Saitek
 | |
| PC Gaming peripherals | |
| Industry | Consumer Electronics |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Worldwide |
| Products | PC Games Controllers, PC Peripherals, Mice & Keyboards, PC + iPod Speakers, Headsets, Flight Simulators. |
Number of employees | 2500+ |
| Parent | Mad Catz Interactive |
| Website | saitek.com |
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.
History
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.[1][2] Following the buy out, Saitek’s North American operations were transferred to Mad Catz’s San Diego offices.
Products
Pro Flight Controllers
- Pro Flight Yoke System
- Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant
- TPM System
Pro Flight Panels
- Pro Flight Backlit Information Panel
- Pro Flight Multi Panel
- Pro Flight Radio Panel
- Pro Flight Switch Panel
- Pro Flight Instrument Panel
Pro Flight Sticks
- X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S. System (2014)
- X-65F Flight Combat Control System (2008)
- X52 Pro Flight Control System (2007)
- X52 Flight Control System (2005)
- X45 Digital Joystick and Throttle (2001)
- X36 Flight Control System (1999), consisting of the X36F Control stick and X35T throttle
Flight Sticks
- Aviator for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC
- Cyborg F.L.Y.9 Wireless Flight Stick for Xbox 360/PS3
- Cyborg F.L.Y 5 Flight Stick for PC
Pro Flight Rudder Pedals
- Pro Flight Rudder Pedals
- Pro Flight Combat Rudder Pedals
Accessories
- Pro Flight Headset
Cessna Controllers
- Pro Flight Cessna Yoke System
- Pro Flight Cessna Trim Wheel
- Pro Flight Cessna Rudder Pedals
References
- ↑ "Mad Catz Acquires SaitekTM, a Leading Worldwide PC Games Peripheral Provider, for $30 Million" (PDF). 2007-11-14. p. 4. Retrieved 2008-02-29.
- ↑ Elliott, Phil (2007-11-14). "Mad Catz acquires Saitek for $30m". gamesindustry.biz. Eurogamer Network Ltd. Retrieved 2008-02-29.