Illuminated keyboards in the test 2023

Many people who often play computer games have preferred a backlit keyboard for years. But a so-called illuminated keyboard can also be advantageous for other consumers.

Who hasn't watched a movie on their laptop these days and then had to turn on the light to pause the movie? This can be annoying and ruin the mood. Or students and pupils who tend to sit at the computer in the evenings and do their homework. The screen is easy to see in the dark, but the keyboard?

A backlit keyboard can therefore be a good idea. According to test reports, for example, notebooks with a built-in illuminated keyboard are becoming more and more popular.

There are many differences and of course different price ranges. So what should you pay attention to when buying? Read our backlit keyboard reviews and test reports.

Illuminated keyboard selection criteria

As with any computer accessory, there are a variety of backlit keyboards. Depending on the reason you want to buy one, you should pay attention to the respective properties. Of course, we also took this into account in our test. For people who are looking for a new laptop, there are models that have a backlit keyboard built in.

For years, key lighting was reserved for gamers' laptops, but now there are cheaper models that offer it as well. These include, for example, the Samsung Series 7 Chronos and some models from Dell and Asus. With these models, you can turn the key lighting on and off manually. After all, most of us don't need extra lighting if it's bright enough.

In addition, you can save some energy. Another laptop that has had a backlit keyboard for a while is the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro also has a light sensor that detects when it is too bright or too dark and thus automatically turns the backlight on or off.

However, this function can also be turned off manually to prevent the lighting from going on when you really don't want it. It should be noted that older MacBook Pro models often have problems with the functionality of the lighting. It often turns on and off sporadically, or doesn't turn on at all. However, this problem can be solved by downloading free software (such as Lab Tick) and then simply controlling the lighting manually.

External keyboard

Of course, not everyone who would like to have a backlit keyboard is also looking for a new computer. A simple illuminated keyboard is particularly useful for pupils and students, where money is usually tight.

You can usually connect these to your computer or laptop with a USB cable and you're good to go. Here, too, our test reports have shown significant differences in the price ranges and quality. For example, you can already get a few models from Logitech and other providers for around 20 euros.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are models for more than 100 euros, which of course also have other features, such as freely programmable buttons, an information display or a trackball. In the middle are illuminated keyboards that are flexible (made of silicone) and some are even waterproof.

The Logitech company offers a range of backlit keyboards, which are often given good reviews by consumers. Usually only the symbols are lit directly from behind, so that the keyboard doesn't look too bright. In addition, you can even adjust the brightness of the lighting.

Illuminated keyboards

One word that keeps popping up when talking about backlit keyboards is gamer. Of course, this means people who play a lot of games on their computers and thus tend to buy computer accessories that are tailored specifically for them.

Since many gamers often play their games in the dark, a keyboard with key lighting is extremely beneficial for them. This allows them to focus on the screen and use the keyboard without having to turn on a light or stare at the keys for too long to see which symbol is where.

Of course, that would greatly reduce the fun of playing and also get on your nerves after a while. Just like watching movies, many gamers are often concerned with the right atmosphere. A bright light in the room to identify the keys can make a game less exciting. These gaming keyboards often have other features in the backlit Keyboard test shown that are important to this consumer group, such as macro keys and anti-ghosting. In addition to an illuminated keyboard, gamers should also attach great importance to a good gaming mouse.

Wireless or wired keyboard

Another feature to look for when purchasing a backlit keyboard is whether it connects to the computer with a cable or whether it is wireless (wireless keyboard). As noted in our reviews, most wired keyboards connect to the computer via a USB port.

A radio or infrared keyboard, on the other hand, has no connection cable. The wireless keyboard transmits the data to the computer via a wireless signal. The keyboard does not necessarily have to be pointed at the PC, since the data can also be transmitted over an obstacle. Unlike an infrared keyboard. This must be aimed directly at the computer. Any obstacles would affect the function of the keyboard.

illuminated wireless keyboards are relatively new to the market. So far there are only a few models like this Logitech K800 Wireless Illuminated Keyboard. The reason for this is the high energy consumption. New batteries have to be constantly installed to use the keyboard.

Other features

On some keyboards with key lighting, the entire keyboard is illuminated by the background. On others, only the letters and other symbols are illuminated, so the keyboard doesn't look quite as bright.

There are even some models where you can adjust the intensity of the lighting or where the brightness is automatically adjusted depending on the light level in the environment. Of course, this is again about saving energy and also a bit of comfort. Who needs a brightly lit keyboard when you're just looking for an icon to pause the movie or skip the song?

There are also models where you can switch off the keyboard lighting completely. This saves even more power, especially during the day, and also increases the durability of the LEDs in the keyboard.

If you like it colorful, there are suitable keyboards where you can change the color of the lighting. You can always find out exactly which colors are involved in the respective product description.

buying tips

When buying, you should make sure that the keyboard comes with a German layout and not an English one. Otherwise, this could quickly cause confusion, since some keys are in a different position in the English layout. That would cost additional time to get used to, which in most cases is not available.

Compatibility with all common operating systems is also necessary. Above all, the new Windows 10, as well as the Apple OS X, should be supported by every new keyboard. Nothing is bigger than the hassle of a non-working keyboard due to compatibility issues. However, don't worry too much here as this is usually the case with any modern keyboard.

There are also a few backlit keyboards that come with an additional palm rest. Such a palm rest can be very practical, as it is much more comfortable when typing, especially for the ball of the thumb. However, if you opt for an illuminated keyboard with a palm rest, extreme caution should be exercised when attaching and detaching it. The plastic holders can break off very quickly.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of a backlit keyboard:

• Can be used in the dark
• The intensity of the lighting can be regulated on certain models and can therefore be adapted to the ambient brightness
• Lighting can often be switched off manually
• They are particularly suitable for gamers

Disadvantages of a backlit keyboard:

• it draws more power than a keyboard without a backlight

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many differences when you take a closer look at backlit keyboards in the test and you can choose a backlit keyboard based on your preferences or use. For people who like to play computer games, it is advantageous to get a wired illuminated keyboard, otherwise the fun will soon come to an end when the batteries run out.

People who might just be looking for a few dedicated backlit keys should look for keyboards that are only partially backlit. In this case, it may also be helpful if you can adjust the intensity of the lighting.

Others who work or play a lot in the dark are more likely to want brighter lighting to make key finding easier. Illuminated wireless keyboards are now available, but the selection is rather limited. For consumers who only use their lights occasionally, the battery should last a bit longer. Here you should make sure that you can switch the lighting on and off manually.

All in all, a backlit keyboard can be beneficial for many consumers and there is a good selection of quality products at different price points, as can be seen in our reviews.

FAQs - Frequently asked questions about backlit keyboards

What is ghosting?

One speaks of "ghosting" when key combinations in which several keys from the same block are pressed at once no longer work clearly and correctly. The keys then only work very sluggishly or often not at all. Sometimes a key is also reported that was not pressed at all - i.e. as if "pressed by an invisible hand". This is a logical problem that can be traced back to the row-column matrix of the interconnected keyboards and is particularly annoying for gamers.

Should I buy a wireless or wired keyboard?

That mainly depends on your requirements for the backlit keyboard. With a wireless keyboard, job information is relayed to the PC either over the air or via a Bluetooth connection. It is pleasant that the workplace can be tidied up quickly with a wireless device and the keyboard can disappear in a drawer. You also have a little more freedom of movement because you are not hanging on a cable line. However, since there is no constant external power supply, it is advisable to always have spare batteries ready.

Should you be able to program the keys of a backlit keyboard yourself?

In most cases you can program the keys yourself. If there is an unfavorable key assignment for your purposes (sometimes a problem, especially when gaming), then you as the user can quickly change it yourself.

What is the difference between a normal keyboard and a gaming keyboard?

As a rule, gaming keyboards are more ergonomically designed than standard devices and the computer's response time to pressed keys is faster. The gaming keyboards also have additional keys, the so-called G-keys.

Are there keyboards where only the most important keys are illuminated?

There are models from different manufacturers in which each key is individually illuminated. With such keyboards, the user can regulate which keys are to be illuminated and, in some cases, also set a color distinction.

Backlit keyboard: Product care tips

An illuminated keyboard, like a standard non-illuminated keyboard, requires regular and thorough cleaning. Keyboards have the dubious reputation of being less hygienic than toilet seats. Supposedly there are up to seven times as many bacteria on the keys that are used every day as on the seat in Germany's quiet place. Most of us use the laptop or PC on a daily basis and often eat, drink and enjoy while sitting in front of the screen. If the PC is not only used by oneself, then other people (employees or family members) also enjoy the keys. In summary, it is simply important for hygiene reasons to clean the keyboard thoroughly. In this article, we provide you with two types of important product care for your backlit keyboard.

Variant 1 for product maintenance of an illuminated keyboard:

• First you need to make sure that the laptop is turned off or that the keyboard is disconnected from the PC.
• With the help of a small screwdriver you can now remove the individual keys from the keyboard. A little tip: Take a photo of your keyboard beforehand so that there is no confusion when reorganizing the letters and other keys.
• Use a regular or hand-held vacuum to remove surface dust on a low setting. Never use the highest level to prevent any damage to the electronics.
• Use a damp cloth to remove more stubborn dirt. There are often leftovers between the joints, which cannot be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner alone. It is important to use a damp and not dripping wet cloth. You can use warm water or gentle rubbing alcohol to do this.
• You can use damp cotton swabs for hard-to-reach areas.
• You can even wash the removed keys in the dishwasher at around 40⁰C, as there are no electronics inside and they are made of hard plastic. The best way to do this is to put all the keys in a small cloth bag. As a result, the small plastic parts do not end up at the drain of the dishwasher and disappear. With machine cleaning you ensure that all bacteria and dirt are eliminated. Plus, it's less work than cleaning each key individually. However, do not use an aggressive cleaning agent, as otherwise the key labels could become detached.
• Finally, all you have to do is put the buttons back in the right order. The photo above will be of great help to you in the arrangement.

Variant 2 for product maintenance of an illuminated keyboard:

Should you Clean keyboard but want to do this without removing every single key, then there is another alternative for product maintenance:

• Turn the keyboard upside down so the keys are facing down and gently tap the back. This could shake any food leftovers, but also other dirt and dust out of the joints.
• A helpful accessory for cleaning is a so-called compressed air spray. This blows dust and dirt out of the gaps. This cleaning accessory should be very easy to purchase at your nearest electronics store or online.
• For stubborn dirt, use a damp cloth again. Important: Never pour liquid directly onto the keyboard! The liquid would sink into the keyboard and cause lasting damage to the electronics.
• Before you put your keyboard back into operation and connect it to the power supply, you can dry the keyboard with a hair dryer as a precaution. However, use the hair dryer at the lowest temperature level to avoid any damage to the plastic housing.

There are also special keyboard cleaning sets that can be purchased cheaply online or in the nearest electronics store.

The fact that a keyboard seems to be a better breeding ground for bacteria than a toilet seat should be motivation enough for regular and thorough cleaning. With a little attention and conscientious product care, however, the lifespan of your illuminated keyboard will be significantly extended.