Do You Need a Backlit Keyboard? Explained!

If you are looking to get a new keyboard, you might be wondering whether you need one with backlighting. You might also be curious about the difference between wired and wireless keyboards. Or you may wonder if you should get a mechanical keyboard or one with scissor switches. Whatever your question, read on to discover the different options available.

What is a backlit keyboard?

A backlit keyboard is a type of keyboard that has LED lights built into the keys, allowing the user to type in low-light conditions. The backlighting can usually be adjusted to different brightness levels or turned off completely. Some backlit keyboards also have the capability to change the color of the lights.

Backlit keyboards are popular among gamers and professionals who work in dimly lit environments, such as video editors, graphic designers, and programmers. They can also be useful for people who use their computers in bed or in other situations where lighting is limited. Backlighting can help to reduce eye strain and make it easier to find the right keys. Some backlit keyboards also feature customizable lighting patterns, which can add an aesthetic touch to your setup. Overall, backlit keyboards provide a more comfortable typing experience and help to increase productivity.

Do You Need a Backlit Keyboard?

Whether or not you need a backlit keyboard depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you frequently type in low light conditions, a backlit keyboard can make it easier to see the keys and reduce eye strain. If you are a gamer or a professional who works in dimly lit environments, a backlit keyboard can also be beneficial. Additionally, if you like the look of the backlit keyboard and find it appealing, it can be a good choice.

On the other hand, if you work or play mostly in well-lit environments or don’t have any issues with typing in low-light conditions, a backlit keyboard may not be necessary. It is also worth considering that backlit keyboards tend to be more expensive than traditional keyboards, so it might not be an ideal choice for everyone.

In summary, a backlit keyboard can be a useful and convenient feature for some people, but it is not essential for everyone. Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Mechanical switches are perfect for gamers and professional typers

When it comes to gaming, typing, and multitasking, mechanical switches are the answer. They require less pressure than their clicky counterparts and deliver reliable actuation. There are a variety of options to choose from, including linear, tactile, and Topre switches.

One of the most well-known brands of mechanical keyboards is the Cherry MX family. The MX family has been around for over three decades and is known for its quality, comfort, and versatility.

Another popular option is the Romer-G switch. It is designed to overcome some of the shortcomings of the standard mechanical switch. This type of switch features a surface-mounted LED and redundant contacts. However, its actuation point is less than half of that of the Cherry MX.

Linear mechanical switches are a favorite of pro gamers, because of their smoothness and speed. These switches don’t require a click or dome compression and respond well to long, rapid-fire commands.

Tactile switches, on the other hand, offer an audible click and a slight bump when pressed. Both features help improve the feel of typing and make it more enjoyable.

Both Cherry and Gateron make a variety of different types of switches. Unlike most brands, Gateron is actually a Chinese company. Some of their switches, such as the Box Black and Matias Click, are designed to be silent.

There are also some homemade switches available. For example, Roccat, a veteran of the mechanical keyboard world, has a proprietary switch deal. Whether or not you opt for a home-built mechanical keyboard, you will need to invest in your own keycaps. You can find these in most technology stores.

If you want to type on a mechanical keyboard without any sound or bounce back, you can try a membrane board. This type of keyboard can be purchased for little money at most technology stores.

Aside from the standard Cherry and Gateron switches, you can also consider some homemade switches. There are also some new optical switches on the market. As with all of these options, you’ll need to test them out to see which one fits your needs.

Dynamic multicolor per-key backlighting

If you are looking for a way to light up your PC or Mac, you have a few options to choose from. The most common type of backlit keyboard is composed of LED lights. This makes the keyboard a prime candidate for low-light environments. However, there are also some more sophisticated models on the market.

While many gaming keyboards come with multicolored lighting, you can also opt for a more economical option with less colorful lights. For example, the SteelSeries Apex Pro boasts a sturdy aluminum chassis and customizable actuation levels. Alternatively, you can invest in a more high-end model like the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT with its 19-zone LightEdge light bar.

As far as keyboards go, the best of the rest feature a solid build, a comfortable wrist rest, and dedicated media keys. In addition, you have the ability to adjust the lighting based on your preferences. These features make it easier to play your favorite games or work away on the latest software release. On top of that, the best of the best features a removable palm rest. You can even remove it and place it on a desk in your home office, to save space.

What’s most important is selecting the right keyboard for your needs. Whether you need a keyboard for work, or you want to wow your gaming buddies, you’ll be able to find the best fit at your local electronics store. Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a number of top brands, including Microsoft, Razer, Cooler Master, iFixit, and more. Choosing the best keyboard can be a daunting task, but the process will be a lot more enjoyable with the assistance of a helpful online guide. Just make sure to pick the best one for your budget. You’ll be glad you did.

The most reputable gaming keyboards feature 100% Cherry RGB mechanical key switches with tactile feedback and a ten-key rollover. Other features include a dedicated volume control to prevent accidental presses of your favorite keys, a well-designed wrist rest to keep your hands cool during longer gaming sessions and a handy dandy-sized palm rest.

FAQs

What do I do if my laptop has no backlit keyboard?

If your laptop does not have a backlit keyboard, there are a few options you can consider:

1. Use an external keyboard: You can use an external keyboard that has a backlit feature, this way you can type in low light conditions.
2. Use a USB light: You can use a USB light that you can plug into your laptop’s USB port. This will provide additional lighting to help you see the keys.
3. Use a keyboard cover: Some keyboard covers come with built-in lighting, you can place it over your laptop’s keyboard to provide additional lighting.
4. Use a laptop light: You can use a small LED light that clips onto the top of your laptop screen to provide additional lighting for your keyboard.
5. Use a light-emitting app: Some apps emit a soft light on the keyboard area to make it visible in low light conditions.

All of these options can help to make it easier to type in low light conditions, but they may not be as convenient or as customizable as a built-in backlit keyboard.

It’s worth noting that some of these options might not be as effective as a built-in backlit keyboard and some might not be as aesthetically pleasing.

Does a backlit keyboard affect performance?

A backlit keyboard itself should not affect the performance of your computer or laptop. The backlighting is powered by small LED lights that are built into the keys, and these lights do not consume a significant amount of power or resources. The only way it might affect performance is if you are running on a battery and you have the backlight set to a high brightness level, this could drain the battery faster than if the backlight was off or set to a lower level.

It’s worth noting that some high-end backlit keyboards may have additional features such as customizable lighting patterns and macros, which may require additional software to be installed on your computer. This software can affect performance if it is not optimized or if it is running in the background, using system resources.

Overall, a backlit keyboard does not significantly affect performance and should not cause any issues for your computer or laptop.

Does a backlit keyboard drain battery?

A backlit keyboard can drain battery life, but the amount of power it uses depends on how bright the backlight is set and how often it is used. Generally speaking, a backlit keyboard uses a small amount of power, and the impact on battery life should be minimal. However, if the backlight is set to the highest brightness setting and used frequently, it could potentially drain the battery faster than if the backlight was turned off or set to a lower brightness level.

Keep in mind that modern laptops are built with power management settings, which allow you to adjust the settings of your backlit keyboard to conserve battery. You can adjust the brightness of the backlight, set a timeout for when the backlight will turn off, or even disable the backlight altogether to save battery.

In general, the impact on battery life from a backlit keyboard should be minimal and should not be a significant concern, but it’s good to be aware of it, especially if you are frequently using your laptop on battery power.

Does every laptop has backlit keyboard?

Not every laptop has a backlit keyboard. The feature is generally found on high-end laptops or gaming laptops, but it is not a standard feature on all laptops. Some laptop manufacturers offer backlit keyboards as an option, while others do not include the feature at all. Generally speaking, budget laptops, or low-end laptops, tend not to have backlit keyboard as a standard feature.

It’s worth noting that some manufacturers may use the term “illuminated keyboard” to refer to backlit keyboards, so it’s important to check the specifications of a laptop before purchasing if you’re looking for a backlit keyboard specifically.

In summary, not all laptops have a backlit keyboard, it’s a feature that’s mainly found on high-end laptops or laptops that are geared towards specific uses such as gaming, but it’s not a standard feature on all laptops.