Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Aside from a few volume and brightness control keys above the number pad, the Saitek Eclipse has a standard 104 keyboard layout. No fancy swoops, loops, or "enhanced" layouts. Except for the space bar being fatter, and the function keys being shorter, all keys are the proper size in the proper place with no frills. That is EXACTLY how you want it to be!
"Ergonomic" devices often tend to look futuristic, and have exaggerated design accents. But in the end, they don't interface well with human hands, and are mostly marketing gimmicks. Like most people, the last truly ergonomic thing you used was the finger molded handlebar grips on your tricycle.
The casing design does have some fancy swooping in the corners, with a molded-to-fit wrist rest. This "modular "X" form" absolutely does NOT interfere with function of the keyboard, and only enhances its' black and silver charm. Extreme enough for gamers, high-tech enough for enthusiasts, yet practical enough for serious work. The wrist rest is sleek and tapers down, but it wasn't very functional. I am happier with my black silicone one.
Even though the Eclipse is heralded for the stylish design, typing comfort, and hefty weight to prevent sliding, that is not enough to have the average person spend 50 bucks on a keyboard. Trust me, unless you prefer the joyful chuckle of clicking keyboards, you may not love the sleek silence without prejudice. If not, look elsewhere.
The real selling point here is, of course, the blue backlighting flowing in-between the keys and key caps. Thus giving the impression of "liquid cool" pulsing beneath your finger tips. Ahhhhh, definitely a fun keyboard to use, even without the bells and whistles. That can't be said of my Microsoft ergonomic keyboard which is being trashed! I am keeping the Microsoft Mouse because the black and silver wireless design perfectly compliments the Eclipse.
The blue light effect is better on the high setting, in my opinion, and could be brighter. It's also nice how the letters dim to black when you turn the light off. The full impact is most appreciated when you stand directly over the keyboard, and naturally, in the dark. The silver keys do seem to go black as the room goes darker, which provides great contrast.
There is a superior feeling one gets typing on something only sci-fi offered a few short years ago. That is not something most other keyboards do. This is hotter than the light up "desk keyboard", used by CEO Dillinger, in the movie, "TRON". You need not be a fan of TRON, like me, to enjoy basking in the soft glow of electronic light "eclipsing" through the crags. In fact, this is THE keyboard to have for players of the TRON 2.0 PC game. Star Wars fans may prefer the night-vision red model when fighting with Aniken Skywalker and Yoda over a pit of molten lava.
Cons: USB only with no compatibility with PS2 adaptors, or KVM switches. I suppose there is no way around needing the 6v USB ports to juice the lights. The only other option is a separate power plug, and and who wants that? Well, I might if it means a brighter keyboard and ability to use the PS2 connector. This would rock if it lit up as brightly as the number, caps, and scroll lock keys.
It is a quite and soft keyboard to type on. Maybe a bit too soft and quite for my tastes. But I am using this at work and quickly adapting to it. There is more room above the cursor keys to include a few more hot keys. Or maybe as a strip down the left side of the keyboard.
No instructions were included, at least not in my box. But it quickly was recognized by windows and I am typing away without any lag as reported by some users. Perhaps it depends on how many USB ports you have active. Expect to restart the computer a couple of times for the driver to get fully settled in. No CD software included or needed. There is an option under device manager that lets the keyboard take the computer out of standby mode.
I use mine at work, and the IT department will never be the same. So far everyone I show it to, stands in awe of the beauty - THEN I PUT THE LIGHT ON. Sure, I am one of those people who would like it brighter, but this is lovely to behold.
Even when powered down The Saitek is a simplistic piece of "form meets function" to admire and enjoy. Now if I can just convince the guys to work with the lights off. |-p
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Product Description:
Our award-winning keyboard design just got better! The Eclipse PC keyboard features patented TrueVu key illumination for use in any light, from day to total darkness. True-Vu key illumination through the keys! The Eclipse 104-key keyboard features patented Blue LED key illumination and backlighting, Zero-Slope design and adjustable wrist rest for ergonomic comfort. It is a Plug'n'Play design with USB connector. Compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP, XP64 and Windows Vista (all versions); Designed for applications where low light conditions prevent accurate use of a normal keyboard; Volume buttons and Bright/Dim/Off selector to control LED backlighting; TruVu keys that allow the lighting to glow through each laser-etched key; Feet angle adjustment for maximum comfort and productivity. System Requirement: Connectivity: USB 2.0; Windows XP, XP64 and Windows Vista (all versions) Windows 7
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