Mad Catz Roars Into PC Gaming Arena With Expanded Eclipse Line

Let's play a game, shall we? We say "mice," and you say whoever comes to mind. Go! Did you say Razer? Logitech? Microsoft? Probably, but we doubt you said Mad Catz. Up until now, Mad Catz has been best known for its work in the console world, cranking out peripheral after peripheral to work on the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 (among other consoles). In case you haven't noticed, the PC accessory market has really been taking off, and this company looks poised to take advantage.

A new range of "lifestyle orientated mice and PC keyboards, launching under the company’s Eclipse brand label and is expected to begin shipping across North America and key European territories from January 2010." Wondering what's included? Well, the industry's first illuminated backlit PC keyboard, for one. The newly expanded Eclipse range also includes the wireless litetouch Keyboard (featuring the industry’s first re-configurable touch-sensitive LCD 3-in-1 touch panel) along with the touchmouse, which is described as the first notebook mousing device to use "quicktouch" gesture commands. Teased? Yeah, we understand--the full details and price point are below.


Products expected to ship as part of the range include:

  • Eclipse Wireless litetouch™ Keyboard

At home in both the living room and the office, the highly versatile Eclipse Wireless litetouch Keyboard fuses state-of-the-art technology with minimalist design, producing a keyboard which places the user at the center of the experience, no matter what the task at hand.

Communicating over a wireless 2.4GHz connection, the litetouch Keyboard features an integrated 360° trackball with left and right mouse buttons, negating the need for a separate mouse and proving ideal for living room Internet surfing. Low profile backlit quiettouch™ scissor keys combine with intelligent power control, reducing eye strain, extending battery life and allowing users to operate in a dimmed environment.

Located to the right of the physical scissor keys, the unique litetouch LCD 3-in-1 touch panel provides the user with unprecedented control over their digital life. With a single press, the LCD 3-in-1 touch panel switches between media mode, numerical-pad mode and ‘MyEclipse™’ mode, providing the user with a host of commands which can be used to provide dedicated controls for a multitude of activities from replicating a simple office calculator to controlling a complex media center configuration.

When the LCD 3-in-1 touch panel is set to MyEclipse mode, consumers personalize the touch panel to access their favorite websites and applications at a touch of a button. Displaying 12 pre-defined icons covering topics such as shopping, finance, health and entertainment, users can assign each icon with their favorite websites, applications, games, and much more. Consumers can allocate up to a maximum of three individual websites along with an application of their choice to each icon, all of which will open at the same time and all at the touch of just one button, ideal should one access multiple websites and applications when shopping or dealing with their online finances. In addition, the MyEclipse mode provides 5 numbered buttons which the user can choose to cover any topic not already included in the pre-defined icons. Setting up MyEclipse is as easy as drag and drop.

Powered by an internal rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, the Wireless litetouch Keyboard provides up to 20 hours of use between charges. The Wireless litetouch Keyboard is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.

MSRP: $129.99 / £129.99 / €129.99

  • Eclipse litetouch™ Keyboard

Sharing the majority of features of its wireless variant, the Eclipse litetouch Keyboard has been designed specifically for desktop operation. With its metal finish, top cabinet and quiettouch™ low profile backlit scissor keys, the Eclipse litetouch Keyboard proves an eye catching addition to any office or study setting. With the same touch-sensitive LCD 3-in-1 touch panel as found on the Wireless litetouch Keyboard, users can access media, surf the internet or perform office tasks at a touch of a button. Assignable MyEclispe keys combine with touch sensitive brightness and volume controls, allowing for a powerful and highly adaptive user experience. The litetouch Keyboard is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.

MSRP: $99.99 / £79.99 / €79.99

  • Eclipse touchmouse

Featuring a ‘brushed-aluminum’ appearance, the Eclipse touchmouse sports a diminutive and portable profile, yet with an advanced feature set the touchmouse delivers power and simplicity to discerning PC users everywhere. Featuring a three button operation, 1600dpi laser technology and Bluetooth® connectivity the Eclipse touchmouse uses a single AA battery designed to last for 6 months of normal use. The unique ‘touchscroll™’ module grants the user the ease of use associated with a traditional horizontally scrolling tilt wheel and combines it with the precision of a notebook track pad with the default module mode offering four-way on-screen scrolling, activated by simply moving ones index finger. In addition, the touchscroll module works in conjunction with the Eclipse proprietary ‘quicktouch™’ gesture technology and provides the user with a host of commands which are accessed through a combination of mouse button and movements. The touchmouse is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.

MSRP: $59.99 / £54.99 / €59.99

  • Eclipse mobilemouse

Designed specifically for the on-the-move consumer, the Eclipse mobilemouse features impressive technology without sacrificing its sophisticated good looks. Robust in construction, the mobilemouse uses premium hard-wearing materials with a die cast frame, ensuring that the mouse will stand up to the most demanding of commuter or business use.

The low profile Scroll Ball allows for 4 way 360° scrolling, and the 1600dpi laser technology ensures smooth operation on a variety of surfaces. Fully wireless, the mobilemouse utilizes 2.4GHz technology and a ‘nano-dongle’ for an unobtrusive appearance and rock solid connection at all times.

On-board intelligent power management puts the mouse into standby when the computer shuts down, allowing for up to 6 months of use from a single AAA battery. Complete with a protective Carry Case and fully Mac® compatible, the Eclipse mobilemouse is ready for work whenever or wherever you are. The mobilemouse is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.

MSRP: $59.99 / £54.99 / €59.99


Tags:  Mouse, Keyboard, mad catz