Saitek Cyborg Command Unit Review

Feb 4 2008, 12:00am CST | by Shane McGlaun

Today we are going to check out the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit. The device is sort of like a gamepad intended for Pc gaming with less keys than a keyboard, but more than a traditional game pad you would find on a console game system. Read the review for all the details on the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit.

Gallery

5 images

Benchmarks

Features
The Saitek Cyborg Command Unit has 21 buttons with three shift modes that make for a total of 144 programmable commands. The device also has a 4-way analog hat switch as well. Two of the buttons for the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit are located on an adjustable thumb area along with the hat switch. To change shift modes you slide an analog switch on the upper left corner of the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit. As you change modes the backlighting color of the gamepad changes to so you know what mode you are in at a glance. The backlighting changes through green, red, and yellow colors.

The thumb portion of the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit is adjustable for angle and distance from the main section of the device. Connecting the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit to the PC requires one USB adapter. The key tops are laser etched so they should last a long time. The Saitek Cyborg Command Unit is fully programmable via SST programming software. You can bind any key from your keyboard to the game pad in profiles set up for specific games or for game genres like FPS and RTS.

In Use
Gaming with the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit was decent. I much prefer my normal keyboard to the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit because I am so used to the layout of a keyboard. However, after using the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit for a while you do get used to it. The USB cable is too short making it almost a requirement that you have a USB hub on your desk or a keyboard with a USB port if your computer sits on the floor and you have to run cables over a distance.

The tactile feedback from the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit is very good. You can easily tell when you have hit a key and ghosting was not a problem. The gamepad was recognized easily b my Vista test machine. I used the game pad to play Crysis and found it worked very well. I think gamers who play games at a small desk will appreciate the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit for its compact dimensions. LAN party goers will also like the compact size and easily portable design of the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

Three shift modes
Easy to program
Backlit well

Cons

USB cable was too short for my needs
Takes some getting used to

Verdict
If I were a heavy LAN partygoers I could certainly see the desire for a device like this. As a gamer that only plays at a large desk, I prefer to stick with my gaming keyboard. However, gamers playing in a small confined area will probably like the Saitek Cyborg Command Unit as well.

7.0

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.