Saitek Eclipse Backlit Keyboard - Red LED ( PZ30AUR ) Review

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(More customer reviews)Unlike a lot of illuminated keyboards, this bad boy is the full-sized and standard layout. Illumination comes around each key and through each letter, rather than through the key itself, which makes it much easier to use in the dark.

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Product Description:
Saitek 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 red 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.

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Saitek P990 Dual Analog Game Pad Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the new improved version of the p880, which got lots of great reviews on Amazon. I've now played with this for a couple of hours and I'm EXTREMELY happy with it! It is perfect in every way! First, the gamepad is much bigger than the two logitech gamepads they had at circuit city. I like that, cuz my hands are large. The smaller gamepads are like they're made for little kids. Anyway, p990 is also lightweight. It has a cool blue light so you can see the buttons in the dark. It's bright, but it doesn't distract me while I'm playing games. I like the shape of the gamepad and the arrangement of all the buttons and controls. There is nothing to improve, as far as I'm concerned. Everything works great. I like very much that there are 6 buttons on top. This is great for fighting games like Mortal Kombat. There are two buttons on each shoulder. I read that's good for sports games, such as football and basketball. So there's a grand total of 10 buttons. Both of the dual analog joysticks were PERFECTLY calibrated right out of the box. I didn't have to adjust anything. All I did was plug in the joystick in the USB port and turn on my PC. It was automatically detected and installed. Only thing I did was check out the buttons in the joystick control panel to see how they worked and to see everything was perfect. The analog joysticks worked very well in several different 3D driving and flying games I tried. I was satisfied with them. This is great. Now I have both analog & digital control all in one unit. A software CD is included, but I didn't bother trying to use it yet. I also didn't try using the button that's supposed to load configurations for first person shooter games. The right side analog joystick is labeled "mouse look." I guess I'll update this review after I've tried an FPS with this gamepad. I wouldn't hestitate to buy it. It's incredible! It's a million times better than my old gravis gamepad pro.

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Product Description:
1-BUTTON INSTANT CONFIGURATION OF GAME PAD S CONTROLS FOR THE PERFECT SETUP OF FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER GAMES ERGONOMIC CONTROLS WITH SOFT-TOUCH HANDLES INCREASE GRIP & COMFORT ADVANCED PROGRAMMING PROVIDED BY SAITEKSMART TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE

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Saitek PZ55 Pro Flight Switch Panel Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a interesting little piece of plastic. And Irecommend and enjoy it with some unfortunate reservations. Be aware of a few little things that make you go, "Huh, what were they thinking?"

It ships with a hex tool to unscrew the screws on the companion pro flight throttle for mounting.Problem is, it's the wrong size....way too small...so you will need a #3 hex tool handy if you want to mount to the companion yoke. Also, the instructions suggest using the 2 inner screw mount points.I suggest you use 2 mount points wider apart, other wise the panel will sway from side to side.

The mounting bracket is quite flimsy.So much so that when you flip switches the panel console moves, front to back.Disappointingly poor engineering design especially when you see they have plans to hang more stuff off this in time to come.

The mag switch is mixed up (L/R should be R/L)

You can't assign or change functions to switches on this unit as you can with the yoke or throttle.

The Saitek website doesn't tell you what driver version is the latest much less what issues it addresses.

OK, that's the annoying stupid stuff.

The good stuff:There is a new driver available on the Saitek web site!The inoperative cowl flap switch has been fixed with driver rev 6.5.8.4(But it's either open or closed, nothing incremental.)

The inoperative deice switch has been fixed with driver rev 6.5.8.4(Still, if it's not implemented in FSX, why designate a switch for it?)

The incorrect landing gear light sequence has been fixed with driver rev 6.5.8.4 (Green is down, Red is in transit, Amber is gone)Everything else is really nice and I do enjoy not having to look for all these switches on keyboards or screens. Simply plug it into the back of the companion yoke and run a quick program which installs as an FSX (simconnect?) plugin and thats it.

My test flights were on a system running Vista 64 with an FSX default C172, a default Mooney Bravo and everything worked except the cowl flaps and as noted above.Also worked with an add on Eaglesoft Cirrus SR22. So, pretty successful for out of the box. And it looks cool.

But for silly oversights, Saitek could have had a brilliant unit here instead of just a good one.They need to pay attention to detail. Makes you wonder who is in charge of things there...and why?

So, it's 4 out of 5 now with the new driver.

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Product Description:
Feel like a real pilot with realistic clearly labelled controls in easy reach with the PZ55 Pro Flight Switch Panel from Saitek. Features include switches for engine on and off, landing gear, a large selection of cockpit controls, works with Flight Sim X, LED's for landing gear matching the status in the game.Works with XP, XP64, and Vista.

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Saitek Eclipse II Keyboard (PK02AU) Review

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(More customer reviews)Highly recommended, and the price on Amazon is more reasonable than many brick & mortar stores too. This keyboard has wonderful keys that are neither too springy nor too soft, great for typing, and great for games too. It's a pretty sturdy piece of kit too, and requires no extra drivers. So, of course it's main 'selling factor' is that it offers three different illumination colors - blue, red, and purple - and these can be dimmed or brightened. Worth noting is that the areas around the keys and the keys themselves are lit, so perfect for a darker environment. I like the blue color best, but that's probably the darkest, but I still find it's illuminated adequately. The purple color really shines though, and there's side strips that light up your desktop too. Very blingin'? Yes, for sure. Overkill? Perhaps, but I don't think this keyboard looks too tacky, in fact I've found it super useful to have a comfortable and durable keyboard for those late night gaming sessions.

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Product Description:
True-Vu Key Illumination In 3 Colors Blue Red & Purple 104-Key Keyboard Features Patented Blue Led Key Illumination & Backlighting Zero-Slope Design & Adjustable Wrist Rest For Ergonomic Comfort Features Plug-&-Play Design With Usb Connector Variable Lighting Levels Compatible With Windows98/Se/Me/2000/Xp Silver & Black Finish Features Black Keys With Laser-Cut Lettering

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Saitek ST290 Programmable Joystick with Throttle Review

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(More customer reviews)There are few games I play that require a joystick. I love playing flight sims but am typically more attracted to other types of computer games that seldom require them, so when I hooked up with my old buddies on "Aces High 2" I needed a decent, working joystick to replace my old Gravis Blackhawk analog stick that stopped working on my PC years ago. I drove down to the local ubiquitous low-cost super store (you know it's name) and this was the *only* joystick that they had in stock. This made me a bit nervous as I like to browse through any potential gaming-related hardware I purchase for my computer, but the price was right (under $20) and my experience in the past with Saitek products hasn't been bad. Ultimately I'm pleased with the purchase and despite a few shortcomings this has been a reliable and sturdy joystick.

The joystick itself is, as pictured, largely comprised of hard black plastic mounted on a spring base. There are 6 programmable buttons, a POV hat switch, and an adjustable hand rest to give you a more comfortable grip. At the bottom is your throttle adjust, basically a large plastic flap, and the stick itself can be twisted left or right to act as one's rudder. There's also a clear, blue plastic piece on the top that lights up, but serves no other purpose but for looks. Neat-O.

I have two problems with the stick. The first revolves around the throttle control. This may be more due to the setup of my desk...I have no place to hold the joystick but on my lap and that presents a throttle problem of its own. Its positioning on the tail end of the stick makes it tricky for me to cut throttle in mid flight since leaning forward to hit buttons on the keyboard will usually push the thing back up. Bad idea when you're making a dive bombing run or an approach for landing. My second issue has to do with the style of the stick's rudder. Dogfights are fast paced and intense affairs and usually involve a lot of frenetic jinking and weaving, and lots of use of the rudder. The rudder turns well and responds fine but the problem is that when yawing left you're liable to accidentally push a button with the area of your palm nearest the thumb. Depending on what you've programmed into that area of the joystick this can have disasterous results in a pitched dogfight, and not something that reprogramming buttons is going to fix.

Still this joystick has been well worth the meager investment involved and has proven itself of great value to me. Definitely a must-buy for anyone looking for a good, solid starter joystick.

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Product Description:
Radical design and styling to provide gamers precision and style. 3-position Handle Adjustment fits all hand sizes. Adjustable Palm Rest and central level throttle for left- or right-handed gaming.

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Saitek PC Gamer's Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this keyboard despite some of the less than enthusiastic reviews I had read, and I couldn't be happier with it.I have no idea what those other reviewers are complaining about.The keyboard is nice and heavy with a detachable wrist rest, and of course the ever popular blue, backlit keys.The board is very stylish, but more importantly, it works flawlessly.Despite what you may have read in another review, the board DOES allow you to use the delete key to access the bios menu at boot up. It is no different than any other keyboard in that respect.It is also completely compatible with Windows XP SP2.Someone else mentioned that you couldn't use the separate command pad and the main keyboard at the same time.I don't know what their problem is, I use both the keyboard and command pad at the same time wihtout the slightest problem.The combination makes this the ideal keyboard for playing games such as first person shooters, as you can programme the keypad with up to 27 commands (9 buttons with three shift modes).Programming using the Saitek software is practically a no brainer (despite what others might have you believe) you simply open the profiler, click on the key you want to assign a function to, and then click on the key on the keyboard which corresponds to that function.It's no different that any other key mapping system.The one drawback is that, as mentioned elsewhere, there is no LED or any other indicator to show what shift mode you are in.It would have been useful had Saitek put the same blue LEDs around the shift mode keys and made it so that they would light up when that shift mode is selected.To me that is not a big enough of a problem to deduct a star for.I used a Logitech Elite keyboard prior to this, and the Saitek is far superior; if for no other reason than that with the Logitech you have to take an extra step to push a button to turn the I touch function on or off, and you have to push yet another button to lock or unlock the function keys.It was a real pain to be using a propgramme that made use of the function keys, and go to use the function buttons only to find that you forgot to unlock them first.No such problem with the Saitek.If you need special functions, you simply assign them to the command pad; so you have your special functions and your regular function keys work as they always have as well.All in all, the Saitek Gamer's Keyboard is a good, solid, fully functional keyboard that looks every bit as good as it works.

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Product Description:
104 key keyboard with blue LED backlighting, a thin flat design, comfortable adjustable wrist rest and angle adjustment feet.Includes a nine button programmable pad (9 Blue LED backlit buttons) with two shift keys for up to 27 button commands.Saitek's smart technology software is included and adds 27 programmable macro functions.

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Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals Review

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(More customer reviews)As someone new to flight simulators, these were the first rudder pedals I have ever used. My general impression is that they work well but their flimsy construction is disconcerting. As I haven't ever used CH pedals, it is difficult to assess what would be considered sturdy for a consumer product like this. However, the Saitek pedals feel as if they would be damaged by putting any amount of weight on the pedal surface. Not only is the plastic rather thin but the whole apparatus is extremely light.Saitek should have used some inexpensive ballast to rectify the latter problem.

Unfortunately, the light weight means they are not stable when used straight out of the box. With several through holes, the designers are probably suggesting the user mount the base to a heavier object. To use them on carpet, I took a different approach. In each of the eight holes, I mounted a set screw with a flat machined end. These were adjusted with a nut and large washer (for weight distribution) to allow a 3/8" elevation. The screws will penetrate the pile and resist any forward movement. To increase the effect, I attached eight, one pound lead ingots with double-sided tape to the base. This arrangement provides a very stable platform.

In my ten hours of Flight Simulator X, I haven't found any problems with pedals. However, I did observe some minor flutter on occasion when using the Saitek diagnostic software. It generally goes away after some movement.

Despite concerns over the construction, the pedals have some nice features. There is an adjustable tension knob in the center of the pedals. In addition, the pedal surface is adjustable for different shoe sizes.

In general, the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder pedals work well and look nice. It would just be more comforting if Saitek used a few more millimeters of plastic on the pedals and base.Pros
Accuracy
Easy to setup
Features (tension knob and adjustable pedal surface)Cons
Flimsy
Some flutter
Too light

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Product Description:
Complete your virtual pilot's controller setup and take flight simulation reality to the next level with the Pro Flight Rudder Pedals. Control the rudder and toe brakes of your aircraft with your feet - just like real pilots. Adjustable, smooth action gives you optimum control and realism, and brings you even closer to the experience of flying a real aircraft.

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Saitek P880 Dual Analog PC Game Pad Review

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(More customer reviews)I stumbled across these game pads, while trying to find an inexpensive controller for a couple of systems I was building for my sister and brother. At first I didn't expect much, and figured this would get them started then they could upgrade to a more [costly] rumble pad later. I plugged it in and Windows XP picked it up and set it up. (DON'T LOAD THE DRIVERS DISK ON XP). So I popped in F1 2002 and it worked pretty well, then I went on and played Madden 2002, NASCAR Racing 3 and 4, and NHL 2002, and it was great. Turned to my system, which has a Logitech Rumble Pad and get this... was disappointed in the Logitech performance compared to the Saitek. Who would have figured, an [inexpensive] controller (price wise) would play better then a [costly] big boy. Well between you and me, I kept one of these for myself, and gave the Logitech to my sister's kids. Often you get what you pay for, but sometimes you get more then you expected!
Trust me with this game pad you are getting way more then you are paying for. Who says [more costly] = better?

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Product Description:
This Saitek M-^SDual AnalogM-^T gamepad is the ideal controller for all gamers, combining great looks with superb functionality. It has an 8-way D-Pad, 6 buttons, and 2 rapid-fire shoulder triggers for total control. And the ergonomic design allows for hours of fatigue-free playtime.

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Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44) Review

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(More customer reviews)Well I just did some research on this yoke and discovered that Sietek has resolved the phantom keystroke issue. New replacement units are shipping to all US distributers. If you happen to have a defective unit, per a post on Sietek's forum, owners are to call 310-972-9930 for return/replacement instructions. I am going to order one myself but am not sure if Amozon has the new units yet. Sietec refused to post a current serial number of the defective lot but a person on the forums said that he just got his and is working flawlessly with a serial number of SZ005111624. This person with a "good" unit purchased his thru Newegg in CA.

Well I am going to place my order now and I will post an update when I get it up and running.UPDATE:I recieved the yoke and pedals three days ago and after spending an hour or so configuring the unit I fired it up. The SN# I recieved was 00492657 a call to tech support assured me that I had a unit that had the phathom key stroke problem resolved.

I spent about a total of 20 hours flying around in several planes whith included single engine ceasna's all the way up to the heavy 747. I WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY YOKE. I was very impressed with the quality and performance. I took a gamble but in my case I think it payed off.

Also for anyone wondering if this yoke works with a mac don't worry. I hooked the yoke up to my mac and am running xplane ver.9. The drivers were not needed it was simply plug n play. Xplane recognized the yoke and throttles with no problem. It was very simple to program.

I hope this helps.

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Product Description:
Precision. Realism. Control. The Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System is highly engineered to meet the exacting needs of the true flight simulation enthusiast. Stainless steel shaft, ergonomic controls, integrated chronograph, and separate throttle quadrant ensure a smooth, accurate and totally realistic flying experience. Features: Durable stainless steel shaft with precision bearings gives smooth and predictable elevator and aileron control; Used with the supplied SST Programming software, integrated mode switch trebles the number of controls you have at your fingertips; Accurately time each leg of your flight plan with the integrated chronograph; Separate throttle quadrant with additional switches to configure any combination of throttle, flaps, mixture or prop pitch. Mount on top, in front of your desk, pilot or co-pilot side so that the controls are exactly where you want them; Unique, 2-position desk clamp keeps your yoke and quadrant securely fixed no matter how extreme the flying conditions; Use the integrated USB Hub to easily connect other parts of the Saitek Pro Flight range of products, such as additional Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant or Pro Flight Instrument Panel (both sold separately); Saitek's powerful Saitek Smart Technology (SST) programming software allows gamers to configure their controls to suit their preferred gaming style, and to save the configurations as personal profiles. Specifications: 14 buttons; POV Hat Switch; 3-position Mode Switch; 3 axis levers on Quadrant; Elevator and Aileron Axes on Yoke. System Requirements: Connectivity: USB 2.0 Works with: Windows XP, XP64 and Vista (all versions) and Windows 7

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Saitek P2600 Rumble Pad PC Game Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)I've enjoyed using Saitek gamepads for awhile now due to their useful programmability combined with having a decent number of buttons.This model appears to have two more buttons than the P2500 (the 2500 and other similar models to it only had two shoulder buttons) but it actually has the same number since the two joysticks don't have the click-in-the-joystick-buttons.Mind you, the joysticks click in as if they were buttons, but they don't actually do anything.This makes the gamepad slightly less useful to me as I often set one of the joysticks to the mouse, and the built-in button as the mouse click.Using another button for the mouse click makes selecting things in various games a bit awkward and not as fast.

The odd thing is, that according to their website the P990 and P2600 Wireless which use the same 4-shoulder-button model also apparently have working joystick buttons.As the rumble feature isn't particularly useful, IMO, and Wireless controllers have their own set of problems, I'd suggest tracking down a P990 instead.

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Product Description:
The Saitek P2600 Rumble Pad has high quality, varied rumble forces, so gamers feel closer to the action. You can instantly configure your pad's controls to the perfect set-up for first person shooter (FPS) games with a single button press. It features ergonomic controls with soft-touch handles that increase both grip and comfort in your hands.

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