A backlit mechanical keyboard combines precision and visibility. Mechanical switches provide faster response times, better durability, and a more satisfying typing experience compared to membrane keyboards. When paired with backlighting, they offer improved visibility in low-light settings, reducing eye strain and enhancing productivity.
Mechanical keyboards have grown in popularity, with many consumers appreciating their tactile feedback and durability. According to Coherent Market Insights, the mechanical keyboard market has a compound annual growth rate of 15%, meaning it’s likely to reach a value of $5.6 billion by 2031.
Ready to upgrade your setup? Whether you’re a competitive gamer or a dedicated typist, GravaStar’s one-of-a-king gaming equipment can take your experience to the next level.
Benefits of Choosing a Backlit Keyboard
A backlit keyboard improves your visibility in low-light environments, making typing easier and reducing eye strain. This boosts productivity by allowing you to work comfortably in dim settings without needing an external light source.
Many backlit keyboards also offer adjustable brightness and customizable lighting options, making the user experience more interesting. A keyboard with light-up keys adds a modern aesthetic to your gaming space and can improve gaming or multimedia experiences with RGB lighting features.
Best Backlit Mechanical Keyboards
The best backlit mechanical keyboard may be different for certain types of users. Each of these has impressive backlighting and a range of other features that users may find helpful depending on their needs.
1. Best Gaming Keyboard: GravaStar Mercury Keyboards
The GravaStar Mercury K1 series has a distinctive blend of futuristic design and robust functionality. Available in three models (K1, K1 Pro, and K1 Lite) each features a compact 75% layout with 79 keys and a programmable control knob for a step above the usual user experience.
The Mercury K1 and K1 Pro are wrangled from sturdy metal, while the K1 Lite uses a light but durable plastic build. If you love aesthetics as much as functionality, the K1 Pro features unique “alien” legs, adding to its sci-fi look and feel.
All models are equipped with dual independent RGB backlighting systems, which can be extensively customized to match your style (or your mood of the moment). Choose from (lucky) 13 different lighting modes, and set the brightness, color change sequences, and color change speed to suit your likes.
Each keyboard is fitted with custom GravaStar x Kailh linear key switches, providing smooth and responsive typing. The series supports tri-mode connectivity: wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless, for flexibility across devices.
An 8000mAh rechargeable battery keeps it going for extended periods of time, so as long as you plan well, there’ll be no need to interrupt your game to charge it.
2. Best Tenkeyless Keyboard: Keychron K8 Pro
The Keychron K8 Pro is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard that offers full RGB backlighting. You can customize the lighting effects and brightness levels to suit your preferences, and you can even go so far as fine-tuning the RGB hue and saturation.
It’s important to note that the keycaps are not shine-through, which may affect the clarity of the backlighting. The keyboard’s south-facing LEDs are also designed to minimize interference with certain keycap profiles.
Gamers will love the easily-configured macros through the Keychron Launcher web app. Even better if you use this mechanical keyboard for typing as well as games. It’s been engineered with thick, soundwave-absorbing foam and a dampening silicone pad, so you get a fully responsive feel with less noise.
The K8 Pro features a hot-swappable version (make sure you choose the right one) for customization enthusiasts. It supports both wired and wireless connectivity, with the ability to pair with up to three devices via Bluetooth.
3. Best Wired Keyboard: System76 Launch
The System76 Launch is a compact 75% mechanical keyboard designed for customization and performance. It features individually lit keys with full RGB backlighting (not shine-through), that you can set up as you wish for an experience that suits you.
This backlit mechanical keyboard comes with either tactile Kailh Box Royal or clicky Box Jade switches and supports hot-swapping for easy switch customization. The keyboard also functions as a high-speed USB hub, with two USB-A and two USB-C ports for extra connectivity.
It’s a true wired keyboard, so you can’t go too far from your monitor. Another snazzy feature that both gamers and typists will enjoy is the split spacebar, which gives you a chance to move a high-priority key to a close-to-reach spot.
4. Most Customizable: CORSAIR Gaming K70 RGB
The CORSAIR Gaming K70 RGB keyboard offers customizable per-key RGB backlighting, so you can assign unique colors to each key. This feature means you can truly get creative and make your keyboard your own, and it also provides opportunities for personalized key bindings.
It features fast and fluid RGB animations, thanks to its Panasonic display controller. Its aircraft-grade black anodized brushed aluminum finish and shine-through keys make it look sleek and professional, and onboard memory allows you to take your performance and lighting settings on the go.
Equipped with CHERRY MX Red key switches, the keyboard delivers smooth, linear key responses suitable for rapid key presses. The ability to assign macros to any key through the Corsair Utility Engine (iCUE) software is a big pro for both gamers and office workers.
With 104-key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting, it’s an excellent choice for accurate input during intense gaming sessions. The soft-touch wrist rest is a welcome touch for long sessions, and it’s detachable if you want to free up some space.
5. Best Budget Keyboard: Logitech G610 Orion Red
This Logitech mechanical keyboard is less high-tech than the others on this list, but it serves its purpose well and at a friendly price tag. With a single-color white backlight, it’ll help you work or game in low-light conditions, but don’t expect a light show.
You can, however, program lighting effects and set individual key brightness, which is an interesting touch that can come in handy for hotkeys. Logitech Gaming Software also allows you to program custom macros to the Function keys, so whether you’re battling orcs or typing up reports, you can do it faster and smarter.
CHERRY MX Red switches offer a linear keypress that’s ideal for rapid actuation during gaming sessions. Dedicated media controls, including a volume wheel, boost user convenience. Note that the G610 lacks USB pass-throughs and a wrist rest, which might be a drawback for some users.
6. Best for Mac: Macally Backlit Mechanical Keyboard
The Macally Backlit Mechanical Keyboard offers a tactile typing experience tailored for Mac users. Equipped with brown Kailh mechanical switches, it provides responsive and quiet key presses suitable for both work and casual use.
The keyboard features white LED backlighting with customizable brightness levels to match your environment. Its design includes a Mac-specific layout with 16 “shortcut” function keys, convenient for all types of users.
A weighted base gives it some stability for those who hit the keys hard, and rubber feet keep it where it should be on your desk. The Macally keyboard is a cost-effective choice for Mac users who need a bit more light under their fingers.
Backlit Mechanical Keyboard | FAQs
Why Choose a Mechanical Keyboard?
A mechanical keyboard offers a more responsive and durable experience compared to traditional membrane keyboards. Mechanical switches provide distinct tactile feedback and faster actuation, making them ideal for gaming and productivity.
These keyboards are built to last, with most switches rated for tens of millions of keystrokes. They also allow for customization, including switch types, key remapping, and backlighting options.
Are Backlit Mechanical Keyboards Suitable For Gaming?
Yes, most backlit mechanical keyboards are designed with gaming in mind. Features like anti-ghosting, customizable RGB lighting, and programmable macros make them great for both casual and competitive gaming.
Do All Backlit Mechanical Keyboards Have RGB Lighting?
No, not all backlit mechanical keyboards have RGB lighting. Some models offer single-color LED backlighting instead.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.