Metku took a closer look at Microsoft's SideWinder lineup, both the X5 Gaming Mouse and X6 Gaming Keyboard. Here's a taster:

In the Office:

X5 Gaming Mouse - Works like any other laser or optical office mouse. Benefits like adjustable sensitivity and two customizable side buttons do add more to the experience. Perhaps not the most stylish mouse for an executive office but certainly usable.

X6 Gaming Keyboard - With all these added macro keys etc. I find it very useful. As the backlighting can be turned off, the overall look transforms to something more subtle and not that eye catching. Multimedia keys are nice when listening music while working and as the quick launch options for example include Excel as one choice, you are set for some serious number crunching. Only downside for longer term use could be a lack of angle/height adjustment. X6 will always sit flat on the desktop. That may not be a problem for most users as the wrist rest is quite deep but I'm sure this is not for everyone. On the other hand, the wrist rest is made out of hard plastic and doesn't contain for example a rubberized surface. This may not feel that comfortable when used for an extended period of time.

Gaming:

X5 Gaming Mouse - 2000 DPI is enough and laser seem to track nicely over variety of surfaces. One major problem for my own gaming habits is the lift distance. One needs to lift the mouse several millimeters off the surface before the tracking is lost. Many gamers like to set the sensitivity high so that they don't need to pick the mouse up back to the center of the mouse mat with wide turns. The style I'm used to calls for these movements thus making fast paced action a bit harder to control. This is something that you may get used to and learn to pick the mouse up further but still something worth mentioning. Adjustable sensitivity is a bonus and two side buttons a definite plus. One might argue that the side buttons should be placed next to each other and not stacked up like this but I prefer the SideWinder way.

X6 Gaming Keyboard - Once you get used to the new keys on the left side of the keyboard, gaming becomes a real joy. There are a lot of games that do not need or benefit from these additional keys but for these, just take the numpad off and enjoy the added free space on the right side of the keyboard. You can take the mouse closer and perhaps improve the ergonomy and lessen those back pains that you might get later in your life. Macro recording on the fly is great and backlighting makes it easier to find the wanted keys in a dark lit room at night. Volume adjustment with a rotary knob is precise and joy to use.