SideWinder X6 Keyboard and the SideWinder X5 Mouse are the new pair of gaming peripherals unveiled by Microsoft at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany. According to the Redmond company, both products will hit the market as early as September 2008. The SideWinder X6 Keyboard will come with a price tag of $79.95 while the SideWinder X5 Mouse will be lowered to $59.95. While the SideWinder line of peripherals is not new to Microsoft, this is the first time when a keyboard is released under the label.

However, the release of the SideWinder X6 Keyboard marks yet another first for Microsoft, and for the entire industry for that matter. SideWinder X6 is the first keyboard with a switchable key pad. This means that end users can switch the key pad from on side of the keyboard to the other to get increased flexibility.

"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," explained Kevin Flick, user researcher for Microsoft Hardware.

In addition, the "accessory" that functions as just a standard num pad when the keyboard is in normal mode, can "evolve" programmable macro pad. In fact, game mode offers end users the possibility to configure in excess of 90 macros per game. On top of this, the SideWinder X6 Keyboard offers Mode and Automatic profile switching, Cruise Control, In-game macro record button, WASD gaming, and Quick-Launch key.

"The SideWinder X5 Mouse [is] a fast, powerful gaming mouse designed to give mainstream gamers a competitive edge. The nine-button gaming mouse is designed for handling with vertical side buttons, adjustable sensitivity switching up to 2,000 DPI, five customizable buttons, and a Quick-Launch button that instantly launches the Windows Vista Games Explorer," Microsoft added.