While backlighting isn’t the most utilitarian feature you can look for in a keyboard, it’s becoming increasingly popular. More advanced keyboards can offer you millions of different combinations split among a variety of complex zones, but even the most basic backlit keyboards can provide you with a nice aesthetic for your PC setup and a way to see better in the dark. But a lot of fly by night laptops promise backlit options but ultimately deliver dim results.
We’re going to guide you through 10 of the best backlit keyboard models of 2022 and also help you understand what factors you should look for. Even if backlighting is one of your top priority, there are a wealth of other features you should keep in mind, such as wired or wireless keyboard options, the addition of a palm rest and of course price. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to purchase your next keyboard. Let’s kick this list off with one of the top wireless Bluetooth keyboard offerings from Logitech.
- The 10 Best Backlit keyboards
- Logitech K800 Wireless Illuminated Keyboard
- KINESIS Gaming Edge RGB Split Keyboard
- Arteck HB030B Portable Backlit Keyboard
- Azio Vision Backlit USB Keyboard
- Redragon K552-RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard
- HAVIT Backlit Wired Gaming Keyboard
- Eagletec KG011 Mechanical Keyboard
- Corsair K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Vulcan 100 Aimo RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard
- HUO JI Z-77 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Backlit Keyboard Buyer’s Guide
- Lighting Variety
- Keyboard Connection
- Compatibility
- Type
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Do I Make My Keyboard Light Up?
- Should I Get a Backlit Keyboard?
- What is the Meaning of Backlit Keyboard?
- What is the Best Typing Keyboard?
The 10 Best Backlit keyboards
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Logitech K800 Wireless Illuminated Keyboard
A lot of backlit keyboards are designed as gaming keyboards, but the Logitech K800 wireless keyboard is all about productivity. It may not come with many fancy features, but it gets the essentials right on point. The backlighting is strong enough to read easily at night.
And while the PerfectStroke key system may not have the elegance of a mechanical model, it ensures a higher level of precision when trying to get your work done. There is a small palm rest included in the chassis, so extended periods of use can be done comfortably. You can count on this backlit model to work regardless of circumstances. It works with every modern version of Windows, and the single unifying receiver that connects to an available USB port makes setting up and maintaining your wireless connection a breeze.
As with a lot of the other Logitech computer peripherals we have reviewed, as well as their keyboard range, you get the legendary Logitech build quality and product support included as standard. This is really a top consideration as if you’re going to be relying on a keyboard to deliver important projects, then you need keys that can keep up.
| Manufacturer | Logitech |
| Connection | Logitech Unifying Wireless |
| Type | Membrane |
| Dimensions | 8.19 x 2.31 x 18.44 inches |
Pros
- Connects to Logitech devices via wireless
- Very bright backlighting on the keys natively
- Legendary Logitech build quality
- Strong and reliable unifying wireless receiver
Cons
- No control over backlighting color
KINESIS Gaming Edge RGB Split Keyboard
Coming in hot off the back of the Logitech wireless Bluetooth keyboard above, the Kinesis is far and away one of the most expensive backlit keyboard models available today, but there’s no other keyboard choice like it on the market. This unique keyboard can split in half so that you can find an ergonomic design that fits your style of use, and all 95 of the keys built-in are fully customizable for your needs.
That makes it one of the best choices if you want a top gaming keyboard. This is a mechanical keyboard too, and the Cherry RX brown switches are some of the most responsive around. This keyboard is also designed to work plug and play with all of the top operating systems. The addition of an integral palm rest in this model allows for comfortable usage for extended periods of time.
| Manufacturer | Kinesis Gaming |
| Connection | Wired (USB) |
| Type | Mechanical |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 10.3 x 1.3 inches |
Pros
- Easy plug and play design
- 10 customizable light effects
- 16.8 million color light options
- All keyboard keys are fully programmable
Cons
- One of the most expensive keyboards
Arteck HB030B Portable Backlit Keyboard
Need to buy a tiny and mobile RGB wireless keyboard that you can take with you wherever you go? Look to the Arteck HB030B. It’s one of the sleekest keyboards available today, and it’s built to work seamlessly with both desktop and mobile operating systems. The Bluetooth wireless design further improves its performance as a top choice of wireless keyboard.
This Bluetooth keyboard can last up to six months on a single charge, so you won’t have to worry about plugging it in every night before you go to bed. It’s built to last too. you can get 3 million clicks out of this bluetooth keyboard before worrying about any defects. The wireless nature of this keyboard can also lend itself perfectly to home multimedia situations, where you want a keyboard that will allow you to control your media PC, while you rest on the sofa.
| Manufacturer | Arteck |
| Connection | Wireless (Bluetooth) |
| Type | Membrane |
| Dimensions | 9.72 x 0.24 x 5.91 inches |
Pros
- Incredibly slim and lightweight keyboard design
- Seven different backlit colors for keys
- Incredibly long battery life for wireless connectivity
- Works on all major operating systems
Cons
- Keys are pretty loud
Azio Vision Backlit USB Keyboard
Azio isn’t an especially well known keyboard manufacturer, but they’ve produced a slam dunk with the Vision keyboard. The backlighting is more utilitarian than it is aesthetic. The large print keys are twice the size of conventional keyboard models, and the keys themselves are bright enough to see even in the darkest environments. But if you do want a little bit of flair, you have five different colors to choose from. The brightness of this keyboard is fully adjustable too. There is also a huge variety of quick access hotkeys you can use to make navigation significantly more easy to perform. This keyboard is one of the top options for those with visual impairments due to the large printing on the top of the keys.
| Manufacturer | Azio |
| Connection | Wired (USB 2.0) |
| Type | Membrane |
| Dimensions | 19 x 1.5 x 9 inches |
Pros
- Light colors easy on the eyes
- Bright enough keys to see at night
- Larger keys for easier typing
- Multiple quick access hotkeys
Cons
Redragon K552-RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard
You’d have to look far and wide to find a keyboard with as much style as the K552 by Redragon. The mechanical design really helps the RGB backlighting pop, and the switches themselves are a variation on the Cherry Blue. Rather than emphasizing a single color, this is a device that rocks a rainbow design. This model that can work naturally with every version of Windows and offers limited compatibility with macOS. And this is an incredibly durable keyboard too. The full aluminum build ensures that it will feel light while still being able to withstand the rigors of anything you throw at it.
| Manufacturer | Redragon |
| Connection | Wired (USB) |
| Type | Mechanical |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 4.9 x 1.5 inches |
Pros
- Available in five different keyboard designs
- Reliable mechanical key switches
- Incredibly durable aluminum design
- Includes 12 different multimedia keys
Cons
- Only limited compatibility with Macs
HAVIT Backlit Wired Gaming Keyboard
When you find a keyboard that offers customized RGB lighting, you can usually expect to have to use a software platform to adjust it. That’s not the case with the Havit mechanical device. It’s designed to work smoothly as soon as you plug it in, and the function keys are designed to easily let you customize, save, or swap between different profiles.
This is an efficient piece of work too. The shrunk down profile makes it highly compact while only sacrificing the dedicated number pad in the process. And fast typists will enjoy the fact that all of the keys come with smooth n-key rollover.
| Manufacturer | Havit |
| Connection | Wired (USB) |
| Type | Mechanical |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 5 x 0.9 inches |
Pros
- Easy access RGB functions
- High efficiency, low profile switches on keys
- Full n-key rollover
- Thinner and lighter than most mechanical keyboards
Cons
- Doesn’t offer color change options
Eagletec KG011 Mechanical Keyboard
Getting the cool effects of RGB lighting doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a comfortable typing experience. The medium resistance of this keyboard finds a nice balance between tactile feedback and quietness. The keys are also tested for a lifetime of up to 50 million key strokes.
Durability is actually the name of the game with this keyboard across the board. It’s built from aircraft grade aluminum, and that means that it’s both lightweight and incredibly durable. This model is also splash-proof to protect against any spillage on top of the keyboard. The key faces employ lasting lettering, while the brightness levels are fully adjustable. The full sized format of this keyboard gives you access to more keys, while the USB connector is gold plated for reduced corrosion.
| Manufacturer | Eagletec |
| Connection | Wired (USB) |
| Type | Mechanical |
| Dimensions | 17.6 x 7.01 x 1.06 inches |
Pros
- Available in black or white keyboards
- Gold plated corrosion free connector
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
- Made from industrial aluminum
Cons
- Keystrokes can be a little loud
Corsair K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
There’s a reason why Corsair is one of the most beloved producers of gaming accessories, and while the K68 is one of the top price keyboards on our list, it’s also one of the best gaming keyboards around. The vivid and varied format allow you to come up with practically limitless color combinations on the keys.
It also makes use of one of the best software platforms around. CUE gives you all the tools you need to create your own personalized keyboard gaming experience, and there’s fully anti-ghosting for all of the keys. It’s also spill and dust resistant, so it’s built to last the test of time.
| Manufacturer | Corsair |
| Connection | Wired (USB) |
| Type | Mechanical |
| Dimensions | 17.9 x 6.7 x 1.6 inches |
Pros
- Incredibly varied colored light options
- Top of the line keyboard configuration software
- High-quality Cherry MX switches for the keys
- IP32 water and dust resistance
Cons
- Incredibly high asking price
Vulcan 100 Aimo RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard
The Vulcan 100 by ROCCAT is maybe the most advanced and best gaming keyboard within a reasonable price range. It may be a little more expensive than your average model, but for the price it provides you with some of the most advanced lighting options around: 16.8 million in total.
Dedicated media keys are also built into the top of the keyboard, and the integrated wheel makes this a killer choice for gaming. It’s also fully programmable, and the build quality is through the roof here. The aluminum structure facilitates a lightweight and highly durable design, while serious care has been put into both the keys and the switches for responsive but relatively quiet typing quality.
| Manufacturer | ROCCAT |
| Connection | Wired (USB) |
| Type | Mechanical |
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 18.19 x 1.26 inches |
Pros
- Low switch bounce for faster typing
- Comes with dedicated media keys
- Comes with a programmable wheel
- Millions of different lighting options
Cons
- Costs well over a hundred dollars
HUO JI Z-77 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
There are few keyboards that offer the value for your dollar like the HUO JI Z-77. It’s compact in size but rich in features. All 87 keys will work simultaneously, making it one of the best options for both gamers and people looking to maximize their productivity.
And while this doesn’t offer the flexible customization that more beefy models do, it offers a combination of 9 different backlighting modes and 8 gaming light up patterns. And further bolstering the versatility is the fact that the function keys come with a huge variety of different software and feature shortcuts.
| Manufacturer | HUO JI |
| Connection | Wired (USB) |
| Type | Mechanical |
| Dimensions | 14.5 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches |
Pros
- Widely compatible with all OS
- Quiet, interchangeable Cherry brown switches
- 98 key N-key rollover
- Tons of key shortcuts come pre-programmed within the keyboard
Cons
- Doesn’t include a dedicated number pad
Backlit Keyboard Buyer’s Guide
If you want a backlit keyboard for PC, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. But the best keyboards aren’t always immediately apparent if you aren’t that familiar with the features, specs, and price expectations for specific models. But we want to make it easy. Keep reading for the information you need to pay attention to when shopping for a device.
Lighting Variety
The most basic RGB keyboards will provide a single color for your backlit keys, although even the most simple backlit keys can have their dimness adjusted with function keys. More advanced keyboards let you adjust the backlit keys in more advanced ways. Zones break down your keys into segments, while other models let you adjust coloring on a key by key basis. Keyboards that fall in the middle will offer unified coloring for all of the keys but only a handful of colors to choose from.
There are two big differences between basic and advanced lighting. Obviously, the more advanced lighting options you have built in, the more it will cost. But the upside is that these more advanced models are controlled with configuration software, and that gives you a whole lot of control to create incredibly complex layouts, or even save separate profiles for different situations.
More complex RGB lighting is normally the purview of gamers, while basic lighting serves a more practical purpose. Backlit keys allow you to more easily read your board when you’re typing at night. That can provide you with great flexibility if you like to work in bed or on the road.
Keyboard Connection
A wireless keyboard is almost always going to cost more than a comparable wired model, but wireless Bluetooth keyboard capabilities are becoming more inexpensive any day. If you want a Bluetooth wireless keyboard, you can usually find a model that will suit your needs. The one main downside of wireless Bluetooth keyboard models is that they often involve some level of input lag, although that probably won’t bother anyone but the top competitive of gamers.
A Bluetooth wireless keyboard would be a fantastic option if you were looking for a keyboard for a home theatre multimedia set up. By opting for a wireless Bluetooth keyboard instead of a wired one, you are freeing yourself from cables and allowing yourself to control your media PC from the comfort of your sofa.
While Bluetooth is the most common form of wireless keyboard connectivity, most wireless keyboards don’t use a Bluetooth receiver. Instead, a dongle plugged into your USB port projects a radio signal that’s used to communicate between your computer and your device. While Bluetooth models are available, such as some select Logitech models, Bluetooth is fairly rare to find and it doesn’t come with much in the way of advantages.
If you choose to get a wired model, you won’t have to worry about Bluetooth at all. While handling the cord can sometimes be a pain, they offer a higher level of reliability than their wireless counterparts without having to worry about a dropped connection charging. And these devices are usually available for a pretty fair price.
Compatibility
So you’ve tracked down the best backlit keyboard for your needs, and decided whether you want wired or wireless. But you need to figure out what operating systems work with your keyboard. PC models will generally offer pretty broad compatibility. Most keyboards are designed for easy plug and play usage with the last few versions of Windows, and while native compatibility isn’t always there for Linux, there are usually workarounds.
If you have a Mac, you may want to be a little more scrutinizing with your keyboard. There are more models that don’t work with Macs, and others that are missing features when working with a Mac. Two of the most common issues with Macs is an inability for some of the RGB light configuration software to run on the Mac OS, and also for any programmable keys along the top may not be functional.
Type
You’ll have your pick of mechanical or membrane key devices. We especially love mechanical keyboards because the mechanical key switches they use are more accurate and responsive, and they also have a satisfying tactile feeling. Membrane keyboards are cheaper, and they often include a palm rest or other ergonomic features that are less common. The choice is up to you, but you should definitely try typing on both types of key before you make a final decision to find out which one you rate top.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Make My Keyboard Light Up?
First of all, you need a backlit keyboard. Beyond that, the method of lighting up your keyboard can vary from model to model. For a backlit model that only offers a single color, the lighting will often be on by default, but you can change the lighting or dimness with dedicated keys. For a more complex backlit device, you’ll need to make use of free proprietary software provided by the manufacturer. Most offer instructions included with the keyboard.
Should I Get a Backlit Keyboard?
Adding light to your keyboard is mostly an aesthetic choice, although it can be useful if you find yourself working in the dark regularly. Whether light features are important to you is going to come down to personal preferences, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to buy this type of hardware product. You can check out our reviews and Amazon links if you need help deciding if backlight illumination is a worthwhile investment for you.
What is the Meaning of Backlit Keyboard?
These are computer keyboards that use illumination to highlight the keys. They can make your gaming setup look cooler and make typing easier when you’re working in the dark.
What is the Best Typing Keyboard?
Our all-around favorite is the Logitech K800. Logitech makes pretty great mouse and keyboard models in the first place, but the K800 is the perfect match for productivity, and Logitech has managed to deliver some great value for your dollar here.
We have reviewed a number of Logitech items in some of our other reviews, and they always come out ranked pretty highly. The build quality that Logitech put into their entire range of peripherals, not just keyboards and wireless keyboards is always outstanding. Logitech is a Swiss manufacturer of computer peripherals, with headquarters all around the world. When you’re looking to buy your next Logitech keyboard, we highly recommend you start your search with the Logitech K800 as reviewed above.
Wrapping Up
In terms of aesthetics, backlit keyboards are some of the coolest devices we’ve had the chance to review, But they’re just scratching the surface of options when you’re trying to improve your work or gaming computer and create a more immersive environment. Whether you’re looking for a PC for entertainment or productivity, there are great new deals practically every day, and you can count on our guide to provide you with nothing but solid models. As you have seen from this review, the keyboard that we recommend is the wireless keyboard K800 from Logitech.
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