The layout is simply superb as the X8 effortlessly combines the functionalities of a wireless receiver, cord wrapper, a charger and a first for this category — the mouse foot container. It resembles a hockey puck which you attach to the bottom of the mouse. It provides a flexible rubber gripping surface for handy movement of the mouse without snarling down the cable when using charge and play. This puck also has exchangeable feet to support customizable gliding.
Every part of the SideWinder X8 has a bit of aesthetic sensibility about it, including the charging cable. It is relatively small and very lightweight and gets guided by the well-concealed magnets within the mouse tip (There is a mouse front dock where cable is magnetically incorporated to provide uniterrupted power supply for extended periods of game fun). Recharging the X8 is seldom an issue, however, as it lasts nearly 30 hours before needing to be charged again, and you can use the play/charge feature if you forget to charge it. Another feature is the provision of replaceable mouse feet which come in three different options.
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This feature comes up with the wireless charging puck which provides two extra sets of feet - black being least slippery and white being most slippery. The friction level is easily noticeable in Sidewinder X8 with its high end operational surface. If original feet gets damaged you can use these two sets of feet as backup feet.
The X8 is a bit smaller than Microsoft’s X5, but it does offer a much better feel and grips ever so comfortably under your palm. The physical aspect is further improved upon by the intelligent design of the thumb buttons that are incredibly well-balanced and reduce the strain that is often felt when gaming for hours. Gamers have been vowing by the SideWinder X8’s precise control that is offered via a more balanced scroll wheel. Side buttons on the vertical side ensure easy access and this also helps to reduce any kind of accidental actuation while pressing hard on the mouse.
Gamers using the X8 have access to a very handy and quick view of the DPI settings and they can choose to switch between different DPI settings with a single click, i.e. high, medium or low. Microsoft has further ensured ease-of-use with the inclusion of a Quick Launch Button, which offers one-touch, spontaneous access to Microsoft’s gaming features.
