Saitek Eclipse II (2) USB Gamers Keyboard

Introduction Package and Packaging

Published: 13th October 2006 | Source: Saitek | Price: | Author: Matt Kemp

Introduction

Saitek are a company who entered the gaming peripheral field in 1993 and have been making products for gamers ever since. With some excellent joysticks, game controllers and mice: they are a company associated with gaming.

The Saitek Eclipse was an excellent gaming keyboard in it's first edition. With a strong backlight and soft touch keys, this keyboard was comfortable and well laid out for gaming.

I have grabbed a sample of their newest keyboard: the Saitek Eclipse II. How well does it measure up?

Packaging

Saitek have provided the Eclipse II with pretty standard packaging. It's good to see a full picture of the keyboard on the box.

The main features are highlighted, showing three different sets of key colours - nice.

The back again highlights the key features of the board and lists some specs. It's nice to see a couple of pictures of the keyboard itself on the packaging. This would help prospective buyers if it was on the shelves.

The packaging is very sturdy and certainly protects the keyboard from wear and tear of couriers.

Package

There isn't a whole lot to say about the package on the Saitek Eclipse II other than it comes with an additional wrist rest and a manual and install guide.

The keyboard is plug and play and requires no extra drivers to function. It's a standard bundle and it's good to see a wrist rest included for those long haul games when RSI sets in!

Let's take a closer look at the keyboard...

Most Recent Comments

13-10-2006, 06:55:47

FarFarAway

Check out the goodness here

13-10-2006, 07:15:14

Ham

Had a quick flick through. another fine reveiw. This a keeper?

13-10-2006, 07:58:26

BUFF

I just may have to buy 1 of these ...

13-10-2006, 08:00:02

FragTek

I've got one on my new rig and it's the cats meow. I don't miss all of the extra stuff that my G15 did a single bit! The ability to change the LED color on the fly is sweetness to say the least, and the key response is perfect. Love this board.

Great review kemp, I expect nothing but the best from you as usual

13-10-2006, 08:34:35

specialtech

it's Ayd @ Specialtech using the bosses log in

as usual another great review guys...keep it up

13-10-2006, 08:37:46

FragTek

That's a shame mate

May I ask why you don't care for the board? Did something happen after some long-term use or something else?

13-10-2006, 11:15:17

Hyper

Nice review Kemp.

I am looking for a new keyboard aswell and was G15 all the way but this has changed my mind

13-10-2006, 11:17:08

FarFarAway

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hyper

Nice review Kemp.

I am looking for a new keyboard aswell and was G15 all the way but this has changed my mind

Take a look at the extra bits that the G15 has. If you don't think you would use them/they're not worth the extra £17...then get this - great keyboard

13-10-2006, 11:35:22

Pyr0

nice review Kempez...

you make me wish my old keyboard had lasted a little while longer and broken this week instead of last now

that keyboard looks sweet

do you have the dimensions of it please?

is there any difference in size to the older eclipse ?

i'd like to buy one, but not sure if it would fit on the sliding tray for my keyboard and mouse.

13-10-2006, 11:36:05

Enigmachine

I use the G15's LCD all the time, but the chipping keys are really ugly to look at!

So if you're looking for a good-looking keyboard, the G15 might not be the right thing...

13-10-2006, 11:52:01

Jim

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enigmachine

I use the G15's LCD all the time, but the chipping keys are really ugly to look at!

So if you're looking for a good-looking keyboard, the G15 might not be the right thing...

There's a thread on here somewhere mate about getting ur G15 replaced free if you have paint chipping off your keys. I would link ya, but i'm just off home

13-10-2006, 11:59:11

Enigmachine

Quote:

Originally Posted by name='XMS'

There's a thread on here somewhere mate about getting ur G15 replaced free if you have paint chipping off your keys. I would link ya, but i'm just off home

Yeah, I've been on Logitech's "How to get a RMA" page for a week, I've jsut been too lazy/busy to call.

13-10-2006, 12:11:06

Hyper

Quote:

Originally Posted by name='Enigmachine'

Yeah, I've been on Logitech's "How to get a RMA" page for a week, I've jsut been too lazy/busy to call.

Well the keys musnt be that bad then

13-10-2006, 13:18:10

Enigmachine

Quote:

Originally Posted by name='Hyper'

Well the keys musnt be that bad then

They are getting pretty bad - the bottom row spells "z-x-blob-v-b-blotch-spot-,-.-é".

I just haven't paid too much attention because I know the keys by heart, since they don't have the accents printed on them.

13-10-2006, 15:34:22

Rastalovich

For me the G15 isn`t just the lcd, it`s the G-keys. Guess it depends what sort of games u play.

I`m finding my fingers in my left hand going lifeless tho >.<

13-10-2006, 15:44:56

glocktodahead

Ye I posted on this forum that you should get in touch with logitech, PV did it and got a new one

13-10-2006, 16:15:19

Enigmachine

I'm getting VOIP so probably next week I will call them and won't be put on hold using my cell phone... That's a real PITA.

I really hate phones.

What a primitive communication system!

Anyway, back on topic, I'd love to have a Saitek to compare with my G15!

So far I haven't played any games that really needed the G keys, but I'm betting my coming 3-month binge of WoW will change that.

13-10-2006, 16:48:42

glocktodahead

WoW + G15 = awesome. I also d/l a css program that shows all ur stats so its pretty sweet

I would have bought the saitek eclipse II if I didn't scoop up my G15 for such a good price. Very nice review, keep up the good work

Saitek Eclipse II (2) USB Gamers Keyboard

Introduction Package and Packaging

Published: 13th October 2006 | Source: Saitek | Price: | Author: Matt Kemp

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