitalization of the Sidewinder peripheral line, we weren't very impressed. Though the mouse was...

Smooth accurate movement; Fully customizable feel and functionality; Adjustable DPI that's quick to access; Comfortable to use

Needs features of original SideWinder; Software still shares problems with old SideWinder

After a number of gaming mice emanating from Microsoft intent on claiming the higher priced end of the gaming market, the SideWinder X5 is the first attempt at cracking the budget end of the mouse buying public.

Moisture resistant coating; constantly smooth movement

Bulky frame not for everyone; feels a little lightweight

Haven't had a single problem with this mouse, perfect size for a teen - adult hand with enough buttons to bind all sorts of goodies to! Although I did have trouble binding a key to the thumb button and having the same key work on ventrilo, it did work eventually though.