Good and Bad
Written: Mar 31 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Illuminated keys, really good feel
Cons: Illuminated keys could be brighter
The Bottom Line: Pretty good keyboard, really nice feel. Illuminated keys, but they could be brighter.
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| fofa's Full Review: Saitek Eclipse II (PK02) |
Since the computer is either darkish, or really bright depending on the time of day, and the main light being on, and me liking to work in a dimmer environment, I figured an illuminated keyboard was the best way to go. My older eyes just could not see the new black keyboard (and my old beige one was pretty much worn out). My wife wanted a black/silver one to match the new computer (see my review of the Gateway GT5034).
After much research, there did not appear a real good choice that was affordable (I didn't want to spend over a hundred dollars for a DECK) so this one, even if a little pricey for a keyboard, seemed like a good choice. The original Eclipse can still be had for about $15.00 cheaper than this one, but I didn't like the many reviews stating the key paint wore off.
There are cheaper (as low as $15.00) alternatives, but they basically have clear keys with a light under the keyboard and seem rather bright. I wanted individual lighted keys. Those fell into 3 categories, paint wore off the keys, but affordable, this one, and the Deck's, nicer but more than twice as much.
The BAD:
The under key lighting could be much brighter. I really the blue (goes with all the other blue lights on the computer and monitor), but my old eyes can't see the keys good with the blue, even in the dark. Red is more readable, and purple the best. As I understand it the purple is the blue and red on together. The keys are pretty readable using the purple. But the keys are not evenly lighted. The main keys are pretty good (I am doing this with the monitor as the only light in the room besides the keyboard). How ever the numeric keypad is not very well lit. Also the set of keys between the main keypads and the numeric keypad (END, HOME, NumLock, etc) are not well lit.
After a reboot the keyboard resets to Blue, it does not remember what you had before. I don't find this a big issue as the switch is easy enough to hit twice and get back purple.
Off, no lights, there is not enough contrast between the "laser etched" keys color and markings. The markings appear darkish gray when not lit, so I have to always have the back light on. As with the color resetting to blue, I don't find this a big issue, but thought I would mention it.
The GOOD:
It has 4 big rubber pads that stop it from sliding around. Even with the 2 stage back elevators (I use the shorter of the two) it does not slide around even though the back pads are in the air.
The wrist rest, even not being padded) is comfortable. And easily detachable if you choose to use another. I discarded my old GEL wrist rest in favor of using the one with the keyboard, that should tell you something.
The keys are a joy to use. Although I am not a touch typist, I find the key feedback important to me. Plus I like a standard layout (old AT 104 type) and nice spacing so I don't fat finger the keys to often. This keyboard meets those requirements, and actually, is one of the nicest tactile feedback keyboards I have ever used. It does click a very little, but is over all rather quite.
The illuminated keys, even with the disadvantages listed in the BAD section above, I still like it. Since most of what I do uses the main keys, I don't find the numeric keypad that big of an issue.
Since it is claimed to be a gaming keyboard, I would suppose the keys will last quite awhile. This is an assumption on my part. But one thing I did like about this compared to other gaming keyboards, is it does NOT have the extra macro keys available that make the other keyboards larger.
It has two (one on each side) side lights that illuminate the mouse next to the keyboard with a glow more than light. Nice touch.
Regular size footprint. Not any larger than my old keyboard.
Has four special keys, I don't use Special keys too often, but I like the volume up and down ones.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 43.95
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Epinions.com ID:
fofa
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Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 2 members
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