Microsoft SideWinder X4 USB Gaming Keyboard

My main OS is Pinguy OS what is a Linux OS. Everything is working fine except the programmable S1 - S6 keys, the bank switcher ("123"-key) and the record key. As I do my gaming in Windows this isn't really an issue. As a gaming keyboard it works really well. You can press multiple keys without any ghosting.

The back lights work really well. When its light the letters are very clear to see and when it starts to get darker you start to see the keys glow red. So the back-light works really well unlike other back lit keyboards where they are only really viewable when its dark. It doesn't matter with this keyboard its easy to see if its dark or light.

Now for the bad points. The keyboard feels a bit cheap. It has glossy keys and the back legs just level out the keyboard. It makes it flat not raised. Something that doesn't feel that nice. I like to have the back of the keyboard higher then the front. The wrist rest is pretty bad to, it hurts your wrists after awhile of typing. The keys are pretty quiet to type on but its not silent. Its quieter then my older keyboard.

Its an awesome gaming keyboard but not a great everyday keyboard. I mainly got this for the lit up keys and I can't complain about that. The back lit keys work really well.

I recieved this keyboard just 1 day after ordering it so well done PLAY. I have been using it for two days now, for gaming and typing and I can say I am very pleased with it. I ordered this because of its low price point, it seems to be one of few quality keyboards sub 50 pounds. And it is great!. When first starting to type I fumbled a bit and pressed the wrong key quite often, but im coming from a 17" laptop keyboard so it is quite different. Im also quite a heavy typer so I wanted something that would give me a good amount of depression while not having to buy an expensive mechanical keyboard. The keys have a good amount of travel, not shallow and not extremely deep. This is good for gaming as the keyboard is rubber domed so you have to press it most of the way for it to register. My typing speed seems to have increased a small amount after moving from my laptop and I am mis typing less and less as I get used to it. Whilst gaming in CSS I have found the keyboard to be very good. The keys are easy to press and are accurate giving me just the amount of activation time I want which has made a difference in my scores. There is also a set of 6 macro buttons which have three modes so effectively 18. I use these for opening two programs at start up and four to buy preset weapon choices in counter strike. Its very easy to setup and works a charm everytime. The keyboard also has a red backlight, which has three adjustable levels which I always leave on full, its barely visable in the day but in the dark it looks great and helps loads with typing. There are also an added calculator button which I find handy above the numbpad and also the usual media controls which I have had no problems with. So all in all a great keyboard, it has some decent features for the casual and maybe slightly hard core gamers out there and it is half the price of some of the big name keyboards from razer and the like. A definite buy if you're on a budget or just want to get a decent keyboard for everyday PC use. My only problem with the keyboard is that when raised on its back feet there isn't much of a difference, It would be nice if there was a higher setting but Im just clutching at straws really.. Love it!