A backlit keyboard and keyboards in general are simple input/output devices, but recent functionality improvements like the backlit keyboard are putting the focus on how important this simple tool can be. Apple first introduced a backlit keyboard in it’s 2003 Powerbook G4 17″ model and the idea caught on so well that future upgrades to the Powerbook included this feature in both the 17″ and 15″ models. Since that time other manufacturers have joined in as consumers let it be known that they loved the cool looks, styling and increased functionality a backlit keyboard provides.
Where Would You Use A Backlit Keyboard?
Laptops are probably the most popular for a backlit keyboard, due to the fact that people are more likely to use their keyboards in a darkened room, but desktop keyboards are available with illumination as well. Some situations where you might find yourself using a laptop or desktop computer in a darkened room include:
- Using your laptop in bed
- Darkened meeting rooms or lecture halls during a presentation
- Flying on an airplane or riding a train at night
- Gaming in a darkened room
- At a cafe near or after sunset
That is not a complete list by any means, but I think you get the point. Work and fun with your computer doesn’t end just because it is nighttime or because someone needs to dim the lights in a room for other reasons. Since most of the input to your PC is done using the keyboard you need a way to see the keys even when there is insufficient light. While some would argue that you can just use the illumination from the screen this is a poor solution. Have you ever tried using the screen light to see your keyboard in a dark place? Typically you can only see the center of the keyboard and even for that you may have to move the keyboard closer to the screen or partially close the laptop monitor. Not very efficient since you have to strike a balance between seeing the keyboard and being able to see the screen.
Backlit Keyboard Form As Important As Function
In addition to the improved functionality that a backlit keyboard provides, it also just looks cool. Increasingly people are becoming concerned with the aesthetics, the look and feel, of their computing equipment and the sharp glow of a good illuminated keyboard jumps out at you and screams cool tech gadget. Plus you are actually able to see each and every key in clear and sharp detail with a backlit keyboard. It is the perfect example of form meeting functionality.
Of course all this coolness and function comes with a price, but these days it is very reasonable. Upgrading a laptop to a backlit keyboard shouldn’t cost more than $25 to $40 and many manufacturers are now including illumination on their keyboards as a standard feature. You can get laptops with a backlit keyboard from all the major laptop makers including Dell, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba, Apple and Alienware as well as other smaller manufacturers. Alienware machines are very popular with gamers and their keyboard lighting looks incredibly cool. They include the ability to change the lighting color, specify zones of the keyboard for different colors and specify transition effects for the backlighting. Other manufactures have focused more on the simple functionality of the illuminated keyboard without all the bells and whistles. Including this feature is a great idea, but even when it isn’t included $40 is a small price to pay for an upgrade to a machine that might cost in excess of $1000 and that you will likely by using for at least 3-4 years.
Illuminated External Keyboards
External illuminated keyboards are also available for your desktop PC from a variety of manufacturers and at different price points, depending on the features. Logisys is perhaps the cheapest of these with their dual red/blue backlit keyboard starting at just $30. Industry giant Logitech also offers several different illuminated keyboards starting at $40 for their basic lighted keyboard and going up to $130 for their Logitech G19 Programmable Gaming Keyboard with Color Display that features programmable keys, customizable backlighting and a tilt-able game panel LCD for all your gaming stats at a glance. Both keyboards are top sellers in their classes, specifically general use illuminated keyboards and gaming keyboards (with or without illumination). Logitech also has the top selling wireless backlit keyboard, their K800 which sells for around $57.
As you can see, there are many uses for illuminated keyboards, from school to work to fun at home. Once you have the ability to type in the dark without squinting and pressing your face to within inches of the keyboard you will wonder how you ever lived without this amazing improvement. Manufacturers have answered the call and most every laptop comes either standard with a backlit keyboard or offers the capability to upgrade. External keyboards with backlighting are affordable and come with a host of other features. With all of these things going for it I think the backlit keyboard is here to stay and in a few years time most people will wonder why they ever used a keyboard without illumination.
