Saitek Eclipse Illuminated Keyboard (PZ30AU)

I was debating purchasing this keyboard for close to a year and finally purchased when the price came down to $29.00. After working with the keyboard for the past week, I am really glad that I did not pay any more than $29.00 for it. The keyboard lays very flat, too flat for me, even with the rear supports flipped open it feels like you are typing on a laptop. The rear supports are also very flimsy and seem as if they will break under the pressure of a 'heavy typist' like myself. I have been working in the computer industry since 1979 and the keys on this keyboard do not seem to be the 'standard' size, as I have problems hitting the correct keys now and again (especially depressing the left shift key. argh! - fix errors in above text - now I'm back!). Like some other keyboards, the top row keys (function keys, etc) are WAY too small to be taken seriously. The tactile feedback of the keys are decent and the keys are exceptionally quiet while typing, great if you do not want to disturb someone nearby, both pluses in my opinion. The keyboard also warps (bows) in the middle when typing on the center keys or spacebar, I have never seen a keyboard do this and it gives me the impression that the keyboard will not last too long! The keycaps will also wear off in about 3 to 4 months of heavy use, Saitek does sell replacement keys on their website.

Now for the key lights! In a dark room, seated directly above the keyboard or with the keyboard on your lap, the keys can be easily read making it great for those late night work sessions. In a bright room, the key lights make it more difficult to see the keys. Since the key lights can be set for high / low / off, I just turn them off during the day, or when the room lights are on, so I can see the keys clearly. If you sit at an angle to your keyboard (or anywhere that is not directly above it, such as on your lap) with the key lights turned on, the keys are almost impossible to make out in a dark OR light room. Since I sit almost parallel to my keyboard (sits at chest level), the key lighting function is useless to me most of the time. The volume controls are nice and I use them occasionally, adding media transport controls (play / stop / prev / next) would have been a nice touch for late night video editing.

If you like pretty lights, small keys, and volume controls, then this is the keyboard for you! However, if you actually USE your keyboard, and need to see the keycaps, you can get a much better non-lighted keyboard for around $10.00 at most online retailers or your local outlet store. If you want lighted keys that work, you are stuck with more expensive alternatives such as the reasonably priced Logitech G series keyboards.

ADDED: I had to edit this review before publishing due to the weird key layout.

Mike 'Doc' Rogers
http://www.pcdocnet.com