Saitek
Encyclopedia
Saitek is a designer and manufacturer of consumer electronics
founded in 1979 by Swiss technologist Eric Winkler. They are best known for their PC gaming controllers, mice, keyboards especially the Eclipse series of back-lit keyboards
, and their Flight Yoke
System.
Saitek was founded in 1979 by Swiss technologist Eric Winkler as a manufacturer of electronic chess games. By the 1990s the company had distribution and design offices in the United States, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, as well as a factory in China. In 1994, Saitek acquired Hegner & Glaser's successful Mephisto line of chess computers. Saitek diversified into PC peripherals, focusing on game controllers for flight simulation, driving
and first-person gaming. Saitek has also expanded into PC peripherals, with an emphasis on input, connectivity and multimedia
. In 2005, Saitek launched a high fidelity
audio product line for PC & iPod. Retail audit data shows Saitek to be the second largest brand in PC games controllers and one of the fastest growing brands in mice and keyboards.
In 1997 the group began Electronics Manufacturing Services
(EMS), designing and building electronic products for OEM
customers world-wide from its facility in China. Now under separate private ownership, it employs some two and a half thousand people, including one hundred technologists in design and development, and is careful to comply with international employment and environmental standards.
In 2007 Saitek was acquired at a price of $30 million by Mad Catz
. Following the buy out, Saitek’s North American operations were transferred to Mad Catz’s San Diego offices.
Consumer electronics
Consumer electronics are electronic equipment intended for everyday use, most often in entertainment, communications and office productivity. Radio broadcasting in the early 20th century brought the first major consumer product, the broadcast receiver...
founded in 1979 by Swiss technologist Eric Winkler. They are best known for their PC gaming controllers, mice, keyboards especially the Eclipse series of back-lit keyboards
Keyboard (computing)
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
, and their Flight Yoke
Yoke (aircraft)
A yoke, alternatively known as control column, is a device used for piloting in most fixed-wing aircraft.- Principle :The aviator uses the yoke to control the attitude of the plane, usually in both pitch and roll. Rotating the control wheel controls the ailerons and the roll axis...
System.
History
Driving
Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a land vehicle, such as a car, truck or bus.Although direct operation of a bicycle and a mounted animal are commonly referred to as riding, such operators are legally considered drivers and are required to obey the rules of the road...
and first-person gaming. Saitek has also expanded into PC peripherals, with an emphasis on input, connectivity and multimedia
Multimedia
Multimedia is media and content that uses a combination of different content forms. The term can be used as a noun or as an adjective describing a medium as having multiple content forms. The term is used in contrast to media which use only rudimentary computer display such as text-only, or...
. In 2005, Saitek launched a high fidelity
High fidelity
High fidelity—or hi-fi—reproduction is a term used by home stereo listeners and home audio enthusiasts to refer to high-quality reproduction of sound or images, to distinguish it from the poorer quality sound produced by inexpensive audio equipment...
audio product line for PC & iPod. Retail audit data shows Saitek to be the second largest brand in PC games controllers and one of the fastest growing brands in mice and keyboards.
In 1997 the group began Electronics Manufacturing Services
Electronics Manufacturing Services
Electronic manufacturing services is a term used for companies that design, test, manufacture, distribute, and provide return/repair services for electronic components and assemblies for original equipment manufacturers...
(EMS), designing and building electronic products for OEM
OEM
OEM means the original manufacturer of a component for a product, which may be resold by another company.OEM may also refer to:-Computing:* OEM font, or OEM-US, the original character set of the IBM PC, circa 1981...
customers world-wide from its facility in China. Now under separate private ownership, it employs some two and a half thousand people, including one hundred technologists in design and development, and is careful to comply with international employment and environmental standards.
In 2007 Saitek was acquired at a price of $30 million by Mad Catz
Mad Catz
Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. is a peripherals manufacturer for various video game consoles headquartered in San Diego, California. It produces a wide range of accessories including control pads, memory cards, connection cables, headphones and other human interface devices.- History :The company was...
. Following the buy out, Saitek’s North American operations were transferred to Mad Catz’s San Diego offices.