Review: Saitek Eclipse II Illuminated Keyboard

This is Saitek's second foray into keyboards with funky lighting, following some success with the Eclipse I. It will appeal to children and gamers alike, but would anyone actually pay money for it?

Powered by USB, each key is back-lit with light shining through the white lettering so they can be seen in total darkness or intense lighting conditions. At the left and right light streams out from the undersides, a similar effect to that favoured by boy racers with neon under-car lights.

A dial at the top right corner allows you to control the intensity of the light effect. You can also cycle between purple, blue, or red back-lights to suit your mood. Simple media controls are included and in our testing they worked fine with player software such as iTunes and Windows Media player.

It's a space-age design, aimed squarely at computer modders, albeit with a familiar 104 key layout. The only oddity is a second Windows button on the right of the space bar.

The keys are firm, quiet and cushioned. However, after extended use they felt almost a little too padded – some keys began demanding a stiffer push than others.

In response to this, Saitek provided us with a replacement keyboard and this time the right shift button didn't always work. Despite these teething problems the keyboard is very comfortable to use and should handle hours of stress-free typing with ease.

The sturdy unit is also quite adaptable, with two slant-settings and an adjustable and detachable wrist-rest. The keys have a nice mottled texture and although finger-print prone the black plastic surrounding the keys does look classy. The surrounding silver boarder, however, does not.

Overall, Saitek has produced a nice, reliable keyboard with the Eclipse II. We liked the lighting but it’s a gimmick we're not sure is worth the extra cost. Quality and price wise it sits right in-between cheaper, and blander, keyboards and better looking aluminium models like the Enermax Aurora.

The Saitek Eclipse II can be bought now for £39.99 and includes a two-year warranty.

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