Leipzig (Germany) -Microsoft announced its new SideWinder X6 Keyboard and SideWinder X5 Mouse, priced around $80 and $60, respectively. Microsoft claims it has "the first-ever" switchable key pad that can be attached to the left or right side of the keyboard. This, the company believes, will offer greater flexibility when moving between Excel for accounting and your favorite PC game.

Features of the keyboard include the key pad becoming a programmable macro pad in gaming mode to host up to 90 macros per game, two-color adjustable back lighting, automatic profile switching depending upon the application running, WASD gaming keys with front facing lighting for "enhanced visibility," in-game macro recording and a function which continues an action without having to hold down the key or keys assigned to the action. Up to four keys can use that latter function. The mouse sports its share of bells and whistles as well. These include nine buttons, including vertical side ones and five that are customizable, and offer adjustable sensitivity switching up to 2000 dpi.

It is interesting to note that the X6 is the first keyboard to join Microsoft's Sidewinder gaming products line. This family was first established in 1995 and revived last year.