What is a Backlit Keyboard?
A backlit keyboard is a type of computer keyboard with illumination behind the keys to make them more visible in low-light conditions. The lights are often adjustable and can be set to a range of brightness levels or turned off entirely, depending on the user's preferences. Such keyboards are extremely useful for gaming or for working late at night, as you can easily see which keys to press without struggling to see.
Do Backlit Keyboards have advantages over regular keyboards?
One key benefit of backlit keyboards is that it allows users to type in low-light environments with ease and accuracy thanks to the illuminated keys. Additionally, many of these keyboards come with special multimedia keys that make it easier to control your music and video playback while keeping your hands on the keyboard. And many users feel backlit keyboards are more aesthetically pleasing.
What’s the difference: Backlit Keyboards vs. RGB keyboards?
While both types of keyboards feature lighting behind the keys, there is one big difference: RGB (Red Green Blue) keyboards offer customizable illumination options with an array of colors for each key, whereas backlit keyboards typically provide only two-color tones (white/yellow or white/blue).
Are there different types of Backlit Keyboards available?
Backlit keyboards have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their sleek and user-friendly design. They provide excellent visibility and convenience, especially in low light conditions. There are several types, ranging from those with single color illumination to those with RGB lighting that allows you to customize the color of each key. Some backlit keyboards also have different levels of brightness to suit your preferences.
Can I use a Backlit Keyboard for gaming?
Absolutely. In fact, many gamers prefer using backlit keyboards since they allow them to clearly see their game controls, improving their gaming experience significantly in dimly lit conditions. Many models also come equipped with multimedia buttons that let users quickly adjust game settings such as volume and brightness levels without having to take their eyes off the game for too long.
Do all computers come with a Backlit Keyboard?
Unfortunately, no. While many modern laptops now sport these types of illuminated input devices as a standard option, desktop computers tend to lack this feature altogether. [Some high-end models do include it—but at an extra cost.]
How do I turn on/off a Backlit Keyboard?
The process of turning a backlit keyboard on and off varies depending on what model you’re using. Generally, most require you to press a dedicated “backlight” key (often located in the F1-F12 area on their keyboard) followed by pressing something like an arrow up/down button until it reaches the desired brightness level (or turns off).
Do Backlit Keyboards require special software to function?
No, most backlit keyboards do not require any special software or additional drivers to function. Simply plug your keyboard into the computer’s USB (Universal Serial Bus) port and it should work right away without any issues. In contrast, fancier RGB keyboards with multiple visual effects often rely on custom software that’s been installed by the PC manufacturer.
What are the downsides to Backlit Keyboards?
The biggest downside of a backlit keyboard is that its lights can be distracting when working in brightly lit environments. Additionally, these types of keyboards tend to be more expensive than regular models. And some low-end computers can struggle with powering the LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights, resulting in unexpected shutdowns or slowdowns.
What other features do Backlit Keyboards have?
In addition to the backlighting, many backlit keyboards offer a range of additional features such as macro keys, media control buttons and game-specific options. The type of features your keyboard can have depends on the model you choose. Some models may even include USB ports or audio jacks for even greater convenience.
What should I look for when buying a Backlit Keyboard?
When shopping for a backlit keyboard, look for features such as the type of mechanical keys or switches used, the number of programmable buttons, and the kinds of brightness levels you can adjust. The quality of the materials and build is also important, from the plastic shell to the connectivity ports. Additionally, Lenovo may offer additional features such as wrist rests.
Are Backlit Keyboards good for gaming?
Backlit keyboards are often a great choice for gaming. The adjustable lighting levels allow gamers to quickly find the right keys during intense action sequences, while the customizable macro buttons included on many models can help streamline complex tasks or movements.
How do I choose the best Backlit Keyboard?
When choosing a backlit keyboard, consider the size, type of keys, and additional features. It is important to ensure that the size of the keyboard fits your desk space and is comfortable for long gaming sessions. Additionally, some gamers prefer mechanical keys which provide a more tactile response than pressure-based keys. Finally, make sure that the backlight settings suit your needs.
