Eclipse Litetouch wireless touchscreen keyboard clears the FCC, on its way to retail (video)
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted March 25th 2010 6:59PM
posted March 25th 2010 6:59PM
OK, dudes -- we don't want to freak you out or anything, but the Wireless Litetouch Keyboard has cleared the FCC. Brought to you by Mad Catz, this bad boy (and its wired companion) was first unveiled at CES this year. Featuring an programmable LCD touchscreen with three different sets of "buttons" (number pad, media mode, and the user configurable MyEclipse mode) the latest entry to the Eclipse line has is sure to get admiring looks from the drone in the cubicle across the aisle. Compatible with Mac OS X as well as your many flavors of Windows, this bad boy will be out soon -- wireless for $129, or wired for $99. Jaw-dropping video after the break.
So they are trying to take the physical out of a physical keyboard.
Absolute rubbish.
@Hazdaz i dont understand dood,. this thing is like totally ugly. i mean look at those keys!
@Hazdaz It could be better/more useful than you think.
@BrandT
Without tactile feedback, no it can't.
I have nothing against programmable keys, its the lack of a physical key that is a complete deal-breaker.
@Hazdaz
Love the the idea.
It isn't trying to replace the physical keyboard, just complement it.
The options seem somewhat limited though. Why not have a proper touch screen for colour sectors, tools, inventories and and such?
@Hazdaz My first thought was I love it, seeing as how the number pad has more functions. Then I thought the same thing can be accomplished in other ways such as a toggle mode. Where there used to be Num Lock there is "toggle" to the various modes mentioned. Still, I somewhat like it.
Absolute rubbish. why would you pay that much for a is not even all that cool. If you want to spend a lot of money for a keyboard get a real programmable keyboard like Optimus Maximus keyboard
@Broseph
A stack of money the size of that keyboard would be worth less.
iPhone keyboard lovers, REJOICE.
@samin100
I'm confused. Why is this video "jaw dropping?"
Siiicckkk
Deff adding to "must have" list
wait...do I needd a mouse to operate..or does it have a touchpad built in??
@TheSunman89
Product Name: "litetouch"
Article Title: "Eclipse Litetouch wireless touchscreen keyboard clears the FCC, on its way to retail (video)"
Article Excerpt: "Featuring an [sic] programmable LCD touchscreen..."
I dunno, dude. You'll have to email the company and ask them.
@TheSunman89
In case you meant "is it used as a trackpad", no, it looks like it just has some touch-sensitive keys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA
I think people who want ridiculous features in their keyboards are crazy. A standard layout, non-nonsense keyboard with a sleep key and perhaps media control buttons is all I look for. Sadly, it's freaking hard finding a simple device that matches that description *and* doesn't look like it came straight out of the 80s or 90s.
Logitech S510 wireless. Battery lasts for months on end, and the only excess buttons are useless zoom and rotate keys on the side.
If you're going to have a ghost of a number pad, why even bother having one? It's all about tactile feedback.
@KupoCheer
I think they're competing against some of the larger keyboards that feature multimedia buttons, gaming/macro buttons, and a number pad. The Logitech G-series, for instance.
@KupoCheer: I think people who use wireless keyboards for their desktop are crazy AND wasteful.
there. we all have our own opinions.
while this keyboard is a little over the top and too expensive for laptop-grade keys, everyone buys a keyboard for their needs.. just because you only need your keyboard for emails and controling itunes/wmp doesn't mean that other people don't have a real need/use for additional keys. I use the macro pages and my gkeys on my G15 for WoW and photoshop. doesn't make me crazy, just means that I do more and need more functionality on my computer and its peripherals.
@KupoCheer
AMEN!
I actually will go even one step beyond what you just said... I refuse to get a wireless keyboard. Absolutely pointless in my opinion and I don't want to have to worry about batteries.
A simple, TACTILE keyboard with a few extra buttons for volume and such is all I want. And if it 'clicks', even better.
@KupoCheer
Das Keyboard. Nuff said.
@Hazdaz
Why a wireless keyboard on a desktop?
Reason 1: No cables. If you have a sliding keyboard tray, like me, you will often slide out the tray to find that the keyboard has slid back due to friction/tangle in cable, etc. Worst case: the keyboard falls off the back of the tray and onto the floor. That has happened to me on a desk with an adjustable tray that moves a total of about 2 feet for ergonomic reasons.
Reason 2: Cable management. It is usually much easier and cleaner looking to route a wireless receiver to a conveneint spot on the back of a desk than to route a keyboard cable to the front.
Reason 3: Conveneience. If you already use a wireless mouse, why not get a combo that uses the same receiver for both?
@KupoCheer Eww. Keep your sleep/power buttons and your multimedia buttons.
Every keyboard I've had with Multimedia buttons doesn't work with the software I want (usually just opens WMP) and I always hit the sleep button on accident while gaming.
I just want a 102 key layout.
and maybe lose the windows keys.
when is the Nexus 1 coming to verizon we the people need to know
Pfft. That aint no Optimus Tactus.
"an programmable"
just thought I would point it out... yea I know, lack of life, I'm working on it.
@DylanUK
AN? programmable? what do you mean?
http://www.studiodentisticominetti.eu/webpages/cosafacciamo.aspx
@studiominetti
The grammar, "An programmable" should be "A programmable". The correction really wasn't worth a reply but hey, I'm bored.
hahaha
why does everyone think it's ugly ithink i' like to try it...
Ortodonzia Implantologia Chirurgia Posturologia Igiene Orale
I could see this being very useful for macros If there is a way to control what size/shape and how many buttons are shown plus the icon for them. (For people who hardly use the number pad that is.)
it looks like a KIRF logitech illuminated keyboard. with a weird and of dubious use/function/value touchscreen area.
If that thing on the right also functioned as a touchpad that'd be a must buy for me. Otherwise I'm thinking pass.
Wish the entire key is touch.
Not a bad idea, but I'll stay with my razer lycosa mirrored edition lol
Either I didn't get the joke, or your definition of jaw-dropping must be seriously different from mine.
Boy if you think thats "Jaw Dropping", you are easily amused .
Very sleek.
Might look at that to replace my Logitech G15..
i never use the number pad so this wouldnt be a bad place for my media controls.
Anyone who considers themselves gadget savvy should consider getting a mechanical keyboard. It really is the best typing experience one can get. They are also super reliable.
I'm a bit skeptical about this keyboard...
To me, the deal breaker isn't the touch pad but the flat physical keys; the space between them is to narrow.
I have been looking for a wireless backlit keyboard for the last couple months to no avail. For $129, I will buy this the day it comes out.
hmmm.. should I replace my Apple Keyboard with this? worth it? no?
@mtnDewFTW
Apple keyboard is trash, anything would be better, but there are better options than this IMO. If you want a solid keyboard look at the Lenovo keyboards which are based on the ThinkPad line.
Microsoft makes some decent keyboards with lots of extra buttons if that's your thing. Logitech isn't bad either.
@canarsieville
And I'd also like to mention that nobody here (including myself) has used this thing. It might be awesome for all we know. Generally though, if I have the option of a physical keyboard I'd like some physical buttons too. Tactile feedback is nice.
@canarsieville I have used every single one you mentioned, and I find the Apple Keyboard the most comfortable
@mtnDewFTW
You sir, are an IDIOT!!!
@Borik I'm an idiot because I don't agree with you?
And I'm also an idiot because I find something conformable for me, with which you don't agree?
Alright, good to know, smartie
ewww. I already have touch-sensitive keys on my Logitech P.O.S. Not configurable, mind you, but also not useful D:
"Featuring an programmable LCD touchscreen..."
s/an/a
We has something with lcds on the keys, that'd be better.
And: why are they going with Notebookkeys instead of normale ones?