Computer peripherals have come a long way in recent years, and one of the most popular trends is backlit keyboards. Keyboard enthusiasts love the look of colorful backlighting, and it can even be helpful for working in dim lighting conditions.
These keyboards use various backlighting technologies to achieve their desired effect. But, despite the good looks and benefits of backlit keyboards, there are some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before you buy one.
Therefore, I have decided to write an article discussing the pros and cons of backlit keyboards in order to help you make a more informed decision about whether or not one is right for you. So, if you are planning to buy a backlit keyboard, or are simply curious about them, read on.
A backlit keyboard is a type of keyboard that has a light source behind the keys. The light shines through the keys and illuminates them, making them useful in low-light conditions, such as when working in a dimly-lit room or using a laptop in bed at night.
Backlit keyboards typically use LED lights, which can be adjustable to different brightness levels. Some keyboards even allow for different color options. In addition to providing better visibility in low-light conditions, backlit keyboards can be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional keyboard designs.
Backlit keyboards have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among gamers and power users who spend a lot of time typing in the dark. As a result, now most gaming keyboards come with backlighting, and many laptop manufacturers offer backlit keyboard options.
what is the difference between RGB and backlit keyboards?
In simpler words, there is no difference between the two. People use these two words interchangeably to refer to keyboards with lights.
However, if we want to get technical, RGB keyboards are those that have individual LEDs for each key, and you can customize the color of each key. On the other hand, keyboards that are only backlit have a single light strip that runs along the length of the keyboard and emits only one color (usually white, red, or blue).
You can also change the color of backlit keyboards, but it is not as flexible as RGB lighting. This is because each key cannot emit a different color, so the effect is not as striking. Nevertheless, backlit keyboards are still popular because they are cheaper to produce than RGB keyboards.
Pros of backlit keyboards:
Here are some pros of backlit keyboards:
1. Easy to see in low light conditions
Most people, at home or in their office, are in well-lit conditions, but there are moments when the lighting isn’t ideal. In a situation like this, it becomes extremely hard for those who can’t type without looking at the keys.
Backlit keyboards solve this problem as the keys are visible even in low light conditions. This makes it easier for people to type without having to always look at the keys. As a result, they can type faster and with more accuracy.
You may be straining your eyes to see the keys if you’re working in low-light conditions. This can lead to headaches and other forms of eye fatigue. And since backlit keyboards make the keys more visible, it can help reduce eye strain.
2. Add a touch of style to your setup
Backlit keyboards are not just functional but also enhance your computer setup’s aesthetics. Most people buy them because they look cool and add a touch of style and sophistication to the setup.
Gamers and keyboard enthusiasts mainly buy backlit keyboards because of how they look. A lot of people consider them to be a status symbol. If you have a backlit keyboard, it shows that you’re serious about your passion and that you have the money to buy the best peripherals.
3. More customizability
As time goes by, users are offered more and more possibilities to personalize their devices. The same goes for backlit keyboards that now come with different levels of customization. While some backlit keyboards only allow users to change the backlight’s color, others offer more customization options.
For example, some keyboards allow users to create different profiles for different games or applications. This means that you can have a different color scheme or brightness level for each program. This is extremely useful for gamers who want to be able to see the keys in different lighting conditions.
Also, you can configure the lighting based on your setup theme. If you have a black and green color scheme, you can make the backlight on your keyboard match it.
4. Comfortable typing experience
Yes, backlit keyboards offer a more comfortable typing experience, especially in low-light conditions. But that’s not the only reason why they’re more comfortable to type on.
Backlit keyboards come with specially designed textured backlit compatible keycaps that feel great to the touch. You can feel the difference in quality as soon as you start typing on a backlit keyboard.
Also, backlit keyboards reduce the chances of mistakes while typing and help you type faster. So, you can finish your work more quickly and move on to other things.
Cons of backlit keyboards:
Now let’s have a look at some of the cons of backlit keyboards:
1. They can be quite expensive
Every attractive feature that a keyboard has will add to its price, and backlighting is no exception. You can find some cheaper models out there, but backlit keyboards are generally far more expensive than their non-backlit counterparts.
Read: Why are Mechanical Keyboards So Expensive?
However, there are some genuine reasons for this price difference. One of the main costs for backlit keyboards is the extra LEDs required to provide the lighting. These need to be sturdy and long-lasting, which can add to the price.
Also, the keycaps on backlit keyboards often have to be made from different materials in order to allow the light to shine through. This can make the keyboard itself more expensive to produce.
2. The light can be too bright for some people
While some people love the fact that backlit keyboards are always well-lit, others find the light to be too bright and distracting.
This is particularly true if you’re using your keyboard in a dark room. The light from the keyboard can be quite blinding, making it difficult to focus on anything else. As a result, you may find yourself making more mistakes when typing.
3. Require more battery power
It may sound like a small thing, but backlit keyboards will require more battery power than non-backlit models. This is because the LEDs need to be constantly powered in order to provide the lighting.
So, if you’re using your laptop on battery power, you may find that the backlight quickly drains the battery. This is something to keep in mind if you’re planning on using your laptop for long periods of time without being plugged in. For more in-depth knowledge, you can read this article.
4. Cause overheating
Another potential downside of backlit keyboards is that they can cause overheating. LEDs on backlit keyboards produce some heat along with the light they emit, which can contribute to your keyboard overheating.
However, the amount of heat produced by the LEDs is usually quite small, so this is unlikely to be a major problem. But it’s still something to keep in mind, especially if you’re using your laptop in a hot environment.
Are backlit keyboards worth it?
Finally, here comes the big question- are backlit keyboards worth it? In my opinion, the main purpose of backlit keyboards is totally for the looks. It makes your laptop/computer setup look really good, and it’s a cool feature to have. But, it doesn’t improve your gameplay or computer performance.
Therefore, the answer to this question is more dependent on the person. If you think backlit keyboards look cool and you don’t mind spending a little extra money on your computer setup, then go for it.
On the other hand, if you are not interested in backlit keyboards or you are on a budget, then don’t get one. You can spend your money on more important things, like a better graphics card or processor. Do you think backlit keyboards are worth it? Let me know in the comments!
Can you convert a non-backlit keyboard into backlit?
If you are convinced that backlit keyboards are cool and worth it, but your keyboard doesn’t have backlighting, can you convert it? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Backlighting is a feature that is built into the keyboard during the manufacturing process, so it’s not possible to add backlighting to a keyboard that doesn’t have it.
So, if you want a backlit keyboard, you will need to buy a new one. But don’t worry- there are plenty of great backlit keyboards out there to choose from. Below, I’ve listed some of the best-backlit keyboards on the market.
However, if you don’t have the money to spend on a new keyboard, then there are a few things that you can do to enhance the visibility of your keyboard. Read this article for more information.
Conclusion
Backlit keyboards can be a great asset, particularly if you often find yourself working in low-light conditions. They can help to improve your accuracy and speed, as well as reduce eye strain. However, they are not essential for everyone, and there are some drawbacks to consider.
Above, I have discussed some of the key advantages and disadvantages of backlit keyboards. Ultimately, whether or not a backlit keyboard is worth the investment comes down to personal preference and your needs as a user. Consider what you value most in a keyboard and make your decision accordingly.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with some helpful insights into backlit keyboards.
Thanks for reading!
