Microsoft busts out SideWinder X4 anti-ghosting keyboard
By Laura June 
posted February 1st 2010 11:07AM
posted February 1st 2010 11:07AM
Microsoft's just outed a new gaming keyboard -- the SideWinder X4 -- which promises to hold up in even the most intense situations. Boasting what the company says is the "most advanced" anti-ghosting technology around, the X4 allows the pressing of up to 26 keys at once for the ultimate gaming moves. Other features include macro recording and auto macro repeat functions, plus profile and mode switching allows your 'board to remember all your moves for different games. So, you probably want it right now, but you're going to have to wait a little longer -- the SideWinder X4 will arrive in March, and it'll run you $59.95. Full press release is after the break.
REDMOND, Wash. Feb. 1, 2010 What gamers request most is better control in-game, and today Microsoft Hardware launches the SideWinder X4 Keyboard, a keyboard designed to give gamers more control over their gaming experience with the industry's most advanced anti-ghosting technology. Developed by the Applied Sciences Group, this new technology ensures gamers' most complex key combinations will be recognized by the computer to keep the game in action. The new keyboard also offers other advanced gaming features such as macro recording, mode and profile switching, and adjustable backlighting.
I Ain't Afraid of No Ghost
The Applied Sciences Group, an interdisciplinary research and development team that works across the Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Division doing applied research for Microsoft Hardware, Microsoft Surface and Xbox 360, developed the anti-ghosting technology with gamers in mind. The advanced technology takes anti-ghosting to the next level by allowing gamers to press up to 26 keys at once. Because each key is scanned independently by the keyboard hardware, each key press is correctly detected regardless of how many other keys are being pressed at the same time. The SideWinder X4 Keyboard excels where other keyboards fail, letting users execute key combinations and taking full advantage of their skill and speed.
"We're always looking for new and novel ways to enhance people's interactions with their PCs," said Steven Bathiche, research manager of the Applied Sciences Group at Microsoft. "We know that ghosting can be a problem for gamers, so we wanted to develop a way to eliminate this issue and improve the overall gaming experience, and we've succeeded with the new anti-ghosting technology in the SideWinder X4 Keyboard."
Precise Gaming Keyboard With Advanced Features
The SideWinder X4 Keyboard also offers more of the features gamers need to stay at the top of their game. Macro recording lets them string together multiple moves into one press of a button, and the new automatic macro repetition feature lets them repeat the macro over and over as needed with one key. Mode and profile switching also provides easy ways to customize the keyboard for different games and users while adjustable backlighting lets gamers select the lighting level that meets their needs.
Pricing and Availability
The SideWinder X4 Keyboard will be available in March 2010 for the estimated retail price of $59.95 (U.S)1 and will be available for pre-sale on Amazon.com later this week. The SideWinder X4 Keyboard is backed by a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty, and more information about this and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.
About Microsoft Hardware
For more than 26 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. More information about the Hardware Group is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.
About the Microsoft Applied Sciences Group
The Applied Sciences Group (ASG) is an applied research and development team dedicated to creating the next generation of computer interaction technologies. The interdisciplinary group focuses on the synergy between optics, electronics and software to create novel human computer interfaces. The ASG is part of the Entertainment & Devices Division at Microsoft and mainly supports projects for Microsoft Hardware, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Surface. It also works closely with Microsoft Research.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
1 Actual retail prices may vary.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.
I Ain't Afraid of No Ghost
The Applied Sciences Group, an interdisciplinary research and development team that works across the Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Division doing applied research for Microsoft Hardware, Microsoft Surface and Xbox 360, developed the anti-ghosting technology with gamers in mind. The advanced technology takes anti-ghosting to the next level by allowing gamers to press up to 26 keys at once. Because each key is scanned independently by the keyboard hardware, each key press is correctly detected regardless of how many other keys are being pressed at the same time. The SideWinder X4 Keyboard excels where other keyboards fail, letting users execute key combinations and taking full advantage of their skill and speed.
"We're always looking for new and novel ways to enhance people's interactions with their PCs," said Steven Bathiche, research manager of the Applied Sciences Group at Microsoft. "We know that ghosting can be a problem for gamers, so we wanted to develop a way to eliminate this issue and improve the overall gaming experience, and we've succeeded with the new anti-ghosting technology in the SideWinder X4 Keyboard."
Precise Gaming Keyboard With Advanced Features
The SideWinder X4 Keyboard also offers more of the features gamers need to stay at the top of their game. Macro recording lets them string together multiple moves into one press of a button, and the new automatic macro repetition feature lets them repeat the macro over and over as needed with one key. Mode and profile switching also provides easy ways to customize the keyboard for different games and users while adjustable backlighting lets gamers select the lighting level that meets their needs.
Pricing and Availability
The SideWinder X4 Keyboard will be available in March 2010 for the estimated retail price of $59.95 (U.S)1 and will be available for pre-sale on Amazon.com later this week. The SideWinder X4 Keyboard is backed by a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty, and more information about this and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.
About Microsoft Hardware
For more than 26 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. More information about the Hardware Group is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.
About the Microsoft Applied Sciences Group
The Applied Sciences Group (ASG) is an applied research and development team dedicated to creating the next generation of computer interaction technologies. The interdisciplinary group focuses on the synergy between optics, electronics and software to create novel human computer interfaces. The ASG is part of the Entertainment & Devices Division at Microsoft and mainly supports projects for Microsoft Hardware, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Surface. It also works closely with Microsoft Research.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
1 Actual retail prices may vary.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.
Great Scott!
@Emmett Brown
OMG DOC WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN
@Jehryan
The question isn't where fellow time traveler, it's when!
@Emmett Brown
AHAHAHA always gives me a good laugh
@ZeRoCo0L Too "Highest Ranked" is the maximum.. i would rank you even higher :D
@gargle err that was for Doc Brown!!
@Emmett Brown
Whoa, this is heavy!
@gargle Highly Ranked is higher.
For that price, I can almost afford it!
i'd buy it
@teelis
I'd buy it only if it has the big Enter key (inverse L) as the European version of SideWinder X6.
Does it require teamwork to press all 26 keys at once?
@pauldovi Or one key for A-Z
Someone explain to me when you would need to press 26 keys at once...And if you did, HOW you would press 26 keys at once.
@Nitesh
14 fingers and 12 Toes
@Nitesh Problem is, you're only thinking about fingers. What if I could program the correct keys so that something happens when I hit my forehead on the keyboard? Like, close browser tab when I see another "breaking" iPad story on engadget.
@Nitesh
I just happen to have 26 fingers. Finally, my life has meaning!!!
@Nitesh
Looks perfect for the "Mad Composer" programme I just acquired.
@gp It's the perfect keyboard for facerolling WoW players
@Nitesh
World of Warcraft -- Paladin or Deathknight --- slamming your face against the keyboard and rolling should account for at least 9 keys depressed, and an instant PVP "I WIN" gameplan.
@Nitesh
I think the point is to just show off the multiple-key capability, not necessarily that anyone would press 26 keys at once. Sort of like boasting some over engineered device... the point is, it will work for your multi key needs.
@Nitesh
Try pressing in the middle of 4 keys and you might actually be able to press 26 keys with a few fingers to spare. Although large fingers and hands are somewhat of a pre-req... or one canalways use those thumb caps....
@Nitesh 10 fingers, 10 toes, a tongue, two testies, a penis, and a whole lot of flexibility. Or for the more endowed of the world you might be able to knock out 26 keys with just one of the above, YMMV.
@Nitesh Maybe it would have to do with being able to program macros... sending a sequence of keystrokes all at once?
@paul34
You mean like making a 500 HP Ferrary that's capable of doing 220 mph? :)
@Bratan For your atrocious spelling I believe you deserve to be pranced upon by a horse.
@Nitesh You lay the keyboard on the floor and step on it.
What "Ultimate Gaming Moves" would require anywhere nearing "26 keys pressing @ once"?? Human only have ten fingers, "11 keys pressing @once" would been overkilled? No...?
Ah man... it looks like they did away with the removable keypad. That was my favorite feature with the old Sidewinder keyboard because you could put the keypad on the left side. That's too bad.
@Drybonz
This. I liked it being removable so that the keyboard actually fit on my tray with my oversized Razer mousepad. Then, if I needed to do some 10 key data entry, I could just put it back on temporarily.
@Drybonz +1 on that, so can we please have an X7 now that combines the the anti ghosting with the removable keypad, please :D
Who u gonna call?
@thetoad Hi this is Regis Philbin from millionaire...
@thetoad
Ghost Busters!!!!!
microsoft makes a lot of very good hardware. if they could put out a great ergonomic ("natural") wired mouse, then we'd have something.
the 26 keys at once move consists of slamming your hand down across the whole keyboard and screaming "BOOM, B!^(#! !"
@thoraudio
it is often referred to as "FACEROLLING"
not worth getting it...the x6 is 20 dollars more and comes with a removable numpad that you can use exclusively for macros...
@Giac: So, you pay $20 more for a removable keypad? Don't you think the value of that is different for many people? It's hardly a universal 'want' to have a removable keypad, although I can see how it can be useful for some people.
That price is nice...
I've the Sidewinder X6.
The removable numpad and the dials for controlling volume and backlight are missing in this X4, and they're of great value...
@Felippe Montez: FYI, 'have' is only contracted as " 've ", when used as an auxiliary verb, as in "I have been working hard" -> "I've been working hard". It's not used when 'have' is a possessive verb.
In other words, say "I have", not "I've".
@tonicboy
You know, I've got something to say about that, but I've no time to do it.
@gp
You know, I've got something to say about that, but [I have] no time to do it.
fixed
Hmm.. if I mash both hands on the keyboard at the same time I think I can press 26 keys - is that a new gaming move?
- price is good.
@cutrose
if it's not, someone should definitely make it.
WTF is "ghosting"?
@Information Central
> WTF is "ghosting"?
Read this: http://www.dribin.org/dave/keyboard/html/
Very useful link. Thanks. Of course, it's another writing failure not to have this in the release. "Spurious keypresses" would have sufficed in the PR blurb.
@DJ Shizzle
too much damn reading, can i get the cliffnotes?