Mad Catz Saitek Eclipse Keyboard (PZ30AU)

I build computers as a side job, in addition to owning several computers of my own. I have owned the Saitek Eclipse keyboard since it first came out. I ordered it as soon as it was available many years ago. I am currently still using the one that I bought then. In fact, I have had the keyboard so long that the finish on some of the keys has just recently started to come off (a,s,d,f,l,n,m, and shift keys). I have spilled water and soda in the keyboard. Still works perfectly. The NEW version I have ordered for many of my customers, since I recommend the keyboard (especially when it matches the case lighting, since blue is the most common color...Saitek also makes a red eclipse for red cases). The NEW version is even better, with a "bubbled" windows logo on the windows keys for easy recognition of the key without looking, and the finish on the keys is better and does not come off like the first version of the keyboard. The Zero-Slope of the keys is very comfortable for long typing sessions (still comfortable after writing 7-10 page papers). The keys have just the right amount of recoil on them, and are not too loud or too soft when typing (making it perfect for the office or home use). The keyboard works perfectly on all Windows OS's (including Vista, even though the specs don't say it supports Vista), as well as Linux (Have never tried it on OS X or any other MAC OS though). No drivers or instructions are included BECAUSE all you have to do is plug it into the computer. It would be a waste of paper to include a sheet that said "Step 1: Plug in keyboard." because that is literally all you have to do. The other reviewers of this keyboard who have mentioned lag between key-presses and onscreen output must have a problem with their USB ports or their operating system, because this keyboard works perfectly, just like any standard 104-key keyboard. In summary, this is a great keyboard for the price. The back-lit keys are perfect for turning out the lights at night and gaming in the dark, and the zero-slope nature of the keyboard is great for long typing sessions. Overall, this is the best keyboard I have ever used, and will never stop using or purchasing them.

I've only had this keyboard for about a week now but it is an amazing keyboard, exactly what I was looking for. I was looking for 2 things while searching for a new Keyboard to replace my old Logisys mulitmedia illuminated keyboard. I wanted something simple and something with some backlighting so this keyboard really fit the bill as it is like most any other generic keyboard as it has minimal multimedia and doesn't require any special software, the backlighting on it is great, the brightest setting is perfect in my opinion, not too bright but light enough to see the keys perfectly in the dark. Possibly the second best thing about this keyboard is the feel and sound. Wait... that's two thing, oh well, this definitely is not the most quiet keyboard I've ever had, my Logisys was even more quiet but I had to pound the keys for them to register sometimes. The keys on this keyboard, like other reviews have said, are textured and they feel great when typing and gaming. My biggest concern with this keyboard was the wrist rest, looking at it in the pictures, I was under the impression that the curvy design to it would be a huge problem with trying to type but as soon as I received the keyboard and tried it out I found it was actually very comfortable. My second biggest concern with it was the paint on the keys, from all the reviews I've read about it, it sounded to me like I should be expecting the paint to wear off after time, it hasn't worn off yet but it's only been about a week so I'm still expecting it to happen, even if it does, it really isn't a big deal to me because I bought it knowing there was a good possibility of it happening and besides that, I'm a pretty good typist so I don't need to look at the keys while I'm typing something. Highly recommend this keyboard if you are looking for something with some good illumination and you are on a budget. I personally got this when it was on sale for $37, I checked back the day after I had bought it and it went up to $42, that does seem a little pricey to me but I would probably still buy this keyboard even if it was $50, anything higher and I don't think I would consider it a budget keyboard anymore.

The Saitek Eclipse is a very fine keyboard, worth every penny I spent on it. It is well made, heavy, with strong fold-down supports and a sturdy wrist pad. The screws on the corners of the surface are actual hex-screws, adding to the solidity and visual weight of it. The keys are quiet and solid. The spacebar is a little louder, but all spacebars tend to sound different from the rest of the keyboard. The characters on the keys themselves are not paint, but translucent gaps to let the blue led light shine through. This is great because I need not fear the paint on those really popular keys wearing out. The lighting is a delightful feature, but now that I have the Eclipse, I don't know how effective it will prove to be. The problem lies in the color of the keys- Silver keys with black letters are fine, but in certain half-lights the light of the illuminated character on the key closely matches the value of the color of the keys. That means that the keys are highly visible in either bright light or no light at all. The lighting is even and beautiful, though, and matches the blue glow from my computer's case. The keyboard is USB, of course, which means that if you reboot your computer the keyboard will default to lit mode. The volume and mute buttons are no-nonsense and work well. They quickly took the place of the itunes player I usually keep in skin mode on my desktop for volume control. The cord is also about a foot longer than the cord of the keyboard that came with my new PC, which is nice. Great keyboard, even if you don't use the lighting feature. That would be a shame, though, since it's sooooo cool.