Do You Make Use of Backlighting?

[Marizen]

The reason I ask this question is I'm in the market for a new keyboard and I love how the WASD VP3 61-key looks. I love that I can custom order my keycap colors. I don't love that it doesn't have backlighting. I also wish there was a PBT option.

Then I got to thinking....do I really need it? Do I even use it at all? On my current keyboard (Logitech G710+) I have the lighting on all the time, but I don't think it really provides any benefit other than looks, and custom key colors may overthrow that.

Depending on what the general consensus is I will just order the WASD VP3. If it had backlighting I wouldn't even question it.

[mogo]

It's been a long time since I've used my backlit-compatible OEM caps, but without a doubt I still appreciate the LED backlighting on my board. I use my computer into the night and without any lights in the room on, having the glow contouring the keys is really helpful. I don't need to see the legends, I'm intimately familiar where everything is, it just helps to see where everything is in a general sense.

[Elaeagnifolia]

As you mentioned, LED backlighting is really just an aesthetic to most people unless you're someone who works in the dark and the backlighting illuminates keys for you to press.

Another alternative, why not get a Vortex Poker with backlighting and then buy a set of custom keycaps from WASD? From what I've heard about the WASD VP3 61-Key, it's pretty much a Poker as it was developed in collaboration with Vortex. A brand new Poker off mechanicalkeyboards.com is currently $134.00 while the custom keycaps are $45.00, so it is pricier than just the WASD VP3 $140. If you don't mind Used though, I'm sure you'd be able to find someone selling a Poker for cheaper than $134.

[chyros]

I don't use it. I think it might actually make it LESS visible.

It also looks rather tasteless in most cases, IMO :/ .

[Marizen]

Another alternative, why not get a Vortex Poker with backlighting and then buy a set of custom keycaps from WASD?

I've looked into those as well, but all of the ones I've been able to find with lighting had a white backplate. On a black frame it just doesn't look right in my opinion. There are white-framed ones, but I'm still kind of on the fence about those. It's not that it looks bad, but black would match my setup much better. If Zowie made a white EC1-A then I'd just all over the white Pok3r  .

There's also the WASD CODE 61-key that is basically exactly the same as a backlit Pok3r, but that has a white backplate as well.

Then there's the KC60 that's on Massdrop right now. That has backlighting, PBT caps, and is considerably cheaper, but the top isn't flush like on the Pok3r and WASD.

[Elaeagnifolia]

Another alternative, why not get a Vortex Poker with backlighting and then buy a set of custom keycaps from WASD?

I've looked into those as well, but all of the ones I've been able to find with lighting had a white backplate. On a black frame it just doesn't look right in my opinion. There are white-framed ones, but I'm still kind of on the fence about those. It's not that it looks bad, but black would match my setup much better. If Zowie made a white EC1-A then I'd just all over the white Pok3r  .

There's also the WASD CODE 61-key that is basically exactly the same as a backlit Pok3r, but that has a white backplate as well.

Then there's the KC60 that's on Massdrop right now. That has backlighting, PBT caps, and is considerably cheaper, but the top isn't flush like on the Pok3r and WASD.

Most stock LED boards have white backplates to allow the light to shine better (Something about lowering the LED reflection and more even lighting), so not sure how common those are or how easily you'll be able to find an LED board with black backplate.

I've never had a KC60, so I'm not entirely sure about this, but if the top isn't flush, wouldn't that just be a matter of switching out the case for another case with a lower profile? Again, I've never owned a KC60 before, so I'm not sure if that'll work.

Another possible solution would be to build your own keyboard if you're comfortable with that. That way you can choose the exact case, switches, backplate, LED colors, etc. that you want for your setup.

[Keycap]

Backlighting is actually a deal-breaker for me. I can't stand it. It's a gimmick at best, and really you shouldn't be looking at the keyboard anyways.

[mogo]

I don't stare at it as I type, it's just for reorienting at a glance after taking my hands off the keyboard to use the mouse, drink my coffee, whatever.

[Marizen]

Most stock LED boards have white backplates to allow the light to shine better (Something about lowering the LED reflection and more even lighting), so not sure how common those are or how easily you'll be able to find an LED board with black backplate.

I've never had a KC60, so I'm not entirely sure about this, but if the top isn't flush, wouldn't that just be a matter of switching out the case for another case with a lower profile? Again, I've never owned a KC60 before, so I'm not sure if that'll work.

Another possible solution would be to build your own keyboard if you're comfortable with that. That way you can choose the exact case, switches, backplate, LED colors, etc. that you want for your setup.

Ya I've noticed that, especially on RGB boards. Some others (Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013 I believe) have a backplate that matches their LED colors. This wouldn't be an issue for me if it wasn't so noticeable.

I could switch out the case, but I'd really like to find an "ideal" keyboard, where I don't have to switch out parts and stuff. I think that's pretty much impossible though, just like I can't find an ideal mouse.

I would be comfortable putting one together if there was like a kit or something where I didn't have to do any soldering or having parts custom made. I'd also like to have it soon-ish (within a couple weeks). I don't really think it's an option all things considered.

I'm probably just gonna go with the VP3 or Pok3r with custom PBT caps. I type in low light occasionally, but never to the point where I can't see the keys. I'm just so used to having the LED's it's hard to imagine not having them lol.

[Keycap]

I don't stare at it as I type, it's just for reorienting at a glance after taking my hands off the keyboard to use the mouse, drink my coffee, whatever.

That's why I use the homing bars.

[Elaeagnifolia]

Ya I've noticed that, especially on RGB boards. Some others (Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013 I believe) have a backplate that matches their LED colors. This wouldn't be an issue for me if it wasn't so noticeable.

I could switch out the case, but I'd really like to find an "ideal" keyboard, where I don't have to switch out parts and stuff. I think that's pretty much impossible though, just like I can't find an ideal mouse.

I would be comfortable putting one together if there was like a kit or something where I didn't have to do any soldering or having parts custom made. I'd also like to have it soon-ish (within a couple weeks). I don't really think it's an option all things considered.

I'm probably just gonna go with the VP3 or Pok3r with custom PBT caps. I type in low light occasionally, but never to the point where I can't see the keys. I'm just so used to having the LED's it's hard to imagine not having them lol.

Switching out a case isn't too difficult with most 60%s as you're just removing 5 screws and then swapping the cases, so I think if you're looking for something more ideal, then this should be an option you keep in mind perhaps later down the road.

As for making your own keyboard, you can source most parts and get them within a few weeks. There are a lot of soldering guides out there and practice soldering kits if you ever want to learn, but as someone who was once in your shoes, I completely understand not being comfortable in soldering your own board. If you ever do decided to go this route, soldering isn't -that- scary and is quite empowering when you realize you can customize your own board.

Another option you might consider is the KBParadise V60. The case and caps are inferior to the Pok3r of course since Plastic vs. Aluminum Case and ABS vs. PBT Caps, but I believe it has a black backplate (Not entirely sure on this as I own a non-LED model). If the case and caps matter more though to you though and you don't feel like swapping them, then this will not be the stock keyboard you're looking for either.

Also, are readily-created custom PBT caps a thing? If you're looking for your very own special custom keycap set, AFAIK, the only people who do single-order custom keycaps at a affordable price (WASD, MaxKB) only do ABS custom keycaps.

[Moistgun]

I can say that I got into it when I built my first board, and that interest quickly diminished.

There are some times where I have it on, but 9 times out of 10 I don't.
Even if I keep it on, I don't use any of the modes other than static lighting at a low brightness.

Its too bright turned all the way up, and all the modes are just distracting if you are actually doing any typing.

[klennkellon]

I don't really need it, and because I mainly like buckling springs and tactile ALPS I don't really have the option anyway.

[FoxWolf1]

I'm a backlighting fan, especially RGB. I like to have something to play with when I'm thinking, and flashy backlighting modes (especially reactive ones) fit the bill.

It's worth noting that, if you do have backlighting, it's usually possible to turn it off. You might not even be paying extra for it, depending on how the economies of scale work out.

[Keycap]

I'm a backlighting fan, especially RGB. I like to have something to play with when I'm thinking, and flashy backlighting modes (especially reactive ones) fit the bill.

It's worth noting that, if you do have backlighting, it's usually possible to turn it off. You might not even be paying extra for it, depending on how the economies of scale work out.

When my QuickFire TK had LEDs (I desoldered them), you couldn't turn them completely off. Yes, there was an on/off function, but the arrow keys on the numpad would still stay lit until you pressed Num Lock. So if you don't have Num Lock on, even with all of the LEDs turned off, the arrow keys still light up. Makes absolutely no sense to me. And when I'm swapping switches, the LEDs only add to the tediousness.

[Marizen]

When my QuickFire TK had LEDs (I desoldered them), you couldn't turn them completely off. Yes, there was an on/off function, but the arrow keys on the numpad would still stay lit until you pressed Num Lock. So if you don't have Num Lock on, even with all of the LEDs turned off, the arrow keys still light up. Makes absolutely no sense to me. And when I'm swapping switches, the LEDs only add to the tediousness.

That's weird. Every keyboard I've had with backlighting you could turn completely off as far as I know.

[Moistgun]

When my QuickFire TK had LEDs (I desoldered them), you couldn't turn them completely off. Yes, there was an on/off function, but the arrow keys on the numpad would still stay lit until you pressed Num Lock. So if you don't have Num Lock on, even with all of the LEDs turned off, the arrow keys still light up. Makes absolutely no sense to me. And when I'm swapping switches, the LEDs only add to the tediousness.

That's weird. Every keyboard I've had with backlighting you could turn completely off as far as I know.

That is definitely one weird board.

It has alot of unnecessary quirks.

[mind_funeral]

Keyboards are highly  ＡＥＳＴＨＥＴＩＣ  pieces of peripherals so ultimately it's up to you.  I like backlighting because I'm ****e at typing and I'm too stubborn to learn to type properly.  I personally don't like RGB animations (beathe, pulse, rain) but I wouldn't mind RGB on my %60 to change the all my LEDs without having to spend $10 on leds, cutting leads, and plugging them into my SIP sockets.

I should add I turn my backlighting off when it's bright in my room.  When I'm at work I like my bland Topre Type Heaven.  I wouldn't want flashy lights at my desk.

[Zar7]

Well the first time I got interested in mechanical keyboards, I fell in love with two things:
1) Backlighting (especially vibrant RGB)
2) Cherry MX Blues (or any clicky keys like MX Greens and Razer Greens)

Then, after some time passed, I began to migrate to my current preferred switch type: Cherry MX Reds (for both typing and gaming).
Occasionally I use Browns, but I find my interest in clicky switches diminishing as time goes by.

Same with backlighting. To me, they serve little to no purpose apart from giving you that awesome visual aesthetics. Then again, if the keyboard is already attractive without the LEDs, you will find yourself having no need for backlighting whatsoever.

My current mechanical keyboard collection consists of Leopold FC750R, QFR, QF Stealth, Rosewill RK9000V2, and Pok3r.
See a pattern there? Yep, all with no backlighting. 

[demik]

only use it to show the world how much of a noob u can be

[xtrafrood]

So far I only like the kind of LEDs that show me information like CPI/DPI/settings, and things like that. Since I've only used mechanical keyboards without backlighting I can't really say that I would make use of backlighting but I wouldn't be apposed to trying it out. I'd probably turn off the keyboard LEDs because my LED monitor usually gives off sufficient light in dimly lit areas.

[SBJ]

So far I only like the kind of LEDs that show me information like CPI/DPI/settings, and things like that. Since I've only used mechanical keyboards without backlighting I can't really say that I would make use of backlighting but I wouldn't be apposed to trying it out. I'd probably turn off the keyboard LEDs because my LED monitor usually gives off sufficient light in dimly lit areas.

I agree with this. My daily driver is backlit but it's not really powerful enough so I can actually see the legends on the keys in the dark (side printed) so I don't see the point to be honest.
But the capslock lights up when toggled on and I love that.

[davkol]

I hate backlight in like 99% cases.

First of all, anything even remotely close to blue light is evil.

I recently got a backlit (luckily white/red and well implemented) keyboard w/ Cherry MX to give the feature one more try, and it was terribly distracting even around the edge of my field of view.

I very much prefer good doubleshots with a nice font, including the cheap non-backlit WoB Vortex PBT DS.

Surprisingly though, I don't really mind (dimmed!) backlight in high-end scissor switch keyboards from Logitech, i.e., K740, K800 etc. But that's the only case. Otherwise, I even cover/remove stuff like NumLock indicator LEDs.

[CPTBadAss]

Man....all these haters. I like it 'cause it looks cool. Nothing more. I don't need it since I can touch type but it's cool to see. Nothing wrong with a little aesthetics.

[ashraf]

No, I don't even like having those fancy acrylic cases that gives nice soft diffused lights.

[zslane]

I can't stand backlighting, especially RGB backlighting. Maybe it's because I'm not 9 years old anymore.

Sure, I like to know if I've accidentally hit CapsLock (or accidentally toggled NumLock off), but other than that, I don't want my keyboards lighting up in any way. I don't type in the dark very often (and I touch type like a pro, so that's not much of an issue), so backlighting would be worthless at best, annoying and fugly at worst. I even sorta wish Vortex had figured out another way to indicate which layer is active on the Pok3r, cuz even that one LED alone is annoying as f**k to me.

[tintoret]

I don't. I initially thought lighting was all really garish and tacky, but some of the boards on here make it work really well. I might try putting in some subtle lighting on my next board.

I can't imagine a scenario where lighting would be necessary or even particularly useful, but if its done right it can be damn good looking.

[TopreFan333]

Backlighting is actually a deal-breaker for me. I can't stand it. It's a gimmick at best, and really you shouldn't be looking at the keyboard anyways.

I like it when it's done on a very very restrained level (like on my MacBook's keyboard) - but 99.9% of the ones I've seen on forums just look like:

[Saiph]

Since I touch type and use my computer with my lights on, I only use backlighting for aesthetics. If I don't think it looks good with a particular keycap set or keyboard then I just turn it off.

There aren't really any backlit keycap sets I like.

[dtaflorida]

Reactive lighting when I'm using it. Rainbow wave when I'm not.
Now if I could only tie the lighting effects to windows state. Razer offer an SDK, Corsair have some user's publishing unofficial library APIs. I'd be down to program it myself but I don't really care to buy either of those brands.
Logitech certainly could offer something, they had that crazy keyboard wall display.

[Floody]

I only use it when I'm bored or when I need a bit of additional light in the middle of the night.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

Honestly if it's there i'll use it with NON backlit compatible keycaps as the shine through in the cracks looks alright IMO, but given i am a FIRM believer if you can't touch type you have no business buying a mechanical keyboard i don't see it as a deal breaker in any way shape or form.

[SKD]

When I got my Shine 5 back in March the backlighting helped me spot the keys when I looked down, my desk area is quite dark as my shadow casts over the keyboard. But thanks to typeracer and 10fastfingers I can now pretty much touch type and rarely look down. I only have the backlighting on now just to light up my desk area a bit and when I feel like putting on a light show lol. But I still would like backlighting in my next board. I did just order a full set of blank keys so maybe that will help me touch type fully and probably make me think backlighting isn't needed at all.

[Marizen]

I ended up going with backlighting just because I'm so used to having it. I don't need it to help type or anything, I just think it looks good when done tastefully.

I got the WASD CODE 61 backlit with MX Blues. I was going to get the Pok3r from Amazon, but it was out of stock. Kind of a shame because it would have been nice to receive everything at the same time (I also bought a mouse, mousepad, dampeners, and wrist pad from Amazon).

I still don't really care for the white backplate, but since the options are kinda limited I'd rather have the lighting. To help everything kinda blend I bought a black mousepad that has a small white logo.

[Leslieann]

Do I use it, not really.
It's nice to have, but really it's just not a big deal, and that's the best I can say about it.

I have yet to see any keycaps with backlighting that looked good, most have terrible fonts. Worse, a GREAT many of them are of poor standards (very thin outer coat), I wore through one cheaper set in a week.

[rowdy]

I use it on my CODE at work.

I sit in a darkish area, and for typing passwords and weird codey stuff it helps to be able to actually see the keys from time to time.

Plain white backlighting on an otherwise black keyboard looks reasonably professional in the workplace environment.

[Sifo]

nope I just have backlighting cuz I like being obnoxious, all my caps are blanks anyway




hell yea

[rowdy]

nope I just have backlighting cuz I like being obnoxious, all my caps are blanks anyway

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hell yea

That blue is certainly NOT obnoxious!

[xtrafrood]

nope I just have backlighting cuz I like being obnoxious, all my caps are blanks anyway

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hell yea

That blue is certainly NOT obnoxious!

I have to agree with you, it reminds of yummy Italian ice

[SBJ]

Man....all these haters. I like it 'cause it looks cool. Nothing more. I don't need it since I can touch type but it's cool to see. Nothing wrong with a little aesthetics.

No definitely not, to each their own. That is true about all things really, you can't argue what other people like. It's just for me, personally there is very little appeal.
I totally respect other people might love it.

[chyros]

nope I just have backlighting cuz I like being obnoxious, all my caps are blanks anyway

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hell yea

That reminds me of a swimming pool xD .

[rowdy]

nope I just have backlighting cuz I like being obnoxious, all my caps are blanks anyway

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hell yea

That reminds me of a swimming pool xD .

It reminds me of, er, a keyboard with blue backlighting turned up.

Sometimes my imagination goes to bed early.

[Sifo]

nope I just have backlighting cuz I like being obnoxious, all my caps are blanks anyway

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hell yea

That reminds me of a swimming pool xD .

It reminds me of, er, a keyboard with blue backlighting turned up.

Sometimes my imagination goes to bed early.

It reminds me of Sifo's keyboards.

[rowdy]

nope I just have backlighting cuz I like being obnoxious, all my caps are blanks anyway

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hell yea

That reminds me of a swimming pool xD .

It reminds me of, er, a keyboard with blue backlighting turned up.

Sometimes my imagination goes to bed early.

It reminds me of Sifo's keyboards.

Yeah, that's it - that's where I've seen that before!

Your avatar looks somehow familiar ...

[chryos1029]

Before buying my first MK, I thought backlighting is important.
After buying my first MK, NO BACKLIGHTING PLS.

[Leslieann]

nope I just have backlighting cuz I like being obnoxious, all my caps are blanks anyway
hell yea

Have trouble sleeping?
Blue light is terrible for your sleep patterns.

[tp4tissue]

backlighting is a n00ber thing..

[NewbieOneKenobi]

I type in dim light a lot, sometimes with the monitor being the only source of light plus some street lights outside the window. I don't really care, though with me being a self taught kinda touch typist and not someone properly taught and skilled, hitting individual keys for shortcuts as opposed to normal typing can be a problem, or remembering which number keys less popular punctuation marks are at. Backlighting removes the problem. Also, seeing contours and rows etc., not just characters, can help if you aren't a 100%-trained touch-typist. RGB can be useful for gaming — just use colour coding, and you're set. Again, hitting something like [ in a game is more challenging than using it in a sentence or line of code.

So I prefer no backlighting but if won't categorically refuse to buy a keyboard that has it, especially if you can switch it off.

backlighting is a n00ber thing..

That's a way to put it.

Have trouble sleeping?
Blue light is terrible for your sleep patterns.

Depends which. My father uses some sort of blue lamp to help him fall asleep. True story, I saw the thing last time I visited him.

[Sifo]

nope I just have backlighting cuz I like being obnoxious, all my caps are blanks anyway
hell yea

Have trouble sleeping?
Blue light is terrible for your sleep patterns.

I've had trouble sleeping long before i had blue LEDs in everything lol. I keep them off anyway for the most part. At least gunnars help with blue light :/ but I have the clear lenses now.

[kasakka]

I find backlighting really only useful in the winter when it's really dark outside and you happen to have a keyboard with dark keys. For example I had issues with hitting the right keys in the dark on my non-backlit, almost all black QPAD MK50. Moved to a white Topre Realforce and that issue went away. Now I have a custom 60% with white/purple keycaps and the light keys are still fairly easy to see in the dark even though I do have backlight on the keys available should I want.

Overall it's not a big deal if you prefer light colored keycaps.