Mouse-off: Razer Mamba vs. Microsoft Sidewinder X8

  • By SarjuS, GameSpot
  • Posted May 14, 2009 4:35 pm PT

Gaming mice come in many flavors, but wireless is rarely one of them. Most wireless mice tend to have a considerable amount of lag and really aren't built to satisfy gamers in terms of buttons, shape, or performance. Enter the Sidewinder X8 from Microsoft and the Mamba from Razer, both scratch...

Gaming mice come in many flavors, but wireless is rarely one of them. Most wireless mice tend to have a considerable amount of lag and really aren't built to satisfy gamers in terms of buttons, shape, or performance. Enter the Sidewinder X8 from Microsoft and the Mamba from Razer, both scratch gamers needs and come equipped with super sensitive sensors, gobs of buttons, fancy drivers, unique recharge stations, and of course lights. Adding all these features doesn't come cheap. The Mamba rolls in at $130, and the Sidewinder X8 at $80.

In classic Razer style, the Mamba arrives mounted to a plastic display case that wouldn't be out of place in a museum. At first we thought we'd received some special packaging, but this is the actual retail box. The company's taken a page out of the Apple notebook and included little paper containers for all the other essential goodies like manuals, wires, and the battery.

Hardware-wise, the Mamba probably represents the pinnacle of mousing technology, with its 5600 DPI sensor and 1000Hz polling rate. Movement is buttery smooth. Forget about lag or even seeing the mouse move in any sort of stuttered way.

A separate dock lights up to recharge the Mamba and provide wireless connectivity. Should your batteries die, you can simply plug the included USB cord into the mouse to charge it up. The cord also switches the mouse into wired mode, bypassing the wireless receiver altogether. Plugging the wire into the Mamba is a bit of a chore though. Getting the right angle to connect the wire takes some effort, and unclipping it can be difficult due to the small size of the release button. Fortunately, you won't have to fiddle with the cable much, as we got nearly a week of battery life while using it for hours on end at work and with a considerable amount of gaming mixed in.

Razer's profile editor is capable of customizing the mouse in a variety of ways: on the fly sensitivity, user profiles, lighting options, independent axis sensitivity, and macro setup. Macro setup couldn't be easier, and the built-in editor lets you easily adjust delays, and remove commands through a simple GUI. Onboard memory stores up to five separate profiles that can be launched automatically when the appropriate program launches. You can also assign a button to let you cycle through the various profiles. CPU usage likes to go haywire when saving selections, but the program behaves itself at other times. Razer also releases firmware updates from time to time to improve the Mamba.

All of the Mamba's buttons are coated in whatever fancy rubber-like material Razer uses, and they feel fantastic. The side buttons are easy to press, and the wheel has detentes, and as a plus - the wheel doesn't make a sound when you spin it. The main buttons feel like they're on hair triggers, making them very easy to press.

Microsoft's Sidewinder X8 doesn't arrive in a museum quality case like the Mamba, but it also costs 40% less. It also sports a slightly less sensitive sensor (4000 DPI) using Microsoft's BlueTrack Laser and 500Hz USB polling. For it's fancy sensor, the movement wasn't bad, but it did feel jittery or jumpy even at the lowest sensitivity settings. We tried various pointer speeds and sensitivities but it never got as smooth as the Mamba.

The Sidewinder comes with a black puck that acts as a wireless receiver and doodad holder for the mouse. Inside of the puck you'll find two sets of mouse feet that you can swap out to get a different feel. We didn't notice much of a difference between them. We will note that the Sidewinder is loud when moving. It almost sounds like we're rubbing sand paper on the mousepad.

A magnetic charging cord wraps around the puck like a yoyo. Microsoft's charging cord is a much more elegant solution than Razer's when it comes to connecting the mouse up for a little on the fly recharge. Slide the wire under the front of the mouse and you're done. No latches, no alignment, it's simple enough to connect even with your eyes closed. The Sidewinder stays in wireless mode even when hooked up though. While we didn't sit down with a stopwatch, we're fairly certain the Sidewinder outdoes the Mamba in terms of battery life. Even after a solid week of use, the mouse just kept on going. We finally plugged it in just for the heck of it.

The Sidewinder one ups the Mamba's button assignment and macro settings by providing application specific controls. Meaning you can setup entirely different button controls for each application, and you're not limited by five profiles like the Mamba. If you're looking to map specific commands from PhotoShop, a Web browser, or a game the Sidewinder is your mouse. Unlike the Mamba, your controls and profiles won't go with you if you move the mouse to a different computer.

Portability-wise, the Mamba wins with a caveat. Neither of the recharge bases make for great traveling companions. Both are large and add to an already filled laptop bag. The only reason the Mamba edges out the Sidewinder is because it works in wired mode without the need for the wireless receiver. Just to be extra clear - you'll have a wireless mouse that's only functional once it's wired. Silly, but at least it's an awesome mouse.

If cost wasn't a concern, choosing between the two isn't difficult. We'd side with the Mamba any day of the week. Despite its minor failings, the Mamba's movement is really that much better than the Sidewinder. No lag, no jitteriness, nothing but net. In addition, the buttons feel better, and the mouse glides along in utter silence. The Sidewinder's far from being a bad mouse, but the Mamba is simply that much better.

202 Comments

  • aNyTH1nG69

    Posted Jul 7, 2010 10:26 am PT

    my friend talked to me about a razer numchunks or something like that for pc, is this true?

  • ShabazAbdulla

    Posted Jun 21, 2010 7:02 am PT

    tight, ddnt wright the cost thought, might not be out yet.

  • Benny_a

    Posted May 29, 2010 3:09 pm PT

    IMPORTANT, This is a message to OP SarjuS.

    Its a been known that BluTrack mice have issues with certain mouse pads, especially the Cloth type.
    So your jitter issues are from the mouse pad.

    Please at least try it straight on the desk and or hard surface pad like Destructor or similar.

    Thanks

  • silvi96tot-pzs

    Posted May 8, 2010 5:35 am PT

    the mamba is to expensive for a mouse.The sidewinder is a solid and cheap mouse.perfect!!!

  • mattacrazy108

    Posted Apr 11, 2010 5:41 pm PT

    I'm gonna go with the X8. I'm only a teen and for gaming that $85 price difference is just too much. (I'm in Australia so the pricing is when you look around $75 for the X8 and $160 for the Mamba.

  • lonzonea

    Posted Mar 27, 2010 5:52 pm PT

    the razors the greatest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • demonshreder

    Posted Mar 17, 2010 2:55 am PT

    See guys, both are great, but if you are into competitive gaming then the razor mamba is much better cuz of the improved sensors and the gamer profile(for showing off) but if you are just a budding normal PC gamer than the X8 is great as it comes much cheaper but with long battery life and decent movement. Its upto us . Like unusuallylong said, this review is a bit one-sided.

  • blaknorm

    Posted Feb 16, 2010 9:00 pm PT

    personally id rather have the x8 because of the gameing capablitites

  • cake3000x

    Posted Oct 15, 2009 4:18 pm PT

    I own the x8 and it's a pretty good mouse. I haven't had any problems with it and it was a gigantic improvement over my old wired optical mouse. It's charging system is excellent and if you're not a pro you probably won't notice any movement or tracking problems, because i can't.

  • unusuallylong

    Posted Jun 24, 2009 6:59 am PT

    Well... I own a Mamba and I love it to death. However I think this review was abit one sided. The X8 has blu track and a weigh system I believe. Thats a huge plus for like 30 dollars cheaper. Plus In all honestly the sidewinder just looks more futuristic. Razer tends to the more organic shells. Yes the Mamba is smoother but your paying like 30 dollars more for jus that smoothness. Unless you are a serious gamer (which Im not Im jus rich and attracted to pacaking.) get the sidewinder. It really is not bad. I own a lycosa mirror and a destructor but have a G35 headset. Razer is kind of over-rated in my opinion.

  • Kleeyook

    Posted Jun 24, 2009 3:49 am PT

    I also has Razor, except that I have a laptop so I don't need Razor keyboard.

  • Hellfire93

    Posted Jun 17, 2009 2:43 pm PT

    Razer Deathadder + Razer Lycosa = the perfect combination for me, deathadder fills my hand perfectly its awesome

  • Sooing

    Posted Jun 15, 2009 12:29 am PT

    I have a Razer Lachesis which has the best tracking I have ever experienced with a mouse. The fact that the Mamba has a better sensor than the Lachesis is awesome. Just wish I had the money to get it.

  • weaselciuy

    Posted Jun 11, 2009 6:13 am PT

    love razor stuff

  • audio727

    Posted Jun 9, 2009 4:21 pm PT

    i have a razor death adder it perfect if i had enough money id buy the mamba

  • Nexuz09

    Posted Jun 7, 2009 12:19 pm PT

    Just by looking at them I would have to go with the Razor Mamba.

  • LithuanianGamer

    Posted Jun 5, 2009 8:49 am PT

    I think MAMBA is better

  • xophaser

    Posted May 29, 2009 6:55 pm PT

    com'on logitech makes the best mouse/mice out there. Where are the G or MX series. MS laser mouse have died on me too many time. They did kindly sent me a new one, but after 2 years that died too.

  • MechanicalSpork

    Posted May 29, 2009 3:25 pm PT

    Razer is a great company. I have a Razer Copperhead and a Razer keyboard and mouse. All of them are 5 star products.

  • Blacksparky117

    Posted May 28, 2009 11:34 pm PT

    This isn't this user its just the users friend using his profile for a comment
    i like teh pants lookin one NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM!!!

  • teddytiger

    Posted May 28, 2009 10:18 am PT

    My wired razer habu is pretty good. But both of these look better.

  • jrabbit99

    Posted May 27, 2009 8:51 pm PT

    i wish i could have either of them. I'm still using a standard dell corded mouse from 5 yrs ago. IT SUCKS

  • andrew_ribbons

    Posted May 27, 2009 4:44 pm PT

    I prefer Wireless Microsoft mice compared to any wired mouse. Simply because i can't stand cable clutter on my desk, also because it stops the cable snagging/dragging when i'm playing shooter games. I've never noticed much or any lag using wireless.

  • roboman34

    Posted May 27, 2009 12:56 pm PT

    I got a Cyborg mlouse with the SAITEK CYBORG keyboard......my keey board can change colour when i like and Brightness .......
    The CYBORG Mouse thum a bit difficult to ge used to ...but its going well

  • sonic0491

    Posted May 26, 2009 11:05 pm PT

    I would NEVER buy a wireless mouse for gaming, no matter how good it gets. The feels of being connected is just too much better.

    If the X8 is so bad just get the original Sidewinder, or X5 which is $50AUS at msy which is $50 less than rrp!

    I got an X6 keyboard and X5 today and im very happy with my purchases, cheaper than logitech with features i actually DO NEED like macro program and game openings and auto-run in warcraft when i dont wanna hold down 'w' for an hour to get somewhere. Whats logitech got, ouhhh a screen in the keyboard which shows scores and time... just look up at the screen!

  • Blacksparky117

    Posted May 26, 2009 10:09 pm PT

    @peterfaj

    Dude read the title of the review it says MICROSOFT SIDEWINDER not Razer if it was you would know cause it would also be worth $130 despite any faults and the X8 is the only cordless sidewinder made yet. I also agree cordless sucks but those are very minor reasons.

  • peterfaj

    Posted May 26, 2009 9:06 pm PT

    Sidewinder was made by Microsoft and it evolved from Habu, which was the result of a collaboration with Razer.
    Anyway, I hate cordless mice. They need recharging and can fall of the table. The cable saved my G5 lots of times.

  • widden

    Posted May 26, 2009 5:30 pm PT

    again, Ikari SteelSeries.
    It'll probably leave both of these in the dust, it's so comfortable and accurate.

  • Blacksparky117

    Posted May 26, 2009 4:54 pm PT

    I have the wired sidewinder and it is a great mouse and yeah the other ones may look better but ill stick with this one. Besides wireless mouses tend to have problems and wired mouses respond faster usually. If Microsoft comes out with a wired version of that mouse ill buy it because no matter what they improve it will never make the mamba worth $130 I need a new video card before ill buy something as overpriced and over rated as the mamba

  • hackerzc

    Posted May 26, 2009 1:33 pm PT

    I'll stick with my G9. It's always hard changing to a new mouse design after you get used to the feel of one, and my G9 has just as many buttons, just as much macro capability, and if I want something with a higher DPI I can get the G9x for $30 less.

  • bka4u2c_basic

    Posted May 26, 2009 12:17 pm PT

    Wired vs Wireless is same arguement as CRT vs LCD. It comes down to personal preference. I've used both and for some reason the games I suck at, well, I still stuck at. The games I'm good at, I'm still good at. Mouse, smouse, skills are what really matters.

  • games-master54

    Posted May 24, 2009 11:11 pm PT

    Just because the cost is high it DOESN'T MATTER!!!!! It is COOL!!!!! man!!!!
    so please please GET THIS THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • hhamza92

    Posted May 24, 2009 9:45 am PT

    mamba all the wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!

  • Scarshi

    Posted May 24, 2009 3:04 am PT

    Using a MX Revolution very happily since bought over year ago. Got 3 other mice, always went back to it. Just ordered a Mamba, hope this will be a better improvement, though very expensive. This review helped me decide, Arigatoo!

  • k4killer

    Posted May 22, 2009 11:56 am PT

    I use a logitech MX 1000 Laser and it doesnt lag at all. I can play all day long too cause t the battery lasts for about 3 weeks using it about 8 hours a day.
    Wireless gaming mice arnt any thing new, ive had this one for like 3 years. Also I actually prefer a wireless mouse because on a corded one the cord pulls on the mouse.

  • Shadow11792

    Posted May 21, 2009 7:36 pm PT

    Im using the G5 as well..

    I dont like wireless mice no matter how much people talk them up

    And 4 me its logitech FTW

  • ACEGamer89

    Posted May 20, 2009 5:16 pm PT

    Wow...I'm still using my G5. I guess I should give up, huh...

  • blackt1ger

    Posted May 20, 2009 3:34 pm PT

    Anybody that hasn't had a VX Revolution from Logitech has missed the boat. Out for many, many years - 9 official buttons and wireless. The center-wheel has "free-spin" which is simply just too awesome. After about 3 years, it stopped recharging and I got another without complaint. -- whoops - forgot about the gaming aspect ---- well, a) it is logitech which has experience in these matters, b) the 2.4Ghz receiver means it is fast (maybe 5.4 would be better, but I do play RTS games with it - currently Demigod).

  • winszip

    Posted May 20, 2009 10:04 am PT

    Mamba is just wireless Deathadder with 2 extra side buttons
    ^^

  • Zilla1

    Posted May 20, 2009 7:13 am PT

    As far as I am concerned, Lazer mice have far too sensitive buttons on them and that makes for a lot of mistakes when gaming. I have a Lachesis and I not only dislike the fact that it is not really "palm-friendly" in that it has such a low profile, but also the fact that if you just accidently touch the buttons half the time they will click when you did not want them to. Not to mention the fact that Lazer mice are way overprices. I'll stick with Microsoft or Logitech.

  • linkyshinks

    Posted May 20, 2009 3:26 am PT

    I will definitely be getting a Mamba soon, it looks awesome.. I am using a DeathAdder currently.

  • TheRealUku

    Posted May 20, 2009 3:04 am PT

    been using the logitech revolution for well over a year now , they were first to produce a high quality wireless and its lag free too , ok dpi isnt as high , but i think most people wont be willing to pay the price of the mamba even if it is better , i like the battery indicator on logitechs solution , also the mouse mat can make a considerable difference to performance , buy a razer exactmat if you dont believe me

  • Kelteel

    Posted May 19, 2009 11:05 pm PT

    @Tyrael696 check my comments below for the best gaming mouse at $39.95.

  • Kelteel

    Posted May 19, 2009 11:03 pm PT

    No Thanks!!! I will take a wired mouse anytime over a wireless. IMO; The Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 [ MIE 3.0 ] is w/o question the best gaming mouse since it was first introduced. ( price from Microsoft $39.95 )

    Microsoft retired the MIE 3.0 after it had introduced it's wireless mice. How many Microsoft products do you know that were retired and replaced then are brought back into the market by customer [GAMERS] request. They even added some improvements per user requests. They fixed the connecting wire and improved it by adding a thinner and more flexible wire. I have not had any problems with the re-introduced MIE 3.0 and there is no lag in it's movement. I also have no need for the side to side movement of the mouse wheel of newer models my hands move faster. More speed needed? Simply increase the acceleration via it's software.

    The MIE 3.0 mouse is the most comfortable mouse I have ever used which is far more than I can say for the wireless mice for hours and hours of gaming. Your hand naturally cups the mouse for responsive and very quick movement required in a gaming mouse. The buttons are programmable for each game or for just exploring the internet and more. Your settings can be easily saved and switched just as quickly.

  • pwnzord

    Posted May 19, 2009 10:15 pm PT

    I'll keep my G9 thanks.

  • coozman_manu

    Posted May 19, 2009 9:39 pm PT

    Who want to send me a mouse like that ( X8 ) . I don't find them in Romania . Can someone buy one for me , and then send it to me , all for free ?
    Have a nice day . @ : If you want to buy me a mouse like that , contact me , my email is : coozman_manu@yahoo.com

  • Tyrael696

    Posted May 19, 2009 8:43 pm PT

    The Mamba is better than the X8 but just like the others guys say i prefer a wired mouse is very cool use it without a wire and is cooler been capable too work with the wire connected maybe the bad thing is too much money beside that the are really cool mouse

  • brusher

    Posted May 19, 2009 6:25 pm PT

    No sideways, right and left mouse wheel movement? Think I'll stick with my Logitech G9 Lazer.

  • Jd1680a

    Posted May 19, 2009 6:24 pm PT

    Prefer to use wired mouse. There are more flaws with a wireless mouse then what its worth.

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