Foreword

Beginning last year the hardware Division of Redmond company of giants, with the first surprised us 6 dedicated keyboard player from the home of Microsoft, the SideWinder X. At that time left the keyboard a predominantly positive impression, however, has been criticized in many places that only a few keystrokes can be processed simultaneously (ghosting). Certain well-founded in games combinations such as “Shift, cursor up and cursor left” were not implemented. And also with the design of the X 6 was not everyone agrees; the large knob and the angular form encountered criticism.

The SideWinder X 4 is to eliminate both points. Thanks to “Anti ghosting technology 2.0″ X can process at the same time 4 up to 26 keystrokes and the design looks simple when also still not normal.

Overview

Technical data:

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 482 x 25 x 193 mm
• Weight: 980 g
• 105 Keys and special keys
• Cable length 2 m, USB port
• Material: Housing made of black plastic; Keys made of transparent plastic, black lacquer, white label
• Extras: three-tier backlight, six macro keys, macro recorder, multimedia keys

Scope of delivery:

• Keyboard, driver CD, quick start guide

Externalities

At first glance it is clear: the SideWinder X 4 is in the target group for less discussions regarding the design provide at the time the x 6. However, this is not to say that the X 4 looks boring. On the contrary: it looks like a version of its predecessor, reduced to a healthy amount of prominence.

Black plastic dominated the surface of the wedge-shaped housing. The silk-Matt palm rest with injected diamond stands in contrast to the glossy plastic around the key areas. 4 By the sharp bend at the top, which is interrupted by the rectangular buttons and the status LEDs above the F keys gets some character X.

The tray, which is raising in the pages, is kept in Matt grey. The feet inconspicuously integrated in the bottom.

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The two small surveys on the W key, aimed at facilitating the feel of the popular WASD combo, are likely to be a tribute to the players. Between the series toggle and the special keys on the left of the SideWinder logo recalls discreetly, having to do it with a Player keyboard. Otherwise, the X has 4 rather objectively so that one can imagine it also on an Office desk.

The keyboard layout is conventional, compared to a standard keyboard the broader and less deep buttons in the family fall – apart from the additional special keys (again including Calculator button) – not more than. The buttons are white labeled, the three-tier key illumination depending on the level, more or less intensely red glow the keyboard buttons. The illumination is very even and regardless of the angle.

The generous use of high-gloss plastic bothers us as usual in practice since there dust and fingerprints quickly gather. However, is the X 4 very high quality and massively, fallen optical accents. If you prefer but unobtrusive and filigree input devices, must look elsewhere.

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The SideWinder X 4 (above) and Logitech G110 (below) compared

Technology

The plastic keys are painted black and careened into the also black housing. You can be easily removed for cleaning. See the key management for a transparent silicone mat with the pressure membranes that for signal transmission and at the bottom a two-part contact slide to better light distribution with white cardboard lined plexiglass plate for lighting.

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A speciality of the SideWinder X 4 is the mentioned ghosting technique. Ghosting is input errors that occur while simultaneously pressing of multiple keys on a keyboard. So – sometimes simply explained-, that to read due to the internal links within the key matrix simultaneous pressing of A, B and C on the screen D or that even output is not. For example, in practice, this can mean that the player while squatting links can run to the front, but not to the right.

Usually, you can make two to six entries at the same time, the exact amount depends on the position in the keyboard matrix. So far, there are only a few keyboards (mostly in the Gamerbereich) that address this problem. Some keyboards provide a ghosting feature in the area of the most frequently used keys (in games for example, WASD, arrow or space bar), only for a few like K1 on the Raptor all keys can be processed simultaneously (so-called n-key rollover).

The developers of Microsoft have now found a way to adjust the keyboard matrix so that more signals are detected at the same time correctly. At the X 4 can be processed up to 26 keystrokes up to 17 standard keys (also number field, arrow keys, etc.)plus the seven shift keys plus a media key plus one macro button from the keyboard. So far the theory.

Windows processing problems arise when twelve inputs, so that one here is limited to 11 buttons. As there is but only ten fingers, this may be no real limit. In practice, we could make up any erroneous game-related key combination despite intensive efforts. So, for example, at the same time work: WASD + shift + control + SPACEBAR + all arrow keys. But you may use all ten numbers or the complete range of medium-sized letter at the same time without errors.

Software

Drivers and user interface, there are little surprises. Microsoft sets as usual to the proven IntelliType Pro software, in this case here and installed in version 7.10.344. As usual is an extensive program help available, which leads new users through the software.

Clear structure and the waiving of graphical gimmicks, the IntelliType surface – are like with our earlier tests of Microsoft keyboards – little contact surface for criticism. The six special keys on the left side next to the main keypad in three free nameable assignment series (i.e., with 18 functions) can be taken. This should not be enough, even the four media keys can be configured, which arise more twelve function places. The allocation range can be changed by software or by key. The three rows are once General and once per application, where you can both manually as also automatically switch between the programs.

The installed, NUM LOCK, caps lock, and context menu can only enabled or disabled, you can configure the remaining buttons do not. When the volume is, whether the volume display in a green bar below on the right or not to display.

The program-specific key mapping is quite easy because the functions can be assigned to the keys, while the application is open. In addition to assigning a macro, you have also the possibility to choose, call an application, or to disable the relevant key from a list of preset commands via the keyboard settings.

The macro recorder can be called using the IntelliType Pro software, or one falls back by macro recorder button on it – also while a game or an application is open.

Ergonomics

The built-in palm rest of the housing is relatively steep, slip-resistant thanks to the embossed structure but rather almost 20° slope. Later, the keypad has still an increase of about 4 °. Laid flat on the table, the keys are out ever so slightly to the user kinda.

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Wrist rest and profile of the SideWinder X 4

4 Feet were also powered the SideWinder X so that you can increase the contact angle of the hands. If the X 4 on the stable, fold-out feet, it is on top no longer on the rubber feet and slip therefore easier; typing, but you can see none of this. Without the feet, the keyboard sticks on their four rubber pads on the table.

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The three-stage red illumination of the keys is to recognize in the dark it stands out, however, depending on the brightness level slightly to very good during the day. In normal light conditions, the translucent, white labelling of keys also without lighting is full of contrast and good to read. The status lights series switch, macro recorder, and Calculator button are clearly visible, but not annoying.

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The illumination of the keypad to all-round, medium- and low level

The key layout is also prolific no significant challenges, even the escape key is moved 6 again back compared to the X in the keypad of the circumflex accent key. The keyboard buttons are slip-resistant, by the sloping sides but easily times typing between two buttons.

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Single button in the profile

The switching mats keyboard gives the characteristic of this design principle write feeling. The SideWinder X 4 requires comparatively much force to the overcoming of the switching point. This impeded unintended input, strictly but more to writing. The hub is normal for the type, the Retractive fall also not uncomfortable. The attack is clear and also acoustically striking, fans of silent keyboards the X is therefore less suitable for 4. Anyway, to the clattering the X not tends 4 fortunately. The key management is stable and almost smooth.

The developers of the SideWinder X 4 have saved not in the material. A total of 21 screws hold together the keyboard. The X 4 is stable and stiff, only with very strong forces the housing are according to. Annoying Spieglungen through the high-gloss finish would be avoided.

Conclusion

You go cannot help, the SideWinder X 4 in the conclusions with its elder sister, the SideWinder X 6, to compare. Said, done.

Both keyboards have a good for switching mats keyboards typing behaviour, are well processed and stable. The X 4 is more slender and conspicuous, she omitted some practical specialities such as the knob for lighting and volume, or the removable number pad. Also, less configurable keys. For this she has the feet of many customers missing ergonomic through the flatter shape, is brings anti ghosting at unbeatably competitive price of currently 38 euros.

The ghosting technique turns out the SideWinder X 4 over the competition in the set price range – if you have problems with ghosting because. In addition, the X scores 4 with the pleasant key illumination, the practical keypad layout, and last but not least functional software.

However, the X is not completely free of criticism 4: Sun through established connections for USB and audio could stand in the specifications of the developer, also something should be dealt with high-gloss plastic more conservative. The lighting of the key plate as the 6 would SideWinder X we at the X 4 like to again seen.

In the price range up to 40 € currently no serious competitors for the X 4 can be found – aside from the Spartan equipped Razer Arctosa – at the end, even abundant dusty models such as the Logitech G11 or the unspeakable Microsoft-Razer-Coprodukt Reclusa lie about the X 4. For this reason the keyboard is worth to us one of the rare computer base recommendations.

If you do not need the “gamer” features, which is operated with one of the numerous and high-quality keyboards cherry or IBM as well for once again less.