The absence of a backlit keyboard may be a significant deterrent for some users. We have met numerous individuals who are unwilling to purchase a laptop unless it features a backlit keyboard, despite rarely using this feature.
So, is backlit keyboard necessary, and does it offer substantial benefits?
Having used both backlit and non-backlit keyboards extensively, we can provide a comprehensive perspective to help you make an informed decision.
- Is a Backlit Keyboard Useful?
- Is a Backlit Keyboard Necessary?
- Should You Buy a Laptop with a Backlit Keyboard?
- Does a Backlit Keyboard Affect Performance?
- How Much Power Does a Backlit Keyboard Use?
- Are Backlit Keyboards Distracting?
- Can You Change the Color of a Backlit Keyboard?
- When to Choose a Backlit Keyboard?
- Pros and Cons of a Backlit Keyboard
- Conclusion: Is a Backlit Keyboard Worth It?
- FAQs
Is a Backlit Keyboard Useful?
Absolutely, a backlit keyboard is indeed useful and offers significant advantages in various situations.
As a portable device, a laptop is often used in diverse environments, including those with low or uneven lighting. In such conditions, a backlit keyboard can be invaluable, allowing you to see the keys clearly and continue working effectively.
Whether you’re in a dimly lit room, traveling, or working during late hours, the ability to illuminate the keyboard enhances visibility and reduces eye strain. This feature not only improves typing accuracy but also contributes to overall comfort in dimly lit environments.
Overall, a backlit keyboard proves to be a practical and beneficial feature, particularly for those who frequently work in varying lighting conditions.
Should You Buy a Laptop with a Backlit Keyboard?
While a backlit keyboard is undeniably useful, does that mean you should exclusively choose laptops equipped with this feature?
In certain scenarios, a backlit keyboard may not be essential. For instance:
- If you primarily work during the day in well-lit environments, a backlit keyboard might not be necessary.
- In workspaces with ample lighting, the need for a backlit keyboard diminishes.
- Many individuals prefer using external keyboards with RGB lighting for an enhanced typing experience. If you also use an external keyboard, the presence of a backlit keyboard on your laptop may seem less critical.
However, even if you generally work in well-lit conditions, we still recommend opting for a laptop with a backlit keyboard. Here’s why:
- Lighting conditions can vary throughout the day and across different locations. A backlit keyboard ensures that you’re prepared for unexpected low-light situations.
- External keyboards, while useful, are not always practical to carry around. Having a backlit keyboard built into your laptop provides convenience and flexibility.
Ultimately, a backlit keyboard offers peace of mind and adaptability, making it a valuable feature for any laptop. Therefore, investing in a laptop with a backlit keyboard is a prudent choice.
Does a Backlit Keyboard Affect Performance?
The LED lights on a keyboard are not related to the CPU’s performance.
Instead, they draw power from the laptop’s battery. While this can impact overall battery life, it does not affect the CPU’s performance.
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How Much Power Does a Backlit Keyboard Use?
Some sources suggest that turning on the backlit keyboard consumes up to 16% more power compared to having it off. While this may be accurate in certain cases, the actual impact can vary.
If your laptop is equipped with a large 90 Wh battery, enabling the backlight might use approximately 2 to 5% of the battery. Lowering the brightness of the backlight can reduce this consumption further.
Conversely, for laptops with a smaller 50 Wh battery, the power consumption might increase to around 5 to 8%.
Although these percentages are not excessive, a backlit keyboard does contribute to higher battery usage.
Therefore, it’s advisable to turn on the backlight only when necessary and keep it off during times when it’s not needed.
Are Backlit Keyboards Distracting?
While backlit keyboards are undeniably useful, they can also be distracting.
In low-light conditions, the light bleeding from the edges of the keyboard can become intrusive, as it may glare and directly affect your eyes.
When typing in the dark, your attention is divided between the screen and the keyboard, so the distraction may be less noticeable. However, when watching movies or focusing solely on the screen, the illumination from the keyboard can be more disruptive.
To minimize distractions, we advise you to turn off the backlit keyboard when it’s not in use, particularly during activities where you want to maintain full concentration on the screen.
Can You Change the Color of a Backlit Keyboard?
If your laptop features a multi-color LED keyboard, you can indeed customize the color of the backlighting.
However, most business laptops are equipped with single-color LED keyboards, which do not offer the option to change the backlight color.
Some gaming laptops, on the other hand, come with multi-color LED keyboards. You can usually adjust the color by pressing the Function + C keys.
Please note that this key combination may vary depending on the brand and model of your laptop.
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When to Choose a Backlit Keyboard?
- For Gamers: A backlit keyboard enhances visibility in dark environments and can add a customizable aesthetic that improves the gaming experience.
- For Frequent Travelers: Backlit keyboards are beneficial for working in low-light settings, such as on planes or in hotel rooms, ensuring you can type comfortably anywhere.
- For Night Owls: If you often work or use your computer in low-light conditions or at night, a backlit keyboard helps reduce eye strain and improves typing accuracy in the dark.
Pros and Cons of a Backlit Keyboard
Pros:
- Best for working in dark environments
- Looks appealing
- Gives a premium touch to the laptop
- Versatile for various lighting conditions
- Enhances typing accuracy in low light
- Adds aesthetic value and style
Cons:
- Can be distracting or too bright
- May cause eye strain for sensitive users
- Consumes additional power
- Can be less effective in very bright environments
Conclusion: Is a Backlit Keyboard Necessary and Worth It?
While a backlit keyboard may not be essential for everyone, it proves to be useful in various situations.
Even if you don’t anticipate using a backlit keyboard frequently, we recommend opting for one. You might find yourself needing this feature unexpectedly, and having it can be advantageous.
To ensure you’re prepared for any future needs, it’s wise to choose a laptop with a backlit keyboard.
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FAQs
1. What are the advantages of having a backlit keyboard on a laptop?
It improves visibility in low light, reducing eye strain and enhancing typing accuracy.
2. Are there different types of backlighting for keyboards?
Yes, single-color and multi-color LED backlighting. Multi-color allows for customization and is only available on gaming laptops.
3. How does a backlit keyboard affect battery life?
It uses extra battery power, typically around 2-8%, depending on the battery size and brightness settings.
4. Do all laptops come with backlit keyboards?
No, it’s more common in higher-end and gaming laptops. Many budget and business laptops do not have them.
5. Can I upgrade my laptop to include a backlit keyboard if it doesn’t have one?
Upgrading is usually impractical, so it’s better to choose a laptop with a backlit keyboard if needed.
So, is a backlit keyboard necessary? We hope the information provided has clarified your doubts. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section.
Do you agree or disagree with the points discussed? We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions.