PC GEAR
The New Eclipse Keyboard from Mad Catz
By Shaun Hatton - January 11th, 2010
The new line of Eclipse keyboards seems to take the series back to its initial minimalist design approach. But with the addition of an LCD touch panel in place of where the numeric keypad usually is, the new Eclipse litetouch and Eclipse Wireless litetouch keyboards are also taking a step forward with their Star Trek-like sensibilities. Then again, the keyboard also has a trackball in it, which is so retro it’s crazy. Mad props to the designers that worked on this for fitting all these elements in so nicely.
The touch panel on the keyboard can switch between any of three configurations: media mode, numerical-pad mode, and the customizable via software drag-and-drop MyEclipse mode. From the information currently available, it looks like the touch panel’s keys will be in the same grid formation despite the configuration chosen. It appears the changes on the keys only indicate which mode it’s in, and thus more superficial than functional.
The small trackball, located below the touch panel, is meant to streamline navigation on media centres without the need for an additional pointer peripheral. Additionally, the wireless version is powered by a lithium-ion battery that provides up to 20 hours of use on a single charge.
While the keyboards debuted at CES, they should also be debuting in stores this month. The wireless model will retail for approximately $130 US while its wired counterpart has a $100 USD suggested retail price.
