Saitek Eclipse II - $39.99 FS

[AmberClad]

Saitek Eclipse II - $39.99 FS
with subscriber promo code EMCADBJAB ($-10.00)

 

[DigitalCancer]

I've been debating this keyboard...my Saitek 1 is broken at the moment, waiting to RMA it. I was thinking of giving it to a friend and buying this one but...I just don't know. ^_^

 

[onza]

tempted!

 

[twistedlogic]

My only gripe about this keyboard is I wore off my WASD keys, lol.

Really nice if your using one of these for a HTPC and you like to have the lights out, though its not wireless.

 

[onza]

really?

I have the 4 button on the top right saittek keyboard, and the keys are still brand new.. been like 2yrs now

 

[AmberClad]

Originally posted by: twistedlogic
My only gripe about this keyboard is I wore off my WASD keys, lol.

Really nice if your using one of these for a HTPC and you like to have the lights out, though its not wireless.

I know the feeling. My Nostromo N52 only lasted two months before the WASD markings were worn off . Anyways, I plan on using the Eclipse for nighttime typing - I don't think I can ever go back to using a keyboard for FPSs again, after getting used to how natural/comfortable the N52 feels for extended sessions.

I honestly think the original Eclipse looks a bit nicer (less pudgy), but there isn't a dual backlit version of it. The "blue shift" light on my N52 is bright enough to be bothersome in the dark, so I think I'd want to be able to switch between the red and blue backlits on the Eclipse to avoid that same problem.

The new Saitek Cyborg keyboard looks horrendous, btw...

 

[sisq0kidd]

My only gripe is the knob. You'd think it'd be a volume knob, but no. The geniuses decided to make it a dimmer for the backlight. Like anyone is really going to want to dim their keyboard light to a point where it's useless.

Other than that, fantastic keyboard.

Edit: Waiiiit a minute. One more gripe. The top three lights stay blue, regardless of the color you choose your backlight to be.

 

[Imported]

I'd be all over this if my Eclipse I died.. but its still kicking!

 

[PCBliss]

is it only available with red backlight

**EDIT**

Oops, guess I should have read the description

 

[AmberClad]

Lol @ PC Bliss - I think the Eclipse II's primary claim to fame is the fact that it has both a red and blue backlight (you can turn both on for purple, as well). I think there might be a version of the Ideazon Merc that has the same capability, but the Merc take up a pretty sizeable chunk of desk space compared to the Eclipse, which is a regular-sized keyboard.

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: AmberClad
Lol @ PC Bliss - I think the Eclipse II's primary claim to fame is the fact that it has both a red and blue backlight (you can turn both on for purple, as well). I think there might be a version of the Ideazon Merc that has the same capability, but the Merc take up a pretty sizeable chunk of desk space compared to the Eclipse, which is a regular-sized keyboard.

There is that and suposedly they are using better inks for the keys that wont rub off as it did on the first version. Also I read a thread online before I bought mine last year that had a reply from a worker over at Saitek. He mentioned if any on the new keys, and even any of the old keys off the first version, should rub off contact Saitek and they will send you a set of the keys you need for free. Once I read that I was sold on my keyboard and bought it. THE BEST by far keyboard in the price range I have yet to own. Heavy too, so if you have it on your lap, or desk will not easily slide off, with several different angle positions too.

Its not to bright, and the red color it can do is just outstanding, and vibrant. It also has to light holes, one on each side so if you have a mouse next to it you can see the buttons on it if need be.

Really great keyboard. The logitech with the lcd readout that lights up is a bit more, may be a bit better keyboard and have the led for times your chatting, but it also is know to have the ink rub off its keys and its about $30 more then this set.

 

[polypterus]

Does this have multimedia keys for e-mail, internet, calc, or just media player controls?

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: FrizQuadrata
Does this have multimedia keys for e-mail, internet, calc, or just media player controls?

Nope just for MP only, change light color and intensity. I have had keyboards with those kinds of buttons your looking for, used them one time, then never again. Keeps the keyboard at a good size, and not cluttered with crap. Very clean looking design.

 

[tlechaos]

Thanks OP and everyone else for your opinion. I've been debating on the Eclipse (I and II), G11, G15, Tarantula, etc... All your comments about the keys and quality has convinced me to jump on this deal. I guess I can't go wrong with this $40 price point. Hopefully!!!!

Wonder if the Mad Catz acquisition of Saitek would somehow change their support/warranty, good or bad? I guess I'll find out when my keys start rubbing off.

Also, has anyone experienced keys sticking or having issues with certain keys not responding unless typed really hard? Read the reviews and people were complaining about that. I guess I'm not fully convinced on my purchase.

 

[konakona]

going by the reviews at egg, QC issues are rather widespread and may develop over time at will. one review hinted at possibility of poor rollover - a characteristic that I consider the most important on a gaming keyboard along with responsiveness.

to be fair, there were many compliments on its looks, that alone was tempting for the gadegt factor. doesnt sound like a quality gaming platform though, I will pass.