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 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's amazing what we take for granted when we use our PC's. Enthusiasts understand that every component plays a pivotal role in the overall experience of using a computer. No exception should be made when it comes to the keyboard, and the folks at Saitek understand this principle better than anyone else.
The Eclipse keyboard is essentially the second reincarnation of their popular gamers keyboard, which was received with much fanfare. One of the main complaints with the gamers keyboard was in the actual lighting of the board. While the glow looked great, it was still hard to tell which key was which, as the lighting acted as a backdrop rather than a light for each individual key. Secondly, the breakout keypad that shipped with that keyboard was a great idea, but for most it wasn't necessary, or just didn't suit their taste. While not marketing itself as the gamers keyboard 2 ( Im sure they would have much more creative title), this is probably what Saitek intended to do. the Eclipse poignantly achieves what every other keyboard strives for: Great quality, great design, and wonderful functionality. It is a Plug’n’Play design with USB connector. Compatible with Windows 98, SE, ME, 2000 and XP.
Three lighting levels: High / Low / Off - Volume control / Mute
- Adjustable keyboard angle
- Adjustable wrist rest
- Black finish and silver keys with laser-cut lettering.
The keys are spaced well, layout is perfect, and nothing here feels out of place. The space bar is a little larger than your average keyboard, but it feels completely natural to use. For those wondering, the backspace key is also full sized, so those of you who have been traumatized like myself by the tiny backspace key on some designs, there is no need to worry here. Lastly, it's worth mentioning that the keys press in very fluidly, quietly, and responsively. A godsend for secretaries and gamers alike.
On the bottom of the board are four very large rubber pads to keep it in place. This is a great feature, as I know my old keyboard tended to get away from me sometimes. Included with the package is a multi-positional wrist guard for those looking for an ergonomic experience. Installation of the wrist guard was a snap (literally!) and adjusting the distance from the guard to the board was as easy as pulling the guard forwards or backwards. The wrist guard also includes rubber feet, so when if you prefer it to be distant, you don't have to worry about it sliding forward. A very innovative design indeed.  So, what just makes this keyboard so special? The luminescence of course, and no other keyboard looks better. If you ask anyone I know, they'll tell you that I absolutely hate the relationship between computers and LED's. I've always assumed that people feel that they are somehow “overclocking” their computers by slapping as many lights into their case as possible. While your case may be fun to shake around at a rave, it's not going to impress the ladies, friends, and especially not me. With that being said, I absolutely love the blue led backdrop for this keyboard.
The aforementioned lighting button allows you to turn the brightness from high, to low, or off if you're typing during the day. While there isn't a large gap between the high and low settings, both suffice in a dark environment. Each individual key has been etched, so the light emits to the shape of each letter or number. The light also surrounds the outside of each key, and the space bar has it's own strip of shine. The only color you can currently chose is blue, but I am sure that will change with further renditions. Besides, blue seems to work quite well with the black and silver, and aesthetically its all cohesive. |
