Computing - Saitek Eclipse II Keyboard Review - Part 1
This is the follow up to the popular Saitek Eclipse keyboard
which has been around for a little while now. After such a
popular keyboard it was only a matter of time before a new
version would be released that would hopefully iron out some of
the small issues with the original.
This keyboard is extremely new at the moment, it has been
available in the US for a couple of months but supply has meant
that it has only really been available directly from the Saitek
website. Here in the UK the keyboard has only been available for
around a week and as of writing this is only available from
Overclockers UK -
even the UK Saitek
online shop have yet to take delivery.
The original Eclipse keyboard was available in three colours
- blue, red or purple. The most popular seemed to be the blue as
it was the brightest. By far the prettiest glow came from the
red but because it was dull this became the least popular
purchase. The new Eclipse has all three colours inside the same
unit so you don't need to buy it in one colour and then regret
your purchase later. With the press of a single button your
keyboard will glow blue, red, purple or the glow can be totally
switched off. One disappointment is that the lights about the
"NUM Lock", "CAPS Lock" and "Scroll Lock" are always blue -
these do not change as you change the overall colour of the
keyboard.
(Click to Enlarge)
Due to room lighting and digital camera features I cannot
accurately show the different colours so I'm really not going to
try.
The keyboard itself is a standard 104 key QWERTY affair.
Extra keys have been left to a minimum which you'll either love
or hate. There is no need for a "F-Lock" or "Function Lock" key
on this keyboard as F1 - F12 have only one use each. The extra
controls you do have are all located in the top-right corner of
the keyboard. Here you will find:
- A brightness dial - controls how bright the glow is from
the keyboard
- Play/Pause & Stop Button
- Skip Up & Skip Down Button
- Decrease Volume & Increase Volume Button
- Mute & Change Colour button
The original Eclipse keyboard was praised for its comfort and
the new Eclipse II possibly feels that little bit better again.
The keys are a little bit smaller than on many of the popular
keyboards from Logitech and Microsoft and this will take a
little getting used to. I initially found I was hitting the
wrong keys occasionally however within a day I'd got used to the
smaller keys. The keys are firm but not too firm that your
fingers will feel tired after any length of typing or using the
keyboard. The firmness is there so that you know you've hit the
key, you don't need to keep on checking. It's also worth noting
that this is a proper UK version of the keyboard with a full
size Enter/Return key - the majority of images you'll see
(including those on the box) show the US layout with the smaller
Enter key.
The construction of the keyboard is extremely solid - this is
not the cheapest keyboard in the world at £35+vat however when
you do remove it from its box you do feel that you are getting a
well made piece of equipment. The keyboard has a stylish look
about it and although maybe not quite as pretty as the unit it
is replacing it also doesn't look out of place on any computer
desk. You have well designed angle adjusters and the extendable
wrist rest should mean that you can place the keyboard in an
extremely comfortable position for use. The keys are also
extremely quiet - important if you're in an office and at home
where the "clack, clack" of some keyboards could drive you mad.
Guide Parts 1,
2, 3
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