Microsoft has some new gaming peripherals in their kitty for PC gamers and the new devices are not correlated to Xbox 360 gaming console. Under the SideWinder range, Microsoft has unveiled X5 Mouse and X6 Keyboard.

Featuring Cruise Control, the X6 keyboard assures continuous action without the need to hold down the key or keys assigned to the action. Interestingly, players can take advantage of Cruise Control with up to four keys simultaneously. On pressing the in-game macro record button, players can record any sequence of keystrokes.

As gamers are more comfortable in playing by using the WASD arrow keys, Microsoft has incorporated front-face lighting for these keys on the X6 that boasts to enhance visibility. Gamers can also make use of the Quick-Launch key that promises to provide one-touch access to Windows Vista Games Explorer and enables them to see the games in their computer’s game library quickly.

According to Kevin Flick, user researcher for Microsoft Hardware, “We know that consumers don’t want to pull out and set up a second keyboard for a gaming session, so we created a device that was perfect for both gaming and regular computer use. With the switchable key pad, gamers will have a fantastic, customizable experience whether they’re playing their favorite game or creating Microsoft Office PowerPoint presentations.”

Next is in line is the new X5 mouse, which offers a fast and powerful performance. The features that make the X5 a high-end gaming peripheral are adjustable sensitivity that switches up to 2,000 DPI, five customizable buttons, and a Quick-Launch button that instantaneously launches the Windows Vista Games Explorer.

The SideWinder X6 Keyboard is priced at $79.95 (approx. Rs. 3,477) and SideWinder X5 Mouse for $59.95 (approx. Rs. 2,607).

Behavior Tech Computer Corp (BTC), a leading keyboard and mouse manufacturer in Taiwan, has introduced the 9051H Cheetah Professional Gaming Keyboard and Mouse kit.

The keyboard boasts 17 individual keys, which are dedicated for gaming input commands. These keys are ergonomically designed. Further the keyboard is equipped with two sets of user customized commands configured in A and B memory modes. These modes can be set up for different games or for different characters in the same game.

Besides, the 9051H gaming keyboard has multicolored backlight technology that can be enabled at the press of a hotkey. When the keyboard is in idle mode, the backlight illuminates blue light, while the light turns red when the gamer presses hotkeys too frequently in the game.

On the other hand, the 9051H mouse features a true 2000dpi Laser sensor enabling movement speeds of 2 times that of a standard 800dpi optical sensor. Like the keyboard’s backlight, even the mouse’s scroll wheel changes color according to its usage. A green light will be illuminated when the mouse is working on 800 dpi, blue on 1300 dpi and red when dpi is 2000.

Moreover, the mouse is equipped with two programmable gaming buttons - Virtual-Run button and Wave Action button. The Wave Action button enables firing forever with just one click and the holding Virtual-run button will lead to 180 degree turnaround to easily defeat the opponent.

As of now, there is no word regarding pricing and availability.

Logitech is one of the best peripheral makers in the world and now they are out to dominate the gaming peripheral market too. They have introduced the Logitech G9 Laser mouse, which takes customization to the extreme and the upgraded Logitech G15 gaming keyboard.

Logitech Upgraded G15 Gaming Keyboard

Both these beauties have great features that will get all the gamers drooling over it. The upgraded G15 keyboard has native support from the most popular games like WoW and Battlefield 2142 for the GamePanel LCD screen, which is a back lighted 160 by 43 pixel screen that gives gamers serious information. It features six on-the-fly programmable macro keys with three modes, for a total of 18 programmable keys per game or application. Oh yes, it also comes with a public software development kit (SDK) that allows users to program any game to control GamePanel for better performance. In fact, the G15 has different combinations of keys for different games, which means it activates game-specific settings when a programmed title is launched. Logitech G15 is very compact thereby offering gamers more space on their desk

Logitech G9 Laser Mouse

As for the Logitech G9 mouse, it has two interchangeable grips, Wide-Load grip and Precision grip. What’s more, G9 mouse permits customized weight tuning and weight distribution. It even has the new Logitech SetPoint software Version 5.0, which lets gamers make a number of profiles for their mouse. Logitech has put onboard memory in the G9 mouse, which does not force them to install SetPoint software on the gaming rig every time they change computers. It also features the MicroGear Precision Scroll Wheel that lets gamers select between precise click-to-click scrolling or nearly frictionless hyper-fast scrolling. It offers a range from 200 dpi up to 3200 dpi. The full-speed USB connection presents up to 1,000 reports per second for smooth tracking without cursor lag.

Rory Dooley is the Logitech senior vice president and general manager of the Control Devices business unit. He explains, “Like professional athletes, PC gamers need equipment tailored to their body and their individual playing style. Gamers tell us over and over that they love to tweak their gear to achieve best performance. Nearly every dimension of the G9 Laser Mouse is customizable, letting gamers to set up their mice exactly the way they want. Whether playing a first-person shooter game or a multi-player fantasy game, the G9 mouse, along with the newly refreshed Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard, gives PC gamers a winning combination.”

Logitech has stated that both, the G9 Laser Mouse and Upgraded G15 Gaming Keyboard will be available in September at the cost of $99.99 (approx. Rs. 4050) each.

Manufacturer of high-end precision gaming peripherals Razer has sent word about the newest product under the ‘Powered by Razer’ initiative, the Everglide DKTBoard.

Everglide DKTBoard Gaming Keyboard

Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff is the president of Razer. He quoted, “The Everglide DKTBoard joins an exciting circle of product luminaries. Other products part of the ‘Powered by Razer’ initiative include the Microsoft Habu gaming mouse, the Microsoft Reclusa gaming keyboard and the Belkin n52te speedpad. The DKTBoard will bear the ‘Powered by Razer’ insignia, which means gamers can expect a premium product well catered to their needs.”

Iliana X, Senior VP, Global Sales, Everglide said, “We had heard about ‘Powered by Razer’ and it was perfect for Everglide’s new business plans. As a leader in high-end precision gaming peripherals, Razer provided the technological expertise and invaluable suggestions to the DKTBoard. The DKTBoard is now ready for retail and we are confident of its uptake amid the gaming community.”

The Powered by Razer program has been initiated by the high-end precision gaming and lifestyle electronics peripherals maker to work with computer industry partners who are interested in obtaining an edge in computer gaming hardware. There is also the Go Pro with Razer’ program that is community-driven. It develops new talent for the gaming industry by helping hopeful gamers become professional gamers.